National basketball champions Bravehearts are scheduled to take part in the Federation of International Basketball Associations (Fiba) Afro Zone 6 Basketball Club Championship in Zimbabwe.
Over 26 teams from nine southern African countries will take part in the competition. The regional tourney is scheduled to run from October 21 to 29.
The participating clubs have been drawn from Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho and hosts Zimbabwe.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure this Saturday, the club’s patron Griffin Kalua said they will take both the men and ladies sides.
“Participating at this championship has always been our dream. That is why both teams fought hard to be national champions which guarantees qualification into this competition,” he said.
On Tuesday night Bravehearts Men played a friendly match against their Lilongwe rivals Central Knights at Civo Court which they narrowly won 64-59.
Bravehearts coach William Chimchere said he has been working hard to improve the team’s defence.
“To survive in tough games you need a solid defence. We have not been up there; that’s why we have been working hard to improve,” he said.
The club’s captain Malumbo Kumwenda was optimistic they can win the title because they are exposed to pressure on the big stage.
“We have played a lot of international matches. The championship in Bulawayo will not be easy but we believe we can win the title,” he said.
