02/10/2026
🎾 SIMFUKWE STRIKES AGAIN! BACK-TO-BACK UNDER-18 TITLES FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAR
Emmanuel Simfukwe is building momentum—and adding silverware along the way!
The Zambia Correctional Services player claimed the Boys’ Under-18 crown at the Mike Mambwe Junior Tennis Championships, held at Mufulira Tennis Club from 25–27 September 2026, securing his second title of the year.
His breakthrough came at the recent Champions Haven National Junior Tournament, where he lifted his first title of the season after a major upset over top seed Kombe Mabo Jr.
In Mufulira, Emmanuel showed the determination to follow up that success.
🔥 FROM A SEMIFINAL SCARE TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
Nkana Tennis Club’s Reuben Mulenga pushed Emmanuel hard in the semifinals, taking the opening set 6–4. Emmanuel fought back to win the second 6–3, then sealed the deciding match tie-break 10–5.
In the final, he faced another Nkana player, Macmillan Chisala, and completed his title-winning run with a 6–3, 6–4 victory.
Two successive tournament titles—a strong statement from the Correctional Services youngster!
🏆 CHRISTABEL WINS THE TWINS’ SHOWDOWN
The Girls’ Under-18 final was a family affair as Green Buffaloes twins Christabel and Isabel Chisongo faced each other across the net.
Christabel took the honours, claiming the title 6–2, 6–2.
đź’Ş MUKANGWA FIGHTS BACK IN AN ALL-NKANA FINAL
In the Girls’ Under-16 final, Mukangwa Brooklyn Siame and Janet Mwape delivered a contest that tested both players’ resolve.
Janet took the opening set 7–5, but Mukangwa held her nerve to edge the second by the same score. She then took control of the decider, completing a 5–7, 7–5, 6–0 victory.
🌟 MAPALO MULENGA STEPS UP—AND TAKES THE CROWN
Usually competing in the Under-14 category, Nkana’s Mapalo Mulenga stepped up to the Boys’ Under-16 competition and produced three impressive upsets on his way to the title.
He defeated second seed Elijah Nyirenda 6–2, 6–1 and third seed Gift Sakakonge 6–3, 6–2, before overcoming fourth seed Oscar Lubinda 6–3, 6–1 in the final.
A higher age category, three seeded opponents—and a championship trophy. What a performance from Mapalo!
đź‘Ź UNDER-12 PROSPECT GIFT MULENGA PUSHES CHRISTIAN MABO
Another Nkana youngster making an impression while playing above his usual age category was Gift Mulenga, who normally competes in the Under-12s.
Unseeded in the Boys’ Under-14 draw, Gift defeated the second and fourth seeds to reach the final against top seed Christian Mabo of Green Buffaloes.
Gift made a flying start, winning the opening set 6–0. Christian regrouped and drew on his experience to take the next two sets 6–2, 6–3, securing the crown.
Christian earned the title, while Gift’s run to the final highlighted the promise of a young player already challenging older opponents.
🇿🇲 YULA ULENDO CONTINUES HER WINNING RUN
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Fresh from her CAT Under-14 tour in Kenya, Yula Ulendo carried her momentum into Mufulira, upsetting top seed Joyce Nalwizya 6–2, 6–2 to claim the Girls’ Under-14 title.
From Emmanuel’s second title to determined comebacks and breakthroughs by younger players, the championships offered plenty to celebrate.
The Zambia Tennis Association sincerely thanks the tournament’s main sponsors, Select Health Care Foundation and Professional Insurance, for supporting the Mike Mambwe Junior Tennis Championships and helping our young players develop through competition.
Congratulations to our champions, finalists and all participating players! 🎾🇿🇲
