Tinashe Kusema
ZIMBABWEAN basketball star Vitalis Chikoko faces a defining few weeks at Bayern Munich as he seeks to nail a long-term deal with the Beko Bundesliga giants. Chikoko joined Bayern Munich on a short-term contract at the end of February but has struggled for game time, featuring in a handful of matches, sinking a paltry 15 points during the current play-off campaign.

Chikoko’s agent and manager Peter Mubanda described the coming weeks as crucial to the player’s contract negotiations.

“I cannot say much, as negotiations are still ongoing, but I can confirm that we have touched base with Bayern and we are now looking at sealing a more permanent deal for Vita,” said Mubanda. 

“Negotiations are not entirely tied to a championship win, but it will certainly help our case of securing a longer and more lucrative deal if he helps Bayern to the title.

“The plan right now is for Chikoko to play his game and hopefully win the championship. After that, we will give him some time off to rest his mind and body, before we head off to the United States of America for the Summer League.”

As Munich head into the semi-final stage of the play-offs, Chikoko remains optimistic that he will play a key role in delivering the title to his side.

“l have settled very well here in Munich; as you know l have played in Germany before, and the country is now more like my second home,” he said. “It has been quite an experience for me, settling in Germany, and the fans love me here.

“They actually call me ‘The Hand of Zimbabwe’ since I was brought in to help the team seal a play-off spot which I did. 

My teammates are the best; l knew them already from playing my playing days at Trier and Gottingen. 

They welcomed me with open arms, upon my arrival, and it didn’t take long for me to feel like I was part of the team.”

Munich begin their best of five semi-final series against league winners Brose Baskets tonight.