U19 Boys Volleyball

On Saturday 10^th September 2016, we went to Lechwe to play volleyball but it was a friendly. We played games up to 25 points and it was a best of three sets competition.

The first we played was very good because we were communicating well and we were well organised, so we won that set 25-17.

The second set was another story, we lost focus and we didn’t communicate as well, we also gave away easy points so we lost that set 25-19.

We then went to the third set which decided who won the volleyball match but the team had switched off and we stopped communicating and we became disorganised and so we lost that set 25-20.

Overall, we came out second out of two schools! I would like to thank the new members of the team: Jackson, Mthunzi, Mwansa, Musonda, Samuel and Philip for working hard and I would also like to thank the old member of the team, Ilunga.

Mthunzi against old boy Jean

I would like to thank Mr Grove for putting the team together and I would like to thank God for making it a good and successful day. Thank you very much.

Report by Cholwe Muleya

U19 Boys Basketball

On Saturday the 10^th of September the U19 boys went to Lechwe to play Basketball. Since only Lechwe and ourselves were there, we played 1 slightly longer game. We played 4 quarters of 8 minutes. The first quarter was ok and Cholwe scored our first basket of the new season and by the end of the half we were losing 4-2. We continued to play well in the second quarter but we found ourselves losing 6-4. In the 3^rd quarter we made a few sloppy mistakes and we were losing 12-6. But during the last quarter we really fought back, but we could not overturn their lead so we lost the game 14-8. Our baskets were scored by Cholwe, Jackson and Ilunga. Despite our loss I was not too disappointed with the result as it is a completely different team to last year. I want to thank Mr Grove for taking us and the whole team for trying their hardest despite the end result.

Amano v Lechwe

 

Report by Samuel Kirk

U19 Girls Basketball

Amano Christian School U19 girls basketball team went to play zone 1 games at Lechwe. The tournament was hosted by Mpelembe. We were supposed to play multiple games but most schools were absent due to various reasons. We then had a friendly and this meant we had only one game against Lechwe, so  this game was split into 4 quarters because it was our only game. We played well in the first two quarters and were in the lead and also scored many goals .We had a good team and a few new players , the Lechwe team had a whole new team so we didn’t know how good they were but we pushed through. We had many opportunities  on the goal but most of them were bouncing back and we were not ready for rebounds .we were in the last minutes and Lechwe had caught up to us and scored their winning goal in the last few minutes and won the game 18-16. I could see that the team was tired but I won’t use that as an excuse ,but I can say although they were exhausted but they were still pursuing and they had a lot of fun.

I was really happy that everyone in the team tried their best and contributed something to  the team. There was only one new player who was Rosemary Namakwi and she scored two baskets and Diana Shakwelele was recognised as the woman of the match.

We faced some challenges as a team and these are the ones that stood out :

·         We had team work but we believe it could have been better and stronger .

·         Our defence needs to become stronger and better.

·         We should practice on our layups ,3 pointers and foul shots

·         Communication  

·         Always being alert and looking up before passing the ball

·         Trying and willing to play in new and different positions

·         Defending the ball when dribbling and looking up

Our strengths were:

·         Getting the ball from the other team

·         Having fun

·         Pursing even when exhausted

·         Not giving up

A big thanks to Mr Kirk, Mr Walker and all those who came to support us, to Mr & Mrs Grove and Mr Jarrett for coaching us, advising us and for just being there for us, but mostly a big thanks to our GOD, for making this day possible and for being with us throughout the day .

Under the stars

On the last weekend of term [2], the dorm boys and a few others, camped out under the stars. Sunday afternoon was spent making the cooking stoves from a 3kg fruit tin, packing essentials and preparing for a cold night out by collecting firewood and bringing enough bedding to keep warm.

There were lots of new boys this year venturing out into the unknown, some excited, others omewhat cautious having finally built up the courage to give it a try, all I am sure had heard the stories of previous year's outings and many wandering if they would be the next legend following on from Mwansa and his rock incident. What would Mr Grove have us do this year?

We were delighted to have the company of Mr Boatman this year, who came all the way from Kitwe on his motorbike to share with us his expertise in camping, the night sky and his experiences as a Bible smuggler in the old Eastern Soviet Bloc countries. As our special guest we allowed him a night in his tent.

First activity of the night was "Monster Trucks". The challenge was to roll a set of four tyres about four kilometres, through the night, along the bush tracks. 2 teams of 8 set off into the dark to find their 'truck' and begin rolling. Unfortunately the first team hit a tree at full speed and split their truck in two! This gave them a great advantage with less weight and improved mobility. They finished in 40 minutes even though they were the weaker team. They worked better together and had more drive. The others floundered about at the first river crossing  with no-one wanting to get wet till Mthunzi and Justin just got on with it. Though last by a long way, 1 hour, they were easily heard chanting their way through the bush keeping up their spirits.

"Monster trucks" Sniper team

Next came the longest game of capture the flag I've ever known. I think an hour and a half, ending in a half victory for Mark's team. They did at least get their opponent's flag, even if it never quite got back to base. For Mark, Ilunga and Philip stealth was the key. They were almost unseen the whole time, slowly but surely... the Ferguson way. Justin, Daniel, Tarisai, Yarel, Xavier and Mthunzi decided quite the opposite approach would work, and indeed it met with much success. The 'Snipers' hid till an unsuspecting Musonda would approach. Just when Musonda was thinking he was against one opponent the whole team arose in ambush blinding him with light from all directions. He turned to flee, but in which direction should he go? His decision took him straight into three small rocks! The next legend was to be formed by none other than Mwansa's twin brother! Then distinctive moans of pain reached my ears at the camp fire and upon arrival the now famous excuse of "they were over dazzling me" was uttered in defence of his calamity. Many of Mark's team succumbed to this tactic and all seemed to be going well as Peter presided over a full prison. Their flag also had another deterrent, 'mpashi' or the red biting ant. A significant area of ground was covered by these guys and they enjoyed covering Cholwe and Dalitso from head to toe, amazingly in that order. Somehow these guys get to where it hurts before you know it, but then it's too late! A strip down at the camp fire is in order! Anyway the Snipers approached their opponent's flag but here their success dried up. They spent 30mins walking in a pack around the flag yet never thinking to check up the anthill. In the meantime Mark had finally located the Sniper's flag and was on his secretive way back when time was called.

With the night fading fast we moved onto a short game modeled on a Bible smuggling theme. Everyone was to find their way to the car from the river without being spotted by Mr Boatman or Mr Grove, in 20 minutes. Nothing too dramatic occurred and a number we able to make it through the net. The aged duo were able to detect quite a number though, 10, I think.

Following the games we had Mr Boatman recalled his days as a smuggler and presented the dangers and thrills of getting a silent photocopying machine into Russia. A graphic reminder of the price Christians pay when they do what they believe God has called them to do in places where Christians and the Bible are hated or feared. He read Scriptures from Romans and Acts where we are taught to honour our rulers and yet where Peter defies the rulers upon his release. We are to obey the higher calling of God and honour him. Perhaps 1 Peter 2 v 17 would sum up the thoughts well - "Honour all men, love the brotherhood, FEAR GOD and honour the emperor". What wonderful freedom we are given in Zambia.

Mr Boatman then gave a short show on the stars with his notebook and green star gazing lazer beam. It is incredible to see light that emitted from a star at the time of Joshua and Samuel! The constancy of the cosmos that we can navigate from it and the depth of mystery hidden there. God's creation is truely amazing when we think about it.

After a pretty rough nights sleep, having endured Peter's lion impressions and Mwansa periodically waking everyone up because he was cold, we got going a 6am to start our hobo stoves. Breakfast was bread, bacon, eggs, sausages and beans, all to be fried on the stoves. It is slow going and patience is required. Mr Boatman demonstrated how to start fires with homemade charcloth or Elephant dung (not homemade but still a local product) and a magnesium stick. This proved difficult for some and so cotton wool which is somewhat more explosive was resorted to. So finally Yarel and co could start cooking. Most stoves worked with good efficiency and proved a success. It's a great activity to show the boys what can be done with everyday things around us.

"Charcloth and striker"

Justin doing a great job as chef

I think the boys enjoyed their time and it is a great way to break up the monotony of boarding life. My thanks to Mr Boatman for his interest in the boys and bringing a wealth of experience to us to learn from.

Report by Mr Grove

U16 Boys Hockey

On Saturday the 16th of July, Amano took an U-16 boys team to Chengelo to play hockey. We were supposed to play three games but because of our late arrival we only played two.

Amano's Players

Our first game was against Simba. Our heads weren’t in that game and we were a bit too laid back in our defensive formation. Simba pounced on the opportunity to score four goals where as we only managed to score one goal. Our striker, Yarel, scored an easy looking goal.

Amano v Simba

Our next game was against Chengelo who beat us last time 6-0. So we had some room for improvement. The Chengelo team had a good attacking unit who managed to get four goals past our goalkeeper. But by the second half adjustments were made in both our attacking and defending units and we managed to avoid conceding further goals.

Overall I was very pleased with my team’s efforts and I’d like to commend Philip on his defensive performance, Mwansa on his attacking performance and everyone else because they all had their moments of great skill.

Report by Kurt Fernandes

U19 Girls ISAZ Hockey

On the 16th of July, we took a U19 girls team to play hockey. We had an early start for a hockey tournament at Chengelo School. We were a smaller team because we lost two substitute players due to sickness. That actually showed the endurance fitness levels in the team.

 

Our first game was against Simba girls’ team. We had a strong attack and a stronger defence. They could not penetrate through the defence structure. The attack was also pretty good; we had many possible shots on goal. Diana scored the first goal in the first half of the game, straight after that Natalya scored another goal, followed up by that, Diana scored another goal. We finished the game well, and were off to a good start

The second game was against the home team, Chengelo. We were so determined to not lose against them. We picked up our game, strengthened our defence and attack. Our attack wasn’t as strong as our defence but we didn’t let them beat us. We couldn’t get any goals during the game and ended that game, a draw 0-0.

Our final game was against Trident College Girls. They were sharp and fast. They took advantage of our area of weaknesses and, unfortunately we let in two easy goals. In the second half, we strengthened our attack and cleaned up our defence. Natalya managed a clean and fast goal. We were managing to catch up, but it was the end of the game and we lost it 2-1. It was a very close game.

Janki regaining the attack against Trident

  

Overall the team ranked second place out of four schools. It was the last hockey tournament of the season and it was a good end to it. All the girls pushed through to the last minute of the final game. Every single girl who participated played contributed immensely to the end result. Without the effort and hard work put in during the games and during the training sessions, it wouldn’t have been a successful outcome

I was very impressed and delighted with the effort and hard work put in by the girls. It was my last tournament where I would get to represent the school, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with and lead a wonderful girls’ team. 

Report by Janki Desai (hockey captain)

U19 Boys Hockey

On Saturday the 16^th July U19 boys went to Chengelo to play hockey. Three other schools were present on the day and these were Trident, Simba and Chengelo. Our first game was against Trident and it started off really well; we took the lead in the first few minutes of the game with a goal by Daniel Weiandt. As the game progressed the team became a bit disorganised and gave away 3 goals by the end of the second half, in the end we lost that game 3-1. 

Our second game was against Simba and the team was willing to put all their effort into this game. In the first few minutes of the game Simba scored the first goal to give them the lead. Later on in the first half Daniel equalised to make the score 1-1 and then another goal by Daniel Weiandt assisted by Cholwe Muleya gave us the victory in that game as we won it 2-1.The defensive play in that game was really good from the back players who showed a great amount of effort and hard work.

Our third and final game was against Chengelo School and most of the boys were tired in that game but we were willing to play to their best. The game started intensely as both teams were fighting to get the first goal and at half time the score was still 0-0. Cholwe and Daniel had a few shots on target but still didn’t manage to get the ball into the back of the goal. Later on in the second half Chengelo school managed to score 2 goals against us but still continued to put in countless effort and played with a very good attitude. The game ended 2-0 but I think we played our best in that game and I would like to thank the team for the effort they put on that day, and for everyone else who made the trip possible, and most of all I’d like to thank God for safe travels on the day and no serious injuries.

Report by Tarisai Lufunda