Basketball in Africa

The Zone 6 All Africa Games Qualifier games exploded into action as Angola and Mozambique women served a mouth-watering clash at the City Sports Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe last night
In a tightly contested game Angola drew first blood as they went up in the first quarter against a Mozambique team that was unnerved. The Mozambicans seemed to know something all of us did not know as they came back strongly in the second half to tie the game and serve up 12 lead changes. The difference was the balance in the two teams with Angola relying on Astrida Vincente who had 12 points. Mozambique won (58-53) with balanced scoring as Anna Flavia had 9 points and 3 other players namely Valerdina Manhona, Tania Wachene and Aleia Rachide each weighed in with 8 points.

Then the Zambians came in on a mission of destruction as their men went up against regional powerhouse Mozambique in a game Zambian coach Lovemore Sikaale knew they let it slip away in the third quarter. Zambia’s Gabriel Kashimoto (14 points), who should be either playing college basketball in America or professional basketball in Europe was simply magnificent as h made big shot after big shot to keep Zambia in contention. In fairness the rest of the Zambian team contributed with Sipho Nakalowa adding 11 points for Zambia. The dice was cast when Malindi Chipili fouled out with 5 minutes to go. Mozambique showed why they used to be the sole challengers of Angola in men’s basketball in Africa with Mandlate Fernando dropping 25 points and Octavio Magolio adding 14 points to win (75-70).

Zimbabwe women thoroughly embarrassed their neighbours Zambia whipping them (93-52) with Zimbabwe captain Fadai Mabasa leading by example with 17 points. Zimbabwe’s version of Diana Taurasi the WNBA’s top scorer, Helina Nyagato dropped 16 points in a quiet game. Zambia replied through Stella Sokoni (12 points) and Doris Chisanga (11 points). Zambia were clearly out of their depth and were never given a chance to breath by a Zimbabwean team that attacked relentlessly.

In the last game of the evening Zimbabwe men overran Malawi 101-35 in a one sided game where Malawi got its first point with 20 seconds left in the first quarter. Surprise inclusion into the Zimbabwe squad Norest “Bad Dog” Shenje put his doubters to shame with a vintage performance top scoring with Tafirenyika “Magician” Soko with 18 points. Shenje is a reknown rapper with a record under the name “Bad Dog from G-town (Glen View)”. Bulawayo’s one of two inclusions Eric Banda poured in 16 points plus an alley hoop double hand Tomahawk dunk dished out by the master Allan “Tegs” Tegunde.

The games continue today with first game at 2pm featuring Zambia women against a rested South Africa. Not much is known of South African women basketball but the underdog Zambia will have home support as South Africa is disliked for their alledged arrogance.
The men’s game between Malawi and South Africa will give many an opportunity to get some lunch as this mismatch will be to painful to watch. Malawi will do well to limit South Africa to double digits as another triple digit score will do little to bolster their confidence.

Angola women look much too strong for Zimbabwe women but this is basketball and being played in Zimbabwe, anything can happen. Zimbabwe needs to get over the intimidation factor that Angola bring to the court as Mozambique showed these are not invincible like their men. Zimbabwe needs to concentrate on playing their game and not get wrapped up in trying to play Angolan style. This is a game Zimbabwe need to win if their fancy their chances against the Mozambicans. Fadzi Mabasa must rally here troops.

In the last game of the night will decide once and for all who is has bragging rights as it pits Zimbabwe men against their neighbours Zambia. On the back of a heartbreaking loss to Mozambique yesterday, Zambia is a wounded animal. Zimbabwe lacking the size that Zambia has will look to the races for this. Coach Ronald Garura goes up against his nemesis Lovemore Sikaale in a battle of wills. Zimbabwe must win.

By Roderick Takawira