Byo teams flounder at national champs

Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO basketball teams failed to impress at the Zimbabwe National Club Championships which were held at Regina Mundi High School in Gweru last week. The three-day tournament ended on Saturday. Harare teams reached the finals of both the men and women’s categories to emphasise their dominance over their Southern Region counterparts.

Cameo thumped Raiderz 76-68 to win the men’s title while Vixens beat Green Stars 59-53 to lift the women’s top award.
Vixens coach Simon Lawson was impressed with the team’s performance despite carrying the underdog tag going into the event.

“I am happy we worked hard as a team this is our first year as a club, we came into the tournament unseeded and gave all our best and we managed to win the championship,” said Lawson.

Bulawayo women’s team and pre-tournament favourites Lakers failed to live up to expectations as they lost to city rivals Mavericks 40-47 in quarter-finals.

Lakers, coached by former national team gaffer Sikhumbuzo “SV” Ndlovu were bubbling with confidence after winning the Garura and Bob 90 tournaments earlier this year.

Mavericks’ women went on to lose in the semi-finals 31-40 to Green Stars while their male counterparts had a fair run in the tournament. They eliminated men’s favourites JBC in the quarter-finals 61-56.

Mavericks lost 48-54 to Raiderz in the semi-finals, however they managed to beat Unicorns to scoop the bronze medal.
BUZ competitions director Shuva Forbes praised the level of competition exhibited.

“Everything went accordingly, it was full of surprises as both teams that reached the final in the women’s category were underdogs and they did exceptionally well.

“The top two teams in both categories have already qualified for the Zone VI Club Championship that will be held in Harare in August,” said Forbes.

Results:
Quarter-finals
Women: Green Stars 56-34 Green Academy, JBC 56-31 Real Retuners, Vixens 55-22 Raiderz, Lakers 40-47 Mavericks,
Men: Raiderz 63-27 Oilers, Unicorns 57-53 Hustlers, Cameo 64- 27 Giants, JBC 56-61 Mavericks,

Semi-finals
Men: Cameo 49-33 Unicorns, Raiderz 54-48 Mavericks,
Women: Green Stars 40-31 Mavericks, Vixens 45-40 JBC
Final
Women: Green Stars 53-59 Vixens
Men: Cameo 76-68 Raiderz