Story by Mthokozisi Dube
Battle lines have been drawn in the 16-team basketball national championships which get underway at the City Sports Centre in Harare on Friday.
The tournament will produce teams that will represent the country in the FIBA-certified basketball league.
The Bulawayo Basketball League is riding on Lakers’ fairy tale with the province convinced their three representatives will produce a formidable challenge and book a slot in the continental basketball competition.
Bulawayo Basketball Association president, Mthandazo Mano noted, “As BAB, we have put in thorough preparation and this time the intention is not to add numbers, but to have a team which will emerge victorious. I have been moving around seeing the preparations and we are convinced we will mount a serious challenge.”
The technical meeting will sit this Thursday evening, with action set to erupt on Friday.
The Basketball Union of Zimbabwe is confident the tourney will churn out the cream of basketball.
“We have put in place preparations to stage this high tournament. What we want is to have the two teams which will compete with Africa’s finest and basketball powerhouses. Other nations have improved the game by participating in the BL,” Basketball Union of Zimbabwe president, Joe Mujuru said.
Qualifying teams booked their slots through zonal qualifiers.