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Sports Reporter
THE Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) is confident that the national girls’ Under-16 team can effectively compete against the continent’s best at the Afro-Basketball finals that run from Friday to July 18 in Madagascar.

The girls will join 11 other countries, which include defending champions Mali, Algeria, Mozambique, Nigeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Egypt, Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and the hosts Madagascar to battle for the continental title.

BUZ technical president Sikhumbuzo “SV” Ndlovu said the girls’ team started camp on Saturday in Harare and were upbeat.

He said they were inspired by their performance at the regional qualifiers, which they won in Botswana in May.

“The girls are working hard and are ready to be counted among the best basketball playing teams in Africa. The fact that they got a direct qualification after emerging as champions during qualifiers at the expense of regional powerhouse Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia means they’ll be no push overs.

“It was the victory over Angola during the qualifiers that made the girls believe that they can effectively compete for glory and the technical team has done well to ensure that the squad is well prepared,” said Ndlovu.

The Under-16 squad is under the tutelage of Peterhouse coach Tapiwa Mugunyana, who is being assisted by Clement Kuseketa of Girls High School.

The coaches have maintained the squad that participated in the qualifiers in Gaborone.

Ndlovu said funds permitting, the squad will fly out on Thursday.

BUZ needs at least $30,000 to cater for the team’s airfares and accommodation.

The travelling team to Madagascar will consist of 12 players and six officials, who include coaches Mugunyana, Kuseketa, team manager Thelma Kuzaraonye, a doctor, a BUZ official and a referee.

Under-16 Girls squad

Players: 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)

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