Basketball in Africa

THE Harare Basketball Association league will stage their outstanding matches at Richwood tomorrow, as the curtain comes down on the season. The matches were postponed last week.
The 2011-2012 league officially ended last week with Mbare Heat being crowned champions in the men's category while Varsity Leopards defended their title in the women's section.
The four outstanding games will see City Hornets taking on Hustlaz while JBC have a date against Black Rhinos. GA will clash against Faithwear Jammers while the women's competition will see Real Returners taking on Greenstars in their last matches of the season.
HBA league spokesperson, Carlos Munda said the matches to be played tomorrow will not have any impact on the top teams and added that they had a fruitful season despite facing challenges along the way.
"We got a lot of competition although there were ups and downs but we had our homework done that clubs have to pay their affiliation fees before the season starts.
"Generally it was an exciting season and we are very happy. We are now looking forward to the national club championships," said Munda.
Mbare Heat coach, Peter Mubanda said there was a lot of competition in the just ended 2011-2012 season and attributed his team's victory to their rich talent base.
"The competition was top level. There were four top teams, that is, Varsity Leopards, Raiderz, Cameo Sigauke and Mbare Heat and we were really challenged in all those games. Other teams like JBC gave us a good run for our money.
"I will attribute it to the quality of players we have and depth in our team. I got 89 players in who can play in any team, anywhere in the world. We got the best rotation than any other team and that helped us," said Mubanda.
Mubanda said they are now preparing for the club championships, which are scheduled for next weekend.
His counterpart, Spencer Nyamadzawo was a happy man after the Varsity Leopards women's team defended their title for the second consecutive year.
"It wasn't easy, it was a tough task considering the competition we faced but it was done through hardwork, team work and the players' effort that took us there. They wanted it so much, so it was easy for me to motivate them.
"We were the defending champions but it's my first time coaching Varsity and it feels great joining a team that has a culture of winning and being able to maintain that culture," said Nyamadzawo.
Nyamadzawo said their preparations for the club championships are already underway and are looking forward to the national event.
"Our preparations are going smoothly. I have a couple of injured players but I hope they will be fine by the time we play the championships. We are not taking any team for granted," he said.