The shores of Malawi were alive with intense beach soccer action as the highly anticipated HTD Beach Soccer Championship took place across five vibrant centres; Karonga, Chintheche, Nkhotakota, Central Region, and Southern Region. With each centre boasting no less than 10 passionate teams, the competition was fierce, showcasing the country’s growing love for this exhilarating sport.
The tournament’s opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, the sponsor, the FAM President, the Director of Sports, GS – Beach Soccer, the Chairperson and members of the Beach Soccer committee. Their presence added an air of excitement and recognition to the event, celebrating the talent and dedication of beach soccer development in the country.
The journey to the national championship was not an easy one. Only the champions of each centre and the runner-up of the hosting centre earned the prestigious qualification. Let’s take a closer look at the centres and the teams that rose to the challenge.
In Karonga, Deep Bay emerged as the formidable representative, while Beach Eagles showcased their prowess in Chintheche. Chipala proudly carried the banner for Nkhotakota, and Munali triumphed as the representatives of the Central Region. The Southern Region witnessed a double representation with Nyasa and Nkopola showcasing their skills and determination.
As the national championship unfolded, the atmosphere brimmed with excitement. Four teams, Nkopola, Beach Eagles, Deep Bay, and Nyasa, battled their way to the highly coveted finals, demonstrating their exceptional talent and teamwork. The tournament, spanning two action-packed days, saw unforgettable clashes and moments of brilliance.
In the first semi-final, Nkopola faced off against Nyasa in a thrilling encounter. With each team displaying their skills and strategies, Nyasa emerged victorious, securing their place in the finals. In the second semi-final, Deep Bay clashed with Beach Eagles in a captivating match. It was Beach Eagles who emerged triumphant, setting the stage for an intense final showdown.
The battle for the third-place position saw Nkopola going head-to-head with Deep Bay. In a closely contested match, Nkopola’s determination prevailed, earning them a well-deserved third-place finish. Meanwhile, the grand finale witnessed a clash between Nyasa and Beach Eagles, with the championship title hanging in the balance. Displaying exceptional skill and unwavering determination, Beach Eagles emerged as the champions, lifting the trophy in a glorious victory.
Prior to the competition, a one-day refresher course for the referees was conducted to ensure fair play and adherence to the new rules. Led by beach soccer FIFA instructor Sam Mangasanja and Referee Desk Officer for the Football Association of Malawi, Fredrick Khoropa, the course aimed to equip the referees with the necessary knowledge and skills for officiating the matches.
The HTD Beach Soccer Championship proved to be a thrilling spectacle, capturing the essence of the sport’s popularity and growth in the country. With each edition, the championship continues to raise the bar, showcasing the immense talent and passion of Malawi’s beach soccer community. Congratulations to Beach Eagles for their remarkable victory and to all the participating teams for their outstanding performances.
Photo credit: Wakisa
