WVBF Protour 2009 presented by Cornèrcard in Beira (Mozambique)

"Africa plays a major role in the WVBF"
(Lausanne the 14 of April 09) After the success of the inaugural stage in Lome (Togo) in
March, the WVBF Beach Volleyball World Championnship ProTour 2009 presented by
Cornèrcard has again raised its bags in Africa for a step in Beira (Mozambique) on April 11
and 12. The tournament organized by the Mozambican volleyball and beach volleyball
association, chaired by Mr. Trevor da Gama, hosted men's teams from Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Malawi and the host nation, Mozambique.
After a two day struggle, it is finally the pair composed of Lawrence Hlatshwayo (Zimbabwe)
and Erduardo DoSantos (Mozambique), who won the first place before the Mozambican
Warawara and Benjamin Manucho Jorge. The duo composed of Maliens Kasomali and
Alfonso Banda Mwale complete this podium.
It should be noted the superb fourth place took by the team led by Neil Chamisa who in
addition to its skills in the field, is also chairman of one of the most active national association
in Africa, the Zimbabwe and as well WVBF board member. Neil is happy at the time of
closing this historic new chapter in the African volleyball history "Thank you all for making
possible this inaugural edition of the first international beach volleyball tournament in
Mozambique, my thanks go first to the Mozambique who managed to organize this
tournament and then to the WVBF that shows once again its support to Africa. Thank you
finally to Cornèrcard, WVBF’s main sponsor which makes the organization of these events
possible ».
The before mentionned Mozambican volleyball and beach volleyball association president
congratulated the players who have traveled from other countries in Africa and his country’s
political institutions that have made this event possible.
For Kelly Sprunger, WVBF president assistant, this tournament is a true recognition in a
country too often ignored by the highest world volleyball levels: "Africa plays a major role in
our global institution, several African associations’s presidents like Mr. Chamisa are indeed
WVBF board of administration members and work all days for the development of our
institution. This tournament is the second to be held in Africa and it seems clear that,
according to its high quality’s organization, it will quickly become a permanent WVBF Protour
leg"
The 2009 Protour promises to be rich: after African stages athletes will migrate to South
America (Bolivia and Argentina), to Europe (Switzerland and Italy) and finally to the Emirates
for the finals of the season.