By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPICCO) games which are currently under way in Dar -es Salaam in Tanzania have reached its climax.
Police officers from the region are competing in different sports codes including Football both for men and women, Netball, Javering and Discus, Shot put, Volley ball, darts.
In football, Malawi Police Service are in group B alongside Namibia and DRC.
The team drew 1-1 against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before defeating Namibia 2-1 on Thursday 8th September, 2022 at Uhuru Stadium with goals from Maxwell Salambula and Stuart Mbunge.
The win took the Malawi team to the semifinals of the 2022 tournament,and are expected to battle it out with the second placed from group A which comprises of Tanzania, Mozambique and e-Swatini.
Coach Christopher Sibale is upbeat of grabbing the trophy which they once won in 2015 under head Coach Derklek Msakakuona.Sibale said his charges is some how lacking coordination as they are coming from different Police formations.
Sibale started John Soko in goals,Chisomo Chilasa,Stevie Chagoma,Joachim Zulu and Chimwemwe Kalanje in defence while Stuart Mbunge, Gilbert Chirwa, Dennis Nandolo and Maxwell Salambula played in midfield with Blue Eagles FC Captain Schumacher Kuwali and Mike Nyondo partnered in front.
“We are looking forward to bring the cup home despite being the competition which is meant for the Police officers from the region to interact and share some ideas. I have assembled good squad”, Sibale added.
Other results, Zimbabwe drew 1-1 against Tanzania in men’s category while Namibia women team defeated Mozambique 2-1.Malawi Police Netball Team defeated Zambia 30-27 in first game,in second game they won 42-32 against e-Swatini,third game they demolished Namibia Police 60-20 before beating Tanzania 40-37.
In volleyball, Malawi Police were humbled by 3-0.
Athletics,Shot put,Javering and discus were all booted out on the opening day.
This year’s SARPICCO games are expected to complete on September 17, 2022.