Basketball in Africa

THREE new records were set in the dunking, And-1 skills challenge and rapping events at the street basketball bash at YMCA courts over the weekend, reports Gloria Kyomugisha.

The winner of the dunking event, Joseph Ikong, pulled off a 360-degree windmill erasing his previous best — a double-handed slam at the same venue.

Ikong faced a stiff challenge from Michael Olweny until the last round when he pulled off an unchallenged windmill slam.

Olweny managed a spot dunk on his third attempt and settled for second place.

Hakeem Iga retained the And-1 challenge title, improving on his previous single ball with spinning displays.

The rapping battle went to Arnold Kiwanuka who rhythmically rapped 23 words per minute.

By Paul Munyuki
HARARE Basketball Association and Ghetto League side
Highdon Raiderz may miss the services of Mernard
Masawi when they take on Jewels at the University of
Zimbabwe courts this afternoon.
However Coach Ngoni Mukukula, said that that would be
no justification for them to suffer a defeat as they
also have secured some players over the threeweek
break and have also been working out during the break
in order to keep their bodies in shape.
Masawi has not been attending some of the clubs’
training sessions and there was still some doubt in
the Raiderz camp late yesterday over his availability
for the game his afternoon.
Jewels are second placed on the log and have bagged a
total of 30 points form 17 outings after they suffered
four defeats and the best they have done is
registering 13 wins.
Though it might be a bit too early to judge, Highdon
Raiderz might have to put a bit more effort in their
play are they to male it for the national finals at
the end of the season.
Only the top eight teams in the sixteen team league
will make it for the national finals and Raiderz, who
have 25 points from 16 games are seated on eighth
position – the cutoff line.
“Our team is looking good and just from that I can
say that we have what it takes to upset any of the
teams in the league and that is why we are playing in
that league.
“We worked as a team over the break and since the
start of the second half of the season we have managed
to get Pardon Hapazari a power forward and Tendai
Nyagumbo former Bucks player,” said Mukukula.
Mukukula added that they know what is expected in
their game against the former rebels and they are
going to give them all the respect this evening.
“Jewels are getting stronger and though they lost to
Pross we are not going to treat them lightly as they
have also beefed up their side.
“Obviously if we are going to succeed in this game we
have to be cautious in all aspects of the game from
attitude, play and all would work in our favour,” said
Mukukula.
At the same venue, in the battle for the third place
Cameo will be taking on Celtics as both teams have 29
points with Simon Lawson’s side on fourth place and
Roderick Takawira’s Cameo on third place.
In the Bulawayo Basketball Association League
Highlanders clash with Kings with Highlanders coach
Zenzo Sibanda admitting that they have always played
second fiddle to Kings.
But Sibanda hoped for the change of fortunes saying
that this would be their chance to turn the tables.
“We have always lost to Kings but this is a different
game and my boys are ready to do battle,” said
Sibanda.
Highlanders will be banking on top point scorer
Thandani Dube while Garikai Gumbo and Shingi Magwaro
are expected to carry the day for Kings.
HBA Fixtures
ALeague: Kingdom Cavaliers v Mufakose Hawks, Jewels v
Highdon Raiderz, Cameo v Celtics, Snipers v Nuggets,
Black Rhinos v Mbare Bulls, Faithwear Jammers v
Varsity Leopards, Golden Spurs v UZ Stars.
BLeague: Kingdom Cavaliers v Mufakose Hawks,
Crocodiles v Nyamidzi Blazers, Sigauke v Richwood,
Stormers v Drifters.
Women: Kingdom Cavaliers v Mufakose Hawks, Jewels v
Highdon Raiderz.
BBA Fixtures
Men: Men ALCC v Giants, Highlanders v Kings, Men
Academy v Bucks, Classics v Lords
Women: Queens v Empire Lakers, Giants v PG Lakers,
Empire Lakers v Highlanders.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

THE basketball season opens today with the second edition of the annual street basketball bash happening at the YMCA courts.

According to the event organiser Hakeem Iga, the fun-filled basketball bash is slated to start at 9.00am with the registration of the various challengers.

Competitors in the three-on-three challenge will part with a sh10,000 team registration fee (for four persons) while the One-on-One confrontations will see members pay sh5000 each.

“The registration fee is inclusive of the sh3000 figure that we are charging at the gates today. So those who register as participants will not need to pay at the entrance,” Iga said.

Other contests on card include rapping and shooting competitions, showcasing of various style dance moves and dunking competitions.

No-Nem BC and Makerere University basketball team point guard Steven Mugisa is the biggest threat to ‘And One’ skills champion Hakeem Iga’s hopes over the one hour skills challenge competition to be showcased today.

Joseph Ikong also returns to the courts against the likes of Julius Kiwanuka, Joseph Joey, Jacob Otti and Mohammed Ali as he attempts to secure his name as the dunk master.

The one-day event has been boosted by Century Bottling Company who are providing T-Shirts and water bottles and also backed by Radio One, Capital Radio, Sanyu FM and The Daily Monitor.

By Burton Brown, Morogoro
Vijana City Bulls of Dar es Salaam recorded their first win in the National Basketball League, after beating Dodoma Spurs 62-53 in a thrilling match held at the Jamhuri Stadium, here.
Vijana, who opened the league with a 52-61 defeat by JKT Oljoro of Arusha, played a better game on Tuesday with much determination to win.
Vijana, the runners up last year, fielded many new faces, who lacked experience in big events.
Spearheaded by the team’s veteran player, Mohamed Ally Dibo, Vijana led in all four quarters.
But the club missed key players such as Obote Mwambongo, Shisarya Mwiki, Jacob Malenga and John Mcharo.
The much improved Salim Machemba was the top scorer of the match with 24 points, followed by Dibo who slammed in 17 points for the winners.
In another match, title holders Savio beat Pazi 66-42, to record their second consecutive victory after the 69-41 win over Warriors on Monday.
The league continues today when Cargo Ladies face Young Warriors, while Oilers are pitted against Pazi at the same venue.

Lander University's Tara Nyikavaranda, a 6-2 junior post player from Lusaka, Zambia, has been named the Peach Belt Conference women's basketball Player of the Week it was announced today.

Nyikavaranda averaged 19 points per game last week while shooting 78.9 percent from the floor and 100 percent at the free throw line. She scored a career-high 21 points against USC Aiken and had a 17-point, 11-rebound performance against GC&SU. She has recorded six double-doubles in the past eight games. She also averaged 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game last week.

By Gloria Kyomugisha and Reuben Olita

JOSEPH Ikong, the 2005 dunk master, will have his title put on the line when the 2nd edition of the street basketball jam takes place on Saturday.

Extra Miles basketball group have organised the one-day bash that is open to all individuals who would like to exhibit their skills.

Ikong will be up against a much-improved line-up consisting of Henry Malinga, Ivan Enabu, Julius Wapera and Ken Balyejusa.

“Last year, we successfully held the inaugural street jam at the same venue which prompted us to make it an annual event,” Extra Miles founder and member, Hakeem Iga said.

* The East African Basketball Federation has moved the secretariat of the regional body from Kampala to Nairobi. No reason was given for the change.

Women: Crocos 22, Raiderz 83; Black Rhinos 0, Kingdom Cavliers 20;

The Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) has promoted six teams to play this year’s RBA League.
BD Secretary-General Mbaga Mwambona said yesterday the teams were promoted after performing well in the second division league matches ’’Dream Cup’’.

They are Magnet, Chui, Mkwawa and Chang’ombe Boyz in men’s category. Women teams are Police Dar es Salaam and Lady Lion.
The teams join other 14 teams that remained in the league last year.
Men’s teams that remained in the league are Savio, JKT, Pazi, Oilers, Vijana, UDSM Outsiders, Tanzania Prisons, TM Rocket, Mgulani JKT and Jogoo.

Women’s are JKT, Jeshi Stars, Cargo Ladies and Tanzania Prisons.
Dream Cup League involved 15 in men’s teams and two women’s team.

Other men’s teams were Sina Warriors, Don Bosco Senior, Mbezi Waves, Tanblacks, Bias, Umoja Amref,Magone,110%, Yoo! Street and PTW.

from Guardian

By Dann O’Werre

Kenya will be represented by six teams during the East and Central Africa Club Championships slated for Nairobi in April, a top Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) official said Sunday.

Agina Wesonga, the KBF chairman, said that by virture of having the defending champions KCB Lions (men) and Sprite Storms (women), Kenya will enter four more teams in the six-day tournament set to start on April 18.

Apart from Lions and Storms, the other teams for the regional show are national champions Ulinzi Warriors and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women, Kenya Railways and Sprite Stormers. Kenya last hosted the regional show in 2002 where KPA and APR of Rwanda won the championships.

The country first hosted the show in 1996.

"We will have the draws and the technical meeting a day before the championships," said Agina adding that "we expect a full house with teams from Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Zanzibar and Rwanda.

At the same time, it was announced the secretariat of the regional body has been moved from Kampala to Nairobi with effect from this year.

THE MTN basketball league expansion will save Kampala International University (KIU) men's team from relegation to the lower Yello Go conference this season.

Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) is in preparation to extend the two top league conferences Yello Max and Yello Go to 10 teams.

"We are meeting again to look into the matter,” said FUBA ‘s Eliot Bagenda.

THE Harare Basketball Association yesterday named the four provincial sides to take part at the annual inter-provincial tournament.

Although the inter-provincial tournament has been scheduled for Midlands, the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe is yet to meet over the specific venue of the tournament.

Two men’s and women’s side will be fielded from each of the provinces as each province is expected to field senior sides in the men and women categories and also in the Under-22 sides.

The Harare sides are expected to start training for the competition tomorrow and the men will be having their practice sessions at the University of Zimbabwe courts while the women will go through their paces at the Richwood Park Sports Centre.

All hopes are that the women’s side would not be in a situation they were in last year as they were not coming for the practice sessions sighting differences over the selection process.

HBA administrator Simon Lawson said that all is in place for the team selection.

"We have named all the players who we see as both good and fit enough to represent the province at the annual tournament.

"All is in place for the practice sessions and we are also asking all the clubs who have the selected players to please relieve them of their duties for the mean time by Friday (tomorrow).

"All trials are on Friday January 20 at 1800hrs at these two venues and we are also expecting each of the clubs to bring a ball," said Lawson.

Squads

Men: F. Tumbare, T. Muchenje, R. Takaendesa, A. Tegunde, M. Nhira, N. Mawarire (cameo), S. Nyamariwata, G. Chikopa, N. Vinyu, E. Policarpo, T. Chitawa (Varsity), S. Mudawarima, T. Miutambira, T. Muganiwa, P. Muganiwa, (Pross), L. Janure, B. Mugofa (Hawks), R. Chitiyo, S. Makalichi, M. Chitiyo (Spurs), E. Banda, A. Danga, H. Njerere, T. Mugunyana, S. Kanyama, (Jewels), B. Chidimu, R. Madzudzo, F. Sakatira, W. Mabhena, (Cavaliers) T. Soko, A. Chitauro, Y. Guzha (Celtics), E. Katsaruware, F. Mandizadza, N. Shenje, L. Mwanza (Raiderz), M. Koffie (Jammers), M. Dhliwayo (Blazers), K. Charumbira (UZ Stars), E. Sithole (Central), S. Parirai (Rhinos).

Under-22: N. Mushekwi, D. Shenje (Cameo), T.Mudimu (Varsity), L. Muyanganira, M. Makanda, (Jammers), M. Zhuwaki (Hawks), D. Chitiyo, L. Bosman (Spurs), S. Mogomedzi, D. Nyati T. Chitsinde, G. Run’agnga, (Cavaliers), C. Kurambakuwa (G.A), T. Matiki (Celtics), C. Kufeketa (Raiderz), S. Chitagu, S. Masaiti, U. Gwaze ( U.Z), S. Dongonda, K. Zakazaka, T. Tembo (Stormers), T Tsiga, T. Dhabha (Falcons), S. Satumba, T Chitsinde, T. Chisema, A. Karikumasa (Sigauke), T. Ndunzo, S. Murahwa (Jewels).

Women: R. Chisale, H. Nyagato, G. Phiri, P. Chinhoyi, A. Gondo, B. Faranisi, P. Charasika, B. Masenda, C. Mucucuti, F. Sithole, M. Magwaro, J. Mutuvha, E. Gwashure, F. Mabasa, S. Chirinda, R. Gwanetsa, A. Muzazi, T. Mungazi, C. Rice.

Under-22: A. Maseko, R. Makoni, D. Marondera, A. Mhemberro, B. Dube, S. Bakasa, Y. Kamuriwo, M. Kayimo, T. Muguti. L. Waenda, K. Garande, P. Pazanhi, T. Chizikani, S. Chareka, A. Mandiveyi, K. Kangira, M. Mabhiza, C. Nyagumbo, F. Chigumidze, I. Tegunde, G. Bvindi, V. Mukanyi, N. Pike, P.Pasipanodya, M. Mutomba.

By Paul Munyuki from http://www.herald.co.zw

The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) yesterday named two teams, which will represent Central Zone in the National Basketball League (NBL) that starts on January 23-29 in Morogoro.

TBF Secretary-General Lawrence Cheyo named the teams as Dodoma Spurs and Young Warriors of Morogoro.
Cheyo said the teams qualified after finishing top in the zonal basketball league.
He said only four zones had already sent the names of their teams to TBF.
Teams from Dar es Salaam Zone are Pazi and UDSM Outsiders. Other teams are Oljoro, Spartans (Northern Zone), Bugando, Youngheat (Lake Zone).
Southern, Highland and Western zones are yet to submit the names of their teams.
Six teams that remained in the league last year are JKT, ABC, Vijana, Oilers, Savio and Bombo.
Savio are the men’s defending champions while JKT are women’s defending champions. The championship will be open for women teams.

The 2006 Premier League throws off on April 1, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) announced on Wednesday.

KBF chairman, Agina Wesonga, while releasing the calendar of events for the year, said will be a very active period with the country due to host the regional club championships and the All Africa Games Zone Five qualifiers.

The KBF supremo also said the Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for February 4 will determine the number of teams that will take part in the play offs later in the year.

"We received the proposal to increase the number of teams from four to eight. We have looked at it and will continue looking at it during the AGM," he said.

"If the governors adopt it, so we shall," he said.

The proposal was made by the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) chairman, Ronny Owino, who felt it was

the only way forward for the game to grow in the country," he said.

He said it would give every team a chance to fight for the national title.

The 2006 season, which starts on January 28, will take off first with the provincial referees and coaching clinics.

By Dann O’Werre from http://www.eastandard.net

JEWELS started their second half of the Harare Basketball Association League championship on a bad note as they lost to Maxifix Pross at the University courts on Saturday — their fourth defeat of the season.

Jewels were leading in the second quarter of the game but failed to maintain their lead and eventually lost 39-35.
Pross capitalised on every chance that came their way while Jewels failed to get their act together as all they could manage was committing fouls.
Jewels were the only team in the top five to lose at the weekend as Kingdom Cavaliers, Varsity Leopards and Celtics all bagged maximum points.
Pross player coach Steve Mudawarima was effective with free throws and later praised his side’s teamwork.
"It is a good thing that every player in the team played a role and made sure that we walk away the victors at the end of the day because there was commitment and for sure there was team work.
"We have a self belief that we can make it and that is what drove us to making and we hope to continue the season like that.
"At one stage of the game we were 17-8 down after we only managed to score two points in the second quarter but we did not lose hope and instead had to change our type of play.
"That is when Jewels failed to read our play in the second half and as I had said before, their coach failed to pick that as well because the players had no guidance though there was a man on the line," said Mudawarima.
The Jewels duo of Michael Banda and Simba Murava, who were making their debut appearances for the Harare side, failed to impress though Banda tried to come in with a three pointer to save his team towards the end of the game.
Pross’ Francis Muvevi scored seven points off three three-pointers and Tonderai Murimwa chipped in with six points while Mudawarima top scored with 13points off nine free throws.
Jewels responded through Erick Banda who top scored for his side with 11 points while Tapiwa Mugugunyana chipped in with eight points.
Mudawarima added that they are next looking at defeating Celtics, Varsity Leopards and though they have some sort of respect for current HBA and national champions Cameo.
"Jammers have a running game but their boys are not big and for that reason we would be able to beat them this weekend and we are also sending warning shots to Celtics, Kingdom Cavillers and Varsity.
"Maybe the only team that we fear in the league is Roderick Takawira’s side but that does not mean that we would not be able to stand our ground in the fight," said Mudawarima.
In other matches played at the same venue, second-placed Kingdom Cava-liers beat Gentlemen’s Association 98-44 while log leaders Cameo did not have a game.
But that was not good enough to see Cavaliers reclaiming the top spot as Cameo are leading on superior point difference having amassed 29 points from 15 games and have only one defeat at the hands of Varsity Leopards.

Results

A-League: Pross 39, Jewels 35; Celtics 20, Black Rhinos 0; Varsity 91, Golden Spurs 61; Mbare Bulls 29, Mufakose Hawks 106; Kingdom Cavaliers 98, Gentlemen’s Association 44.

B-League: Airforce Falcon 56, Mufakose Hawks 60; Snipers 28, Stormers 87; Crocoss 38, Kingdom Cavaliers 65; Nuggets 34, Nyamidzi Blazers 61; Airforce Falcons 0, City Wolves 20.

Women: Crocos 8, Kingdom Cavaliers 54; Jewels 55, Stormers 19.

By Paul Munyuki from http://www.herald.co.zw

THE MTN Basketball women champions A-I Challenge, have vowed to challenge for honours in the fourth coming East African Basketball Club Championships due in Nairobi-Kenya in April.

Club coordinator and senior player Rosette Meya (pictured) made the promising remarks at Lugogo Guest House on January 14 during the club's party to celebrate the 2005 MTN league title.

"I want to assure A-I Challenge fans and all Ugandans that we shall come back with the women's trophy from Nairobi," said Meya.

A-I beat women record champions Lady Bucks with a memorable 3-1 best of five final series to win their first league title since their inauguration in 1999. Meya added that they are are also out to dominate the League for many more years.

The women champions together with their male counterparts Nkumba University Marines will represent Uganda in the regional club championship in Nairobi.

However, Meya said that the club is still soliciting for close to Shs20m for the whole season including the event. " The only problem now is money to take us through the season,” added Meya.

The Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) League started on a poor note with four out of the eight teams fulfilling their fixtures.

P.G Lakers, Hillside, Abundant Life Christian Church (ALCC) women’ team and Kaos did not fulfill their fixtures that were scheduled to be played this weekend.
BBA public relations officer, Dinx Mabhena attributed the failure to fulfill the fixtures to the fact that teams were still trying to organise themselves.
“Most teams are still trying to organise themselves and could therefore not fulfill their fixtures this weekend,” he said.
Hillside is reported to be the only team that informed the league that it was unable to fulfill its fixture due to problems it was experiencing.
Mabhena could not say what action would be taken against the clubs that fialed to fulfill their fixtures.
Meanwhile, Classics drubbed Stars 65-51 at the BCD Courts yesterday.
The game, which was one of the attractions of the weekend, saw Stars give a good account of themselves in the first quarter as they led 19-14.
However, tables turned at half time as Classics improved and they led by two points, while their rivals stood at 28 points.
The seesaw battle became more interesting in the third quarter when Stars clawed their way to the top position. Stars played a coordinated and simpler game compared to their rivals who preferred fancy footwork, much to their disadvantage.
At the end of the third quarter they were leading by 41 points against Classics’ 37.
The resuscitated duo of Prosper Gurajena and Matthew Tumbare put up a sterling performance in the final quarter, winning the game for their team at 65-51.
Nonetheless Stars’ coach, Amos Tshuma said his team wanted to make a good come back and paid tribute to his charges.
“We were looking forward to winning this game and we are disappointed that we did not make it. We played our best but our opponents were too strong for us in the last quarter,” he said.

Results
Lords 60, Kings 65; Queens 37 Highlanders 46; Highlanders 61, ALCC 41; Classics 65, Stars 51.

THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) has scheduled April 1 as the date for the league tip off at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Federation technical man Mr Edmund Lumu told Daily Monitor yesterday that the executive meeting that sat last week decided the date.

MARINES STAR: Bisereko

"We decided the first weekend of April for the league tip off. But we still have many issues to tackle of which the national schools' basketball program is a priority," Lumu said. He also said that the league fixtures will be made in the due course in order to alert the league season's opening teams.

The new season's commencement will be preceded by the usual curtain raiser. The Makerere Open basketball tournament that will be held on the last weekend of March (from Friday 24-Sunday 26) at Makerere Pool Courts.

League sponsors MTN (U) Ltd which sunk Shs60m into the league last season, will unveil this season's package before the league commences.

Nkumba University Marines, which beat Sadolin Power in straight sets in last season's final, will be defending the men's title while A-I Challenge will be defending the women's crown they won last year.

HARARE Basketball Association men’s league side Pross are confident of a winning start to the second half of the season as they lock horns with Jewels today at the University courts.

Pross player-coach Steve Mudawarima has dismissed Jewels as students without a teacher.

"Jewels do not have a good coach and it is just that they managed to get some of the top players when they returned to the A League," said Muda-warima.

Jewels are coached by Addison Chiware who earlier in the week had said that they were going to give their all as they would like to minimise on defeats.

"We managed to acquire Anesu Jiri after the departure of Brian Takava-rasha who went to England and I think that our team is getting stronger.

Towards the close of last season, Pross managed to get three successive victories over some of the big teams namely Highdon Raiderz, Faithwear Jammers and Mufakose Hawks.

"If we managed to beat some of the big teams in the first half, I do not see any reason why a we would be unable to do it against Jewels.

"Anyway, there is nothing much in Jewels because they base their play on Erick (Banda) and Hazvi (Njerere) and that just goes on to show that they do not have depth in their team," said Mudawarima.

"We have our house in order and I do not think there is anything that can stop us from winning against Jewels tomorrow (today).

Mudawarima said that it was their defeat to bottom-placed Rhinos that made them review the way they were playing.

"We lost against Black Rhinos and that was when we sat down as a team and started to look at our weaknesses and given that we are aiming at making for the national championships, we had to be serious with our play.

"As long as we are focused, tomorrow we will get our play right. Most of the teams had written us off and I think now they are beginning to notice that there is something changing," said Mudawarima.

Jewels are among the top four in the league as they are sitting on third position with 27 points and are two points away from leaders and defending champions Cameo who have only lost one game so far.

And on the other hand, Pross gained four places up to settle on number seven with 23 points from 15 outings.

Meanwhile, Kizito Mudzviti (UZ Stars), Ngoni Mukukula (Highdon Raiderz), Lewis Mabika and Spencer Nyamadzawo (Gentlemen’s Associa-tion) have been selected as the Harare inter-provincial teams coaches.

Mudzviti and Mabika will be taking charge of the mens senior and Under-22 teams, with Mukukula and Nyama-dzawo in charge of the women's side respectively.

According to Simon Lawson, the HBA administrator, the teams are scheduled to be announced on Mond-ay and training will start on Friday next week.

"Clubs should be ready to release the player who would have nade it into the respective teams by next week on Friday and we are scheduled to hold a meeting tonight (last night) on the candidates who are be assistant coaches.

"The inter-provincial finals are in Midlands and Basketball Union of Zimbabwe will meet on the 28th to decide on the venue," said Lawson.

Fixtures

A-League: G.A v Cavaliers, Jewels v Pross, Mufakose Hawks v Mbare Bulls, Celtics v Black Rhinos, City Wolves v Airforce Falcons.

B-League: Stormers v Snipers, Crocodiles v Kingdom Cavaliers, Mufakose Hawks v Airforce Falcons, Crocodiles v Stormers, Nyamidzi Blazers v Nuggets.

Women: Crocodiles v Kingdom Cavaliers, Stormers v Jewels, Highdon Raiderz v Stormers.

By Paul Munyuki from http://www.herald.co.zw

The preparations for the National Basketball League (NBL) to be held in Morogoro have commenced. Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General, Lawrence Cheyo said recently that the six teams, which finished top in last year’s edition, have confirmed their participation.
The teams are Savio (titleholders), JKT, Army Basketball Club (ABC), Oilers, Bombo Giants and the former East and Central Africa champions, Vijana City Bulls.
Cheyo said the championship (January 23-29), would also be open for women teams. However, he said no teams had confirmed their participation so far. “We have given them January 20 as the deadline,” said Cheyo.
He said the would-be winners would represent the country in the East and Central Africa Championship, expected to be held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi in April.
He added that the four best placed teams would represent Tanzania Mainland in the Union League set for April this year.
The Union League is held on a rotational basis between Tanzanian Mainland and the Isles.

Dar es Salaam Dream Cup League continued over the weekend with title favourites Chang’ombe Boys beating Don Bosco 90-77 in a fiercely fought encounter held at the National Indoor Stadium.
Chang’ombe Boys had a hard time to beat Don Bosco, who played a very tactical game.
Chang’ombe opened the match well, which earned them a 22-13 lead in the first quarter. Banking on long and accurate passes, Chang’ombe Boys managed to keep their opponents at the losing end in the three remaining quarters.
Before the breather Chang’ombe was leading 45-33 and extended their lead to 70-57 before the end of the third quarter.
Adam Jegame of Chang’ombe Boys was the top scorer of the match with 27 points.
Don Bosco relied on Mokulu Ngoy to score vital points. Ngoy scored 23 points followed by his team mate Allen Ngandu, who walked out with 21 points.
In another encounter on the same day, Chui beat Police Dar es Salaam 51-42 before T.M. Mkwawa beat Sinza Warriors 41-33.
The league will pick the three top teams that will play in this year’s edition of the Kili RBA League to be held in Dar es Salaam in August.

THE 4th edition of the Miracle Invitational basketball tourney (MBC Challenger Series) is slated to tip off on February 4 at the club's home courts in Rubaga.

Tournament organiser and also Miracle Basketball club member/player Mr Chris Kyebambe told Daily Monitor that this time they are considering inviting three women's sides to also participate as the club cerebrates 11 years of existence.

" We want to have more men's teams and at least three women sides. We have not had ladies' teams before, but we want to invite them this time," said Kyebambe.
Lubaga Miracle Center Church bankrolls the one-day basketball tournament with drinks, food and entertainment.

The player who excels (Most Valuable Player) walks away with Shs30,000, while the top scorer and the winner of slum dunking competitions both win 25,000 shillings each.
The men's teams expected to land invitation include; Sadolin Power, Kampala International University (KIU), defending champions Crane High School and MTN League champions Nkumba University Marines. The women teams expected are; Makerere Sparks, Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards as well as women league champions A-I Challenge.

http://www.monitor.co.ug

KAMPALA International University (KIU) Rangers are set to sign a sh2.2m three-year deal to snatch Tewin Semakula from Amazon Rhino basketball team.
The deal is expected to be one of the first to be finalised when the transfer window opens on January 23. Semakula also plays netball for Police in the national league.
The deal will require Semakula to sign a three-year contract with Rangers that also includes a study scholarship at the Kansanga-based University.
Semakula is hailed as one of the strongest forwards and KIU Rangers have raced ahead of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono and MUK-Sparks for the star player’s signiture.

http://www.newvision.co.ug

Kenya men's and women’s basketball teams will start early preparations for the qualifying rounds of the 2007 All Africa Games.

According to Kenya Basketball Federation chairman Agina Wesonga yesterday, the KBF has mandated the newly constituted fundraising board chaired by former chairman Morris Aluanga to started soliciting for funds to prepare both teams for the Zone Five elimination matches.

He said the fundrising board had worked hard last year to raise Sh 640,000 which enabled the national teams to participate in the East, Central and Southern Africa senior Challenge Cup in Kampala, Uganda in December.

Although Kenya lost the men’s regional cup by half a basket to hosts Uganda, Agina said theystill had a team good enough to overcome Egypt in the Zone Five eliminations rounds which would qualify them for the eighth All Africa Games.

The KBF chairman said Kenya had underrated Uganda after winning all their preliminary round matches only to be shocked by the hosts in the final.

He said Kenya had not fielded a strong team in the regional tournament after most of the stars were unable to turn up for training due to their involvement with clubs in the post-season play-offs.

"Five experienced national team players did not make it to Uganda. Their presence this time should see Kenya qualify in the Zone Five eliminations, but only if they start early preparations,’’ Wesonga said.

Kenya men’s team took part in the fifth All Africa Games in Egypt in 1991 while the women’s team was in Abuja, Nigeria forthe 2003 African Games. The women’s team was dropped from the 1999 championship in South Africa due to wrangles within the KBF leadership which saw long serving former chairman Joseph Kimani fail to defend his chairman’s seat. Former Eagles player Aluanga was elected chairman unopposed.

The Egyptian men’s team has been Kenya’s biggest threat in Zone Five eliminations. The women’s side has had little opposition to qualifying. Other Zone Five member countries are Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi.

Meanwhile, Nigeria and Senegal will represent Africa in the 2006 women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria and Senegal booked their tickets to the global event after qualifying to clash in the Africa Championships final held in Abuja, Nigeria. The Nigerians, popularly known as "Lady Tigers", finally rocked 10-time champions Senegal 64-57 in an explosive final.

Nigeria, who won their second continental title, had earlier secured a place in the World Cup following their 78-66 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-final tie. Senegal, who had won the Africa championship four times in a row between 1974-1981, knocked out Mozambique 66-37 in the second semi-final of the 19th edition of the African championship.

In the final, Nigeria, who enjoyed home support, got off to a good start to race to a 22-18 first quarter lead against the experienced Senegalese. But the Senegalese reorganized in the second and third quarters in which they led 17-13 and 16-12.

Led by captain Mfon Udoka, Nigeria threw everything into the match in the fourth quarter to punish the Senegalese 17-6 to celebrate a famous victory.

Against DRC in the semi-final, Nigeria led 42-33 at half-time. The Congolese, who fielded the US Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star Mwadi Mabika, took a narrow 49-47 lead in the third quarter. However, errors and loss of concentration combined to deny the "Lady Tigers" a quick resurrection as DRC went up 51-50.The sides locked scores twice at 55-55 and 58-58 forcing Nigeria to change system of play. Funmilayo Ojelabi gave Nigeria hope when she buried a big three-pointer for the hosts to lead 69-64.

Nigerian captain Mfon Udoka was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Teams which took part in the championship were Mali, Cape Verde, Gabon, Niger, Angola, DRC, Senegal, Mozambique and Nigeria.

from http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation

Kenya Sports Federation for the Deaf (KSFD)has been choosen by International Deaf Basketball Federation(DIBF)to host Deaf basketball seminar for Eastern Africa Countries on the said mentioned dates.

Varsity Cavaliers Women roster:

Former Illinois State basketball player Baboucarr Bojang's opportunity to give back may help put The Gambia on the international basketball map. The 25-year-old Bojang, who played for the Redbirds in 2002 and 2003, is attempting to work his way through the European basketball world in Europe. He is playing for second division club Kauhajoen Karhu Kauhajoki in Finland.

The Banjul native is one of only two professional basketball players presently produced by The Gambia. But he believes he is far from the last. "I'm working day and night to get myself in a position to make lot of money to help improve basketball in The Gambia," said Bojang, who hopes to meet Gambian president Yahya Jammeh and ask him for help in his efforts.

Bojang plans to bring home used basketball shoes and balls. He also wants to start a project to help give more children the chance to play basketball after school. "I'd like to create an after-school program where children, between the age of 9 and 15, can go and have recreation time in the gym. The project would also provide food for them. And they would be supervised full-time by a trainer earning a monthly salary," he said

One thing lacking is money. Bojang said his salary in Finland only allows him to live comfortably. "But I plan to use my popularity and network of basketball friends to help raise money for this project. Even 10 Euros is like hundreds of dollars at home," Bojang said.

Bojang says $50,000 would be a "great start" for his campaign.

The SoS for Youth and Sport Mr. Samba Faal appreciates players returning something to their homeland. "Boo is a great ambassador for The Gambia.

He is not just taking, but also giving. He will have a great impact on basketball here. It's a good humanitarian act," he noted

"I want to see basketball become what football is now." he said. "It's a challenge as the resources are not there. But we have to work on making basketball competitive and popular and allow a lot of people to like the game," SoS Faal continued.

Bojang came to The Gambia in June for the first time in nine years after playing professionally in Denmark where he averaged nearly 30 points and 12 rebounds for Glostrup during his second season in 2004-05.

"I hadn't been back to The Gambia for nine years. It was very different.

I couldn't remember the streets," admitted Bojang, who was just 16 when he left in 1996.

Bojang still hopes to achieve big things on the basketball courts of Europe. He wants to make better inroads into Germany next season because his American coach, Greg Gibson, played there for a few years.

From FIBA.COM

Plans are underway to change the 2006 men and women's basketball Premier League format, the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman Agina Wesonga has said
The KBF boss said the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) under chairman Ronnie Owino had forwarded a proposal "I do not want to preempt the details of the proposal before discussion."
Agina said the proposed format is awaiting the approval by the executive committee who are expected to meet soon before the release of the 2006 calendar of events.
Agina said University of Nairobi's Terrorists, who finished bottom with 19 points in the nine-team men's Premier League last season, are not likely to be relegated once the proposed new format is adopted. The men's 2005 championship was reduced to nine-teams instead of 10 after the surprise withdrawal of Kenya Ports Authority at the last minute.
Normally, the two bottom clubs are relegated from the Premiership at the end of the season and their slots taken up by the two finalists in the Division One play-offs.
Kenyatta University Pirates, who clinched the Division One league crown and losing finalists International Christian Centre both earned promotion to the 2006 men's Premier League.
Since the play-offs inception, four top teams from the men and women's Premier League and the Division One championship qualify for the play-offs semi-finals. The winners book a ticket to a best-of-three series play-offs final which determines the season winners.
KCB Lions with 30 points, Ulinzi Warriors (28), Sprite Stormers (28) and Co-op Bank (26) finished in that order to qualify for the 2005 play-offs semi-finals. Lions were eliminated 2-0 by fourth placed Co-op Bank in the semi-final while Ulinzi Warriors also knocked out Sprite Stormers with the same margin. Ulinzi Warriors went a head to claim their fourth straight title after beating Co-op Bank 2-0 in the best-of-three series final. In the women's category, KPA with 26 points, Kenya Railways (25), Sprite Storms (25) and Telkom (24) emerged the top four teams to qualify for the play-offs semi-finals. KPA and Storms advanced to the final after having eliminated their opponents Telkom and Railways on a 2-0 basis.

The former chairman of the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball Association (Darba), Simon Msoffe, was over the weekend elected the president of the Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) in the body’s general election held in Kinondoni.
Msofe scooped 38 votes to beat Abdallah Njovu who got 33.
Syllersaid Mziray who was also in the race withdraw at the last minutes.
James Mwakamele who was the sole candidate in the vice president post got 52 votes to win.
Mbaga Mwamboma was elected secretary-general with 53 votes.
Mary Mbaga who was also contesting for the same position resigned before the election.
Gosbert Boniface who was the lone candidate in the technical commission post, was not elected after failing to get the majority votes .
Amina Kayeke won schools and children commission post, Judith Ilunda (women’s commission), Ephraim Kibonde (plans and development), Jimmy Mkongo (coaches’ commission) and Magreth Mtaki (treatment).
The disabled commission, referees and finance director had no candidates. The selected leaders will be in leadership for four years.
The Dar es Salaam Sports Committee supervised the general election. Clubs which participated in the election were Pazi, Vijana, Oilers, Chang’ombe, Ilala Flats, ABC, Magereza, UDSM Outsiders , Cargo, JKT Headquarters, Bias, Police Dar, Tanblacks, Don Bosco, Mbezi Beach, TM Rockets and Chui.

The basketball team of the Invincible Eleven Majesty Club is said to be at the brink of collapse.
According to information gathered by our sports desk, the team has been abandoned by the I.E. Board and Executives for some time now, something that is hampering the running of the team.
The team is presently at the stage of breaking apart because the players have all expressed dissatisfaction and have threatened to boycott any game if not attended to before the commencement of the LBF league second phase.
Also speaking to our sports desk, the team’s manager, Mr. Emmanuel Taylor, admitted that no support is forthcoming from the team’s board to help improve the team’s status.
According to him, the players sometime even get stranded during practice session, because they have been totally abandoned.
“Up to now, the players do not have sneakers for the league, then tell me what do we expect in this season”, Mr. Taylor said
On the other hand, the players have threaten that if their needs are not urgently attended to, there is no possibility that they might continue the LBF League.“We will not see our friends get prepared in all aspects for the league, then we are half prepared to face them. What do you expect, do you expect positive results or negative ones,” the players complained.

Kenyan sides Predators and USIU Tigers were crowned the Champions of 13th Edition of the Abe Linc International Tourney after winning their respective finals.
Predators edged out Kampala City Council 56-52 in thrilling women’s final that saw the teams tie 50-50 with a minute to go. Josephine Nabwire of Predators was named MVP.
In the Men’s action packed final, United States International University USIU Tigers clawed their way to lift their second ever regional championship. Abel Nson was Tigers point-man hitting seven 3pointers in a row to earn him a well deserved MVP award. Nson had a game high 34 points despite being forced out by an injury in the last six minutes, with team mates George Baguma, Rocky Otieno and Dennis Miruka adding 11 points a piece for USIU. Charles Dismus had 16 points, Wilbrod Oketcho 08pts and 12 rebounds, Isaac Afidra had 13 points for the 1996 winners.

The other teams that represented Kenya at the event were Harleys (USIU Flames Alumni) International Christian Centre ICC, and the “seven” man army Ol’Tigers (USIU Tigers Alumni). Ol’Tigers were eliminated by USIU Tigers 57-52 in the quarter finals. The tournament was sponsored by Nile Breweries, City Oil, Asiatic Sports and International Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).

Top awards

MVP Men- Abel Nson (USIU)
MVP Women: Nabirwe (Predators)
MVP Boys: S. Mwesigwe (Budo)
MVP Girls: Nanteza (Namagunga)
Umpire: Piddy Osore (Kenya)
Best Coach: George Mayienga (USIU)

Winners

Junior categories:
Girls
Crane High School (beat Namagunga Girls. 45-34)
Boys
King’s College Budo 88-78 victory against Crane High.
Under 10s category
Rev. John
On route to....Abel Nson adds two more points to his tally of 34pts that included seven 3pointers vs Sadolin Power.