Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Manicaland Basketball Association (MBA) 2026–2027 season roared to life at Dangamvura Beit Sports Fields Court on MatchDay One, delivering exhilarating action across the Developmental League, Women Manicaland Basketball Association League, and Major League.
Matches this season will be hosted at Raylton, Dangamvura and the soon-to-be-commissioned Sakubva Courts.
The talk of the day was the arrival of Cavaliers, the newest franchise in the league.
Hailing from the Mercenaries basketball family, Cavaliers entered the competition with both a men’s and a ladies’ team, signalling immediate intent. Boasting an experienced roster, the franchise made it clear they intend to dominate. They backed up the hype immediately.
In the Women Manicaland Basketball Association, the Cavaliers ladies’ team crushed Dangamvura Knights 61-24, while their men’s side claimed a 20-00 walkover against Mutare Rangers.
The Women Manicaland Basketball Association most valuable player award went to Sonet Chiwangira, of Cavaliers.
The Major League closed MatchDay One with a thrilling Dangamvura derby.
On Sunday afternoon, Sixers were narrowly edged 40-42 by Dangamvura Knights. In another tight fixture, Villa Stars defeated Mutare Poly 46-40, with the MVP award going to Takudzwa Boora of Villa Stars.
The Developmental League set the tone early with intense junior action.
Chitora Warriors defeated Dangamvura Knights Jnr 14-06.
Baring Stars overpowered Hoopers Jnr 32-14, before beating Chitora Warriors 18-10. Hoopers Jnr bounced back to beat Dangamvura Knights Jnr 16-08, before Baring Stars cruised past Dangamvura Knights Jnr 09-01.
Chitora Warriors closed the junior programme by defeating Hoopers Jnr 16-08. Selected best five players: Wish Muyambo, Wishes Muyambo, Believe Zimunya, Desire Sithole, and Tinotenda Boso.
MBA season 2026-2027 gets underway
