Basketball in Africa

The weekend sees the clash between perennial rivals Kingdom Cavaliers and Sigauke at the University of Zimbabwe on Saturday. Its1-1 so far this season. Sigauke beating Cavaliers 31-23 in the league on November 8, 2008 at the City Sports Centre. Sigauke will want to forget that game as it cost them the services of mercurial point guard Tawanda Yanga Chitsinde who broke a bone in his left foot. The very next weekend, Cavaliers paid Sigauke back in the quarter-finals of the Premier Knockout Trophy eliminating Sigauke 52-51 a game Sigauke Benjamin Jani will want to forget as he missed 2 free throws with 4 seconds on the clock and Sigauke down 51-52. Both teams have changed manpower considerably with Cavaliers bringing in big men in George Runganga, Thabani Matikiti who team up with veterans Tafi Magician Soko, Mdu Mathe and Sam Parirayi (-G) to form a formidable 5. Sigauke have brought in prodigal son Simba Mhukahuru (213-C-80) back from the cold but have lost 4 youngsters in the half-season break. Shrewd mentor Tafara Makayi has had more time with his team and his combination with Andrew Dru Chitauro seems to be working. On paper Cavaliers has the urge but Sigauke has Yanga back and his brother Taurayi Chitsinde is putting up some impressive numbers. The better team will win and not the team with the better players. Both Sigauke and Cavaliers round up their weekend with games against UZ Stars and NABA Pross.

Game of the week has to be the battle between the Comeback Boys Nuggets against lively Stormers. Both teams field at least 3 U/20 internationals in their lie-up and this is going to be a battle for bragging rights. Nuggets coach Norest Shenje a full Zimbabwe international himself squares up against cunning Linos Ninja Mushongas boys. Nuggets have the edge as they can get really physical whilst Stormers has size.