The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
IT’S all systems go for the National Basketball Club Championships which roll into action today (Friday) with 24 teams from the country’s ten provinces battling for top honours.
Manicaland is hosting the event for the first time.
Three venues, namely Mutare Girls and Boys High Schools and Marymount Teachers’ College will be used for the prestigious event.
Manicaland is represented by Dangamvura Knights and Africa University in the women’s category.
Mercenaries and Chiefs are the provincial representatives in the men’s category.
The teams are grouped into four groups of three teams. Top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter finals that will be played tomorrow.
The semi finals and finals will be played on Sunday.
The two winning finalists will represent the country in the Zone 5 club championships to be held later this year.
MBA vice-president Emmanuel Kundishora urged basketball fans to come in their numbers and support the provincial representatives.
“We are ready for the tournament today. Everything is in place. There will be lots of entertainment from our local artistes. We encourage our fans to come out in numbers and support us. We are confident with our representatives that they will do a good job for us. It is also an honour to host such a big event,” he said.
Meanwhile Mutare Spar has donated 100 medals that will be used to award the winners in the tournament.
In an interview with Post Sports, Mutare Spar general manager Liberty Mukuhwa said they were looking forward to working with more sports associations in the province.
“ MBA approached us and we sat down and agreed on the sponsorship deal. We are happy to associate with MBA. We are not only here to operate as a retailer but we are ready to partner with other organisations to make our province a better one. We also want to promote sports and culture in the province. It will also make our brand visible. I was so touched when I heard that Mutare Boys High School failed to travel to Harare for the Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival. I feel they did not do much to source for sponsorship,” he said.
