THE Afro-Basketball and All-Africa Games basketball qualifiers which were due to be held in the city later this month have been postponed to next year, Basketball Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Joe Mujuru said yesterday. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
Zimbabwe was due to compete against Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Angola as they seek a slot for the Afro-Basketball Championships to be co-hosted by Tunisia and Cameroon while the All-Africa Games will be held in Congo-Brazzaville next year.
Mujuru yesterday confirmed the postponement of the games to Southern Eye Sport.
“We were supposed to host the Afro-Basketball and All-Africa Games qualifiers in Bulawayo from November 20 to 27, but they have been moved to February next year,” he said.
“Participating countries asked for more time to prepare for the competition as well as time to garner resources. This will give us the opportunity to concentrate more on the Region V games to be held in December.
“However, the teams are still going to be preparing for the games. We want them to be fully ready for the competition next year,” he said.
Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa will battle for supremacy in the women’s section an addition to Mozambique and Angola in the All-Africa Games qualifiers.
Angola and Mozambique received automatic qualification following their previous performance in the All-Africa Games that were hosted by Mozambique in 2011 as well as in the Afro-Basketball competition that was held in that country last year.
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The men’s teams include Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique while Angola will only compete in the All-Africa Games qualifiers.