Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
THERE are plans to establish a women’s basketball league in Matabeleland North, in a development that will expose hidden talent in the province.
This was revealed by the Matabaleland North Top Teams League co-ordinator, Brighton Musaidzi, who added they want to make sure basketball is an inclusive sport in the resort city.
“Going further, we want to explore how we can lure ladies to the game. There is a mission to this as we want to bring inclusivity to the sport in the province.
“The calendar of events has been released. We anticipate a hectic year ahead as we try to push our campaign and vision to spread and grow basketball in Matabeleland North,” he said.
In a quest to grow the sport in the province, Musaidzi said more tournaments are planned for throughout the year so as to give players enough game time and exposure.
Five major events are planned and they include the Victoria Falls 3 x 3 Challenge that is set for February 24. This will be the first competition of the year.
Musaidzi told Zimpapers Sports Hub they were ready for the competitive year.
As the games diary is being released, the league games continue among the top teams and they are to be concluded at the end of January.
Over the years, there hasn’t been any sound competitive contest in women’s basketball in the province, owing to relatively few teams which are based in Victoria Falls and Hwange.
So far, these two urban centres are the base of the most active teams in the province.
Musaidzi said it was their mandate to make sure there are more women teams.
“In our plan, we have put down the idea to host the women’s challenge in June. This we are sure will lure talented girls to the courts,” he said.
In September, basketball enthusiasts will be treated to a sport and tourism Expo, Musaidzi said.
“In the year, we have also planned the Victoria Falls sports tourism Expo, which is scheduled for September 27. There’s no way we can ignore the value of sport in the tourism industry and how the two interlink.
“As clubs are based in a tourist attraction area, it was imperative for us to plan for such an event. By so doing we build networks that will add value to our league and also be beneficial to tourism,” he said.
The final cap to the year will be the Victoria Falls Invitational, slated for November 15 to 17.
Meanwhile, teams have been urged to spearhead junior development through acquiring young players in their ranks. Already, the Matabeleland North basketball governing body has partnered with Mosi oa Tunya High School, as they bid to spread the game.
-@NkosieLegend
Online Reporter