adminNkosilathi Sibanda
THE rural environs of Victoria Falls will play host to some basketball action when more than 10 basketball teams battle it out at this years’ Victoria Falls Invitational tournament, that is set for Saturday.
Running for the sixth year, the competition, organised by Victoria Falls Panthers club, has all along been consistent in its quest to spread the game in areas previously shut out from the sporting action.
This year, the teams go on court at the Jafuta Foundation Centre, in Dibutibu, just on the outskirts of the resort city on October 7.
In the men’s’ category, teams that have been invited and expected to liven the action and bring competition are the hosts Panthers, Unicorns, Wolves, Falcons, Great Zimbabwe University, Midlands State University, Highlanders, Imbizo Celtics and Black Hornets.
In the mix, the ladies’ teams will be Panthers, Unicorns, Catch Them Young, Great Zimbabwe University, Midlands State University and Black Hornets.
While the tournament’s overall plan was to provide a platform for basketball teams to showcase their talent and skill, the overall aim hinged on introducing basketball in rural areas.
Victoria Falls Panthers’ manager Brighton Musaidzi told Zimpapers Sports Hub their intention was reach out to places where the sport has never been.
“That explains why this time around we moved to the periphery of Victoria Falls City. We want to introduce basketball to underserved rural areas. We specifically chose the Jafuta Centre which in the periphery of Victoria Falls to help with our new project to introduce basketball to rural spaces,” said Musaidzi, who is also the Victoria Falls head coach.
Musaidzi spoke of his team’s desire to build their image and also help in upscaling basketball activities in Matabeleland North.
“Our targets in organising such tournaments are to enhance the visibility and reputation of Victoria Falls Panthers Basketball Club as the hosts. The bigger picture is to foster social cohesion, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange among the players and fans from different communities in the Victoria Falls area,” he said.
Previously, the tournament was held over a period of three days but, this time, according to Musaidzi it was not possible.
“This year however because of the lack of adequate resources, we will be holding the tournament in just one day. The tournament will have two groups of five teams for the men’s section and two groups of three teams for the women’s category. In the men’s section the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, by the finals.
“In the ladies’ section the top teams will head straight to the final. This will be the sixth year the tournament is running and we hope to attract more participants and spectators than ever before.”
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
