HARRISON Banda is going to experience a hectic club schedule in the coming weeks. With his club, Munali Suns, Banda is already two games into the domestic Midlands Basketball Association League campaign. Coming up is a highly anticipated derby match against Lusaka rivals and 12-time Zambia Basketball League (ZBL) champions Matero Magic on Friday at 8 pm.
The experienced Banda, winner of the fifth edition of the Bravehearts International (BIBC) challenge earlier in the month with the Suns, will be with the 2022-2023 ZBL champions temporarily. The reason for the short stay with the Suns is that Banda has to rejoin Brave Hearts for the preliminary phase of the Road to BAL, which starts around October.
So, the Suns, 2-0 in the provincial league, have to make full use of 28-year-old Banda’s talents before he heads back to neighbouring Malawi for Bravehearts’ continental sojourn.
While playing in continental competition is always a thrilling prospect, Banda also wants to give Munali his best. He is locked in for the expected humdinger league battle on Friday. He says winning the BIBC has improved confidence within the Suns team.
“It’s great for our morale. It motivates us to push harder this season. We have not won anything in a while, so it sets a good precedent for us for the rest of the season,” said Banda, the BIBC MVP.
Ahead of the battle royale against the Magic, the veteran big man feels the Suns will be a more competitive outfit this time around. He also highlighted the importance of paying attention to every detail.
“We are very excited. I am looking forward to the game. We have a good team compared to last season,” said Banda. “Looking back at when we played them last season, we focused a lot on their imports and ignored their local guys. This time around, our approach will be different.”
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Banda rolling with the Bravehearts once again
The Suns have only won one championship, but Banda spoke with determination about the 21-year-old club’s hunger to recapture the title they won two years ago. He believes being one unit will be key to unlocking success for Munali.
“I think we should stick together as a group and focus on one goal. There are a couple of players who left at the end of last season. So the new players that have come in know what the mission is, and I am confident they can help us achieve,” said Banda.
Banda also looks forward to his fourth Road to BAL, especially after playing a crucial role in leading Brave Hearts to Elite 16 qualification last year. While their run ended at the latter stage, Banda, who averaged 10 points and 13.3 rebounds last year, says the playing personnel brought in can improve the team’s chances.
“I think this time around, we need to look into recruitment and bring in the right players. Another thing is the strengthening of the technical team. We struggled a bit because we had one coach, so with an assistant, we can cover the blind spots,” said Banda.
Banda is hungry on all fronts. His experience is second to none, and while many would see him as stretched, given his commitments, the veteran player believes he is well aware of this rodeo. As long as his legs can carry him, Munali and Bravehearts will get the best of him.
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