THE Harare Mayor International Basketball Challenge which is scheduled for City Sports Centre later this month is targeting to raise US$60 000 for the under-priviledged members of the community.
A total of 16 teams, eight women and eight men, from the Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa region are set to take part in the competition, which is making a return on the local scene after a seven-year absence.
Designed to raise funds for the underprivileged members of the community, the event will run from October 18 to 20 in Harare. Competition organising committee chairman Sani Mbofana revealed the aim of the event.
“The event is intended to raise at least US$60 000 to help underprivileged members of the society as well as take kids out of drugs,” the veteran basketball administrator said.
“This is not the first time we are hosting this tournament. It was initially hosted in 2017 and became very successful in the sense that we attracted teams from as far as countries like Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa from the region. Those were the countries that participated.
“We will have eight ladies teams and as many men’s clubs battling it out for the ultimate prize. The teams will also use this contest to prepare for the qualification for the Basketball Africa League to be held later in the year.”
The Harare Mayor International Basketball Challenge is set to be a spectacular event, promoting regional unity and basketball excellence.
With its rich history, exciting match-ups and top-notch organisation, this tournament is a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts.
Local clubs that are expected to participate in the tournament include national ladies champions UZ Sparks, Basket Hounds, and provincial champions like JBC, Mercenaries and Lakers Brands (Mzansi and Talenvision).
Traditional powerhouses like Arcadia BUCS, Leopards Varsity and Mbare Bulls are also expected to be part of the action.
Other participants will be drawn from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Eswatini and Namibia, among others.
Preparations for the event are already in full swing.
