Moyale Barracks men’s side and Wolves Ladies at the weekend retained the Raiply National Volleyball Championship at Katoto courts in Mzuzu.

Moyale reclaimed the title in the men’s category after defeating fellow Malawi Defence Force outfit Kamuzu Barracks (KB)  3-2 in the final while Wolves Ladies beat Vixens 3-1.

The tournament attracted 10 teams in both men’s and women’s categories.

Moyale  coach Aubrey Mpeyama attributed their success to good preparations.

He said: “It was not an easy road, particulary in the final game against KB, they were equally good.

“But our youthful squad was resilient and in the end, we were rewarded for our hard work.”

On her part, Wolves coach Simbani Banda said they were excited to retain the honours.

“We are happy that our mission has been accomplished. This gives us motivation ahead of upcoming tournaments,” he said.

The champions in both categories received K700 000, gold medals and trophies while the runners-up got K400 000 and silver medals.

Mipuniro Spikers  and KB Ladies, who finished third in men’s and women’s categories, respectively got K150 000 and bronze medals each.

Speaking during prize presentation at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu, Raiply Malawi Limited chief executive officer Krishna Das pledged continued sponsorship and called on the volleyball fraternity to support the company in its efforts to preserve forests.

He also said Raiply  is committed to assisting government in its effort to develop sports.

Said Das: “We have always enjoyed partnership with various stakeholders in the development of sports, mainly volleyball which we have assisted for more than a decade.

“We are still around and we shall continue sponsoring the sport which was not popular before we came in.”

In his remarks, regional sports development officer for the North, Gracian Mkandawire, thanked Raiply for the continued sponsorship.

Das and Kaunda present the trophy to Wolves

He also pleaded with Raiply to consider increasing the sponsorship package to enhance competition.

Volleyball Association of Malawi president James Kaunda thanked government for creating a conducive environment for the development of sports in the country.

He said the participation of teams from across the country is a clear indication that volleyball is developing even in rural areas.

Apart from Volleyball, Raiply also sponsors football and netball competitions in the Chikangawa Education Zone, and also provides health services to communities around the Viphya Plantation.

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