Chiware retains BUZ presidency

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
SEASONED administrator Addison Chiware yesterday retained his post as president of the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe unopposed at an election held during their congress at the National Sports Stadium.
This will be his second term in office after he was elected in 2009 to lead the basketball mother body. Before his election in 2009, Chiware was appointed as the president on an interim basis by the Sports Commission which had dissolved the BUZ executive in 2006.

Chiware said they are looking forward to the task ahead of them as they seek to take basketball to another level in the next four years with their focus being on winning medals in various regional, continental and international events.

“The next step is podium performance, we want to see the best level of basketball. We want medals starting from our junior level and I think our first target will be next year’s Zone Six Under-20 Games. We want each team to at least get a bronze medal.

“A few weeks from now we are going for a retreat so that we formulate a strategic plan from all stakeholders. From there obviously we have aspirations as BUZ and I am going to make some presentations.

“People will look at the best tactics we can apply for basketball to be on the podium. We want basketball to be visible. We also want to make sure that we have well structured provincial structures,” said Chiware.

The newly-elected president said they are also looking at putting up a permanent secretariat that will assist with the day to day running of the union.

Chiware said they did their best in the past four years to stay afloat considering the economic situation with sponsorship being the main challenge and indicated that there is need to come up with initiatives that will help the sport reach great heights.

“I believe things can change for the better but you know you can’t wait for things to change for you. We want to partner organisations that are multi-national in structure. We have had talks with some and it’s that kind of initiative you have to take. Even if there is a bleak situation you need to stay relevant,” said Chiware.

The other members of the committee are secretary general Joe Mujuru, president competitions Forbes Shuva, technical Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, Women and Youth Charmaine Chamboko and Shinga Magede who will lead the athletes’ commission. All members of Chiware’s board were unopposed.