Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
KELVIN BEN got off to the best possible start to his international coaching career, after Zimbabwe beat regional powerhouse, Mozambique 71-57 in their opening game of the AfroCan qualifiers in Bulawayo on Tuesday night.
While the basketball tournament has been marred by apathy, as Malawi and South Africa withdrew from the competition at the eleventh hour, that did not stop the hosts from putting their best foot forward.
Zimbabwe men’s team captain, Vitalis Chikoko led from the front, as the France-based centre finished with a game-high 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
The Pau-Orthez centre stood head and shoulders above the rest, as only Mozambique’s Jeremias Mtamjate managed to reach double-figures, with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
It was a good day in the office for the local game, as the women’s team also got their AfroBasket Qualifiers off to a flyer, as they eased past Zambia 69-57.
Sharon Chamwarura finished with a game-high tally for the hosts, with 21 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Takudzwa Lopez Viki chipped in with her own 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The two tournaments are running concurrently, with the men taking part in the AfroCan qualifiers, while the women take part in the AfroBasket qualifiers.
Following the withdrawal of Malawi and South Africa, the women’s tournament now features four teams, namely, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and hosts Zimbabwe.
The men’s AfroCan Qualifiers, on the other hand, will now feature three teams, namely Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The AfroCan tournament is a national team competition aimed at players based on the continent, specifically, for countries that will not compete in the World Cup African Qualifiers.
Online Reporter