* CDHIB invested a landmark K44 million sponsorship in the BASMAL 2025 national basketball tournament up from K10 million last year
* It’s about not just playing the game but elevating it — making it more exciting, competitive, and inspiring for all
By Duncan Mlanjira
The Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) National Basketball 2025 tournament — sponsored by CDH Investment Bank (CDHIB) — has been celebrated under theme ‘Elevate the Game’, which reflects the bank’s vision “to inspire players, coaches, the youth wherever they are, and fans to raise their standards”.
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These standards include “whether it’s in skill, sportsmanship, or teamwork — to encourage everyone involved to push boundaries, embrace excellence, and take the sport to new heights”.
“Essentially, it’s about not just playing the game but elevating it — making it more exciting, competitive, and inspiring for all,” says CDHIB in its statement.
The BASMAL 2025 national tournament was played from Friday June 6-7 at the courts of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Sports Complex and Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC), which CDHIB invested into with a landmark K44 million sponsorship.
The BASMAL National Tournament — Malawi’s premier basketball event, featuring top teams from the Southern (SOZOBAL), Central (CEZOBAL), and Northern (NOZOBAL) regional leagues — was won by Bravehearts (both ladies & men) with runners-up being UniLil Arkangels (ladies) and CDH Investment Bank (men).
Champions Bravehearts ladies and men
The other participating teams included Central Knights, Crazy Warriors, Disciples, FDH Bricks, Moyale and Nkhandwe in men’s category while the ladies’ category had Cobbe Ladies, Kukoma Eagles, Lab Co-Flyers, Mikoko Mystics and Northern Fire.
Runners-up UniLil (ladies) and CDH Investment Bank (men)
This marks CDHIB’s second consecutive year supporting the tournament, exceeding their initial commitment under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with BASMAL, which outlined an annual sponsorship of K10 million.
The bank says its increased investment underscores its dedication to advancing basketball in Malawi and the theme; #ElevatingTheGame, enhanced the tournament experience through upgraded venue facilities, including basketball hoops and court infrastructure; enhanced player resources and competitive prizes to recognise talent; and national awareness campaigns — highlighting basketball’s benefits and fostering grassroots participation.
In his remarks, CDHIB’s Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Thoko Mkavea said the financial institution is proud to collaborate with BASMAL on this national platform, adding that sport — in every discipline of it — “unites people, builds discipline, and unlocks potential”.
“This aligns with our purpose of driving Malawi’s socio-economic development through financial solutions. This sponsorship is a testament to our belief in the nation’s talent and future,” he said.
Mkavea presenting the trophy to ladies champions Bravehearts
On his part, BASMAL secretary general Peter Gomani extended the association’s “deepest gratitude to CDH Investment Bank for their unwavering support”, adding the following the success of the 2023/2024 tournament, “this year’s event was even more impactful, uniting talent from across Malawi and showcasing the sport’s growth”.
“CDH Investment Bank’s partnership reflects their commitment to empowering communities and promoting healthy lifestyles,” he said.
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CDH Investment Bank — which is the leading specialist bank in Malawi in deposit-taking investment bank specialising in the provision of financial solutions — further says it believes in supporting initiatives which promote community development, youth empowerment and healthy living.
“Sports, especially basketball, are powerful tools to bring people together, inspire young talent, and foster teamwork. Sponsoring this championship aligns with our commitment to investing in the future of our nation and encouraging active, engaged communities.
“It is also an incredible honor for our own basketball team to compete at the national level which is the result of years of hard work, dedication and teamwork. We are excited for the opportunity to showcase our skills and represent our bank on the national scene.
CDHIB in action
“Our staff members play and we could not be more excited to support our own at national level,” says CDHIB in its statement, adding that the theme was mooted in aligning with their goal to develop the sport at all levels.
“We hope to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and passion, which is what CDH Investment Bank stands by — whether it’s through training, strategies, or community engagement — ‘Elevate the Game’ is a call to action for everyone to contribute to the growth and professionalism of basketball.”
CDHIB emphasised that they wanted young athletes to view the them as “a motivation to work harder, improve their skills, and pursue excellence and for fans, to support the players who are dedicated to elevating their game and inspiring others”.
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“Ultimately, it’s about creating a vibrant basketball community that strives for greatness and pushes the sport forward. The theme ignited a spirit of ambition and unity as the players aimed higher, coaches strategised more creatively, and fans were more passionate. The theme encourages everyone to be their best, which makes the competition more intense and the experience more memorable.”
On the strength of their team in the top notch tournament, the CDH Investment Bank believe their teamwork, discipline and resilience are key, saying: “We’ve worked on our defence and ball movement throughout the season, and our players are motivated to perform at their best when it counts.”
The following are highlights in pictures:
