BBA League starts on low note

Sport
THE Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) 2014 to 2015 season started on a low note as some of the teams failed to turn up at Bulawayo Municipal Club on Saturday.

THE Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) 2014 to 2015 season started on a low note as some of the teams failed to turn up at Bulawayo Municipal Club on Saturday. Sukoluhle Mthethwa Sports Reporter

Townsend High School team Flame Lillies failed to pitch up for their match against Lupane. Lupane were awarded a 20-0 walkover against the Townsend team in the first game in the women’s category.

Southern Mavericks women’s team were awarded a 20-0 walkover win after their match against Highlanders was cancelled. Highlanders turned up for the match, but it could not go ahead as they brought only a few players.

In the men’s section Milton Elephants failed to fulfil their fixture which saw Highlanders walking away with full points after they were awarded a 20-0 scoreline. In matches played, Oilers narrowly beat Southern Mavericks winning 55-54 while National University of Science and Technology men beat City Knights 85-21 in the men’s section.

BBA secretary-general Howard Phangwana yesterday explained why the teams were not present at the match venue. “When the season starts we usually have problems with schools. I am made to understand that there was an Under-14 boys’ tournament at Milton, but no-one communicated with us.

We want teams that are serious in playing in the league. If a team fails to fulfil fixtures twice we will expel them. Financial problems are not restrictive,” he said.

“Teams pay 50% each for referees’ fees, but if a team doesn’t turn up they will pay 75% of that amount.”

Giants, Lakers, Nkulumane Stars, Lords and Hawks are some of the teams that failed to affiliate, with Phangwana saying only teams that paid up will play throughout the season.