PERSEVERANCE CEMENTS GOLD STATUS: UNIMA CHECKERS VT TOPS TESSAM TOURNEY

UNIMA Checkers VT gold medalists (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

The University of Malawi Checkers Volleyball Teams (UNIMA Checkers VT) have proven that success comes through persistence and resilience, as both the men’s and women’s teams claimed gold at the recent Tertiary Education Students Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) tournament held in Lilongwe on Saturday, 10^th May 2025.

The men’s team, who were knocked out in the previous tournament after earning bronze in the one before that, and the women’s team, who secured bronze in two consecutive competitions, finally broke through to the top. This year’s sweep cements UNIMA Volleyball as a rising powerhouse in TESSAM, marking a perfect finish in both categories.

UNIMA Checkers VT gold medalists 🥇 showing their medals (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

Speaking after the tournament, men’s captain Benjamin Chamgwera expressed his joy over the hard-earned victory especially that it came in his final year at the institution.

“This gold medal symbolises that hard work pays off. This victory will inspire many aspiring players, especially considering that volleyball is one of the least popular professional sports in the country. I urge the government, the university and other stakeholders to support us in competing in more tournaments, especially those that could earn the nation a continental and global recognition.

Our dominance in both male and female categories shows that we are committed to inclusive success,” said Chamgwera.

Top is Gold: Captain Benjamin Chamgwera🥇 (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers team)

Women’s team captain Jessie Kaunda also celebrated the win, saying she is happy with the triumph, and hopes volleyball gets the recognition and support it deserves for being one of the most successful sports at the university. She further highlighted the benefits of shared training sessions with the men’s team.

Smiles for the MileGold: Captain Jessie Kaunda🥇 (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

“This triumph is a result of strong teamwork across both teams since we often train together. Competing alongside the men helps us to grow as athletes, and it motivates them too when we outperform them. These gold medals are a collective achievement,” Kaunda noted.

Joel Bangs! UNIMA Checkers VT Men's eliminating LUANAR-Bunda Campus team (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers team)

UNIMA Checkers coach, Martin Ngalande, praised the players for their discipline and commitment by acknowledging the team's effort for turning the past losses into learning opportunities.

“This victory is a testimony that UNIMA is indeed the home of excellence. The players made sacrifices, trained consistently despite tight academic schedules, and showed a willingness to grow from past defeats. Some players even missed their final social weekend. This mentality and work ethic made the difference,” said Ngalande.

We learned from our Mistakes - Ngalande (Photo Credits:  Martin Ngalande Facebook)

UNIMA Student Sports Director Precious Bonzo praised the UNIMA Checkers’ efforts and called for greater institutional support.

Athletes need more support - Bonzo (Photo Credits: Chanco News Facebook)

“The university, and other stakeholders need to step in and support these athletes. Their performance shows that with more opportunities in domestic competitions, they can also help with the development of a strong national team,” said Bonzo.

Some UNIMA Checkers VT gold winning players before the games (Photo Credits: UNIMA Checkers)

UNIMA Checkers teams achieved gold after facing tough setbacks in recent tournaments. The men’s team bounced back from an early knockout in the last competition, following a bronze medal finish the year before. Meanwhile, the women’s team had consistently secured bronze in the two previous editions. This year, both teams reached new heights: the men’s team defeated Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) 25–13, 25–18, while the women’s team delivered a dominant 25–15, 25–15 victory in the final.