adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Region provinces, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South failed to send junior teams to compete in the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe inter-provincial tournament that starts today in Harare.
The competition which runs concurrently with the seniors’ is meant to select the national Under-16 teams that will participate in the Afro-Basketball qualifiers set for Botswana in April.
Buz secretary-general Joe Mujuru said Bulawayo only managed to send their senior men and women’s teams for the Games.
“The stage is set for the Inter-Provincials that start tomorrow (today) at Belvedere Teachers’ College and will end on Sunday. As a national association we are obviously disappointed with the fact that provinces like Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North didn’t send representatives for any category which is very worrisome especially if you look at the development of the sport. Bulawayo failed to send juniors but their senior teams are here and all other provinces are sending four teams each that is two juniors and two seniors,” said Mujuru.
He said his executive will, after the competition, work on establishing structures in areas where there is no basketball as part of their efforts to spread the sport to all corners of the country.
Buz is also using the Inter-Provincials as a preparatory tournament for the senior national teams which will participate at the joint Afro-Basketball and All-Africa qualifiers to be held in Bulawayo from February 21-28.
Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Basketball Association technical boss Mxolisi Ndlovu is confident that the province will shine at the national meeting.
“We’ve got a strong, talented side driven by desire and ambition to conquer the local scene. Our target is to have both teams playing in the finals which is attainable and probably win the tournament. We’re looking forward to some interesting matches,” said Ndlovu.
Bulawayo teams
Men: Liberty Nyathi, Mthokozisi Sithole, Nyasha Ngove, William Mututudi, Kelvin Maingire, Tafadzwa Gonyora (all Southern Mavericks), Crayton Moyo, Jordan Davies (both Highlanders), Andile Chirinda (Nust), Shade Noble, Terrence Kapere, Shawn Murambatsvina (Oilers)
Coach: Daniel Mombeshora
Women: Jacqueline Phenduka, Geraldine Chiponda, Pretty Tinarwo, Celldome Woods, Cleopatra Mhanda, Yolanda Matayataya (all Lakers), Sharon Chamwarura, Melisa Majonga, Blantina Muleya, Nobukhosi Ndlovu (all Southern Mavericks), Nozithelo Ncube (Highlanders), Sharmaine Sibanda (Angels). Coach: Sam Mutswanga.
Online Reporter