02/11/2025
Editorial: Zimbabwe Basketball at the Crossroads of Accountability.
By Kelvin Ben
I grew up in the dusty streets of one of Zimbabwe’s oldest suburbs — never imagining that one day I would contribute to shaping the story of basketball in this country. Like many others who have served or played, I have witnessed both the beauty and the brokenness of the game.
Basketball in Zimbabwe has produced moments of brilliance and immense passion. Yet, beneath that spirit lies a troubling truth — a sport held hostage by poor leadership, mismanagement, and the absence of accountability.
A Decade of Decline
For the past ten years, Zimbabwe Basketball has been under the stewardship of Joe Mujuru and Yemu Chamboko, a duo whose tenure has drawn sharp criticism from players, coaches, and administrators alike. Their time in office was recently summed up by a vote of no confidence, supported by seven of ten provinces. Two provinces abstained, and only one stood by them — a clear verdict on their leadership.
Despite this, the pair have refused to step aside. Instead, they have continued to operate with the same opacity that has long characterized their administration — even releasing summarized financial accounts in place of verifiable records. What the basketball community needs are not summaries, but the original books of entry, open to scrutiny.
Supporters of the outgoing leadership often cite the men’s AfroBasket appearance as a hallmark of achievement. But one must recall that the previous executive not only took the women’s team to AfroBasket, but also to the All-Africa Games — achievements made with far fewer resources. Under Mujuru and Chamboko, nearly every event has ended in controversy — from national teams going hungry on duty to constitutional violations that undermined the integrity of the organization.
Eroded Governance and Favouritism
The rot extended to election processes themselves. During the last BUZ elections, Mashonaland Central was denied voting rights, while NASH and NAPH were mysteriously granted powers they are not constitutionally entitled to. These irregularities were challenged — and the challengers won — but the incumbents continued to rule, exploiting technical loopholes and the inefficiency of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
It is no secret that a familiar face at the SRC has appeared repeatedly along this trail of administrative decay.
Today, Mujuru is reportedly backing his close associate S.V. for the BUZ presidency — a move seen by many as an attempt to bury accountability and preserve influence. Meanwhile, Taurai, another familiar figure, is attempting a comeback as a “reformed” candidate. Yet it was his own company that was once used to divert BUZ funds before his fallout with the duo.
This small circle of recycled leadership has reduced BUZ to a private fiefdom, stifling growth, alienating provinces, and draining the enthusiasm of players and coaches who only want to play and develop the game.
A Call for Renewal
To those who have served under this system — respectfully, it is time to step aside. The sport deserves new custodians with integrity, transparency, and the courage to rebuild from the grassroots up.
As the nine voting provinces prepare for the long-awaited elections, ten years after one of the most disputed polls in the association’s history, the choice is simple: move forward, or continue in decline.
For President: Johnson Shumba and David Pick.
For Secretary General: Sengai and Pastor Brighton.
Any other names represent a continuation of the dark chapter Zimbabwe basketball has endured for too long.
The Final Word
Accountability is not an act of revenge — it is the foundation of progress. Those who failed to uphold it must make way for those who will.
And if there is one small credit to give the outgoing leadership, it is perhaps this:
They always dressed well at events where they contributed nothing else.
Nb -this is a raw write up from Kelvin Ben,the man behind the successful Foxes/Vixens project and officially the current Zimbabwe National men’s coach.
