Basketball in Africa

Saturday brings a special rivalry to the fold as Varsity Leopards square up against Kingdom Cavaliers. Leopards roster is looking ominous and on paper Cavaliers have a mountain to climb. But Cavaliers must not be deterred as much as the Leopards offence is deadly their defence leaves a lot to be desired. Leopards gave up 76 points against youngsters Stormers a fortnight ago enroute to a 96-76 victory. For a defence that spent the whole game trying to pressure Stormers 76 points is a lot of points to give up. Cavaliers have to watch out for the superior board power of Leopards who boast a very big frontcourt. In Costa Dinha, Tendai Chiyangwa, Tinashe Muchenje, Hamilton Mudawarima, Desmond Njanike and Ezra 'Jones' Chiimba , Leopards has some very bigmen. Their backcourt is not the the strongest but has silver quick guards in Tafadzwa Mudzimu, Xavier Bwanya, Tawanda Masaiti. In Hamilton Mudawarima, Leopards has a versatile 3 guard who can play up or down and has great slasher abilities. But the key to Leopards has to be their enigmatic star shooting guard and captain Gideon Chikopa. Chikopa and Clement Chituro have formed one of the deadliest shooting duo in the HBA league averaging 10 made 3 pointers per game, these two can really turn it on. But Cavaliers did not get this far by accident and have their own talisman in Tafirenyika Soko.. Soko has veterans Mathe Mduduzi and Sam Parirayi (-G) to back him but its in the youngsters that Cavaliers has turned to. Prince Edward schoolboy Agrippa Masvisvi is turning heads with his standout play. Should Cavaliers big men George Run'ganga and Young Gusha decide to be 'available' then with Fungai '2-Foots' Sakatira, Cavs should present formidable manpower to match the Leopards Shaquile-like size. Cavaliers coach Tafara Makayi has brought the craftiness of a seasoned veteran which was clearly lacking on the coaching side and turned Cavaliers from an 'also-ran' to a championship contender. Should Cavaliers not win the league, they will most definitely have a say on who does.

In other games to be played over the weekend, JBC men should maintain their reign at the top as they date lowly Golden Spurs. Spurs now fully on a building mission will be no match to the reigning national champions. Sigauke take on South Central and need to watch out for Tapiwa Chirenda and sharp shooter Blessing Chidimu.

UZ Stars and Gentlemen's Association will feature in a battle of the relegation candidates. GA's Nigel Muponda knows he needs the points and Stars' Arthur Mbasera does not want to be bottom of the log come Monday. Its Raiderz turn to take on stubborn Stormers at Richwood on Sunday. Nuggets-Faith Wear Jammers and Pross-Pistons are the under cards of that game.

by Roderick Takawira africabasket.com