Uhuru b/ball games get sponsorship

Sports Reporter
THE Independence Trophy basketball tournament, which starts this morning at Belvedere Teachers’ College, got a shot in the arm when they received $1 000 and a beast from a Kwekwe businessman Kandros Mugabe.

The two-day event has attracted 36 men and women teams from the Harare Basketball League.

Chairman of the organising committee Tendai Zhakata said the sponsorship was a huge boost for the event.

The winners in each category will get $500.

“I think we are going to consider coming up with prizes for the runners-up and the Most Valuable Players for both men and women.

“Some of the donations we have received are in kind but I think our sponsorship is now around $5 000 in total.

“For us it means we are now being recognised as a serious basketball community when we have such people coming in to support us,” said Zhakata.

Mugabe said he was happy to be involved with the tournament as the country continues to celebrate its 35th Independence anniversary.

“I have given them $1 000 and a beast. I have been involved in such projects before and this is a worthy cause as we celebrate our Independence.

“It’s just a way to promote the youths because most of the players, coming for this tournament, are youths.

“This is an important event for all of us and it’s good to see the young people competing in sport as part of the celebrations,” said Mugabe.

Fixtures

Men

Group A: Cameo, Black Rhinos, Kuwadzana Patriots.

Group B: Gentleman Association, Airforce Falcons, Mablazo.

Group C: Raiders, Mbare Bulls, Heavywait.

Group D: Cheetahs, City Hornets, Platinum Bullets.

Group E: Hustlers, First Mutual Life, South Central.

Group F: UZ Stars, Arcadia Bucs, Drifters.

Group G: Pistons, Varsity, Foxes.

Group H: JBC, Swagou, Kambuzuma Spurs.

Women

Group A: Vixens, L.A, FML.

Group B: Greenstars, Arcadia Bucs, UZ Stars, Platinum Ballers.

Group C: JBC, Raiders, Greenstars Academy.