By Draxon Maloya
The 2024 Raiply Volleyball National Championship has commenced at Katoto Sports Complex in Mzuzu, with an intense opening match between Cobbe Barracks and Blue Eagles setting the tone for the tournament.
Defending champions Wolves, from the capital city, are confident of retaining their title despite missing five key players. Coach Gift Pamire assured that their replacements are top-quality players who earned their spot in the final squad.
“We’re here to defend our championship, and we won’t show mercy to any opponent,” Pamire stated.
Blue Eagles coach Lumbani Mkandawire vowed to dethrone Wolves, saying, “We’ll finish them this time around.”
Ronald Mwale, Chairperson of the Northern Region Volleyball Committee, expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s start, despite minor technical delays.
Notably, this year’s event omitted the traditional solidarity match in Mzuzu’s Central Business District due to unforeseen circumstances.
The championship promises thrilling matches, with 24 teams from across the country competing for the top honors.