Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TAWANDA Nemutambwe knows what it means to stand before a fervent home crowd carrying the hopes of Zimbabwe’s basketball community.
He has done it at senior men’s level and in junior basketball.
But his most recent experience left a bitter taste.
Nemutambwe was in charge last year when his club lost all its matches during the Basketball Africa League Qualifiers at the City Sports Centre.
That disappointment has stayed with him.
Now, the Zimbabwe Under-18 boys job has given him another opportunity to lead a team before a home crowd and chase a different ending.
His assignment begins on July 25, when Zimbabwe host the FIBA Under-18 AfroBasket Zone Six Qualifiers in Harare.
“It’s always a great honour to be afforded the chance to represent the nation at any level,” said Nemutambwe.
“I was really excited and happy when I received the news that I had been appointed as the Zimbabwe Under-18 boys coach.
“Now, I am very much looking forward to the task that lies ahead.”
Zimbabwe were handed the hosting rights after the withdrawal of Botswana, who had initially been scheduled to stage the qualifiers.
Zimbabwe’s prospects have also improved following the withdrawals of Angola and Mozambique, the two teams expected to start as favourites.
They have been replaced by Madagascar and Namibia, leaving the three countries to battle for a place at the continental finals in Côte d’Ivoire later this year.
Angola are four-time champions, while Mozambique are two-time silver medallists.
Nemutambwe is refusing to read too much into their withdrawals.
“Madagascar have a solid basketball programme, and coming all the way to participate in these qualifiers says a lot about their intent and targets,” said the Basket Hounds coach.
“Namibia, we can’t afford to rule them out, as they have a promising squad, based on the research I have done, and I’m sure they will do whatever it takes for them to qualify.
“This just means whoever wants it the most and is best prepared will win on the day,” he said.
Nemutambwe has spent the past few weeks shaping his squad and game plan.
He believes his experience in schools and age-group basketball has prepared him for the assignment.
Last year’s disappointment, however, remains central to how he is approaching this campaign.
“I think, for me, the track record I have with age-group and school-level basketball speaks for itself,” he said.
“I have led The Heritage School to a couple of championships and have attained some significant results for their programme over the past couple of years.
“So, this is not new territory. Also, exiting a major tournament while playing in front of a home crowd did something to me.
“There are many lessons which I will carry from that experience.
“For the kids, playing at home will help them too, as it may play a major role in boosting our confidence level, having all the home support.”
The home advantage has come with its own challenges.
Zimbabwe have a genuine chance to qualify for the African finals, but players and coaches have struggled with transport during preparations.
Trials were held across the country before the technical team reduced the squad to 30 players.
Training has since been spread across satellite venues in Kambuzuma and Dzivaresekwa.
“We already went through the motions,” said Nemutambwe.
“We had trials in all provinces, after which we trimmed down the squad to 30.
“We have been holding our training sessions at satellite venues such as Kambuzuma and Dzivaresekwa. Yes, transport for both players and coaches to attend sessions has been difficult, but we have pushed through.
“We have engaged some partners, hoping to secure funds and hope to get positive responses soon.
“The good thing is that my technical team managed to get all the possible local players we wanted, and we are now just waiting for two foreign-based guys coming in from the United Kingdom and South Africa.
“We are now in the final stages of our preparations and should be announcing the final squad on July 22.
“After that, we will get into our final camp and try to get a feel of the court ahead of the competition.”
A year ago, Nemutambwe walked away from a major tournament before a home crowd without a victory.
When he returns with Zimbabwe’s Under-18s, he will carry the lessons of that campaign and the expectations that come with a genuine chance to qualify.
This time, he hopes to leave with a place at the African finals.
Bongani Ndlovu