By Twimepoki Mangani

Lilongwe, June 29. Mana: Coach for Bravehearts Basketball Club, Griffin Kalua has emphasized the upcoming Bravehearts International Challenge as a crucial opportunity for Malawian basketball to showcase its talent and gain valuable experience.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday in Lilongwe, he explained the significance of the tournament for Malawi's teams in both men’s and women’s categories as they prepare to compete against teams from Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“The main reason for this tournament is to showcase basketball talent and improve. This offers a platform for teams to network because when we only play against each other as Malawians, we don’t properly gauge our growth, but with the coming in of teams like Mozambique, who are among the finest in SADC, will help,” Kalua said.

He noted that his teams, Bravehearts, are ready for the challenge and acknowledged the fierce competition Malawian teams would bring to the table.

“Malawian teams have improved. For the ladies, we have Cobbie Ladies as well as Kukoma Eagles among others who will ensure the competition is fierce. For the men, CDHIB deserves to be here because of their good leadership,” the Coach added.

On his part Team Manager for CDHIB, Sungani Mkandawire said his team’s goal was to compete and become the first local team to win the international tournament while noting the need to embrace team discipline.

“We take each and every tournament seriously, we are now working on the weaknesses we had during the basketball National finals early this year and our chances of winning are very high because our team is equally talented,” he said.

Winners of the tournament will pocket K 2 million, runners-up K1 million, and third-placed teams will receive merchandise.

In the men’s Pool A, it has attracted Academia New Vision from Mozambique (MZ), Mbare Bulls from Zimbabwe (ZIM), CDHIB from Malawi (MW), and Matero Magic from Zambia (ZA).

In Pool B has Matero Warriors (ZA), Black Rhinos (ZIM), Munali Suns (ZA) and Bravehearts Men (MW).

Women’s Pool A features Lusaka B. Queens (ZA), Nozobal Buzzer Beaters (MW), Blades (ZM) and Cobbie Ladies (MW).

In Pool B, there is Academia New Vision (MZ), Kukoma Eagles (MW), Black Rhinos (ZIM), and Bravehearts Ladies (MW).

'Madala' pool has those aged above 40, includes Top City (MW), Senior Sages (MW), Craques Da Boca (MZ), and Amigos Do Basquetebol (MZ).

The Bravehearts International Challenge began in 2017, with Harare City Hornets from Zimbabwe winning the men’s section and NAPSA from Zambia winning the women’s section.

The Competition, set for July 5 to 8, 2024 at ABC Basketball Courts in Lilongwe, is in its fourth edition, having endured interruptions due to COVID-19 and national demonstrations in the country.