The ManicaPost
Blessing Rwizi Sports Correspondent
ALTHOUGH Wheelchair Basketball of Zimbabwe will sponsor Mutare-based wheelchair basketball team, Mountain Lions to be part of this year’s tournament to be held in Kwekwe, the team is still sourcing for more financial and material resources to enable them to effectively participate in this year’s inter-provincial competitions.
The opening games have been set for March 25, but all teams will be travelling to the venue on March 24.
WBZ secretary-general, Michael Twaya, said WBZ was in the process of sourcing funds and resources towards the success of the event.
“Just like any other teams, Mountain Lions will get their transport and accommodation costs covered by the association. We are in the process of sourcing for funds and resources.
“However, the first tournament of this year has been set for March 25 in Kwekwe. Teams will travel to Kwekwe on March 24, sleep there and travel back to their respective places on March 26 after the games. Some of the games will be held in May, August, October and December,” said Twaya. Mountain Lions has male and female teams taking part in this year’s competitions. Mountain Lions have won several tournaments that include the Danhiko Paralympics Games played every year.
The team is currently using Mutare Teachers’ College basketball court to train in preparation of the upcoming games.
Mountain Lions spokesperson, Panganai Chitiyo, said besides transport and accommodation needs, the team is looking for funds to buy uniforms, wheelchairs and balls.
“As a team, we are appealing to companies, individuals or well-wishers to help us as we also need equipment like wheelchairs, balls and more uniforms. We might earn a living through this sport,” said Chitiyo. He expressed confidence in winning the upcoming games as the team boasts of three players in the national wheelchair basketball team.
“Our team is training very hard and I am so confident that we will make it in Kwekwe. Three of our players, Tatenda Simbi, Sovenia Pamire and Josphat Muchakatura are part of the national wheelchair basketball team and we are rest assured that there will be an increase this year as more players will be selected from this end,” said Chitiyo.
