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Sports Correspondent
THE Wheelchair Basketball Zimbabwe (WBZ) yesterday got a shot in the arm when aspiring Zanu-PF candidate for Makokoba, Tshinga Dube donated $400 to help the women’s national team prepare for the upcoming competion to be held in South Africa. The team is set to represent the country from 4-8 August and will compete with South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon and Morocco.
Speaking after handing over the cash yesterday in Makokoba, Dube applauded WBZ for flying high the national flag in their games.
“It touches me to note that there are people in our communities who are doing well in representing us as a country. This team comprises disabled people and it is our duty as Zimbabweans to help in any possible way.
“We are proud of the women’s team and we are confident that they are going to qualify for the international competitions pencilled for United States,” said Dube.
WBZ president and coach for the women’s team Walter Ndlovu said they were gratified by Dube’s timely donation as it has eased some of the burden of the team.
“We are very happy because this donation in a way is a sign that we are going to make it for the regional competition in South Africa next month. We were in great need of money to buy tracksuits for the women’s team, and transport money to mobilise the team before we leave for the competition,” said Ndlovu.
He said the organisation was also in dire need of up to date wheelchairs which are used when playing as they had to hire compatible wheelchairs whenever they played.
“We are kindly appealing to other well wishers to help us with wheelchairs because we cannot afford to continue hiring wheelchairs since ours are too old and below recommended standards. We also need help with transport fares to take us to and from South Africa and allowances to motivate our players,” said Ndlovu.
This year, the senior men Zimbabwe wheelchair basketball team is number four in Africa while the junior men team is the third best team on the continent.
The women’s team will be competing for the first time outside the country.
Dube, a keen sports fan, said it was not for the first time that he has assisted people in need and from different spheres of life.
“This is not the first donation and it’s never motivated by the forthcoming elections but it comes from my heart, people of Makokoba, like others should be assisted and empowered,” said Dube.
Online Reporter