Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A BASKETBALL war is on and the court action isn’t just on the hardwood!
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) President Joe Mujuru, has come out swinging after seven of the country’s ten provincial basketball associations threw a full-court press against his leadership, issuing a vote of no confidence and accusing him of running the sport into the ground.
But Mujuru is not going down without a fight.
In a strongly worded letter dated 24 July, his legal team Sengweni Legal Practice hit back, calling the rebellion “unconstitutional, ill-advised and of no consequence.” The legal eagles argue the provinces have no power to boot Mujuru out without a properly convened Central Board meeting, which they say hasn’t happened.
“Our client will not resign as requested. The purported seven-member vote of no confidence is a nullity and of no consequence,” reads the letter.
This is the boldest counter-move yet by Mujuru, who has been under fire for weeks over a cocktail of scandalous allegations.
The provinces, in a damning letter dated 23 July, accused the president of turning BUZ into a personal playground with incompetence, corruption, and constitutional violations all thrown onto the scoreboard.
They claim Mujuru and his right-hand woman, Secretary General Charmaine Chamboko, have misused government and Fiba funds, hand-picked national players through nepotism, and commercialised Fiba refresher courses under the table. A shady move that could get Zimbabwe suspended internationally.
“Basketball in Zimbabwe has dived into a death pool,” wrote the furious provinces. “There is no strategic direction.
We are invisible in regional and continental events. The national championship in Mutare was a disaster.”
They also slammed the BUZ leadership for failing to submit financial reports and progress updates. Accusing the duo of running the sport like a backyard hustle.
Citing Articles 27 and 53 of the BUZ constitution, the rebel provinces claim they have every right to act in cases of incompetence or ethical violations. They have already set the date, 26 July, to meet and appoint an interim leadership committee.
Mujuru’s lawyers are, however, having none of it.
They argue that only the 25-member Central Board, convened by the Executive Committee or Secretary General with at least 15 days’ notice, can make such moves. Anything outside that process is a circus legally and procedurally.
“Nothing can arise from your intended meeting,” the legal letter reads. “Mujuru will remain the duly elected
President of BUZ until his term lapses or he is removed procedurally.”And the final dunk?
Mujuru is threatening to go full court legal press, warning that if the provinces push ahead with their plan, he will sue them personally at their own cost.
As the tension builds, basketball fans across Zimbabwe are left watching from the sidelines, wondering who will score the final buzzer beater, the angry provinces or the embattled president.
For now, it is Game On.
