Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi’s teams have struck a positive tone as they start their African Union Region 5 Games campaign in Windhoek, Namibia.
This is despite flight challenges which resulted into Team Malawi members being spilt into three groups.
The first group arrived on Wednesday night but had to wait until yesterday morning for clearance after finding the airport closed.
Team Malawi was expected to be joined by another group of 99 yesterday morning with the last 50 being expected in the evening.
The Under-20 football competitions for men and women get underway today with eight teams each drawn into two pools.
Hosts Namibia are in Group A of the men’s category alongside Angola, Malawi and Zimbabwe while Group B comprises South Africa, Zambia, Eswatini and Botswana.
CARRYING NATION’S HOPES—Some of Team Malawi members captured on arrival in NamibiaThe top two teams in each pool will advance to the semifinals.
Namibia are also in Group A of the women’s competition with Malawi, Botswana and Zimbabwe whereas Zambia in Group B alongside South Africa, Eswatini and Angola.
Hage Geingob Stadium will host men’s matches with the women’s matches being played at Unam Stadium.
Malawi start their campaign against Zimbabwe at noon in the men’s contest, with the women’s side lining up against Namibia at 3pm.
Malawi men’s coach Milias Pofera said his charges are ready for Zimbabwe.
“We have had no training for three good days since Monday but my boys are ready for the battle. We need to start with a win,” Pofera said.
Basketball team coach Robert Munthali also expressed optimism ahead of their opening match.
Malawi National Council of Sports Chief Executive Officer Henry Kamata said morale in camp is high.
“We are expecting good results in the opening games. After getting stuck a bit because of the airport clearances amid extremely cold weather here, I did not expect to see them this happy and singing throughout,” he said.
Kamata said he wants to see Team Malawi winning more medals than in the 2022 edition.
Malawi will compete in men’s and ladies’ football, men’s and ladies’ basketball, men’s and ladies’ volleyball, netball, boxing, karate, judo, lawn tennis, table tennis, swimming, athletics, para-athletics, special olympics and E-sports.
For More News And Analysis About Malawi Follow Africa-Press
