Hornets in winning start

HARARE CITY Hornets began their Harare Basketball League title defence with a 37-33 victory over Cheetahs at the City Sports Centre at the weekend.

The Langton Moyo-coached side, who will participate in their maiden AfroBasketball tournament in Botswana in three weeks’ time, were missing three of their best players.

But they still managed to outwit a stubborn Cheetahs side who showed they are in the league to make a huge statement.

Moyo, whose side were expected to run over their opponents, was happy with how his charges went about their business.

“Beginning our title defence with a victory is always something we are proud of. The boys played according to instructions and that is why we managed to bag the maximum points.

“The Cheetahs played well and matched us in all departments, with a little bit of precision they could have beaten us.

“Overall, l am happy with how we managed to stamp our authority and the win gives us confidence going forward, especially with the AfroBasketball tournament fast approaching,” he said.

Basketball action has returned to the City Sports Centre for the first time in eight years.

HBA president Sunny Mbofana said he is happy with the competition in the league.

“We are in Week One and I was very impressed by what l saw both in the A and B leagues.

“All teams are determined and we are surely in for a treat this season.” he said.

Mbofana said the HBA could soon be welcoming a sponsor for the league.

Results

Men

Cheetahs 33-37 Harare City Hornets Yadah 2-0 GV Rockets JBC 20-0 HLF Raiders UZ Stars 0-20 Foxes Hustlers 72-64 Varsity Leopards Women

Lady Lunx 41-17 CUT Cousins 11-25 Hustlers Raiders 50-5 FML Vixens 51-24 CUT Harare City Hornets 20-0 UZ Sparks

JBC 20-0 Hustlers