Zimbabwe–China Basketball Friendship Match Fuels Y...

Zimbabwe–China Basketball Friendship Match Fuels Youth Dreams

Patience Muchemwa, Senior Reporter

The Riverside Senior School courts were packed with energy on Saturday as Zimbabwe and China marked 45 years of diplomatic relations in a way no communique or cocktail reception could—with the bounce of basketballs, slam dunks, and the laughter of schoolkids.

Zimbabwe’s senior men’s side powered past their Chinese counterparts 85–55, but the real winner was people-to-people diplomacy.

For the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HE Zhou Ding, this was not just sport:

“Our fraternal friendship is not just about political solidarity and economic collaboration but also about dynamic cultural, educational, and sports exchanges. These people-to-people ties serve as a catalyst and a foundation of our great relationship.”

Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Local Government, Albert Tawanda Mavhunga, reached for a proverb:

“If you want to go near, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with someone, so China is that someone for us.”

His second point was more urgent: basketball can be a lifeline for youth facing drugs and unemployment.

For Lewis Chirenje, coach of the Assassins, this was more than a spectacle:

“This tournament offered the chance for our kids to showcase their skills. The young kids had the opportunity to meet with the ambassador and the Chinese players. My plea is for courts in Glenorah, Epworth, Chitungwiza, and other ghettos. That’s how you turn a friendship match into a future.”

One parent on the sidelines put it even simpler: “Maybe this friendship can take my boy to China on a scholarship.”

The Friendship Match is the latest in a string of people-to-people initiatives, including Chinese Spring Festival galas and Chapungu art showcases, scholarships to Chinese universities, and sports. Zimbabwe bagged a bronze at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, with credit going to the Chinese community in Zimbabwe for their passion in developing the game in the country.

Basketball has huge potential in urban Zimbabwe, where the sport is gaining traction in high-density schools.