The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MERCENARIES who recently took part in the Basketball Africa League qualifying tournament still stand a chance of progressing to the next round of 16 through the wild-card selection.
Mercenaries won three out of five matches they played.
They came out on third position.
Top two teams from the six groups will automatically qualify for the next round. Four teams again from the six groups are going to qualify through wild-card selection. Mercenaries are hoping to qualify as one of the best top three teams.
Mercenaries’ player-cum-coach Innocent ‘Stolz’ Sithole still believes his side has a chance.
“There were six groups, so top two teams from every group qualifies to the round of 16. Leaving four spots for the best number three teams. We played well and I think will get the first wild card spot,” he said.
Sithole and his charges will only know their fate on Sunday when the tournament comes to end.
Meanwhile Rukweza-Royals and Attack teams have qualified for the Under-18 3×3 national basketball tournament to be held in Gweru tomorrow (Saturday).
Royal and Attack will represent the province in the boys and girls category respectively after emerging winners in last week’s provincial finals held at Rukweza High School in Rusape.
Two teams from each province will compete in the national finals.
The tournament will serve as one of the selection processes for the Zimbabwe team that will represent the country in the IBF Young Lions Cup in Botswana in December.
BUZ held other similar provincial team selection competitions in all the provinces at the weekend.
Manicaland coach who is in charge of both teams Nash Majoni is bubbling with confidence ahead of the national finals.
“We have a good chance to qualify as Manicaland. Both teams are ready for the tournament.
The only challenge that I have is lack of funds since schools are not sponsoring this event. We hope to go out there and shine,” he said.
Zimbabwean teams are the current defending championships for both boys and girls. This regional tournament is hosted by Botswana.
Boys: teamsAir- force Falcons (Midlands),Warriors (Bulawayo), Cousins B (Harare), Vegas (Masvingo), Cousins A (Harare), Royals (Manicaland).
Girls: Wildcats (Midlands), Cousins (Harare), Plumtree (Mat South), Panthers (Bulawayo), Attack (Manicaland).
