Vintage Foster Banda guides novice partner Michelle Nel to the Ladies Pair title

By BENEDICT TEMBO

GLASGOW Commonwealth Games-bound bowler Foster Banda proved her class and leadership at the Pairs and Fours National Bowling Tournament over the Heroes and Unity holidays in Lusaka, guiding novice partner Michelle Nel to the Ladies Pair title. 

Banda, a member of the all-female team set to represent the country at the 2026 Games in Scotland, teamed up with Nel to defeat Kabwe Kangwa and Edith Samakai 22-11 in the final at Lusaka Bowling Club.

Remarkably, Banda had no partner and reached out to rivals at Lusaka Club, who proposed Michelle. Initially hesitant, Nel surprised Banda with her composure and skill.

 “Michelle, you put in your best. You made my work easy and raised my profile,” Banda said, praising her partner’s performance. Banda admitted she wished Nel could join the Glasgow-bound squad.

The men’s fours title was an all-Nchanga affair, with Richard Zyambo, Peter Mususa, Othenel Chabala, and Fred Mungo trouncing clubmates Roy Sichone, Chali Chilombo, Stewart Ng’ambi and Harry Musonda 21-6.

Zyambo hailed his team’s unbeaten run, saying, “It has been a very wonderful tournament, in the end we won all our games.”

In the men’s pairs, Sichone and Ng’ambi edged Mususa and Chabala 13-12, with Sichone celebrating his second career pairs crown.

The women’s fours title went to Centrals’ Fanny Zulu, Harriet Chilemya, Mutale Lengwe and Inonge Mukumbuta, who defeated Nchanga. Zulu praised her teammates and the camaraderie among clubs, saying, “We made friends, had fun.”

Earlier, Nchanga overwhelmed Chibuluma 17-9 in the women’s fours semi-finals, with Gertrude Siame’s team proving too strong.

Zambia Bowling Association president Dalyson Mweetwa hailed the strong turnout, noting progress in recruitment and momentum ahead of the African States Tournament, which will feature nine nations including Botswana, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

 “It is the first time in a long time nine countries will participate,” he said, while urging thorough preparations despite budget challenges.

National Sports Council CEO Sombwa Musunsa commended clubs for their resilience in hosting such events despite financial constraints.

“We know the challenges involved, especially financial ones, and we commend your dedication and resilience in ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive,” he said.

Ends.