Innocent Kurira
THE highly anticipated Khanyisile Basketball tournament was cut short on Sunday due to a payment dispute between referees and tournament organizers.
Referees downed tools, demanding full payment of their dues before resuming officiating duties. Despite partial payment, they refused to continue on the last day of the three-day tournament which had kicked off last Friday.
The unfortunate situation does not only put a dent on the sponsors alone but the entire Bulawayo basketball fraternity.
This was the fourth edition of the competition whose previous three editions were without any incident.
A highly places source expressed disappointment over the whole situation: “It was wrong for referees to stop officiating. The sponsors had promised to pay, and they had already received part of their dues.”
In a statement, the sponsors apologised and announced payments of US$250 each to semifinalists.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the games as planned. We’re paying all semi-finalists. In the ladies category the teams are Black Rhinos, Blades Vixens, Lakers Mzansi. For the men the teams are Young Starz, Legends Mbare Bulls, Harare Kings. Wishing traveling teams a safe journey.”
Efforts to reach Bulawayo Basketball Association leadership for comment were unsuccessful as they appear to be taking a back seat on the matter.
