Broke MAB sweats over national championships

Liberty Dube Sports Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the forthcoming National Basketball Club Championships to be held during the Easter Holidays in Mutare have been marred by serious lack of sponsorship and financial support from stakeholders. Although all venues are ready for the fiesta, with all 40 teams from different parts of the country confirming participation, the Manicaland Basketball Association (MBA) is struggling to acquire financial support from stakeholders to ensure the smooth flow of the annual competition that will see the eastern border city hosting the three-day jamboree event after so many years.

In last year’s championships, Manicaland did not participate as they boycotted after Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) made a last minute decision to deny Manicaland the chance to host the exciting annual event.

Now that the provincial association has been given the mandate to host the event, it appears financial challenges are set to deter them from hosting a successful event.
Time is running out and MBA spokesperson Taurai Dhliwayo has extended the begging bowl to businesspersons, companies and individuals to come aboard with financial assistance to enable the competition to run smoothly and flawlessly.

“We are tirelessly sourcing for funds for shields and medals for six winners (three males and three females) as well as for entertainment (disco hiring) and payment of referees, among other things. We are still to get a dollar from any sponsor and we continue to appeal to stakeholders with financial assistance to come aboard and assist us. We are left with a few days to put all logistics in place,” said Moyo.

The top four teams from each of the 10 provincial basketball leagues will participate, including few female teams.
Top four teams in the Manicaland provincial league, Mercenaries, Sophist, Dangamvura and Africa University will represent the province.
Two female teams, Sharks and Mutare Teachers’ College will also represent the province.

The games will be played at Raylton Sports Club, Mutare Sports Club and Mutare Boys’ High School, while the finals will be played at Mutare Boys’ High School.
“We call people in Mutare to come and rally behind their teams,” he added.