Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira and Tinashe Kusema
THE wait is over!
Vitalis Chikoko will today mark his long-awaited return to the Basketball union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) National Club Championships when the tournament tips off in Bulawayo this morning.
Chikoko is one of three marquee signings who were made by defending champions Basket Hounds, putting an end to a 15-year wait by the France-based centre and Zimbabwe captain to play in the tournament.
“Yes, this is huge,” said Hounds coach Tawanda Nyamutambwe.It is not huge for us as Basket Hounds but also for the tournament and Zimbabwe basketball. It has been 15 years since Vitah (Chikoko) played in the tournament and we are all very excited to have him.Hopefully, he will be the ace in the hole that gives us the title and a return to the Basketball Africa League,” he said.
Hounds are desperate to turn their fortunes around after the Harare giants lost their Harare Basketball Association (HBA) Super Six title to newboys Harare Kings.Hounds were hit by a massive exodus at the start of the 2025/26 season, losing as many as ten players.However, they managed to just scrap through and secure one of four qualification slots from Harare.Now, they have brought in reinforcements.On top of Chikoko, Hounds have secured the services of two Zambia nationals, Tawonga Ngoma and Tatenda Mutepuka.
They also brought in Dylan Walker from Varsity Leopards. The BUZ National League tips off this morning at Khanyisile Sports Centre, launching a three-day basketball storm in the City of Kings.
Former BUZ president, Joe Mujuru, expects nothing short of a hoops blockbuster as the country’s top clubs converge in Bulawayo.
“Today is the day the talking stops and the real action begins,” said Mujuru.Whenever the country’s best clubs come together, you expect serious competition because every team wants to prove they are the top force in Zimbabwe.This tournament has always been special because it brings out the best in players, coaches and fans.
“We expect a fantastic atmosphere and top-quality competition from the opening tip.”
With today being Workers’ Day, Khanyisile is expected to come alive as basketball lovers from across the country pack the venue for what could be an explosive opening day.
Mujuru believes Bulawayo’s passionate hoops culture will make a huge difference.
“The city understands basketball and always creates an exciting environment. Home fans can lift the energy even higher and that is what makes tournaments like these memorable,” he said.
For Bulawayo teams — Mavericks and Lakers— today marks the start of a massive home-court mission. With local pride at stake, both sides will be desperate to feed off the crowd and make early statements.
But the road will not be easy.
Teams
Men’s Groups
Group A: Basket Hounds, Vic Falls Panthers, D-Knights, Lakers
Group B: Mavericks, Mbare Bulls, Masvingo Panthers, Warriors
Group C: Mercenaries, Legends, JBC, Cassy Blazers
Group D: Suns, Falcons, UZ Stars, Harare Kings
Women’s Groups
Group A: Wolves, Nust, UZ Sparks, Fillies, Cassy Blazers
Group B: Lakers, Chitora, Vixens, Hwange Colliery, Bisons.
