Zimbabwean basketball champions JBC are facing a challenge from former player Saul Phiri, who is seeking to recover US$1 800 he claims he spent on airfares, an amount the club is yet to reimburse.
Phiri, who is based in the United States, asserts he paid for his own travel to represent JBC in the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) with the understanding that the club would later reimburse him.
However, he claims that despite numerous follow-ups, the club has not fulfilled its promise.
"I have been trying to recover the money for more than a year now, but without success," Phiri stated.
"I honoured my side of the bargain, and I only hope the club will understand and fulfil their promise."
Phiri says he met JBC officials while playing for Matero Magic in Zambia.
During their discussion, he was reportedly informed that the club's sponsor was unavailable and that reimbursement would occur once the sponsor returned. To date, no payment has been made.
Efforts to obtain a comment from JBC were unsuccessful, as club owner and coach Addison Chiware did not respond to questions sent by Sports Hub.
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Phiri represented JBC in the BAL qualifiers in Botswana and subsequently at the finals in South Africa.
He then departed to join Matero Magic in Zambia later that same year.
While in Zambia, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) – an accolade akin to a "Soccer Star of the Year" award in football – signifying his status as the standout performer in the 10-team Zambian basketball league.
Despite the ongoing dispute with JBC, Phiri maintains a positive outlook on his overall experience in African basketball.
"The experience of playing for the two African teams was good. I think the experience I gained will help me grow both as a player and as a person," he remarked.
Now back in the United States, Phiri expressed his hope of returning to Zimbabwe to play in the Zimbabwe Basketball Association (ZBA) League and ultimately represent the country at an international level.
"I want to help Zimbabwe qualify for major championships like the All Africa Games and the Olympic Games," Phiri said. "I have seen the talent that is there, and together, I know we can make it."
