Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
ZIMBABWE basketball has been left without leadership after the International Basketball Federation refused to acknowledge the outcome of the Basketball union of Zimbabwe elections held on November 15, 2025.
In a letter to BUZ, FIBA said they cannot recognise the election of two presidents, describing the arrangement as a breach of governance standards required of national federations.
“FIBA cannot recognise the existence of two elected Presidents,” wrote FIBA Africa executive director Julien Farran and FIBA head of legal affairs Jaime Lamboy.
The letter was copied to FIBA Africa president Anibal Manave. The governing body said the election of two individuals to the same office violates principles of clarity, stability and proper representation expected from a national federation.
FIBA said they will maintain its position until one president is elected through a legitimate and legally certain process.
“This decision is taken solely to protect the integrity of BUZ’s governance and does not prejudge the intentions or qualifications of any individual involved,” the letter reads.
FIBA has asked for BUZ’s latest constitution and statutes to establish whether there is a lawful mechanism to resolve the impasse.
The crisis stems from an elective congress in Gweru that failed to produce a clear winner.
Four candidates were expected to contest the presidency. Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu withdrew at the last minute, leaving David Pick, Johnson Shumba and Taurai Chitsinde in the race.
Chitsinde was eliminated in the first round after failing to secure a single vote.
Pick and Shumba then split the 10 provincial votes evenly. A second ballot again ended 5-5. A third round produced the same result.
With no clause in the constitution to break the deadlock, congress officials declared a shared presidency between Pick and Shumba.
BUZ statutes do not provide for a co-presidency.
FIBA have now rejected that outcome, leaving Zimbabwe without recognised basketball leadership at international level.
The development places the federation’s participation in continental and global competitions under threat, as FIBA recognition is required for official tournaments and access to development programmes.
