Harare — THE Harare Basketball League, split into two factions following a bitter power struggle, got underway yesterday with defending men's champions JBC taking on Stormers at the University of Zimbabwe.
After weeks of boardroom wrangles, the faction led by Gillchrist Mageza got their programme underway yesterday while the camp led by veteran administrator and coach Roderick Takawira will start theirs on October 10.
The Basketball Union of Zimbabwe have thrown their weight behind the Mageza faction.
However, this has not stopped Takawira and his colleagues from fighting against a system they believe does not have the interests of the sport at heart.
Takawira is a tried-and-tested basketball warrior who has been through the mill, dedicating his time and money to keep his beloved sport alive.
Away from the factionalism, JBC assistant coach Simon Lawson was yesterday confident that both their men and women's teams would do well this season.
"As JBC we are ready for the games, we have done as much as we can in terms of preparations for both the provincial and national championships.
"For the girls' team we will continue from where we left last season. And we need to convincingly win our matches," said Lawson.
He revealed that they have managed to retain most of their players but they were hoping to sign some new faces.
"Erick Banda has moved to Mozambique but we are definitely going to sign a few players.
"We also need to work on our junior development programmes so that we maintain continuity," said Lawson.
The JBC sides will be banking on the likes of Simba Mungomezi, Simba Murawa and Silas Makalichi to drive their men's team while Serina Chareka and Zimbabwe international Juliet Misihairambwi are set to be the inspiration behind their women's team.
Fixtures
Men
Today: GA v Raiders (UZ); Mbare Heat v Pistons (Richwood); Cavaliers v UZ Stars (Richwood).
Tomorrow: Jammers v Nuggets (Richwood).
Women
Today: LA v Raiders (UZ); Queens v ZB Spartans (Kambuzuma).
Tomorrow: Hawks v Real Returners (Richwood); Golden Spurs v Pistons (Kambuzuma).
B League
Today: Stanchart v Parktown (Richwood); Hustlers v Assasins (Kambuzuma); Kings v ZB Spartans (Kambuzuma).
Tomorrow: Hawks v Mablazo (Richwood); Raiders B v Touch Wizards (Kambuzuma); Golden Spurs v South Central (Kambuzuma).
Harare Basketball Association Super 12
Semi-Finals: Cameo-Sigauke vs Drifters; Cavs vs Lakers
Women's Final: Varsity Leopards vs Stanbic Mavericks.