U.S. Basketball Stars Expected in Zimbabwe

Two United States- based National Basketball Association (NBA) stars- Luc Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza- will visit Zimbabwe August 17. They will conduct training and development camps for 50 pre-selected young players.

“We are excited to support FAA to host Luc Mbah’s second visit to Zimbabwe as well Trevor Ariza’s first visit,” said John Taylor, Acting Public Affairs Officer. ”As we witnessed during Mbah’s first visit to Zimbabwe in June last year, Zimbabwe has an appetite for basketball and the skills base is so rich. The United States wants young Zimbabweans to experience firsthand some of the best practices and professional skills needed to play basketball at the highest level.”

With support from the United States Embassy, the weeklong visit will enable the two sports stars to work with a local sports consultancy group, Fundamentally Astute Athletics (F.A.A.), to develop and nurture emerging talent.

Both visitors are professional players. Mbah, a Cameroonian national, plays for the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers; and Ariza is with the Phoenix Suns.

In his first visit to Zimbabwe in 2017, Mbah hosted a coaching clinic for young athletes in Masvingo and Harare. With support from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the athlete also had an opportunity to visit Zimbabwe tourism attractions including Great Zimbabwe National Monuments.

Using the experience and best practices from the previous visit, the organizers hope for even better outcomes and will work with 50 pre- selected young basketball players from across the country to develop professional skills as well as general understanding of the sport.