By Adson Nthenga
Chilinde Select produced a dominant performance to defeat Falls and Area 22 Select 3-0 and win the Lilongwe Mini Football Tournament final played on Sunday at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground.
Chilinde Select controlled the match from start to finish, thrilling a large crowd of spectators who turned out to watch the encounter.
Midfielder Sam Gunda emerged as the standout performer and was named Player of the Tournament after playing a key role in Chilinde Select’s successful campaign.
For their victory, Chilinde Select received a K1 million cash prize while runners-up Falls and Area 22 Select were awarded K500,000.Mchesi Select finished third and received K300,000 while Mtandire and Mtsiriza Select finished fourth and went home with K200,000.
Speaking after the tournament, organising committee chairperson Ben Phiri said the competition aims to keep players active while providing a platform to identify emerging football talent.
“The tournament helps keep Super League players physically fit during the off-season while also providing an opportunity to identify young upcoming talent,” said Phiri.
He added that future editions of the tournament will start with young upcoming players before introducing top-league players later in the competition to make it easier for scouts to identify new talent.
The tournament was organised by a local committee of football enthusiasts including John Mkisi and Ben Phiri with support from 
sponsors such as Jim Kalua and World Star Betting, who contributed K200,000 and K1 million respectively.
sponsors such as Jim Kalua and World Star Betting, who contributed K200,000 and K1 million respectively.Eight teams participated in the competition, combining young upcoming players with Super League players.
Some notable players for Chilinde Select included Orson Kanjira, Hope Namadzunda, Sam Gunda and Loyd Mgala from Kamuzu Barracks FC, as well as Ishmael Hassan from Silver Strikers FC and Silver Strikers Reserve goalkeeper trainer Steve Micheta.
Other participating teams included Chinsapo and Likuni Select, Area 25 and Area 49 Select, Mtandire and Mtsiriza Select, and Mchesi and Biwi Select.
