Sibonokuhle Mboni
NUST women and Tigers Gweru’s men emerged as the big winners at the Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) pre-season tournament after claiming their respective titles at the Bulawayo Club of the Disabled at the weekend.
NUST’s women’s side beat Southern Mavericks 31-15 in the final, while Tigers Gweru defeated NUST 55-45 to lift the men’s title in a tournament that offered an early glimpse of the teams’ readiness for the 2026/27 league season, which starts on Saturday.
The two-day competition featured 26 matches and gave clubs an opportunity to assess their new signings ahead of the new campaign.
NUST were the standout performers, reaching the finals in both the men’s and women’s competitions, although only their women managed to finish the job.
The women’s team booked their place in the final with a narrow 33-31 victory over Tigers, setting up a showdown with Mavericks, who had edged Lakers 39-37 in the other semi-final.
NUST then produced a commanding display in the final, restricting Mavericks to just 15 points to secure the title.
Mavericks had entered the tournament among the favourites, with BBA secretary-general Tinotenda Gumbo identifying them as the team to beat before the competition. However, they left without a trophy.
In the men’s competition, NUST edged Lakers 39-37 in a closely contested semi-final to set up a final against Tigers, who had cruised past Legends 50-30.
Tigers maintained their impressive form in the final, beating NUST 55-45 to claim the men’s crown.
Lakers, who have been recruiting several players, including veterans, fell short in both semi-finals, but Gumbo said their performances offered encouraging signs ahead of the league season.
He expects the 2026/27 campaign to be competitive, with Lakers and Mavericks likely to challenge NUST throughout the season.
“NUST’s run to both finals showed they were ready to challenge the best teams,” he said.
The tournament also offered a first look at two new entrants in the elite leagues.
Gumbo said Catch Them Young, which has joined the men’s division, was a youthful side that displayed commitment and could make an impact during the season.
Hillside Teachers’ College, meanwhile, will compete in the women’s elite league. Gumbo said the team could also be competitive if its new players settled in well.
Despite the encouraging start to the season, the BBA continues to operate without a budget and is appealing for corporate partners to help meet prize money, referees’ fees and venue costs.
RESULTS
Women’s semi-finals
Southern Mavericks 39-37 Lakers
NUST 33-31 Tigers
Women’s final
NUST 31-15 Southern Mavericks
Men’s semi-finals
Tigers Gweru 50-30 Legends
NUST 39-37 Lakers
Men’s final
Tigers Gweru 55-45 NUST
