Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe national Under-16 boys and girls basketball teams are confident of winning the Afro-Basketball qualifiers being held in the Botswana capital Gaborone from today up to June 4.

Team Zimbabwe’s 30-member squad left Bulawayo yesterday morning for Botswana and the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) technical president Sikhumbuzo “SV” Ndlovu was optimistic the teams would qualify for the continental showcase to be held in August.

Six countries — Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and the hosts Botswana — are competing for the ticket to represent the African Union Sports Council Region Five at the finals to be co-hosted by Seychelles and Mali. The top team in each category will secure a slot in the Afro-Basketball Championships.

Ndlovu said Zimbabwe’s junior teams had done well in previous competitions compared to their senior compatriots who have found the going tough.

“Our chances of progressing to the finals are bright because we’ve sound grassroots development programmes. We last qualified for the finals in 2011 and as BUZ we believe the coaches have done well to assemble squads that will bring glory in Botswana. Zimbabwe has done well in regional schools tournaments and we’re hoping that these youngsters will make us proud,” said Ndlovu.

Veteran coach Ernie Noble is coaching the boys team while Tapiwa Magunyana is in charge of the girls.

The squads had a number of training camps in Harare where most of the players are based.

Ndlovu said morale was high in camp and thanked Glen Lodge director Beauty Bhulu for organising a send-off dinner for the teams on Saturday night.

“It’s the support from people like Bhulu that motivates the youngsters. Everyone is upbeat and is raring to go. Players know that they are not alone in this fight and as BUZ we appreciate the gesture from Glen Lodge,” Ndlovu said.

Squads

Boys: Ryn Mhlanga (Petra), Davison Chivero (CBC), Dion Karufu (MCC), Tapera Maruta (Peterhouse), Watida Mukukuta (Cornway), Makomborero Moyo (St John’s College), Ian Mathonsi, Irvine Manzini (both Churchill), Brian Nzenza, Simba Munyati, Mathew Bhunu, Brian Chidadira (St George’s College)

Technical: Ernie Noble (coach, Oilers Academy), Valentine Mvundi (assistant coach, Cornway), Meluleki Ndlovu (manager, Girls College)

Girls: Nomqhele Mahlangu (DC, Byo), Blessing Machazire (ex-St James), Samantha Chironga (Jameson High), Victoria Makamure (Sanyati, Mashonaland West), Rumbidzai Gumunyu, Tendai Mugodzeri (both Goromonzi), Samantha Ruuya (Arundel), Getrude Mapiye, Sharon Ndlovu, Happiness Maroto, Tanaka Banda, Kimberly Makembo (all Girls High)

Technical: Tapiwa Mugunyana (coach, Peterhouse), Clement Kuseketa (assistant coach, Girls High), Thelma Kuzaraonye (manager, Goromonzi)

Head of delegation: Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu

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