Mugabe’s son storms onto basketball scene

HARARE, (Xinhua) — Robert Mugabe Junior, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s son, is set to lead from the front when the Zimbabwe Under-18 take part in the Zone XI basketball championships slated for Harare at the end of the month, The Sunday Mail said. He is part of a 15-man squad that has been called into camp for the championships.

With his parents, President Mugabe and Amai Grace Mugabe, well known patrons in cricket and tennis respectively, the 17-year-old has chosen hoops and baskets as compared to bat or racket.

However, his selection into the team has not been without controversy, with certain sections calling his call-up a publicity stunt aimed at improving the state of the sport in the country, claims which the relevant basketball authorities have been quick to dismiss.

The Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) has since come out in defence of Robert Jnr’s selection into the team, insisting his inclusion is based solely on merit and not on his relationship to the President.

However, Robert Jnr’s debut will have to wait a bit longer after the Zone Six basketball championships were postponed due to failure by the regional participants to meet the May 2 confirmation deadline.

The games will take place from May 30 to June 4.

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