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Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO-based women’s basketball side Lakers lost their first Pool B match 56-86 to Nigerian side First Bank in the African Club Championships in Mozambique yesterday.

MB2ALL from Madagascar, Kenyan Sports Authority and Institut Nationale Securite Sociale of Cote d’Ivoire make up the rest of Pool B.

Lakers coach, Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, said the team is doing well under the circumstances.

“We gave a brave fight against Fist Bank team, especially in the third quarter. We crashed the backboards and fought like gallant soldiers, but it was tough,” said Ndlovu.

He bemoaned lack of support and challenged the country to rally behind the girls.

“We have a lot of talent, but we are always hit hard by poor preparations. We cannot prepare adequately until there is financial support from corporates and government,” he said.

He applauded Sondelani and Hamara for sponsoring the team during preparations for the tournament.

“Lakers is a team that survives from the pocket of a coach compared to teams that are bankrolled to the tune of thousands. We are the only team that is sponsored by grace of the Lord here in Maputo.

However, we appreciate the $2 040 from Hamara and wish they will see a seed out of us,” said Ndlovu