Basketball in Africa

UZ Stars said coach, Philip Peters, is confident that his team will shine in their match against JBC tomorrow at Richwood Park. After taking a break from the league matches as they participated in the Old Mutual Super Six championships, UZ Stars will be hoping for a win but it will be a tough task, with JBC being one of the top clubs in the province. Peters said their preparations have been going on well during the week although they are likely to miss one of their centre players due to an injury.
"Last weekend we had the Old Mutual tournament but our preparations have been going on well during the week, we will have our last practice today (yesterday). We have Roland Mapoto, he is one of our centres, I think he will not be able to compete. He picked a knock during the tournament.
"We are going to compete because we are really raring to go. We will give JBC a good run, my players are coming up and I think they have what it takes and we are really positive we will cause an upset.
"Our major challenge is that most of our players will be balancing between school work and practice," said Peters.
In other matches lined up for the weekend, Hustlers will take on Pistons tomorrow at the Arcadia courts. The courts, which were being refurbished, will be officially opened today and Harare Basketball Association spokesperson Carlos Munda urged other communities to emulate Arcadia.
"Arcadia is part of HBA and we are working hand-in-hand with them. We got games that will be held at the courts, they were being renovated. We should be having some games (during the league) going to Arcadia."
Fixtures
Today: A league: Cheetahs v Black Rhinos, Cameo v Airforce Falcons, Hustlers v Pistons.
B league: F.M.L v Drifters, Pacers v Swagou.
Women's league: JBC V Black Rhinos, Raiders v Stanbic Real Returners.
Tomorrow: A league: JBC v UZ Stars.
B league: G.A v Mablazo, Platinum Ballers v Chinhoyi University.
Women's league: Vixens v UZ Stars, L.A v Green Stars, Platinum Ballers v Chinhoyi University.