13 March 2008
ZIMBABWE : Search is on for basketball stars
Teams from nine countries are expected into Zimbabwe on April 4, ready for the Zone Six U/18 Championships, hosted by the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe.
South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi and Angola are expected to compete in the regional basketball extravaganza from April 5 to 12.
BUZ President Addison Chiware described the championships as a "perfect showcase" to give young players much-needed international experience and for basketball development in the country.
But the timing of the showpiece - so soon after the elections - remains a worry to basketball fanatics who have long been starved of watching their national teams competing in such high-profile competitions.
BUZ Administrator Simeon Lawson said the Union was "very much prepared to host the competition", despite worries of having it postponed.
"We are worried that the timing might affect the attendance, but the council gave us the dates and they were aware of the elections," Lawson said.
60 girls and boys will be in Harare next week for a training camp, at which they will compete for the 12 available places in the two national teams.
The search for the 60 players begins this weekend with teams from Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Harare and Manicaland locking-horns in the capital on Saturday.
Bulawayo will also play hosts to teams from Midlands, Mashonaland North and Mashonaland South as national selectors hunt for talented youngsters to represent the country next month
South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi and Angola are expected to compete in the regional basketball extravaganza from April 5 to 12.
BUZ President Addison Chiware described the championships as a "perfect showcase" to give young players much-needed international experience and for basketball development in the country.
But the timing of the showpiece - so soon after the elections - remains a worry to basketball fanatics who have long been starved of watching their national teams competing in such high-profile competitions.
BUZ Administrator Simeon Lawson said the Union was "very much prepared to host the competition", despite worries of having it postponed.
"We are worried that the timing might affect the attendance, but the council gave us the dates and they were aware of the elections," Lawson said.
60 girls and boys will be in Harare next week for a training camp, at which they will compete for the 12 available places in the two national teams.
The search for the 60 players begins this weekend with teams from Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Harare and Manicaland locking-horns in the capital on Saturday.
Bulawayo will also play hosts to teams from Midlands, Mashonaland North and Mashonaland South as national selectors hunt for talented youngsters to represent the country next month
# posted by afrbk : 17:43
