06 February 2007
ZIMBABWE : Basketball teams excel
THE national men and women’s basketball teams were in uncompromising mood over the weekend after they trashed their Zambian counterparts in their two respective friendly international matches.
The men’s team, coached by Ronald Garura, won their two matches against the Zambians 54-47 on Saturday before completing the back-to-back wins on Sunday with a narrow 55-53 margin.
In the women’s matches, Zimbabwe won the first match 72-44 on Saturday night before sending the visitors packing with a fine 73-54 win the next morning.
The friendly matches were being used as part of preparations for the All Africa Games Zone VI qualifying championships set for Harare from February 24 to March 3.
Captain Fadzai Mabasa led with precision and character stabilising the defensive and offensive players in her control role in the team.
Alice Machirori, Margaret Magwaro and Charity Mudimu also played well.
In the men’s team, Namibia-based duo of Mpumelelo Hlabangani and Brian Hore gave a good account of themselves with their stylish flare.
United States of America-based Elijah Moyo could not make the trip for the two matches but is now being expected in the country on February 16 for the Zone VI championships.
Another USA-based player Tawanda Nyashanu has been ruled out for the championships because of other commitments.
National women’s team coach Ngoni Makukula said he was satisfied with the performance of his team. “Our aim is to be in Algeria in July and we are leaving no stone unturned. The girls gelled well but I was expecting some tougher opposition. We know Zambia are stronger than what they showed us over the weekend,” said Makukula.
The men’s team, coached by Ronald Garura, won their two matches against the Zambians 54-47 on Saturday before completing the back-to-back wins on Sunday with a narrow 55-53 margin.
In the women’s matches, Zimbabwe won the first match 72-44 on Saturday night before sending the visitors packing with a fine 73-54 win the next morning.
The friendly matches were being used as part of preparations for the All Africa Games Zone VI qualifying championships set for Harare from February 24 to March 3.
Captain Fadzai Mabasa led with precision and character stabilising the defensive and offensive players in her control role in the team.
Alice Machirori, Margaret Magwaro and Charity Mudimu also played well.
In the men’s team, Namibia-based duo of Mpumelelo Hlabangani and Brian Hore gave a good account of themselves with their stylish flare.
United States of America-based Elijah Moyo could not make the trip for the two matches but is now being expected in the country on February 16 for the Zone VI championships.
Another USA-based player Tawanda Nyashanu has been ruled out for the championships because of other commitments.
National women’s team coach Ngoni Makukula said he was satisfied with the performance of his team. “Our aim is to be in Algeria in July and we are leaving no stone unturned. The girls gelled well but I was expecting some tougher opposition. We know Zambia are stronger than what they showed us over the weekend,” said Makukula.
# posted by afrbk : 10:04
