The commercial city of Blantyre was painted blue as the country’s basketball fraternity descended on Polytechnic court to witness the launch of the 2019-2020 National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Mo626 College Basketball tournament on Saturday

The carnival started with a procession from the Bank’s Head office in Blantyre through Masauko Chipembere Highway to Polytechnic.

Members of the local basketball fraternity, led by the Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) officials brought Blantyre to a standstill as they matched to the match venue while chanting and waving NBM banners and flyers.

Probably the most interesting moment of the day was when Inkosi Mzikubola of Mzimba District joined the processing as it celebrated the return of one of the most expensive sports competition in the country.

The Ngoni traditional leader who made headlines after constructing a basketball court in Embangweni in the district, said he grew up playing basketball and he still loves the game.

“I am excited to be part of basketball development in the country. I commend National Bank of Malawi for the sponsorship which is helping to more talent across the country. Other corporate citizens should emulate the great example.” Mzikubola Said

NBM Head of Cards and e-Banking. William Kaunda announced that the sponsorship has increased to 63 Million from last year’s K62 Million.

“We are impressed with what we saw in the two years of the competition and we are pleased to announce the hike. We expect another year of excitement in all the tertiary education institutions.” Kaunda said

BASMAL President, Hamlet Kamtengeni said the entire basketball fraternity was excited with the return of the tournament which targets the country’s tertiary education institutions.

“We are pleased that our sponsors have once again fulfilled their obligation. We expect more teams to Join this year and make the competition more exciting. Securing and retaining a sponsorship is not easy nowadays. We therefore commend National Bank for the continued support.” Kamtengeni Said

During the ceremony, ZIMA beat Polytechinic 27-22 in the ladies category while polytechnic cruised 70-62 win over College All-stars Select.

The winners received K200 000 while K150,000 went to the losers