Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
OUSTANDING teams and individuals in the Mutare Developmental Basketball League (MDBL) walked away with accolades in honour of their excellence during a recent awards ceremony to mark the conclusion of an exhilarating 2025-2026 season.
Mutare Rangers were crowned champions following a stellar season and subsequently scooped the team of the year award.
Sophist were runners-up, while Hoopers, Juvinales and Hoopers Junior finished third, fourth and fifth respectively during a gruelling campaign whose competition got stiff by the week.
For propelling his team to a podium finish after turning on a brilliant individual show, Mujaji Prince-Gono, earned the most valuable player accolade.
Mutare Rangers’ success was further underlined by Mujaji Prince-Gono, who was named the most valuable player after a series of outstanding performances that proved pivotal in the team’s championship run.
The just-ended campaign also produced blossoming talent, with bright prospects, Ivan Nyoni (Hoopers Junior) and Tanatswa Dundundu (Rusape Mastungs) adjudged the promising players.
Bolis Sauramba (Chitora Warriors) and Rhodes Zinyemba (Dangamvura Knights) were the fan favourites, earning the people’s choice awards.
MDBL also rewarded individual brilliance across positions.
Kupakwashe Nyaude (Hoopers) and Wishmore Muratu (Juvinales) received honours in best shooting guards.
For producing the most assists, Marlon Shayi (Rusape Mastungs) and Tadiwa Mukwena (MBHS Shumbaz) came out tops.
Innocent Kobe (Rangers) and Craig Bolt (Hoopers) were outstanding on the boards and were named the best rebounders.
Solid defensive performances earned Last Mutengerere (Chitora Warriors) and Bliss Muonda (Hoopers Junior) awards, as were John (Sophist) and Jethro Saurombe (Mutare Academy) were rewarded for their leadership and control of the game as the best point guards.
For spirited effort and discipline, Benton Gonera (MBHS Shumbaz) and Kunashe Nyaude (Hoopers Junior) were adjudged the hardworking players. Takunda Zinguwo (Mutare Academy) and Farai Nyamanhindi (Sophist) also caught the eye with their sportsmanship. Consistency paid for Ronnie Pemhiwa (Dangamvura Knights) and Alan Banda (Juvinales) as they scooped the most improved player honours.
For leading Mutare Rangers to clinching gold, Dilfer Munyanyi was named coach of the year.
Top drawer match officiating from Rufaro Usada saw him walking away as the referee of the year.
As a cheerleader spearheading community backing of the sport, Mai Chief Zimunya of Chitora was recognised as the best supporter.
Mutare Academy (smartest team), Chitora Warriors (most well-developed team) and Rusape Mastungs (most well-disciplined team) did not go home empty-handed after picking accolades in the additional team awards. Meanwhile, with the awards ceremony festivities now in the rear view mirror, focus has now been turned to the national competition after Manicaland’s representatives for the upcoming National Basketball League tournament in Bulawayo were officially confirmed.
Mercenaries and Dangamvura Knights will be gunning for glory in the men’s category.
Women’s sides, Chitora and Wolve are the province’s representatives in their respective category.
Seasoned coach, Tinashe Chendaida will lead his Chitora’s charges in their quest for glory. The spotlight will also be on Dangamvura Knights’ youthful coach, who – at just 24 years of age – is among the future faces of the domestic game.
Under the tutelage of coach, Solomon, who boasts wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership of the game, Wolve will be out to defend their 2024-2025 national championship crown.
Manicaland Basketball Association (MBA) executive has said the selection process was purely on merit, and was strictly guided by league regulations. “Qualification was based, not only on performance, but also religious compliance to administrative requirements,” said MBA, adding that the selected teams satisfied all the requisite obligations that include paying affiliation fees in full and meeting registration deadlines.
The selection process was fair and transparent, and all clubs had equal opportunities guided by the regulations.
“Adhering to and upholding these standards is crucial in strengthening the professionalism, accountability, transparency and integrity of the province’s basketball structures,” added MBA.
MBA urged the Manicaland’s representatives for the national tournament to adequately prepare and turn up in Bulawayo on top of their game to claim honours and hoist the province’s flag high.
