By Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, February 9, Mana: Central Zone Basketball League (CEZOBAL) has shifted the men’s league A playoffs which were meant to commence on February 18 because of the National Teams pre-camp training ahead of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Zone VI Afro CAN qualifiers.
A press release signed by the General Secretary (GS) for CEZOBAL, Jim Chakholoma dated 7th February, 2023, states that playoffs will go on as scheduled from 18 February besides the ongoing National team’s engagements which involve several players from league A.
Reads the statement in part, “As we all know that some teams that have qualified for the playoffs have their players in the National Team call up, we therefore have decided to commence with the ladies and league B teams fixture. The senior men’s category will be included upon the arrival of the National team.
All men’s teams who have players in the National team and are involved in playoffs will be provided an extra week upon return to their respective clubs to prepare for the playoffs.”
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, Chakholoma said the league went on to schedule playoffs without league A teams stating that their games will be played later on.
“Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) communicated late on the National teams engagements however I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s an inconvenience since all communications from that office need to be considered, none the less we shall commence with the playoffs in the women’s league and men’s League B,” he said.
The GS further said the league is seeking stakeholders who may sponsor the playoffs, in due course awarding the eventual champions.
“Ideally we are operating on a zero deficit budget since we sponsor ourselves therefore we have only prepared trophies and medals for the winners. We are trying to find different sources who may finance these playoffs so that prize money may be attached to winning teams,” he said.
The men’s league has Disciples, ABC Lions, Central Knights and Bravehearts competing for the title. In the women’s league, Braveheart’s Ladies, Ark angles, Dynamites and Katana will be battling for top honors while League B has Bravehearts Youth, Kasungu Sparks, Ubunthu Raptors and Dream Team Reserves.
Team manager for Central Knights, Richard Chavula said the team is currently training for the playoffs after having an up and down regular season and said it was good to have some of their players in the National team.
