Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) in conjunction with Big Five Events are set to host the inaugural Khanyisile basketball tournament that will run from October 28-29.
The tournament, aimed at fundraising funds for the revamping of the second court at Khanyisile Sports Centre, will be held at the venue’s main arena.
The second court at the facility is unusable, hence BBA and Big Five Events have seen it fit to act on getting the court working again.
Durall Adams from Big Five Events said preparations for the competition were well on course.
“The tournament is composed of three groups: senior women, senior men and veterans group of men. So it’s a very competitive competition.
“The sponsor is Khanyisile Sports Centre owner Owen Dube who is sponsoring the trophies and shields. Big five entertainment which also has Kimble Rogers, Barry Bedder, Emity smooth and Mark Vusani in its books are the other sponsors.
“The idea is to raise funds to fix the outside court. We have sent letters to PPC to ask for donations for the rehabilitation of the second court. We also want to get the veterans league going as there are a lot of old guys that can give back to the sport of basketball.
“The competition is also meant to show unity within our sport. We are excited to have the inaugural edition of this tournament and are excited with the response of teams coming from all over the country,” said Adams.
Women teams that have confirmed participation are Lakers, JBC, UZ Sparks, Byo City Towers, GZU Women.
In the veterans’ category, Legends, Clippers select, Unicorns, Gweru Legends, Mbare Bulls and Harare Sons will battle.
The senior men category will feature Legends, Lakers, JBC, Vic Falls Panthers, Falcons, Mavericks, Giants, Wolves and GZU.
More teams are expected to be added. – @innocentskizoe
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter