Chikoko makes history in France

ZIMBABWE national basketball team captain, Vitalis Chikoko has become the first African to win the French Cup and get named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second year running.

His team, Dijon were crowned champions of the Coupe de France 2024 tournament after winning 83-70 against Strasbourg.

Dijon dominated the first quarter and led by five points at the end of it. Strasbourg meanwhile replied with 22-18 and 19-16 in the second and the third quarters respectively.

The last stanza was decisive in the game as Dijon ensured a 25-10 surge to seal the trophy. Chikoko was the stand-out player for Dijon, scoring 20 points. He was followed by Giovan Oniangue with 16 points.

On the other side, Tyrius Mcgee scored 19 points, while Phil Booth contributed 13.Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) president, Joe Mujuru is full of praise over the achievements of the national team captain.

“We are pleased to see Chikoko doing so well. We couldn’t be more proud. His achievements are a point of pride for both Zimbabwe and the entire African continent. This success will go a long way in motivating and inspiring some of the basketball youngsters here in Zimbabwe and on the continent as a whole,” said Mujuru.

The 2,08m tall Chikoko is widely acknowledged as one of the top players in the French Jeep Elite ProA.Chikoko has earned three successive All-Star nominations in the last three seasons while also being a serious contender for the Jeep Elite ProA Most Valuable Player (MVP), to underline his status as one of the biggest stars of the French top division.

The Zimbabwe national team star has been based in Europe since 201, when he moved to German club BG Goettingen.

After one season with Goettingen, Chikoko went to TBB Trier before his journey led him to Italy with Reggio Emilia and Verona.

He returned to Germany with FC Bayern Munich before moving to France in 2016.—@innocentskizoe