Andrew Mdzumira
Team Malawi has made the nation proud after securing a total of 32 medals at the recent Region 5 Youth Games, held in Windhoek, Namibia.
The team collected 7 gold medals, 12 silver medals and 13 bronze medals in different sports codes.
Out of 10 countries that participated in this year’s Region 5 Games, Malawi finished seventh on medals table with South Africa finishing top (64 gold, 46 silver, 32 bronze) and Eswatini bottom (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze).
Medals Table
Malawi participated in 14 sporting disciplines, including Football (boys and girls), Basketball (boys and girls), Volleyball (boys and girls), Netball, Boxing, Karate, Judo, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, para-athletics, Special Olympics, and E-sports.
Gold Medal
Malawi’s gold medal tally was spearheaded by a remarkable performance in e-sports, with David Masiye taking home gold in e-football (men). His female counterpart, Pretoria Kalimba, also clinched gold in e-football (women).
In Athletics – Special Olympics, Nancy Verani bagged gold, while Nathan Chisale added gold in general athletics. Verani doubled her success by also winning in the Special Olympics – 200M women.
Boyson Maseko brought home gold in Para-athletics, and Malawi’s 3×3 men’s basketball team dominated the court to secure top honours.
Silver Medal
Malawi collected 12 silver medals, with notable performances in e-sports, where Curtis Kanjadza (Street Fighter 6, men) and Omega Kachala (Street Fighter 6, women) impressed.
Boyson Maseko added a silver in Para-athletics (400m T13), while Tiyanjane Henry earned silver in Special Olympics (100m women).
Other silver medallists included Sandra Mughogho (Para-athletics 400m T11), Nathan Chisale (athletics 3000m), and Godwin Alfred (Special Olympics 100m men).
Malawi’s handball team, long jumper Blessings Chimbayo, boxer Richard Wasiri (54kg bantamweight), and the AUSC Cosafa U-20 men’s football team also contributed to the silver medal count.
Bronze Medal
The bronze category saw 13 medals coming Malawi’s way. Wongani Wilton Chawinga claimed two medals in Para-athletics (400m and 800m T13).
Lawrence Mpulura took bronze in Judo (66kg), while Chimwemwe Lemoni and the Malawi men’s karate team earned medals in the individual and team kata events, respectively.
Chisomo Mchelenje (800m athletics), Billiam Lemerani (javelin), and Amanda Khondowe (200m women) added more to the tally in track and field.
Team events also proved fruitful, with bronze medals going to men’s beach volleyball, basketball, and volleyball teams.
In boxing, Ishmael Dzana (51kg flyweight) and Isaac Hussain (67kg welterweight) represented the nation with honour.
Malawi’s star footballer Mwisho Mhango emerged as a standout talent, scoring five goals to earn the top goal scorer award in men’s football. He was also named Best Player of the Tournament, highlighting his exceptional contribution.
