Zimbabwe Basketball Mourns the Loss of Ngoni Mukukula

The Zimbabwe basketball fraternity is mourning the loss of Ngoni Mukukula, a former national team coach and founder of the renowned “Hoops 4 Hope” program. Mukukula passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 52 after complaining of pain. He died upon arrival at a local medical facility.

Faith Sekete, his sister-in-law, revealed that Mukukula had been battling diabetes. However, the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed. “He had been complaining of a lot of pain for the last couple of days, and it seemed to get worse during the last two days. When we took him to the hospital, we were alerted that he was no more; this happened upon arrival,” Sekete said.

The Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) led the tributes, describing Mukukula as a cornerstone of the sport in the country. BUZ president Joe Mujuru highlighted his unparalleled contributions to basketball, particularly in grassroots development and community empowerment. “It really is a sad day for Zimbabwe basketball, and we will likely feel the effects of losing Ngoni for decades to come,” Mujuru said.

The Harare Basketball Association (HBA) also expressed its condolences, acknowledging Mukukula’s lasting legacy. In a statement, the association referred to him as a “Zimbabwean basketball legend and godfather.” His impact extended from his humble beginnings in Dzivarasekwa to shaping the basketball scene in Harare and beyond.

Prominent figures in the basketball community shared heartfelt tributes. Langton Moyo, a former player and coach, emphasized Mukukula’s influence on countless players and coaches. “People underestimate the work Ngoni put into the development of the game. I struggle to pick a local player or coach who wasn’t influenced by the man,” Moyo said.

Sani Mbofana, a former Harare City Hornets president, extended his condolences to Mukukula’s wife Fiona and their children, praising the coach’s unwavering dedication to the sport. Zimbabwe volleyball legend Erasmus Mupukuta also paid tribute, acknowledging Mukukula’s impact beyond basketball. “He inspired generations of players and peers with his passion, expertise, and astute leadership,” Mupukuta noted.

Mukukula’s “Hoops 4 Hope” initiative played a pivotal role in using basketball as a tool for social change, teaching life skills to young people in Zimbabwe and beyond. His efforts to uplift communities through sports have left an indelible mark.

He is survived by his wife, Fiona, and three children, Watidaishe (26), Nokutenda (20), and Tauraishe (12). Mourners are gathered at 19 Bates Street, Milton, to pay their respects to a man whose legacy will endure in the hearts of many.

Zimbabwe’s basketball community, and the broader sports fraternity, will remember Ngoni Mukukula not only for his contributions on the court but also for his passion for building better communities through the power of sport.