Malawi’s basketball powerhouse clubs, Bravehearts Men and Bravehearts Ladies have flown the national flag high after clinching both titles at the 2025 Wits Ashraf Lodewyk Memorial Basketball Tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The tournament, held at Hall 29, West Campus, WITS University from Friday, 25 April to Sunday, 4 May 2025, attracted top basketball clubs from across Southern Africa, including teams from South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana and Malawi.
In the men’s final, Bravehearts overpowered home side Wits Bucks of South Africa with a 60-47 victory while the Bravehearts Ladies showcased their strength and teamwork to beat Jozi Naggets of Swaziland 64-55 in a closely contested women’s final.
This was the 19th edition of the tournament, an annual event that honours the memory of Ashraf Lodewyk, a revered figure in South African basketball circles, known for his passion and contribution to growing the sport in the region.
The tournament provides a platform for teams to foster friendship, sportsmanship, and regional basketball development while celebrating Lodewyk’s enduring legacy.
Speaking in an interview Bravehearts Patron Griffin Kalua Baller expressed pride of both teams’ performances, noting that this double victory is a reflection of the club’s growing dominance in the region.
In March 2025, the men’s team also secured a gold medal in an international tournament held in Lusaka, Zambia after defeating top teams from Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“This has been a remarkable start to the year for us. The players have demonstrated outstanding commitment and hunger for success. We are thrilled to see them bringing home these titles and making history for Malawi,” said Kalua Baller.
The Bravehearts’ latest triumph cements their status as one of Malawi’s most successful basketball clubs and a rising force in southern African basketball.
The club’s management has also hinted at plans to participate in more international tournaments later in the year, including potential engagements in Mozambique and Botswana.
