Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE Kings are claiming more territory, and nothing for now can stop them.
Fresh from conquering Harare basketball, the newboys have now added the national title to the growing list of achievements.
They will now represent the country at this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers.
Head coach Tafara Chirambira was on cloud nine as he hugged the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) National League title soon after watching his boys thrash seasoned campaigners JBC 82-40 during Sunday night’s final in Bulawayo.
“Proud is an understatement,” said Chirambira. “Words cannot begin to express just how happy I am that we managed to pull it off and do so in such convincing style.
“When we began this journey, this season, our task was only to avoid relegation and build on from there.
“However, to become provincial and national champions is huge,” he said.
What makes the Harare Kings’ story great is that the club is only two years into existence after having been founded in 2025.
Their mandate and ultimate goal was to conquer the continent and put Zimbabwe at the high table of African basketball.
The Basketball Africa League is the quickest route, and the Harare and national champions are well on their way.
The Kings dominated the National League, making light work of two former champion sides, Basket Hounds (72-47) and JBC, on their way to the title.
After emerging from their group undefeated, Harare Kings beat the Vitalis Chikoko-led Basket Hounds in the semi-final.
Hounds entered the tournament as defending champions.
Harare Kings then also beat JBC in a largely one-sided affair.
Dyvonne Pfachi and new signing Nkosinathi Sibanyoni from South Africa turned the match into a two-men show.
Sibanyoni finished with a game-high 24 points, 22 rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Pfachi had 17 points, three steals, four assists and two rebounds.
They found assistance from Panashe Kaduya, who chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds during the annihilation of the former champions JBC.
For his overall contribution and performance, Pfachi walked away with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
He is also the lead favourite for the Harare Basketball Association Super Six league individual award.
“It was a tough tournament as usual,” said Chirambira.
“Truly, the best of Zimbabwean basketball has to offer and we are happy we won and the route to the final was very tough.
