adminRay Bande Senior Reporter
THE inaugural ‘basketball against drugs’ tournament held at Beit Hall in the sprawling suburb of Dangamvura on New Years’ Eve was an apt reminder of the huge following the sport still enjoys in the country’s high density suburbs.
Residents from different walks of life turned Dangamvura courts into a sea of different colours as Mutare Select locked horns with Mutare Select for the first edition of the tournament. Although the gist of the tournament was not primarily to seek glory on the court but to spread the anti drugs message to youths, an exciting encounter pitting the two teams saw the hosts, Dangamvura Select romping to a convincing 66-46 triumph over a determined Mutare Select.
Petrson Westcoast, former national team player Innocent ‘Stolz’ Sithole and captain Trevor Sanyatwe did all they could to offer resistance for Mutare Select side but Dangamvura Select trio of Tinashe Njovo, national team player Moses Muyambo and Kuda Pote were just in terrific form as they masterminded the destruction of Mutare Select. However, Mutare Select found solace in the performance of their ladies who thumped their Dangamvura counterparts 47-3 in a curtain raising match. Guest of honour during the event Mutare Mayor Councillor Tatenda Nhamarare said there is need for more similar initiatives even in other sporting genres.
“We really want to applaud the organisers of this event for such a noble initiative. We actually need more similar initiatives even in other sporting genres. There is no doubt that the message should be sent loud and clear that youths must stay away from drugs,” said Nhamarare. Myambo, who was heavily involved in organising the tournament, thanked the corporate players who partnered the event.
“We really want to thank the event managers, Power Strike and all those who made this event a huge success it was. We have bigger plans for this event as we go into the future,’ said Muyambo.
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