Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira , Sports Reporter
THE women’s final at the inaugural edition of the Khanyisile Basketball Tournament was abandoned after Harare-based side JBC walked off the court in protest over alleged poor officiating yesterday.
At the time, JBC were trailing 18-9 against Mzansi Lakers in the second quarter. The men’s final was, however, completed and saw Lakers Mzansi triumph 58-39 over Legends.
The incident did not go well with the Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) which worked in conjunction with Big Five Events to hold the tournament.
“The tournament was exciting. We are glad that we managed to have all teams that had registered coming in for the event. For the first time in a long time, we had an all-Bulawayo final in the men’s division.
“Unfortunately, the women’s final could not be finished as JBC forfeited the game citing complaints against the officials. I think it’s a very unfortunate incident as it brings the game into disrepute.
“It’s not good for our sponsors to come and watch the game and then the final not conclude.
“We as BBA are not happy because it’s disappointing to the sponsors and fans who have come to enjoy the game to have a team walking out. We hope this will all be ratified,” said BBA secretary general Francis Dube.
The competition was meant to fundraise for the renovation of the Khanyisile Sports Centre outside court. – @innocentskizoe
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