Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BUZ entered new territory at the weekend after a dramatic election in Gweru ended without a winner for the presidency, forcing congress to settle for an outcome the constitution doesn’t even recognise. Instead of walking out with a clear leader, delegates left with a pair of them.
Four candidates had been lined up for the top job before Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu withdrew at the last minute. That left David Pick, Johnson Shumba and Taurai Chitsinde on the ballot. Chitsinde fell out immediately after failing to pick up a single vote in the opening round, and the remaining two split all 10 provincial votes down the middle.
A second round ended the same way. So did a third. With no movement and no clause in the constitution to deal with the deadlock, officials announced a shared presidency while they wait for the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) to guide the next steps.
A delegate close to the process, who asked not to be named, said the tension in the room was obvious as the ties kept coming.
“The provinces were clearly divided, and once the second tie came through, everyone knew we were heading into uncomfortable territory. The mood was tense. When the co-presidency was finally announced, people were shocked, but not surprised.”
Veteran administrator Sunny Mbofana didn’t hold back when he weighed in on the outcome. He warned that the union now faces a delicate balancing act.
“The co-presidency arrangement between Johnson Shumba and David Pick is a concern, given their past differences. For the game to move forward, they must put aside their ego and work towards a common goal. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Ignatious Ewart Yesaya’s election as secretary general is a welcome development. His sobriety, independence, and willingness to learn make him an ideal candidate to navigate the challenges ahead,” said Mbofana.
He argued that the structural gaps exposed by the election need attention.
“The real challenge lies in keeping the co-presidents in check and ensuring they work together for the greater good.
“The BUZ constitution may need to be revisited to address voting ties and provide a clear roadmap for breaking such situations in the future. In hindsight, the election chair, Admire Masenda, could have exercised his right to cast a deciding vote, breaking the deadlock and avoiding the co-presidency arrangement. Alternatively, the outgoing president, Joe Mujuru, could have played a mediating role. Masenda’s neutral vote would have been a fair way to resolve the impasse.
“The road ahead is tough, but with collaboration and a shared vision, Zimbabwean basketball can still thrive.
“The focus should now shift to developing a comprehensive plan for national teams, securing meaningful funding, and empowering talent and clubs to reach their full potential,” said Mbofana.
While the presidency grabbed the headlines, the secretary general race produced a decisive outcome. Ignatius Yesaya edged Brighton Ncube 6–4 to take over the union’s administrative reins.
Theresa Manuel won the Commission for Women and Youth Basketball by the same margin against Amanda Chari. Masimba Hondo now leads the athletes’ commission.
Several other positions were uncontested, with Tonderayi Shasha taking over the Technical Commission, Francis Dube heading the Competitions Commission, and Ncube, despite losing the secretary general vote, returning as treasurer.
