Basketball in Africa

HARARE Basketball Association spokesperson, Carlos Munda, is confident the province's teams to take part in the inter-provincials championships in Gweru this weekend will excel. The championships are slated for Saturday and Sunday with all provinces expected to send their select teams.
This year's event is focusing on the seniors and the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe director of competition, Simon Lawson, urged provinces to send their top players.
The national association will use the event for the selection of national teams to take part in various international events lined-up for this year.
Last year, the championships were held in Mutare, featuring developmental teams, but for this year, emphasis is on the seniors.
Harare are the defending champions and Munda said they would be sending four teams, including two junior teams, to compete in the men and women's categories.
"We are sending two senior teams -- one men and one women and two developmental teams that is for the Under-22 age-group.
"The guys will be in camp full-time from Thursday but they are currently having training sessions and we will be leaving (for Gweru) on Friday.
"The national association's focus is correct because they will have a large pool of players for selection," said Munda.
Munda said they hope this year's event will be competitive and challenged other provinces to bring in their best teams.
"We would want to see a bit more competition and we want to urge other provinces to step up their competition so that they can give us a tough competition.
The championships are expected to feature 16 men and women's teams from eight provinces.