Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THE Basketball Union of Zimbabwe has moved in to capacitate local referees after organising a four-day Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) sanctioned level-one officiating clinic in Bulawayo.
Junior referees from across the six basketball-playing provinces are attending the course meant to equip them with the revolving laws of the game.
The facilitator of the clinic, Tanzania’s Zulfikar Karim said the enthusiasm displayed by officials in attendance will aid in the development of the game.
“It is a big week here in Zimbabwe. The officials are keen to learn and we hope this will improve the game. The officials are grasping new laws of the game and we hope this will spread to the lower levels,” Karim said.
The Basketball Union of Zimbabwe believes the development of the game starts with having qualified officials.
“As BUZ we are happy to be accorded a platform for our officials to learn. This will help us to improve the game as improving the game involves more capacitation of officials,” BUZ president, Joe Mujuru said.
Zimbabwe has produced top referees in Joyce Muchenu and Forbes Shuva who have shone on the international stage.
