Sports and Games

Bravehearts qualify for Elite 16

Bravehearts qualify for Elite 16

Malawi basketball champions Bravehearts have written their own piece of history when they booked a place in the Elite 16 of the Road to 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) slated for November 12 to 15 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Bravehearts have become the first Malawian team to achieve that feat after an impressive performance during the Group E of the Eastern Division qualifiers held in Harare, Zimbabwe which concluded on Sunday.

The odds were stacked against Bravehearts as they had only a squad of eight players following the ineligibility of some players but they showed great character to overcome Mozambique champions Costa do Sol 73-71 in the final match to secure a ticket to the Elite 16.

Inspired by Harrison Banda (16 points and 13 rebounds), Faad Billy (17 points, nine rebounds and five assists) and Ian Limbe (15 points and four assists) staged a comeback in the third quarter and final quarter to register a historic win.

Bravehearts will compete against the best teams for a place at the next year’s BAL finals to be staged in Rwanda.

Following the victory over Costa, Bravehearts finished second with eight points and joined Zambian champions Matero Magic in the Elite 16.

After a slow start to the tournament in which they lost to Zimbabwean’s champions Hounds 72-62 before another defeat to Matero 82-67.

The Malawian champions reorganised themselves and produced a sublime performance to beat Botswana Defence Force 72-70.

Then, followed by a 65- 60 victory over South Sudan champions Fox.

Bravehearts won three matches but lost two out of five matches.

After the games, Bravehearts Coach Griffin Kalua, who is also the owner, hailed the players for showing grit throughout the tournament.

Kalua said the qualification to the Elite 16 shows that his investments into the team are bearing fruits.

“I am very excited to have been the first ever club in Malawi to advance to the second round let alone to win a game in this NBA Basketball Africa League. It is great for our club but also Malawi as a country,” Kalua said.

Kalua said the historic win in Zimbabwe, would inspire potential partners.

“Now we hunt for partners to help us fund this. Maybe with this qualification we can find a winning brand out there willing to partner with us,” Kalua said.

Limbe, who starred for Bravehearts, was also delighted with the achievement.

“I am excited for the team, myself and the fans at home. This is unbelievable,” Limbe said.