Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT comes next for the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe after FIBA’s ruling?
That question now hangs over the local game after the International Basketball Federation formally refused to recognise the outcome of the November 15, 2025 elections.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to former BUZ secretary-general Yemurai Chamboko, FIBA made that they cannot acknowledge the election of two presidents.
FIBA Africa executive director Julien Farran and head of legal affairs and general counsel Jaime Lamboy, in correspondence copied to FIBA Africa president Anibal Manave, said the world body could not recognise the existence of two elected presidents.
FIBA described the arrangement as an institutional ambiguity that clashes with the principles of clarity, stability and proper representation required of a national federation. The organisation said the decision was made to protect the integrity of BUZ governance and did not prejudge the intentions or qualifications of any individual involved.
The ruling has effectively invalidated the co-presidency arrangement that emerged from a dramatic elective congress in Gweru.
Four candidates were initially expected to contest the presidency, but Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu withdrew at the last moment, leaving David Pick, Johnson Shumba and Taurai Chitsinde in the race.
Chitsinde was eliminated in the first round after failing to secure a single vote.
What followed was an unprecedented deadlock. Pick and Shumba split all 10 provincial votes evenly. A second round again ended 5-5. A third ballot produced the same result. With no constitutional provision to break the stalemate, officials controversially declared a shared presidency.
BUZ’s constitution, however, makes no provision for such a structure, a loophole that has now drawn international scrutiny.
While FIBA’s position may not have surprised seasoned administrators, it has pushed Zimbabwean basketball into fresh uncertainty.
Former BUZ president Joe Mujuru declined to comment.
However, veteran administrator Sunny Mbofana was more direct.
“It’s unfortunate that FIBA’s decision was anticipated by some of us with corporate experience.
“What’s disappointing is that our local governing body, SRC, took so long to address the issue’’.
Despite expecting this outcome, it’s still devastating because it hinders Zimbabwean basketball’s progress. We need administrators with proven track records, not individuals who undermine the game.
It’s time to restart the process and elect a president who can move the sport forward,” he said.
Mbofana believes FIBA’s position may already point to who they recognise, as the legitimate authority.
“FIBA still recognise Yemu Chamboko and not anyone else. It means she is still in charge and the two have to restart the process to choose a president.
“They remain intact but unfortunately they can’t sit and take decisions until they are recognised by FIBA,” he said.
If that interpretation holds, Zimbabwe effectively has no internationally recognised leadership beyond Chamboko, while the two co-presidents cannot fully exercise authority, particularly on matters requiring international approval.
That leaves a governance vacuum at a time when stability is essential.
The solution being discussed within basketball circles is a re-election. One administrator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a return to the ballot appears to be the only practical route.
“In all honesty this points to a re-election. The issue now is whether it’s only the president’s election or the rest of the board as well. We need clarity from FIBA,” said the source.
That uncertainty sits at the centre of the crisis.
If the presidential election is flawed because of the unconstitutional co-presidency outcome, does that invalidate only that position, or the entire executive elected on the same day?
Those whose elections were straightforward and uncontested could also be dragged into the dispute.
FIBA have requested BUZ to submit their latest constitution and statutes to determine whether a compliant mechanism exists to resolve the impasse.
Until that process is complete and a single president is elected through a legitimate and legally sound process, the world body has indicated it will maintain its position.
On the ground, tensions have already begun to surface. The two co-presidents have reportedly clashed on decisions, an outcome many viewed as inevitable in a structure not provided for in the constitution.
Rather than resolving the stalemate, the compromise appears to have deepened divisions. Zimbabwean basketball now face a defining moment.
A partial re-run of the presidential election could restore order quickly. A full board re-election might offer a clean reset but risks further disruption.
What is certain is that the current arrangement cannot continue. Sponsors, players, coaches and provincial associations all need clear leadership. The longer the impasse drags on, the greater the risk that development stalls and confidence fades.
