Zain Sozobal - 11 July 2009

 
Influential Magang’a offguard Hope Chisamanga dominated Zain awards during the Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal) bonanza on Saturday at Blantyre Youth Centre.

Zain, through their marketing agents Empire Marketing, invaded BYC to spice up the event.

Empire Marketing announced that it would donate free air time, T/shirts and caps to outstanding individuals.

The marketing firm rewarded players that scored the first three-pointer in each of the four quarters and each games highest points scorer.

Chisamanga notched 19 points to inspire Magang’a to beat Falcons 65-48. The national team player dazzling performance also saw him scoring the first three-pointers in the third and fourth quarters respectively.

He was eventually rewarded with 1500 air time, three caps and T/shirts

“I am really delighted with Zain gesture. I was motivated by their presence. I hope days like these will continue,” he said.

Other players that also got air time and other prizes include Chisamanga’s teammate Joseph Campbell, Crazy Warriors forwards Dan Matiya and Vincent Mbeule Ngosi, Bricks offguards Richard Chavula and Victor Jere.

Empire Marketing media expert Chimwemwe Chikwana said they were approached by Sozobal to add colour and pomp to the tournament.

“We did not hesitate to support Sozobal. We donated various items as incentives to the players,” Chikwana said.

Empire Marketing also used the event to promote the forthcoming MTV Africa Music auditions.

Sozobal vice secretary Mzea Mtawali described the gesture as motivating.

“We feel other organisations will emulate the good example,” he said.

Mtawali was also impressed by the fans, who watched the bonanza.

“As Sozobal we are happy with the turn up of fans. With good publicity we could have attracted more people. We plan to hold similar events in the forthcoming weeks to woo more fans,” he said.

During the game of the day, pointguard Rashid Milanzi was instrumental in Bricks 69-59 victory over Warriors.

Milanzi assists inspired Jere to score 18 points while Chavula and forward Weluzani Chingota scored 17 and 14 points respectively as Bricks claimed their third league win.

Warriors forward Ngosi grabbed 22 points while pointguard Ivan Mwanjeza, who had numerous steals, scored 13 points.

It was Warriors’ first league loss.

BY MPHATSO MALIDADI - The Daily Times Newspaper
18:00:23 - 13 July 2009