Innocent Kurira [email protected]
THE Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) has set October 23 for the start of the 2026/27 league season, with a pre-season tournament scheduled for October 16 to 18 as clubs step up preparations for the new campaign.
The association has outlined a roadmap that includes club affiliation, a national referees’ grading exercise and the release of full league fixtures on October 19.
BBA president Sinda Mono said preparations were underway to ensure that all administrative and technical requirements were met before the season gets underway.
“Preparations are underway, and our focus is to ensure that everything is in place for a smooth start to the season. The pre-season tournament will allow teams to assess their readiness, while the administrative processes and referees’ grading are important in ensuring that we are ready for the new campaign,” said Mono.
The pre-season tournament dates have been revised from October 2 to 4 to October 16 to 18, giving teams additional time to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the competitive season.
The national referees’ grading exercise is scheduled for October 10, with all referees expected to participate, while coaches and players may attend voluntarily.
However, the BBA has emphasised that the league will not commence until the Unified Rules have been reviewed and upgraded.
Two secretaries-general are to be nominated to work with the Disciplinary Committee on the review process.
The release of fixtures will also depend on clubs meeting their affiliation and payment obligations, with the Competitions President expected to schedule teams only after receiving a list of paid-up clubs from the Treasurer General and Secretary General.
Only institutions will qualify for payment waivers, which will be administered through the
Treasurer General.
The association has also reminded clubs that all payments must be made through the bank, in accordance with resolutions adopted at the annual general meeting.
With fixtures expected to be released on October 19, clubs are now expected to complete the necessary administrative requirements ahead of the new season.
