Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BASKETBALL heads into a crucial election weekend clouded by sharp criticism from one of its most seasoned voices.
Veteran administrator Sunny Mbofana believes the sport has stalled and says tomorrow’s vote in Gweru must signal a turning point for a game he feels has lost its spark.
He says the decline has been clear for years.
“My take is the game has been stagnant for a long time, look, the national teams have not been participating in a meaningful way and there has been no meaningful development in the game,” he said.Mbofana acknowledged the efforts of outgoing president Joe Mujuru and his executive but insists fresh ideas are now needed.
“I do not want to take anything away from Joe Mujuru and his team as they have done their part and all they could, but we now need someone who can help take the game to next and better level,” he said. He also questioned whether some of the candidates stepping forward have shown enough leadership at grassroots level to drive renewal.
“I honestly have reservations on the candidates available, especially for the president’s position, as most of them have not done enough in their respective constituencies,” said Mbofana.
“But we just have to give them credit for their passion for the game and for their decisions to step forward to serve.”
What matters most, he said, is unity.
Mbofana believes the next leader must bring calm to a divided basketball community and build a culture of shared purpose.
“Otherwise we need someone who can help bring peace to the Zimbabwe basketball fraternity, someone who has a clear vision and the ability to realise that in as much as he may have strengths he may as well have frailties, which is a human trait, and the need to work with everyone for the common good,” he said.
Tomorrow’s elections will see Lawrance Taurai Chitsinde, Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, David Pick, and Johnson Shumba contest the presidency. The battle for the secretary’s post will be fought by Brighton Ncube, Tonderayi Sengai, and Ignatius Yesaya.
Women and Youth Basketball will be led by either Rumbidzai Chari or Theresa Manuel.
The battle for the Athletes Commission feature Makomborero Bvudzawabaya, Nhlahla Ndlovu, and Masimba Hondoyedzomba.
Tonderayi Shasha takes over the Technical Commission, Francis Dube will run Competitions, and Brighton Ncube becomes treasurer after they were all unchallenged.
