Online Reporter
Ray Bande, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE exciting Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) National Championships reached a thrilling climax, with the indomitable defending champions Basket Hounds set to face Mbare Bulls in the final.
Mbare Bulls and Varsity Leopards advanced to the semi-finals from Group A, while Basket Hounds and Arcadia Bucs progressed from Group B.
Mutare based Dangamvura Knights, Minosa Celtics, Vic Falls Panthers, JBC, Giaths and Villa Stars bowed out of the 2025 edition of the competition after the group stages.
In the women’s series, Wolves thumped Kushinga 48-31.
Basket Hounds have been ruthless from the onset of the tournament on Thursday, outplaying Giants with an emphatic 106-80 scoreline. They went on to dominate Arcadia Bucs, winning 67-49 in the group stage of the exhilarating contest.
President of the Manicaland Basketball Association, Tapiwa Justice Nyauchi, thanked all stakeholders for making this year’s competition a resounding success.
“We really want to give a special thank you to BUZ president Joe Mujuru and his team for their dedication and leadership, in ensuring the success of this national event.
“We are also grateful to the leadership and staff of Mutare Boys High School (MBHS) and Mutare Girls High School (MGHS) for their generous hospitality, the use of their facilities, and the warm reception extended to teams and fans alike.
“Finally, to our loyal Manicaland basketball community, thank you for turning out in numbers and backing our teams with unmatched passion. Your presence and support made this tournament truly special,” he said.
Nyauchi added that following the conclusion of the annual basketball contest, focus now shifts to the upcoming Winter League.
“We now turn our attention to the upcoming Winter League, set to begin in June at Mwenje and running through August (weather permitting). We hope to see each and every stakeholder of the game courtside once again,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu