G.Y Imports & Exports pledge continued Basketball sponsorship in Malawi
G.Y Imports and Exports, dealers in furniture, ICT equipment, building materials, stationery and other office as well as household items have pledged to come back with the sponsorship for the National All Stars Basketball tournament next year, having been encouraged by the response from stakeholders during the competition held in Lilongwe over the weekend.
Sponsored to the tune of K3 million, the competition involved stars from Basketball Association of Malawi’s (Basmal) three zones of Sothern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal), Central Zone Basketball League (Cezobal) and Northen Zone Basketball League (Nozobal), who competed in Men, Ladies and Rising Stars’ categories.
There was also a veterans’ category, which attracted players from 35 years and above and was won by Cezobal.
In the men category, Sozobal emerged champions after coming from 14 basket down in the second quarter to beat Cezobal 68-64 in extra time. They received a trophy and K250,000 from sponsors G.Y Imports and Exports.
Sozobal were also champions in the Rising Stars’ category after defeating Cezobal 54-51. They got a trophy and K100,000 from the sponsors. Cezobal ladies savaged some pride for the host zone after thrashing Sozobal 81-28 in the ladies final. They got a trophy and K150,000 from the sponsors.
There were also some individual prizes and notable amongst them was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the men category, which went to Sozobal’s Weluzani Chingota. He received a miniature and K50,000.
Speaking during the prize presentation ceremony at Civo Basketball court on Sunday G.Y Imports and Exports managing director Griffin Kalua said the sponsors were greatly satisfied with the response from all stakeholders.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from teams, fans and administrators as well. We never expected such a massive response and we are making a commitment that we will sponsor the tournament again next year,” said Kalua.
Sports Council board member Violet Chinkono and Basmal president Raymond Banda took turns thanking the Lilongwe based company for sponsoring the tournament.
“We are very thankful to G.Y Imports and Exports for this timely gesture. Basmal is on a drive to bring back the old glory days of basketball and the large turn-out of fans speaks volumes about the efforts we are making,” said Banda.
Great stuff from gy imports and exports bravo