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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Highlanders ladies’ basketball team has announced its return to the 2016/17 Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) League with a 28-20 victory over Lupane State University (LSU), while their male side was downed 24-74 by Giants at Khanyisile Sports Centre.

Highlanders, who are one of the oldest teams in the league, had announced that they will not be taking part in this year’s competition following a player exodus.

However, following a meeting between BBA and Highlanders’ representatives held a day before the start of the season, the board came up with strategies to make them survive.

“Of course we were hit by a player exodus, but we are back in the competition. Highlanders are a big club and one of the oldest in teams in the league. It cannot collapse that easily.

“We had lost a number of players to other teams in the league, with some players joining Giants in the men’s category.

“In the ladies’ category, some joined Angels and that had a negative impact on our team. We are now rebuilding the team and are looking forward to a competitive season,” said Highlanders Basketball secretary general Themba Phiri.

In other matches, defending champions Southern Mavericks maintained their winning streak after beating City Knights 68-43 in the men’s category.

Results

Women: Divas 13- 46 Nust, Highlanders 28-20 LSU, Angels 27-64 Lakers Seniors, Lakers Juniors 23-59 Southern Mavericks.

Men: Nust 44-64 Oilers, Southern Mavericks 68-43 City Knights, LSU 26- 33 Ostrich, Giants 73-24 Highlanders. — @khumzallen