Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THE Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) is leaving no stone unturned as they prepare their U18 boys and girls’ teams for the upcoming Afrobasket qualifiers in Lusaka, Zambia.
The qualifiers which will run from the 22nd of June, will be a major test for Zimbabwe’s young talent.
BUZ president, Joe Mujuru emphasised the importance of supporting these junior teams.
“We have the U18s boys and girls that are going to take part in the Afrobasket qualifiers that are going to take part in Lusaka, Zambia from the 22nd of June and we are happy about that. We have been working very hard to get the teams ready. We have had numerous camps across the country with the last one coming up in Bulawayo where we managed to cut the teams to the final 12 as well as the reserves for both categories. The coaches are working flat out, and we are pretty sure we will be able to qualify.
“We are looking forward to qualifying for the finals which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa. As far as the administration is concerned, we are also working hard for it, and we continue to appeal to all stakeholders to come out and support these junior teams so that they go out there and compete and put the country on the map.”
Adding to the excitement, two South Africa-based players have joined the teams after nationwide scouting camps.
“We just finished our national championships recently in Gweru and we’re a huge success, thanks to the Midlands association and everyone who took part. These are the feeders not only to the clubs but more importantly to the senior national teams, so we continue to see the young players coming in. The more we compete at junior level, we are guaranteed of having a good senior national team that will compete at Afrobasket and Olympic level,” noted Mujuru.
This year promises to be busy for Zimbabwe’s junior basketball scene. Following the U18 qualifiers, the U16 team will participate in the African Union Sports Council Region V Afrobasket Qualifiers in Namibia later in the year.
