Malawi Institute of Tourism (MIT) has made history after becoming the first local team to win a gendaball mini-tournament.

MIT defeated Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) 4,200-4,050 on Friday at MIJ Open Theatre in Blantyre to emerge champions.

The mini-tournament was organised to assess how far teams have gone in mastering the game since it was introduced to the country by Ethiopia-based Malawian, Francis Mwalabu.

MIT top player, Gomezgani Banda, said the win has given them confidence that they were doing things correctly.

“The tournament was tricky because we have just learnt the sport. However, it feels good that we have won this it gives us confidence that we can do better,” Banda said.

MIJ’s Tiyamike Phiri said it was painful to lose at home.

“Nevertheless, gendaball is gaining momentum. We only need to work hard to be one of the strongest teams in the country,” he said.

Gendaball instructor, Hamilton Kadyeramwana, said they organised the mini-tournament to promote the sport and assess its progress.

“We wanted to evaluate how players and teams are performing. We also wanted to motivate them. So far, we are impressed with the situation on the ground. Most players have mastered the basics of the game but they should also master rules and regulations,” he said.