adminSenior Sports Reporter
THE Under-16 girls’ basketball team’s trip to Madagascar for the Afro-Basketball championships could flop if the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (Buz) fails to raise money for airfares and accommodation.
Buz revised their budget downwards from $42,000 to $30,000 but still secretary-general Joe Mujuru was dejected that they had failed to raise money for the trip.
The tournament starts today and runs up to July 18.
“We now need a last minute miracle for our girls to travel,” said Mujuru.
“We have been to everywhere but found no joy. In the past we relied on the government and we approached the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, but they seem too committed. The market is depressed and there is no one with extra money.”
The union intends taking a team of 12 players and six officials, coach Tapiwa Mugunyana, his assistant Clement Kuseketa, team manager Thelma Kuzaraonye, a doctor, Buz official and a referee to the Indian Ocean island.
The girls earned an automatic qualification to the continental competition in May alongside their male counterparts after winning the regional qualifiers held in Botswana.
Mujuru said if they fail to send the team for the championships, they would be fined by the International Basketball Federation (Fiba).
“If we don’t fulfil these games, we will be fined up to $10,000 and if we don’t pay that money, we will be barred from participating in any international event. Our fear is that we will end up forking out more money as our senior men’s national team is supposed to go for the Afro-Basketball Championships in Tunisia next month,” said Mujuru.
The men’s edition will run in Tunisia from August 19-29.
Under-16 Girls squad
Players: Nomqhele Mahlangu (Dominican Convent, Bulawayo), Blessing Machazire (St James), Samantha Chironga (Jameson High), Victoria Makamure (Sanyati, Mash West), Rumbidzai Gumunyu, Tendai Mugodzeri (both Goromonzi), Samantha Ruuya (Arundel), Getrude Mapiye, Sharon Ndlovu, Happiness Maroto, Tanaka Banda, Kimberly Makembo (all Girls High)
Technical: Tapiwa Mugunyana (coach, Peterhouse), Clement Kuseketa (assistant coach, Girls High), Thelma Kuzaraonye (manager, Goromonzi).
Online Reporter