Basketball in Africa

The wave of cartoon riots which swept across some cities in the country last week has forced the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to postpone by one week the Vmobile league earlier scheduled to dunk off March 4, 2006.

According to Pius Ayinor, Media Officer for the NBBF, the board of the federation cited security concerns following the religious riots across the country to effect a change in date for the commencement as it could not guarantee the safety of players and officials who might be caught in the crossfire.

The new date, according to Ayinor, is now March 11, 2006 after a media interactive session on March 9 where details of the league that would run in two conferences, Savannah for the northern teams and Atlantic for those in the south shall be unfolded by both the NBBF and sponsors of the league, Vmobile.

Already participating clubs have met with the NBBF and Vmobile officials on March 7 and 8 but the dust raised by the clubs over the percentage of the sponsorship money of N35 million is yet to settle as the clubs are kicking against the 20 per cent allocated to them.

However the League Director, Muktar Khaleh speaking on a Brila radio programme yesterday said that a meeting is being arranged between the federation and the clubs to iron out areas of controversy to allow for a smooth take-of of the season on the new date.

Meanwhile the spokesman of the NBBF, Tijani Umar has said that the clubs have been given a deadline of March 1 to conclude their registration formalities. He was however silent on the sanction that awaits any erring club on this issue.
The 13-club league is made up of six clubs in the Atlantic Conference and seven in the Savannah Conference.

By Paul Munyuki

HE Harare Basketball Association has finally managed to send all the four teams to the annual national inter-provincial tournament in Gweru tomorrow.

Two senior sides and two Under-22 teams are expected to leave the capital today for the two-day games.

The HBA had been struggling to raise funds for the tournament.

HBA secretary Taka Mubako said they had finally raised enough funds for transport and accommodation.

Ngoni Mukukula's Highdon Raiderz are dominating in the senior men's side as they have provided four players while Jewels contributed three players.

Taurai Chitsinde of Kingdom Cavaliers will captain the Under-22 side.

Senior men

Levy Mwanza, Erinos Katsaruware, Mernard Masawi, Forward Mandizadza (Raiderz), Michael Banda, Tapiwa Mugunyana, Eric Banda (Jewels), Blessing Chidimu, Walter Mabhena (Cavaliers), Tanya Muganiwa, Steven Mudawarima (Pross), Kelvin Charumbira (UZ Stars), Sam Pararai (Black Rhinos), Innocent Sithole (South Central), Royce Takaendesa (Cameo), Andrew Chitauro (Celtics).

Under-22 men

Taurai Chitsinde (captain), Benjamin Jani, Goerge Run'anga (Cavaliers), Duncan Shenje (vice-captain) Nyasha Mushekwi (Cameo), Michael Makanda, Llyod Muyanganira (Jammers), Sebastian Chitagu (UZ Stars), Thabani Matikiti (Celtics), Simbarashe Murawha (Jewels), Tafadzwa Mudzimu (Varsity), Didren Mateo (Raiderz).
Under-22 women

Kundai Mhembere, Alexandria Maseko, Rachel Makoni, Rumbidzai Tazvivinga (Cameo), Isobel Tegunde, Mitchell Mutomba (Cavaliers), Alice Mandiveyi, Serina Chareka (Jewels), Cleopatra Rice (Hawks) Sinikiwe Bakasa, Margaret Kanyimo (Raiderz), Blessing Dube (Varsity), Kuda Garande (Stormers).

HE National Schools' Basketball Association (NASBA) has set March 1-31 as dates for the schools' qualifiers. NSABA General Secretary Kigozi Kafumbe said: "The schools will start tussling it out for slots to the National Championships for a period of one month staring March 1."

The successful school teams from the regions of Kampala, Western (Mbarara and Kabalore), Mpigi, Northern, Eastern (Jinja and Mbale) will converge at Ndejje SS for the national championships in May.

Kigozi also said that all school teams will have to take group photos starting with the qualifiers as a new rule to check on the possibility of some schools fielding non-students.

Last year's hosts Manjasi SS are accused of having fielded mercenaries, a case that is still under scrutiny by NASBA. In another development, a regulation on the number of foreign players on court will be implemented starting this year.

"The number of non-Ugandan players will be limited to two at a given time on court. This was resolved in order to give the Ugandan young talent a chance to play," Kigozi added.Some Ugandan schools had complained of the Tanzanian and Kenyan student players' dominance in many urban schools like Najja High, Center College Natete, Eagle's Nest and Kabojja SS.

Nabisunsa are the girls' defending champions after their 7th title win in Manjasi while Kibuli SS won their first ever boys' honours

by Olusegun Ikuesan

The commencement date of the 2005/2006 Nigeria Premier League, tagged ‘The Vmobile League’ suffers a little setback as the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF rose from a crucial board meeting last Thursday in Abuja to move the opening game forward by one week citing uneasy calm in some part of the country.
The media launch earlier billed to hold in Lagos on February 27 was also postponed to March 9 while the opening game of the much-awaited Vmobile Premier League will now hold on March 11.
According to the Chairman of the Media/Publicity sub-committee of the Nigeria basketball ruling body, Tijjani Umar that the postponement became necessary since players, officials and other stakeholders are expected to gather in a secured atmosphere, which the present situation in some part of the country could not afford.
Umar also averred that the much talked about league committee have been dropped for a league advisory committee to be headed by the league director, Muktar Khaleh otherwise known as ‘Malone’, the advisory committee according to Umar will consist of eight members, one each from the Atlantic and Savannah conference of the league, another member representing the NBBF aside the league director, a representative of the sponsor, a representative of the marketer and two conference coordinators.

The board also approved the sharing formula of 40% to clubs, 20% to the marketer, 20% for the administration of the league and the remaining 20% to the NBBF, which he described as the best the federation could offer the clubs at the moment, but pointed out that the federation will continue to do its best to carry the clubs along in all its activities as it concern the league in the country.

The sharing formula had once pitched the federation against club-owners mostly from the Atlantic conference with most of them threatening to withdraw from the premier league if the NBBF failed to improve on how much goes to the clubs.

Umar while bearing his mind on the position of the NBBF says the federation will not allow any individual or group of persons to hold the federation to ransom but said the NBBF will do as much as it can to provide a level playing ground for all stakeholders to air their views which will be taken into consideration by the basketball highest ruling body in Nigeria.

There will be new wine for seasoned Nigerian champions Ebun Comets in the 2006 season.
The reigning Nigerian champions – Comets won the last championship in 2003 have been unable to retain the core of their experienced players in the intervening years due to a combination of factors and it showed in the results they recorded in the 2005 Vmobile Challenge, when they were beaten to the pole position by Union Bank.

But like old wine, Comets, whose adventure in Akure now seems like a long forgotten memory, are re-grouping with a set of new boys on the block.

Although one or two old hands are still around – Baba Jibril is one of them the new core of Comets is made up of fresh lads, some of them the brightest talent that can be found around here.
From the backcourt to the frontcourt, Ayo Bakare is forging a team that might pull surprises in the League. Granted that Comets might find it tough early in the season, it is possible that the lads might catch on fast enough to cause upsets later on.

The new lads are from far – near. From near rivals, Comets have re-recruited Michael Ohiero, who went on loan to Customs in 2004/2005 season after helping the former Akure based team to clinch the last organised premier league in 2003 and one of the young guns whose intelligent play for the Nigeria Customs won him many fans in 2005.

Top managers expressed their desire in securing the services of Ohiero after his outstanding displays in the Atlantic Conference and Final Six legs of the Vmobile Challenge, and it must be a coup de grâce by Bakare to have re-landed him.

The lad will bring the needed stability to Comets at the backcourt, especially with the loss of Ogoh Odaudu and Prewitt Gagara to foreign teams in South Korea and Bahrain. His good vision will make Comets strong again in their bid to return to the top of the Nigerian game.

To underscore the importance of the backcourt, Bakare acquired another backcourt artist, Oseer Ikyator, who equally stood out for the Niger Potters of Minna, who came second behind Union Bank in the 2005 Vmobile Challenge.

Ikyator will add invaluable contribution to the Comets set up, as they swarm forward in search for precious points.

Also at the backcourt, Waka, as Bakare is fondly called, has added youthful Abdulwahab ‘Jordan’ Yakubu, a Milo graduate who made his name in less than a season with his native team, the Bauchi Nets of Bauchi. The gangly 'Jordan' is well remembered for his audacious shot from the halfway line against Niger Potters in the Savannah Conference of the Vmobile Challenge in Kaduna last year, tying the game at 80-80.
Certainly one for the future, 'Jordan' was among the 10 Nigerian kids who made the trip late last year to the NBA Top 100 Camp to South Africa – and he is only developing.

There is also Deji Egbeyemi, recruited from near Warriors Academy, and another forward, Christian Okpalla of Union Bank, who had little playing time while at the Vmobile Challenge winners last year due to a collection of outstanding talent.

The new lads come in addition to the old guard like Rasheed Bello, one of the best shooting guards around, Tella Malick, Jibril and Dennis Temowe Ebikoro, both on national assignment.

Other young players who will add bite to the Comets collection this season includes Frank Benjamin-Eze, Ehimen Orukpe, Olumide Solanke, and Okechokwu Anonye

In spite of the novelty in the team, Bakare is clear about the way the season will go. “I recognise that this is a young team, but they are ready to learn,” he says, as he pushes them on the training court evry night.

“They are young but they will grow up as the season progresses. They must work hard at this stage so that they will get over their mistakes in the course of the season.”

To Bakare, the tutorials he is giving them should not have been necessary. He explains: “The problem with basketball in Nigeria is that we don’t play structured basketball. We depend on set. With set, you can never beat teams who structure their game.
“We are trying to make these guys learn under a structure; it will take time but we’ll better for it in the end.”

Comets have won the highest number of titles since the commencement of the 7-Up Premier League in 1995, and are currently champions of Nigeria with their victory in the 2002 NNBF Premier League when they went through the entire season without losing a game.

The Punch On Sunday

The delegates of the Street Basketball Association (SBA) from the United States of America yesterday paid a courtesy call to the President of the Republic, Dr Alhagi Yahya Jammeh at State House in Banjul.

The SBA delegates used the occasion to present to the President the SBA President of The Year award. They also presented a special certificate to the President for his untiring commitment and support for the development of sports, particularly basketball in the country. In the same vein, the SBA donated 40 basketballs to the Gambia Basketball Federation (GBF) and 520 balls to the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA).

Giving the background background of the Gambia basketball Federation (GBF), during the presentation ceremony, the Sos for Youth, Sports & Religious Affairs, Mr Samba Faal said: "GBF was the only federation apart from the success of the U17, to win a zone II trophy and other accolades in the 70s. GBF has since the 60s develop links with the USA, which is manifested by the Gambians who obtain scholarship to study in the US through their abilities in Basketball. Among them are Ousman Sabally, Aladine Joiner, Mam Essa Gaye who is currently the President of the basketball federation, among others. These people completed their education at highest levels and returned home to plough to the development of the country."

SoS Faal said that GBF, DOSYS and other US institutions continue to grant scholarship to deserving Gambian students to study in the US, two of whom have now graduated and are now professionals in Australia and Germany respectively. SoS Faal added that Gambian players have the talents but only lack the Technical Know How, adding that the coming of SBA will rekindle the trade of Basketball. "SBA will also help in the are of coaching and refereeing, and this will boost the game in the country. The American association will work closely with GBF in reviving the game and restore the love people has in basketball," he said.

For his part, Jerrod Mustaf, CEO and the founder of the renown SBA said: I will thank the President for inviting the SBA to The Gambia. President jammeh has accorded us the pri\privilege to come back to the land of our ancestors, and we are really grateful for the hospitality he accorded to us during our stay." Jerrod Mustaf also hails President jammeh for his developmental efforts in the eleven year of power, particularly in the area of education, women empowerment, sports among other sectors.

The vice President, Dr Ajaratou Isatou Njie Saidy described SBA's presence in The Gambia as building the bridge between USA and Gambia through the unifying tool of sports. She commended Jerrod Mustaf and his team for visit the Gambia and their quest to revive the game of basketball in the country which is considered as the haven of Africa.

Reacting to their magnanimous gesture, the President of the republic, Dr alhagi Yahya Jammeh said: "Apart from sports, I want young african-Americans to acquire first hand information about Africa and what is being said about the continent." President recalled the late 70s when basketball used to be the most unique game in the country. He said he will give his untiring support to revive the basketball as well as other sporting disciplines. President Jammeh said he would like basketball to register the success in few years to come and be able to excel in the international arena. Jammeh however, said that success can only be achieved if their is interest, inspiration and commitment, adding that success is achieved through hard \work and dedication. The Gambian leader advises the SBA members to remain united and work in the best spirit of brother hood. He also advised them to preserve peace which he describe as the most valuable thing in life. He added that the SBa awards to him will serve as an inspiration to him and will commit him to strengthen his support to not only basketball but also to other sporting disciplines.
President Jammeh, who manifested his commitment to the game by personally rehabilitating the Manneh memorial lawn, Gambia High School and a basketball court in Sate House urged the department of state for education and Youth & Sports to rehabilitate the Saints Augustine lawn and rehabilitate and build other basketball lawns in the country.

The presentation ceremony was attended by the Secretaries of State, members of the Gambia Secondary School Sports Association, members of the GBF, among other government officials.

THIS year's national basketball league championship will start at Lugogo Indoor stadium on April 1.

According to the 2006 calendar released by the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) organising secretary, Edmund Lumu, the new season will open with the players and clubs registration January 14- March 10.

The second round matches of the men's first division and women's league will start in July with the national league playoffs to determine the 2006 winners in the three categories getting underway between October and November.

Uganda will host the East African Inter-cities tournament at Lugogo May 17-21, while this year's East, Central and Southern Africa Club Championship is slated for Kenya, Nairobi April 18-23.

Clubs that will participate in the men's league will have an opportunity to try out their new signings during the two-day Hoops-of-Hope and Makerere Open tournaments to be staged at YMCA and Makerere courts in March.

The women will have their chance to test their new players in the Barbara Atim memorial at YMCA and Makerere on March 8.

Calendar

Jan 14- Mar 10: registrations

March 4-5: Hoops-of-Hope All Stars (schools)

March 8: B. Atim Memorial

Mar 13-19: Coaching clinics

Mar 24-26: Makerere Open April 1: League starts

April 18-23: ECSA clubs

May 9-14: Schools meet

May 17-21: E.A. Inter-Cities

July 23-30: Falcons invitational

July 11-16: Sprite (schools)

October: Chairman's Cup December: Abe Linc

By Edmund Mganga
Dar es Salaam’s Independent school league resumes tomorrow at the International School of Tanganyika courts with Laureate, Kwanza Academy and Yemeni schools poised to shine once again.
All three schools have been doing well in the past basketball matches, including the last Friday league in which all of them excelled.
Yemeni English Medium School has been winning all its matches in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. In the matches played last Friday, Yemeni beat Laureate 8-4 in the Girls’ Under 10 category before beating Good Shepherds in their second match.
Yemeni also beat Laureate 6-0 in the Boys’ Under 11 category. In their second match, the team beat Emima 6-4. Emima is one of the teams that perform well in the league.
Also excelling in this week’s league matches were Kwanza Academy who beat Aga Khan 8-6 and Good Shepherd who tamed Aga Khan 18-2 to record the biggest win of the tournament.
The host IST lost to Good Shepherd 0-8, French School recorded a slim 2-0 win over Super Mary in the last Girls’ match of the day.
In the Boys’ category, Laureate fought gallantly to beat Kwanza Academy 9-8 in a closely contested match, while IST walloped Aga Khan School 6-0.
In another match of the day, Good Shepherd saw off Aga Khan 6-2 before Super Mary trounced French School 6-0.

The Nigeria men basketball camp receive a boost Wednesday with the arrival of two foreign based players, Korea based Ogo Odaudu and Nuwaidrat basketball club of Baharain point guard, Priwitt Gagara.

The former Ebun Comets basketball club of Akure point guards teamed up with their colleagues whi have been in camp four weeks ago.

The two players are expected to bring their wealth of experiance to bear when Nigeria battle for one of the semi-finals ticket against its group-A opponent which comprises of Oceania basketball power-house and host of the 25th Commonwealth Games, Australia, India and Scotland.

The Nigeria chief coach, Sani Ahmed told www.nigeriasports.com in an exclusive interview last weekend that the players are set to do themselves and the nation proud by not only qualifying from the group but making it to the final.

Only Nigeria most celebrated basketball players, Olumide Oyedeji who ply his trade in the Korean league with Seoul Samsung Thunders basketball club is still been expected as compatriot Gabe Muoneke Seoul SK Knights basketball club is doubtful due to injury.

Oyedeji told nigeriasports.com from his Korea base that the team will appraoch each game as they come.

Nigeria will take on India on March 17 a game the team is expected to win since India is not known possess rich basketball pedegee but will have its hands full against co-Fiba World Championship and host Australia on March 19 and will round up its group game against the Scots on March 20.

The Nigeria women coached by Scott Nnaji with assistance from Adewumi Aderemi and Shola Ogunade will open its Commonwealth campaign against Malaysia on March 17, on March 19 the Mfon Udoka captain side will take to the court against Malta as she is expected to undo New Zealand on March 20.

Analysts predict that though the Nigeria women seems more favoured over their men counterpart to advance to the medal stage but aver that the men with proper coordination can pick a semi final slot too if it take two games off India and Scotland whose basketball pedegree are as not as rich as that of Nigeria.

The basketball team of the Invincible Eleven Majesty Club has re-emphasized its commitment to outweigh all of its counterparts in the ongoing national league despite the lack of continued support for the team this season.
The team says it is no longer an easy ride this season, especially for those who think that they will acuminate points over IE for the playoff as it has been in the past, adding "we will resist every force in the LBF League to prove our seriousness for the challenges of this season".
The "Yellow Boys" added that their past defeats during the last league season will not be repeated this season, assuring its many fans that they will make them happy.
IE on last week defeated three of the nation's best playing basketball teams in their league matches.
Despite their struggles this season, the Yellow Boys managed to flog Uhuru Kings in one of their league matches and on Arme d Forces Day defeated deadly NPA Pythons 65-53 in a match that was described as "Miracle Match".
The winning spree continued on last Sunday when they walloped Mighty Barrolle 72-66 in another league match. The game was highly dominated by the Yellow Boys from start to end thus resulting into their second victory over Barrolle in recent time.
Speaking further, team manager Emmanuel Taylor said even though they threatened to boycott the games, the commitment of th e players and the intervention of other personalities of the club has boosted the strength of the team to win their games.
He said, their wins in recent times are highly based on the collective focus and commitment of the players and the officers of the team; something he noted is greatly taking the team through.
Mr. Taylor boasted on the preparedness of the young and talented players on his squad this season, adding that all of the players are eager to p lay especially where in they are playing to win.He said, with the caliber of players on his team this season, his squad is no longer an easy target, something he expressed that no team should take it for granted.
IE has won five straight games this season with only receiving one defeat from LPRC Oilers.

Results from 11 February
Sigauke(20)x Pistons (0) B
Air Force Falcons(49)x (39)City Wolves B
Cameo(68)x (21)Golden Spurs A
Mbare Bulls(64)x (57)Faith Wear Jammers A
Richwood(48)x (50)Crocodiles B
Kingdom Cavaliers(56)x (42)Nyamidzi Blazers B
Jewels(47)x (39)U.Z Stars A
Mufakose Hawks(20)x (0)Black Rhinos A
Celtics(77) v(56)Gentlemen’s Association A

Fantastic performance from Raiderz beating Cameo (74-72) in OT.

great performances from Raiderz' Costa Mashati (19 points), Erinos Katsuruware (16 points), Forward Mandizadza (15 points) and Menard Masawi (10 points)

My MVP for the game is between Costa Mashati and Forward Mandizadza. I can't make up my mind.

Cameo got decent service from Allan Tegunde (27 points) and Simukai Musiiwa (16 points).

By Roderick Takawira

Players in preparation for the Eritrea National team men.
1. Abdelwohab Dirarr
2. Abel Afeworki
3. Adhanom Solomon
4. Adil Mohammed Amine Ahmed
5. Adonai Semere Mihreteab
6. Aried Ephrem Habteslassie
7. Aron Gebretensae Tesfazion
8. Awet Taddesse
9. Beatay Dawit Tesfaghiorghis
10. Bekit Yacob Tesfay
11. Dirar Fessehaye Ghebremaskel
12. Gebrekistos Semere Gebru
13. Henok Amine Ristu
14. Henok Ghebremariam Gebru
15. Micheal Gebretensaie Negusse
16. Micheal Ghezehey Kahsai
17. Micheal TewoldeGbreselassie
18. Samuel Ogbagebriel
19. Samuel Ogbe
20. Tekie Kidane Tewoldeberhan
21. Temesghen Tecleberhan
22. Tesfay Haile
23. Wintom Tesfay Simret
24. Yohannes Berhane Yosief
25. Samuel Ghilazei Embaye
26. Micheal Tareke Ghebremariam
27. Omer Mussa Mohammednur Kekia
28. Micheal Ghirmay Ghebrihiwet
29. Mulugeta Tekle Mussa

It is still a moot point but the 2005/06 season of the inaugural Vmobile League might witness the absence of some key clubs when the much-delayed exercise tips off on March 3 across Nigeria.

This is because some of the teams in the Atlantic Conference of the Premier League might boycott the exercise, expected to be the biggest season in the history of the Nigerian game.

This is not to sound alarmist, but investigations by The Hoops during the week among the key actors of the Nigerian game revealed a deep-seated falling apart in the different strata involved in Nigerian basketball.

Although the mutual acrimony had been recumbent, activities geared towards the tip off the League have revived the latent rancour, and it is spilling to the surface with venom.

It is on authority that the Atlantic teams were not going to play the Vmobile Challenge last year until a highly placed Nigeria Basketball Federation board member intervened, making them to change their mind at the last minute. And that was after the NBBF also offered more concessions by increasing the participation fee to N100,000 from N50,000.

As The Hoops gathered, some Atlantic Conference teams are planning a no-show when the League takes off on March 3.

The managers told this column that although they were in the dark over the feeling among the Savannah Conference teams, they were “clearly unhappy over what they are being offered by the NBBF (Nigeria Basketball Federation) to play in the League.”

Essentially, the aggrieved clubs claim that it is “unfair and unjust” to be offered only 20% of the N35m sponsorship fee paid by Vmobile Nigeria, the titleholders of the property. (In this wise, the clubs will share N7m, with each of the 13 teams in the two conferences receiving N538,461.53.)

Furthermore, they claim that the share of the NBBF (20%) and the administration of the League (another 20%) are too high.

“The clubs and the players are the key actors in this game,” one of the managers told The Hoops. “They should be the major beneficiaries of the sponsorship fee. If there were no clubs and players, there wouldn’t have been sponsorship in the first place.”

Another manager said: “We are not happy over the formula proposed. We think that the NBBF should offer more. All the clubs in the Atlantic Conference are not satisfied with the present arrangement.

“But we hope the NBBF will offer more to the clubs so that the game can improve.”

Although the fee proposed for the clubs by the NBBF is the highest in the history of the League in Nigeria, the clubs say they want more to enable them cater to the welfare of their players properly as is done elsewhere.

Another point of departure between the Atlantic Conference teams and the NBBF is that the idea of the Independent League Board has been shelved by the organisers, and has been replaced by the League Advisory Committee.

While the clubs want a 10-man board to administer the League, the NBBF wants an advisory committee having one representative from each conference and other administrative officials.

It must be stated that the clubs are equally angered by the decision to suspend road trips this season.

Indeed, one of the clubs is set to make an announcement to withdraw from the League any time this week.

The club owner said: “We have not been playing the League since 2002 so one more year or so will not affect us. There is nothing left to prove. We have shown what we can do in the Nigerian game.

“Instead, we will opt to play in the Lagos City League coming up in April. It is a very competitive League and we are content to play there.”

The Punch Newspaper

By Paul Munyuki

LIFE just seems to be getting tougher by the day for the Harare Basketball Association.

With less that a week to the annual Basketball Union of Zimbabwe inter provincial tournament scheduled for Gweru, the HBA is yet to find a sponsor for both their trip and the teams’ upkeep in the Midlands capital.

The association had been hoping that they would get a sponsor before the end of this week as the tournament is scheduled for next weekend.

The four teams — two senior sides and two junior teams — are supposed to leave the capital on Friday and by yesterday evening the association was making frantic efforts to raise enough funds for both transport and food.

HBA committee member Tendai Zhakata said that they would be in trouble if they do not reach the required target to send the teams.

"We are in trouble and we are just hoping that we get a sponsor as soon as possible.

"We had earlier indicated that we might just send the junior teams to the games but from the look of things we could be heading for disaster if we do not get a sponsor for the games," said Zhakata.

Away from the administrative woes, Highdon Raiderz face an uphill task when they take on national champions Cameo in the league today.

Highdon Raiderz are still reeling from the defeat they suffered last weekend and the game against Cameo could prove to be a tricky one.

Fixtures

A-League: Mufakose Hawks v Faithwear Jammers, Highdon Raiderz v Cameo, Celtics v Jewels, Gentlemen’s Association v Golden Spurs, Kingdom Cavaliers v Mbare Bulls, South Central v Highdon Raiderz, Gentlemen's Association v Cameo.

B-League: Kingdom Cavaliers v City Wolves, Nyamidzi Blazers v Airforce Falcons, Richwood v Snipers, Crocodiles v Sigauke, Drifters v Snipers, Kingdom Cavaliers v Airforce Falcons, Nyamidzi Blazers v Pistons, Mufakose Hawks v City Wolves, Nuggets v Sigauke.

Women: Highdon Raiderz v Cameo, Crocodiles v Cameo, Varsity Leopards v Stormers.

A TREAT is in store for basketball fans this weekend when 14 teams take part in a tournament set for BCD Courts tomorrow.

The tournament has been organised to raise funds for the provincial squad, which will take part in the interprovincial championships in Gweru on the weekend of 2426 February.
Bulawayo Basketball Association (BBA) committee member, Sincengile Mzemba, said preparations for the tournament and the Gweru event were on course.
“Basically everything has been organised well and I promise fans that it’s going to be fireworks,” said Mzemba.
Meanwhile our Midlands Correspondent reports that the hosts of the interprovincial championships are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to win silverware.
They are practising regularly at the proposed match venue, the Zimbabwe Military Academy.
Midlands basketball boss, Tauya Chihota, said: “We do not have intimidating names in our teams but the fact that we know our courts better than our opponents should give us an edge over them and hence we have been training at ZMA to familiarise with the courts.”
He said they would also bank on home town support from the fans.

The final screening for the Vmobile Premier League players scheduled to hold yesterday did not hold as it was moved to next week. The Secretary general of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Mr. Segun Akinlotan gave a new date as Monday, the 20th.

In a letter to all the clubs in the league, the Secretary said that the date and all others listed were definite and final dates.

"I advise that you work with this timetable as these dates are final and unchangeable," the letter read in part.

By the schedule, the Vmobile League Advisory Committee will meet at the offices of the NBBF located at Plot 483, Kumasi Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, on the 20th to look at the players' registration amongst other issues. The Committee is made up of some NBBF officials and the two representatives of the clubs from the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences. The League Director Muktar 'Malone' Khaleh met with the clubs across both conferences on the 7th and 8th of this month in Abuja and Lagos respectively.

The Referees/match Commissioners' refresher clinic will hold as scheduled in Minna from the 21st through the 23rd while the Media Launch for the League is billed for the 27th of this month in Lagos.The league proper is billed to take the first jump ball on Saturday, 4th March in Lagos with games for other centres immediately afterwards. It will thereafter run through the next three months with the detail Road Trips without any break with the play off following the regular season. Matches will hold through the Commonwealth Games period and will only round off in time for the men's and Women's International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Championships. The male and female national teams will feature in the basketball event of the Commonwealth Games next month.

New entrants Union Bank Club won the shortened version of the league last season.

The basketball team of the Invincible Eleven Majesty Club has re-emphasized its commitment to outweigh all of its counterparts in the ongoing national league despite the lack of continued support for the team this season.

The team says it is no longer an easy ride this season, especially for those who think that they will acuminate points over IE for the playoff as it has been in the past, adding "we will resist every force in the LBF League to prove our seriousness for the challenges of this season".

The "Yellow Boys" added that their past defeats during the last league season will not be repeated this season, assuring its many fans that they will make them happy.

IE on last week defeated three of the nation's best playing basketball teams in their league matches.

Despite their struggles this season, the Yellow Boys managed to flog Uhuru Kings in one of their league matches and on Arme d Forces Day defeated deadly NPA Pythons 65-53 in a match that was described as "Miracle Match".

The winning spree continued on last Sunday when they walloped Mighty Barrolle 72-66 in another league match. The game was highly dominated by the Yellow Boys from start to end thus resulting into their second victory over Barrolle in recent time.

Speaking further, team manager Emmanuel Taylor said even though they threatened to boycott the games, the commitment of th e players and the intervention of other personalities of the club has boosted the strength of the team to win their games.

He said, their wins in recent times are highly based on the collective focus and commitment of the players and the officers of the team; something he noted is greatly taking the team through.

Mr. Taylor boasted on the preparedness of the young and talented players on his squad this season, adding that all of the players are eager to p lay especially where in they are playing to win.He said, with the caliber of players on his team this season, his squad is no longer an easy target, something he expressed that no team should take it for granted.

IE has won five straight games this season with only receiving one defeat from LPRC Oilers.

The basketball team of the Invincible Eleven Majesty Club has re-emphasized its commitment to outweigh all of its counterparts in the ongoing national league despite the lack of continued support for the team this season.

The team says it is no longer an easy ride this season, especially for those who think that they will acuminate points over IE for the playoff as it has been in the past, adding "we will resist every force in the LBF League to prove our seriousness for the challenges of this season".

The "Yellow Boys" added that their past defeats during the last league season will not be repeated this season, assuring its many fans that they will make them happy.

IE on last week defeated three of the nation's best playing basketball teams in their league matches.

Despite their struggles this season, the Yellow Boys managed to flog Uhuru Kings in one of their league matches and on Arme d Forces Day defeated deadly NPA Pythons 65-53 in a match that was described as "Miracle Match".

The winning spree continued on last Sunday when they walloped Mighty Barrolle 72-66 in another league match. The game was highly dominated by the Yellow Boys from start to end thus resulting into their second victory over Barrolle in recent time.

Speaking further, team manager Emmanuel Taylor said even though they threatened to boycott the games, the commitment of th e players and the intervention of other personalities of the club has boosted the strength of the team to win their games.

He said, their wins in recent times are highly based on the collective focus and commitment of the players and the officers of the team; something he noted is greatly taking the team through.

Mr. Taylor boasted on the preparedness of the young and talented players on his squad this season, adding that all of the players are eager to p lay especially where in they are playing to win.He said, with the caliber of players on his team this season, his squad is no longer an easy target, something he expressed that no team should take it for granted.

IE has won five straight games this season with only receiving one defeat from LPRC Oilers.

MAK Sparks' shooting guard Florence Akello is set to start training with the team tomorrow ahead of the Makerere Open tournament. Akello came back from Netherlands last week where she was doing a contract job with the United Nations.

The 2004 season top scorer left the Makerere team at the beginning of the 2005 season and has been out of the country on a contract job with the UN in Amsterdam.
On arrival last week, she told Daily Monitor that she is back to join her former side for honours this season.

"I have been out for all this long but have been doing some training to keep fit. I want to re-join my team mates so that we can get back to our winning ways," Akello said.

She led Sparks to their first league title in 2003 when they beat record champions Lady Bucks in the finals, ands then reached the finals in the following year but lost to the same team.

The MTN Open that is slated for March 24-26 at the Makerere pool and main courts will attract regional sides.
The team also has had coaching problems solved by re-appointing Sam Obol as head coach.

By Dann O’Werre

Kenya has been nominated by Fiba-Africa to host the under-18 Junior Championships, officials revealed on Tuesday.

Agina Wesonga, the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, said they were honoured the continental body had given the nod to Kenya, adding that his team would soon meet to look at the logistics.

Fiba-Africa wants the championships to be staged in Nairobi in June/July to involve all the Zone Five countries with potential threat coming from continental powerhouse, Egypt.

"We have received an invitaion to host this junior championships. We will meet to see whether it is possible or not," said Agina, adding that "we will do all that is possible to take this chance."

Kenya has in the past successfully hosted Masculine and Feminine Championships in 1993 and 1997 respectively and this will be their first junior continental championships.

Meanwhile, East, Central and Southern Africa Basketball Confederation (ECSABC) has thanked Fiba-Africa for recognising the work they are doing in the region.

Assistant secretary, Ronny Owino, said that the regional body will meet on March 18 to discuss their acceptance by Fiba-Africa into continental programmes.

Fiba-Africa had on Monday communicated through secretary-general, Alphonse Bile, that they will in future support the programmes of the ECSABC.

In another development, Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) will host the late Tom Munyama Junior Memorial tournament at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka, this weekend.

This Sunday took place the annual Mauritius Basket - Ball Federation Charity Cup in view of helping the needy children in Mauritius. This year, the match propsed was
the Real of Port - Louis, currently champions, against the current vice champions, the Mahebourg Flippers Basket - Ball Club. Though it was a charity match, the two teams really wanted to win this but most of all, to test their new players as the transfer season is now over and also, to please the public that came for the match.
The Flippers made a good start by leading the match on an 11 - 2 run under the impulsion of their new center, Ghansham Heerah that was transfer from the Real, and the powerful forward, Ronnie Nagloo. But in the 2nd quarter, the Real of Ghislain Fanny got back into the game, and won the 2nd quarter with a 4 point lead.
In the 3rd Quarter, the 2 teams took the lead one at a time and the match was really interesting to watch. Finally, in the last quarter, with 6 minutes left to play, the Real, with their great experience of such games and their better preparation (as they are preparing themselves for the CCCOI), push on the a accelerator to win the game on tye final score of 80 to 59.
Yet another victory for the Real over its closest opponent and this match prove that this year, the championship will be very much more interesting with the different transfers that took place this year. Before this match, the Roche - Bois Warriors made it through to the 1st Division by beating the New Generation Barkly
on the score of 52 to 51. The Barkly will play in the 2nd Division this year.

Below is a list of the different transfer for this year:

Real:
Arrival- Giani Grenade, Gino Grenade, Benjamin Bangard, Yannick Etiennette, Clarel Adam.
Departure - Ghansham Heerah, Gary Driver

Flippers:
Arrival - Ghansham Heerah, Gary Driver
Departure - Oliver Oh seng

USBBRH:
Arrival - Jason Grenade, Gino Manick
Departure - Benjamin Bangard

ASVP:
Arrival - Kenny Nagloo
DEparture - Clarel Adam

CDB:
Arrival - 2 comorians
Departure - Giani Grenade, Jason Grenade

For the WOmen, only the Hoop have made some transaction:
Hoop:
Arrival - Karina Vencatasamy, Christelle


So these are a few of the transaction that took place this summer

Keep in touch with africa basket and we'll let you know about the latest update in Mauritius basket - ball. Till then, chow chow!!!

From
Pascal Prayag
I love this game!!!

By Gloria Kyomugisha

Men
Power 40 Crane High 33
Women
KCC Leopards 25 Sparks 16

SADOLIN Power dominated proceedings to dethrone defending champions Crane High 40-33 and clinch the fourth Miracle Challenger series championship at the weekend.

To do so, Power took early control of the match and curbed stellar efforts by Crane High’s Steven Okias (below) and tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) Julius Lutwama, who combined for 25 points overall as they struggled in vain to narrow the 7-point deficit.

Power’s victory meant that they walked away with a sh0.1m cash prize as Crane High settled for the sh50,000 runners-up fee.

In the women’s category, Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards claimed their first title of the season with a 25-16 win over MUK-Sparks in the Miracle anniversary celebration cash prize final at Rubaga Cathedral grounds.

KCC comfortably led 13-0 early in the first quarter but had to regroup after Sparks’ point guard Olivia Mulwana nailed back-to-back 3-pointers and a free throw bringing the score to 13-8 before Eva Adokorach converted two lay-ups to maintain KCC’s lead.

Becky Akullo won the MVP award thanks to her tally of five points, three assists for the Leopards. Akullo was ably assisted by Miriam Hamala and Connie Siima as the team claimed a sh70,000 cash prize.

Despite its continued struggle for logistical support and the lack of attention for the players' welfare, the Invincible Eleven basketball squad continues to put out some good performances in the ongoing Liberia Basketball Federation national league.
The "Yellow Boys" on last Saturday defeated one of the nations best playing team, NPA Pythons 65-53 in a match that was characterized by complete action from start to end.
The game was full of excitements with NPA, which is noted for its tricky and stylish playing, demonstrating some fine basketball tricks to the pleasure of their numerous fans and to the frustration of the Yellow Boys.
Though the deadly NPA Pythons highly performed and dominated the match, a shocking result in the fourth quarter of the match completely frustrated their efforts.
The match that saw Pythons dominating the first, second and third quarters brought spectators to a standstill moment until the Yellow Boys stole the match in the last minutes of the fourth quarter to take the surprising win.
Isaac Sarmu was considered the man of the match for the Yellow Boys while Mark Smith and other Pythons players got their nightmare when they could not see their way through.
Meanwhile, the Invincible Eleven and the Red Boys of Mighty Barrolle on last night clashed in another LBF league match but the score did not reach us until bedtime.

ZIMBABWE and Harare Basketball Association champions Cameo have been hit by indiscipline, which has resulted in them failing to raise teams for their league matches. The team's coach Roderick Takawira can at least afford to breathe this weekend after the cash-strapped Harare Basketball Association cancelled all league matches scheduled due to affiliation fees crisis.

Of the more than 27 clubs affiliated to the association, only five have paid the full affiliation fees pegged at $10 million for the season. The clubs have been given until 23 February to pay up or risk being booted out of the league.

While the league is grappling with its own problems, the defending Cameo's rock has been rocked by absenteeism.

Takawira, the burly Cameo coach told Standardsport yesterday that he was in a state of shock over the goings-on at the club. Senior players are no longer turning up for training and the club is on the brink of collapse.

"We cannot raise teams to fulfill our matches. I do not know what happened over the Christmas holidays. There has been a lot of indiscipline and players have not been turning-up for training resulting in a crisis. I have been in touch with contacts in Kadoma, Bindura and Marondera hunting for new players but I have received no joy," Takawira said.

The women's team has been hard hit with only Rachel Makoni, Regina Chisale, Alex Maseko, and Aisha Tsimba reporting for training.

The men's team has Mike Nhire and Roy Takaendesa reporting for training while the others have decided that the basketball court was not their place.

Cameo are currently in third place on 29 points.

Aloysius Byamukama
Kampala

Results
Womens final
KCC Leopards 25 Sparks 16
Mens final
Power 40 Cranes High 33

WOMEN league giants Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards beat Makerere Sparks 25-16 to grab Shs70, 000 in the 4th edition of the Miracle BC Challenger series tournament played on Saturday.

Inspired by former Sparks stars Agatha Baliddawa, Becky Akullo and Miram Hamara, the Mayor's daughters reversed the one point loss to the 2003 MTN league champions in the preliminary round and put their tactics right in a final which Sparks trailed all the way.

Olivia Mulwana had a double three pointers of her 8 points, but Hamara made 10 while Monica Siima and eventual MVP Becky Akullo added 5 and 4 points respectively to ensure their first title of the season.

MTN league champions A-I Challenge had been eliminated after losing to Sparks and KCC, in a tournament that featured the ladies for the first time.

The men's final was marred with fighting between Power Captain Marvin Keronga and Crane High's Steven Okias. Crane High had eliminated UCU in the semis while Power beat Miracle.

The women winners and runners up got Shs70, 000 and Shs40,000 and the men won Shs100,000 and Shs50,000 respectively, while MVPs walked away with Shs30, 000 each. John Jacob from Miracle Center Church was guest of honour and handed over the prizes to the winners.

THE MTN Basketball league men and women champions Nkumba University Marines and A-I Challenge will today tussle for their first trophy of the season when take part in the Miracle invitational tournament.

The 4th edition of the Miracle basketball club organised MBC Challenger Series will this morning tip off at the club's home courts at Miracle Center Cathedral, Rubaga.

However, Marines faces stiff challenge from rivals Sadolin Power, the side they defeated in three sets of the best of five finals series, enroute to their national league honours last year.

Tournament defending champions Crane High School, Earthquakes, and new comers Uganda Christian University (UCU)-Mukono are the other out side teams that will join Miracle sides A and B.

The six sides will be grouped in two pools A and B for a round robin meeting from where the top teams from each group will meet in the finals.

In the women's category, MTN league champions A-I will be out to battle against rivals Makerere Sparks and KCC. Cash awaits all winners.

By Express Reporter
After a successful debut at International School of Tanganyika Upanga ground last Friday, Dar es Salaam Independent School Basketball tournament storm into the second week tomorrow at the same venue.
The newly-launched basketball league expects to record more colourful actions tomorrow with Kwanza Academy and Laureate schools expected to better their last week’s records.
The last Friday opening matches witnessed Laureate International School ending the top in the scoresheet through their 22-2 victory over hapless Ecole Francaise.
In another encounter held at the same venue, IST Girls trounced Agakhan School 10-5 while Dar Salaam Independent School (DIS) also beat Genesis 16-0 in the third match of the event.
The heavy punishment fell on Good Shepherd in the fourth match who lost 0-8 to Super Mary. Kwanza Academy also ended victorious over DIS whom they walloped 4-1.
In the boys’ category, Laureate hammered IST 16-5. Agakhan School also cruised to beat the week Ecole Francaise with a heavy 18-1 score at the same IST Upanga ground.
The easy win parade for Kwanza Academy was close to being ruined when they had to struggle to beat Emima 7-6 in the close contested match of the league.Also

By Shaaban Omar
After a winning both men’s and women’s titles in the recently concluded National Basketball League, the Tanzania Basketball Federation has urged National Service headquarters teams to train intensively for the senior East, Central and South African championship.
The regional championship will be held from April 17th -24th in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
TBF Secretary General, Lawrence Cheyo said since the regional tournament is competitive; there is a need for local representatives to have started preparations early.
Apart from the local clubs, the regional championship is also expected to feature other teams from various countries as well as hosts Kenya, such as Uganda, Seychelles, Djibouti, Namibia, Sudan, Eritrea and Egypt.
“We want to see our teams excel that’s why we urge them to get prepared for the battle”, said Cheyo.
Apart from securing tickets for the regional event, MMJKT will also take part in the Union League.
Other teams, which starred in the NBL league held in Morogoro are also to secure tickets for the Union league, being Savio, JKT Oljoro, and Pazi.
Meanwhile, Tanzania will field teams in the Under-20 Zone Five tournament, also slated for Nairobi in July.
Cheyo said the federation’s technical and coaches’ commission will prepare the local boys’ and girls’ teams for the event.

By Burton Brown
Zanzibar is the venue of this year’s edition of the Union Cup basketball Championship scheduled to take place in the Isles from March 13th to 18th this year.
The Secretary General of Tanzania Basketball Federation, Lawrence Cheyo told The Express this week that eight teams had qualified to play in the event.
He said there would be four teams from Tanzania Mainland and the remaining four from the Isles.
According to Cheyo, the tournament would also bring together eight teams, from the mainland with another four to be picked in Zanzibar.
On the mainland side, Cheyo said all teams that won tickets to play in Zanzibar had showed their quality in the just-ended National Basketball League which took place in Morogoro in January.
The ones in the women’s sector include the national champions, JKT Stars, runners up, Cargo Ladies, Prisons and Young Warriors.
In the men’s sector, JKT (MMJKT) will lead the other three teams in Zanzibar. Those who also won tickets to play in the league are runners up Savio, second runners up JKT Oljoro and Pazi.
However, Cheyo said the Basketball Association of Zanzibar (BAZA) was yet to inform TBF on the date of the tournament.

Jewels roster

Mckenzie Sigauke
Simba Murahwa
Tapiwa Mugunyana
TASARA
Hazvinei Njerere
Elisha Chambara
COGAN Maboreke
Wismond MAGASA
MICHAEL BANDA
ERIC BANDA
Innocent NHEKEDE
Peter
Allen danga
Sylvester kanyama
NIGEL Mupondi
Tafi ndudzo
Artwell DZIKITI
Charles gonzo

With the colaboration of Addison Chiware

The first ever All Star Grand Slam tournament will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, Nairobi, on March 4.

This special event has been organised by national women’s head coach, Thomas "Smarts" Olumbo in memory of two national team players, Nancy Okoba and Susan Agoya.

Olumbo said two teams, one comprising KCB Lioness, Kenya Ports Authority and Sprite Storms, will form one team to play against players from other teams.

"The deceased played for the first team during their time while their opponents will be made up of top players from the rest of the teams from the league," said Olumbo.

Other matches will involve the men’s teams consisting of the bankers. namely KCB Lions, Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Postbank on one side, against the rest.

"Nancy and Susan were the backbone of the national team. As their coach, I thought this was the best way the basketball fraternity can remember them and their contribution to the game," he said. The two players passed on last year.

Last year’s provincial schools finalists, Kamukunji Secondary, Buru Buru Girls, St Austin’s and Aquinas High Schools boys teams have also been invited to grace the event that will also have free throw and three points shoot outs and dunking.

Olumbo named the players for the All Stars team as Gladys Wanyama, Mirriam Owuor, Rose Ouma, Millicent Anyango, Irene Murambi and Winnie Achieng (KPA).

Others are Caroline Arato, Sweeney Tindi, Liz Alich and Winnie Kanani, Ruth Wasike (Lioness).

While Angela Luchivya, Traza Opudo and Salma from Storms.

Joyce Makungu, Eva Kedogo, Carol Achieng, Evelyn Norah, Pamella Asige, Pamela Ikonga, Eunice Ouma, Caroline Achieng, Rebecca Sarange, Carol Mureji (Telkom). The rest are Angela Okoth, Patricia Kalusiokoma and Sylvia Koech from United States International University.

By Paul Munyuki
CASH strapped Harare Basketball Association have said
that they may only send junior teams to the
interprovincial tournament set for Midlands at the end
of the month if they fail to raise enough funds for
all the teams.
This was revealed at the recent meeting that was held
at the weekend and in a bid to raise enough funds for
all the four teams, HBA secretary general Taka Mubako
said that they would suspend clubs that owes the
association.
“Failure to raise sufficient funds may result in
sending only junior teams or teams which the
management of the HBA feels will best represent us at
the interprovincials,” said Mubako.
Mubako added that any team that does not pay at least
half ($5 million) of the affiliation fees by tomorrow
would be suspended from the league.
It was also agreed that teams that would not have paid
the $5 million by tomorrow would not play any league
games until the February 23.
And if the club fails to pay the due monies by the
23rd, then they would be suspended from the league and
if they are to rejoin, they would have to go through
all the formalities like a new club.
The team would be expected to apply but would only
join the league next season with any team
automatically forfeiting their place in the respective
league.
This would also mean that if the Aleague teams fail to
pay, they would find themselves in the lower divisions
and would have to fight for their place in the more
prestigious ALeague.
“Any team will not play if their player registration
forms are not in by Thursday February 9 and if they
have not paid at least half of the fees required for
the season by Thursday February 9th.
“All games between February 9 and February 23rd will
be forfeited.
“After Thursday any team with outstanding balances
will be removed from the league and will have to apply
to rejoin the league next season with any ALeague team
automatically forfeiting their place in that league.
“It is insulting and disappointing that some teams
have not paid anything and any player in a provincial
team will be eliminated owing to their club's poor
standing if balances are not cleared by the 23rd,”
said Mubako.
At the same meeting, it also appeared that most of the
clubs had not registered some of their players with
the association.
Teams in the women’s league have been playing few
games owing to the few clubs that are affiliated and
the HBA are trying to come up with a mechanism that
would see them play more games including tournaments
and friendlies to maintain competitiveness.
Rutendo Makanda and Addie Gondoza were coopted into
the HBA executive committee and this was due to the
inability of the HBA executive to have raise quorum.

Stars today lock horns with ALCC who were inactive last weekend after failing to fulfill their fixture against Giants. Stars are better positioned in the league and are favourites to bag maximum points.
Stars are banking on their star player Njabulo Ncube while Jabulani Sibanda the ALCC sports coordinator is expected to carry the day for his team.
Giants senior men will take on Giants Academy in what looks like an easy task for the log leaders.
Giants will be out to maintain their winning streak having won every game that they have played this season.
Bottom placed Kaos will take on second positioned Kings in a match that both teams have to win with Kaos needing maximum points as they are second from the bottom.
Kings will be out to collect maximum points if they are to be a threat to the allconquering Giants.
Shingi Magwaro and Garikai Gumbo are expected to guide Kings to victory while Kaos will hope that Lionel Wolfenden and Crispen Ndebele will be at their best to give them the cutting edge.
Before the Saturday games there will be a council meeting at BCD. Issues on the agenda include player transfers, interprovincial championships’ preparations and the issue of teams not fulfilling their fixtures.
Giants’ women will then face fourth placed Stars in a match that can go either way.
Stars have Feluna Chikuvadze and Sibongile Mnkandla, two players who can win the game for their team.
Today: Stars v ALCC, Academy v Giants (men), Kaos v Kings, Giants v Stars (women)
Tomorrow: PG Lakers v Queens (women), Lords v Academy, Highlanders v Classics (men)
Sunday: Giants v Queens (women), Lords v Academy (men)

By Burton Brown
Tanzania basketball giants, Savio, saw their third basketball title slipping away when they lost to their archrivals JKT Stars in the National Basketball League final, held over the weekend at Jamhuri Stadium, Morogoro.
It was one of the most successful events for JKT whose women’s team also won after beating Cargo Ladies in a one-sided final.
JKT Stars fought hard to gun down Savio 47-43 while JKT Ladies hammered Cargo Ladies 52-32 in the final.
Savio called back Henry Mwinuka to assist Jije Makani, Mohamed Yusuf and Michael Mwita while JKT fielded their top scorer, Charles Makene to play alongside Frank Kusiga, Frank Simkoko, Frank Kusiga and Juma Kissocky.
At all events, it was JKT who snatched the early lead when they finished the first quarter with 22 points against 19 for Savio.
Henry Mwinuka managed to score 10 points while Mkumbo Mgendi of JKT walked off with 8 points.
On their side JKT Ladies scored through Mary Frank who managed 9 points, though it was Monica Alloys of Cargo Ladies who was the top scorer with 19 points followed by Fununa Yasin who landed 7 points.

By Dann O’were
The 2006 Nairobi Secondary Schools basketball programme throws off on Monday with a total of 36 teams taking part.

According to Nairobi Secondary Schools basketball secretary, Peter Manundu, the first leg will end on February 20. The quarter finals will be held on April 1 with the semis a week later. Venues for the quarter finals, semis and the finals will be chosen later.

Maseno School and Mombasa High are the defending champions in both categories. This year’s finals will be in Shimo La Tewa in April.

Draws:

Pool A: St. Austins, Hillcrest, Eastleigh, Parklands.

Pool B: St Mary’s Braeuburn, Aga Khan, Queen of Apostles; Pool C: Aquinas, Ofafa Jericho, Pumwani, Dagoretti, Muhuru Muchiri;

Pool D: Upper Hill, Chyuna Academy, Our Lady of Fatuma, St Teresa’s; Pool E: Nairobi School, Light Academy, Makini School,

Kitisuru, Karengata; Pool F: Moi Forces Academy, Kahawa Garisson, Jamhuri; Jeffrey’s Academy, La Verne; Pool G: Starehe, Uhuru, Kangemi, Hospital Hill, Sunshine.

Pool H: Lanana, Strathmore, Shauri Moyo and Highway.

As the final preparations towards the start off of the next Vmobile Basketball league season takes the final lap, a programme of events has been made available. By the details received by THISDAYSport, the first jump ball for the 2005/06 Season is billed for March 4th.
The confirmation for the first weekend of next month means that the start off date was moved forward from the last weekend of this month. The next season, though, is already programmed to start by October 28th.
The first in the series of programmes lined up for the season is the meeting between the clubs and the owners of the league, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). The Savannah Conference teams are to meet with the Committee on Tuesday the 7th in Abuja while the Atlantic clubs will be met the following day at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The final screening of players by the League Advisory Committee is scheduled for February 15th. After that programme, the referees and match commissioners for the league will undergo refresher course with their clinic scheduled to hold from the 20th of this month to the 22nd.
The last of the series is the media launch for the league, which comes up on the 28th. This programme will serve as public presentation of the entire league package. This will include prize money, subsidies and other benefits for the clubs and individual players in the system.
From the other details received, this season will run the full course with Road Trips for all the teams in the league. The shortened version of last season, which produced Union Bank Club as champions, was devoid of the aspect of the league. But it is not exactly clear now what format the play off would take. The last had a final-six play of in Abuja.
A spokesperson for Vmobile told our reporter on Wednesday that the company was set for the start off.
“For us we are set now. We have set the necessary things going and that really explains we can start any time from now. Everything is okay,” he said.

Players from Senegal at NCAA 1ª division

Paco DIAW 6-6 fr Georgia Tech
Boubacar COLY 6-9 so Xavier
Ousmane Barro 6-10 so Marquette
Alioune BEYE 6-11 jr Montana State
Issa KONARE 6-8 sr High Point
Mamadou DIENE 7-0 fr Baylor
Bamba FALL 7-1 fr Southern Methodist
Mousse DIOP 6-9 kjr Siena
Moussa MBAYE 6-9 jr Valparaiso
Armand MASSOGO 6-3 jr Norfolk State
Aliou KEITA 6-7 jr Drake
Bass DIENG 6-9 so St. Fancis (PA)
Abdoulaye NDIAYE 6-11 jr USC
Ousmane KONATE 6-10 so South Carolina
Moussa DIAGNE 6-9 jr Furman
Ahmit GUEYE 6-8 jr Hawai

THE Bulawayo Basketball League is having problems with some of its teams that are failing to fulfil fixtures against Giants.

Sources in the sport said some of the small clubs were reluctant to play the all conquering club with the men's team unbeaten so far while their women counterparts have lost just one game.
Last weekend Giants were awarded maximum points in both the men and women’s league after their opponents Abundant Life Christian Church and PG Lakers failed to fulfil fixtures against them.
On 14 January ALCC who anchor the women’s league opted to boycotted their fixture against Giants.
Cheryl Homela, a Giants player expressed disappointment over the issue as she feels the basketball league lacks competition because of such teams.
“We are disappointed because we prepare for these games only to find that the teams do not turn up on the match day.
“When we qualify for the national league we want to go there through hard work rather than these free points that we are getting,” said Homela.
Surprisingly, PG Lakers women played Highlanders in a match that they lost 2395 last week.
On the other hand, ALCC men played Kings but failed to fulfill last weekend’s fixture against Giants.
Jabulani Sibanda, the ALCC Sports Coordinator confirmed that his team failed to fulfill their fixture after some of the players failed to turn up.
“We could not play Giants because most of our players did not come to the match venue. We only had three players and the match could not go on,” said Sibanda.
Hubert Bhebhe, a former Giants coach confirmed that a number of teams had failed to fulfill fixtures especially against Giants although he could not give reasons.
“A number of teams have of late been failing to fulfill fixtures against Giants and we are yet to talk to the teams to hear their reasons for not fulfilling the fixtures,” said Bhebhe.
The PG Lakers coach Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, who was away on the day of the match, was surprised when he heard that his team had not fulfilled the fixture as they had prepared for the match.
“I am surprised that they failed to fulfill the fixture because we prepared for the game without any problems,” said Ndlovu.
Despite the inactivity in the past three weeks Giants women still top the log standings with their male counterparts in pole position as well.

By Dann O’were

United States International University (USIU) and Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI) won the University and Colleges League at the weekend.

USIU dominated this first tournament of the year which was played at their own backyard. The Tigers, as the team is fondly referred to, beat Kenyatta University Pirates 68-59. The victors were up 33-31 at the break.

Last month, USIU travelled to Kampala, Uganda, and claimed the annual ABE Lincoln trophy. The annual tournament attracted 32 teams. The participating teams included five Kenyan clubs. Predators won the women’s show.

KCITI Ladycats took a close 15-14 lead at the breather and hanged on to blank USIU Flames 39-33. S. Bosire and Griffin Ligare won the Most Valuable Players awards.

The tournament was a curtain raiser for the colleges league which throws off this wekend at the USIU courts. Pirates coach, Gitau Waringo, said he was using the event to prepare for the Premier League due to start on April 1 in Nairobi.

The veteran coach, who guided the varsity side to the top league twice, is convinced the current crop of players, many of whom will be with the side for at least three more years, will fit into the team.