Tanzania’s Kampala International University were the dominant force at the K21 million Grand Palace Hotel International Volleyball Tournament at Katoto Courts in Mzuzu where they won both the men’s and ladies’ trophies.
In the men’s category, the learners thrashed St Collins of Zimbabwe 3-1 while their ladies’ side hammered Malawians Wolves Ladies 3-0.
The best that local teams managed to achieve in the men’s category was third place for Kamuzu Barracks (KB) while Moyale finished fourth.
In the ladies’, KB Ladies and Ultimate finished third and fourth, respectively.
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Kampala coach Evance Mbera attributed the exploits to teamwork and determination.
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“It was not easy to win both trophies, but things worked out because we played as a unit. We were focused on the job at hand. This was a crucial competition to us because it was our first time to take part. So we had a real test of our credentials. Playing at this level is never easy,” Mbera said.
He said Malawian teams are good with talented players but lack consistency.
St Collins coach Dennis Chipalausha described the loss as painful.
“I attribute the defeat to injuries which frustrated our plans. My players did all they could to win the game but injuries negatively affected us. They lowered our momentum. We have indeed lost but this is part of the game. There is always one winner. I commend my boys for their dedication to this competition for us to finish as runners-up. I am very sure that next time we will win,” Chipalausha said.
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The tournament’s organising committee co-chairperson Killy Musukwa expressed satisfaction with the competition and hailed Grand Palace Hotel for sponsorship it.
“Local teams have gained experience from their international opponents and they are going back home with vital lessons,” Musukwa said.
Grand Palace Hotel Manager Sam Phiri urged Malawian teams to engage an extra gear for them to win as the hosts.
The champions in each category pocketed K1 million while the runners-up got K750,000, with the third-placed team walking back home K500,000 richer.
