By Mbonisi Ngcamphalala
Saturday’s blazing heat saw a hot basketball affair at UFS International (Usuthu Forest School), Mhlambanyatsi as Women’s basketball in the country came alive.
It was the second instalment of the Amazons Women’s Basketball Tournament hosted by Amazons Basketball team.
The one-day tournament consisted of 6 teams namely, Simunye Eaglets, One Drive Basketball Academy, Eclipse Shooting Stars, Lady Jazz, Dunkylaine, and Amazons Basketball Team.
The tournament started with a forfeit by Eclipse Shooting Stars, where Amazons Basketball was awarded 20 points to zero.
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The following showcase was a dominant performance by Dunkylaine with a commanding 42-7 score against One Drive Basketball Academy.
Simunye Eaglets fell short Shooting Stars. The final score is 51-12. Amazons shattered any dreams Eaglets’ dream of advancing as they thrashed them 37-7.
Dunkylaine also proved too strong for Lady Jazz as they routed the latter 38-22. This saw Amazons, Lady Jazz, Dunkylaine and Shooting Stars facing off in the semis.
Amazons won the semis game against Lady Jazz with ease to reach the finals while Shooting Stars emerged victorious against Dunkylaine in an entertaining semi-finals match.
This saw a nail-biting finals match between the hosts (Amazons) and Shooting Stars. Amazons fought and clawed and the game drew to the wire with heroics from Ashley Simelane (No.13).
Still, it was not enough as Shooting Stars’ Farida Villa (No.10) carried her team to victory, crowning the eventual champions of the tournament.
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Villa was also crowned tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP).
When reached for comment, tournament organiser, Ashley Simelane was pleased with the turnout and thanked the participating teams.
She also extended her gratitude to all sponsors that made the tournament possible.
“I would like to thank all basketball stakeholders who participated in this tournament and congratulate Shooting Stars on their performance. Basketball won and thanks to all of the teams that answered the call.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to iKleri, Earthquake, Mastercrafts and MTN Eswatini for sponsoring this event. It wouldn’t have shaped up to be the success it was without their support.”
