MANZINI – They came and conquered.
That was the story of Mozambique’s teams as they dominated the Eswatini Eclipse Winter Basketball Tournament, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at Kwaluseni Sports Emporium yesterday.
Mohotas were crowned men’s champions after edging Zimbabwe’s Black Rhinos 63-60 in a thrilling final, while Botonificadas defeated Zimbabwe’s Vixens 60-55 to lift the women’s crown.
The regional tournament, which started on Friday, attracted clubs from Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Both champions received E20 000, while the runners up pocketed E10 000.
Eswatini’s hopes of winning the tournament ended in the semi finals. Manzini Superstars went down 60-49 to Zimbabwe’s Black Rhinos after a spirited display, while Dunkylaine Lions were beaten 73-42 by eventual champions Mohotas. In the women’s competition, Vixens edged G30 42-39 before Botonificadas defeated Lubris 55-43 to set up the final.
The tournament was graced by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) president Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa, Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council chief executive officer Darius Dlomo and Basketball Association of Eswatini (BASE) president Clement Dlamini.
The event was sponsored by Eclipse, the main sponsor, while Instacash presented the winning men’s and women’s teams with branded Joma tracksuits during the prize giving ceremony.
Mohotas captain Joao Gundere praised the organisers after lifting the title.
“It was a tough tournament with many competitive teams. We thank the Eswatini sponsors and organisers for hosting us. We always enjoy coming here because Eswatini feels like our basketball home,” he said.
Botonificadas captain Carla da Silva said the standard of basketball throughout the tournament was impressive.
“We are members of the Mozambique national team and we knew it would not be easy. The standard was very high and we are delighted that we managed to return home as champions,” she said.
RESULTS
Women’s Semi finals
Botonificadas (Mozambique) 55-43 Lubris (Zimbabwe)
Vixens (Zimbabwe) 42-39 G30 (Mozambique)
Men’s Semi finals
Mohotas (Mozambique) 73-42 Dunkylaine Lions (Eswatini)
Black Rhinos (Zimbabwe) 60-49 Manzini Superstars (Eswatini)
Women’s Final
Botonificadas (Mozambique) 60-55 Vixens (Zimbabwe)
Men’s Final
Mohotas (Mozambique) 63-60 Black Rhinos (Zimbabwe)
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