Sports Correspondent

The Zimbabwean basketball community came together to pay their last respects to the late Ngoni Mukukula, a renowned basketball legend, at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare on Thursday. Despite the heavy rains, a multitude of mourners, including government officials, sports administrators, and professionals, gathered to honor Mukukula’s contributions to the development of basketball in Zimbabwe.

Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, Honourable Emily Jesaya, challenged the basketball community to emulate Mukukula’s dedication and passion for the sport. “Look at the people who are in this church, all respected people… they all decided to be here to honour someone who worked hard to take basketball to the masses,” Jesaya said.

Mark Crandal, Founder of Hoops 4 Hope, who worked closely with Mukukula, flew from New York to pay his respects. “You are mourning, and I can tell you that you are not alone… the whole of Africa and the world over are mourning the loss of Ngoni,” Crandal said, highlighting Mukukula’s impact on the sport globally. “He changed the face of basketball in Zimbabwe,” Crandal added, recalling Mukukula’s tireless efforts to provide access to basketball for all kids and ensure they had the necessary equipment .