Chilima to play in Cezobal’s Build a Court Basketball tourney

Malawi’s Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima is expected to play in a fundraising basketball tournament organised by Central Zone Basketball League (Cezobal), which wants to raise K20 million for building a new basketball court at Civil Service Sporting Club in Lilongwe.

Dubbed ‘Build a Court’ Basketball tournament, the event is scheduled to take place at the Civo basketball court, where teams from the corporate world are expected to battle for the stakes.

According to Cezobal, Chilima, a former basketball player himself is expected to feature in one of the registered social teams Civo Buccs.

Civo Buccs used to be one of the big teams in Cezobal in the 90s but the side, which mainly comprised civil servants disbanded over a decade ago.

Briefing members of the press about the event on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 in Lilongwe, Basmal general secretary Peter Gomani said the league is targeting to raise K20 million from the tournament, whose registration fee has been pegged at K2 million per team.

“So far about 10 teams have as shown interest and four have registered. Some companies and organisations have just made pledges to contribute something towards the cause and we are expecting more to come forward,” said Gomani.

The Cezobal GS, who was flanked by executive members Emmie Smith and Tendai Banda said they would use the proceeds from the project to build a multipurpose court at Civo, a toilet, changing room and other facilities.

“Civil Service Sporting Club has been the hub of basketball in central region but the court  we have been using has been overused and is presently not in good shape.

“We need a second court with some good facilities to meet the demand and grow the game of basketball,” he said.

As Civil Service Sporting Club belongs to government, Gomani said the court would remain a community facility.