admintravel to Egypt for the AfroBasket championships was a setback to the development of sport in the country.
The team, battling to raise US$42 000 to cater for airfares and accommodation, is still holed up in Zimbabwe, three days after their scheduled departure.
“We failed today (yesterday) to secure the finances from the ministry but as the biggest stakeholder we feel the athletes are the ones most affected and they deserve better treatment,” said Magede.
“For events like these we need to involve more stakeholders as this helps the athletes and everyone involved.
“The athletes are the ones who suffer most as they had prepared both physically and mentally only to be let down on the last minute.
“We feel short-changed as this is a very high level of competition and we call everyone across board to the take these issues into consideration,” Magede said.
Magede said the reputation of the country also suffered when its national teams failed to fulfil its commitments at such tournaments.
“If the team or an athlete fails to honour a promise for an event it is the reputation of the country that suffers most.
“We call upon intervention and input from all the powers that be, not only in basketball, but in all the sporting disciplines.
“The situation is bad and several sporting disciplines are suffering,” Magede said.
Online Reporter