By: Charles K. Banda
The annual Malawi Police Service North Commissioner’s Trophy Finals, one of the most anticipated events in the region’s sporting calendar, kicked off with fervor and excitement in the morning of Wednesday, 8th November, 2023 at Katoto Secondary School ground in Mzuzu.
Teams from Jenda, Mzimba and Northern Region Police Headquarters converged at the illustrious Katoto ground, ready to compete for glory and the esteemed annual Commissioners Trophy. The finals promised a showdown of exceptional athleticism, skill, sportsmanship as well as unveiling the hidden talent among men in uniform.
Noel Kaira, Commissioner of Police for the Northern Region who was also guest of honor at the function said the initiative to hold Commissioner’s Trophy comes with several benefits, not only for the Police but also to the public.
“The trophy is a great milestone in the sporting discipline as it is helping to uncover hidden talent, promote teamwork among Police Officers, instil discipline, and create good relationship with the general public,” he said.
Fans were treated to a riveting battle between Northern Region Police Headquarters and Jenda Police Fc but at the end it was a display of extraordinary sportsmanship by the Jenda-based Police side who managed to secure a hard-fought victory.
Audraw Makonyola, Malawi Police Service National Sports Coordinator who previously served as Blue Eagles Coach said the event comes at a time when the Police are making strides to regain the lost trust from the public.
“The trophy has served as a platform to bring together Police Officers from different Police formations to interact and share various experiences, including the presence of the general public. This initiative has so far spread in all the regions across the Country,” he said.
Coach for Jenda Police Fc, Sub-Inspector Innocent Ngwala said the team played as a unit from the first whistle that is why they won the game.
” It was a memorable performance from the team and it feels great to be part of the victory at this year’s prestigious Commissioners Trophy. We are the Champions but after a high intensity of the game and we thank God for rewarding us with the Trophy which will be in our cabinet for a year to come,” said the winning Coach.
His counterpart, Coach for the losing football team, Inspector Alfred Chidzere accepted the defeat, describing it as a learning point.
“We faced a formidable opponent today, and despite our team’s hard work and determination, we fell short against the other team’s strength. It is a tough loss in the finals of the Commissioners Trophy but we will analyze our performance, learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in next year’s tournament,” he said.
The North Commissioner’s Trophy is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a reflection of the unity and teamwork within the law enforcement family and the general public. The winner of this year’s trophy, Jenda Police Fc went away with the trophy and K1.5 million prize money.
Charles K. Banda 