29 August 2006
SEYCHELLES : Songor gives Mont Fleuri victory, Baya steamroller SMB Razorback
BERNADETTE Songor scored the winning basket on a lay-up as Mont Fleuri edged Anse Etoile Stars 48-47 in the women’s league and Baya steamrollered SMB Razorback 94-66 in the men’s top flight in the weekend’s top matches.
Despite the defeat, the Stars stay atop the seven-team women’s league standings with 18 points out of a possible 20, but Saturday’s loss to Mont Fleuri – their second in 10 games – has checked their progress towards their title defence.
Fourth-placed Mont Fleuri, who have said that they now badly want Bel Air, had three players scoring in double digits – Tracey Moustache (18 points), Williana Dubois (15) and Songor (10).
As for the Stars, who looked bewildered after the defeat, they had captain Simone Malbrook (14 points) and Simone Asba (15 points including four 3-pointers) combining for 29 points.
In another women’s match, veteran skipper Thyra Boniface scored a game-high 30 points to lead Bel Air to a 78-25 victory over Cadettes who had only three players – Zera Fontaine (nine points), Kathleena Pouponneau (8) and Lilianne Biong (8) - scoring for them.
With 17 points and a match in hand on Stars and runners-up HotShots, Bel Air can shoot to the top if they win their next fixture.
There was also victory for Juniors in the women’s league. They beat tailenders Hackers 61-46 to improve their points tally to 10.
In the Men division 1A league, Baya made their intentions known as early as the first quarter when Steve Denis netted four consecutive treys for 12 of his 16 points. Captain Dave Roseline (game-high 28 points), centre Robert Léon (22) and playmaker Giovanni Laval (11) made significant contributions for Baya in the 94-66 win, bringing their points tally to 17 after seven victories and three losses.
Baya trail leaders Premium Cobras, who defeated Cascade Bullets 76-53 in a midweek encounter, by one point. Not in action last week but relieved that Ugandan all-rounder Stephen Omony is back after being away since March, defending champions PLS Hawks are currently third on 16 points and have played a match less.
In his last match before leaving yesterday morning for China to pursue his studies, Steven Servina captained Angels to their fourth victory – a 92-86 win over strugglers MBU Rockers last Friday.
With 38 points including three 3-pointers and 11 free-throws, sharp-shooter Servina missed out of eclipsing his season-high 42 points scored in a shocking 86-76 win over Premium Cobras.
After having played 10 matches, Angels are sixth in the eight-team standings with 14 points, one more than MBU Rockers’ total.
In the Men division 1B, Pointe Larue Falcons won by the slightest of margins – 56-55 – against Anse Etoile to consolidate first place with 17 points, the same total as Ex-Champs who defeated Beau Vallon Heat 67-60 on Sunday night. In the same division, Praslin Warriors collected a home win on a 70-68 score against Bel Air Blazers.
In the men’s lowest division, RA Herons won 63-60 to inflict a second defeat on leaders Juniors and Falcons Youth beat Mont Fleuri Dawgz 61-58.
G. G.
Despite the defeat, the Stars stay atop the seven-team women’s league standings with 18 points out of a possible 20, but Saturday’s loss to Mont Fleuri – their second in 10 games – has checked their progress towards their title defence.
Fourth-placed Mont Fleuri, who have said that they now badly want Bel Air, had three players scoring in double digits – Tracey Moustache (18 points), Williana Dubois (15) and Songor (10).
As for the Stars, who looked bewildered after the defeat, they had captain Simone Malbrook (14 points) and Simone Asba (15 points including four 3-pointers) combining for 29 points.
In another women’s match, veteran skipper Thyra Boniface scored a game-high 30 points to lead Bel Air to a 78-25 victory over Cadettes who had only three players – Zera Fontaine (nine points), Kathleena Pouponneau (8) and Lilianne Biong (8) - scoring for them.
With 17 points and a match in hand on Stars and runners-up HotShots, Bel Air can shoot to the top if they win their next fixture.
There was also victory for Juniors in the women’s league. They beat tailenders Hackers 61-46 to improve their points tally to 10.
In the Men division 1A league, Baya made their intentions known as early as the first quarter when Steve Denis netted four consecutive treys for 12 of his 16 points. Captain Dave Roseline (game-high 28 points), centre Robert Léon (22) and playmaker Giovanni Laval (11) made significant contributions for Baya in the 94-66 win, bringing their points tally to 17 after seven victories and three losses.
Baya trail leaders Premium Cobras, who defeated Cascade Bullets 76-53 in a midweek encounter, by one point. Not in action last week but relieved that Ugandan all-rounder Stephen Omony is back after being away since March, defending champions PLS Hawks are currently third on 16 points and have played a match less.
In his last match before leaving yesterday morning for China to pursue his studies, Steven Servina captained Angels to their fourth victory – a 92-86 win over strugglers MBU Rockers last Friday.
With 38 points including three 3-pointers and 11 free-throws, sharp-shooter Servina missed out of eclipsing his season-high 42 points scored in a shocking 86-76 win over Premium Cobras.
After having played 10 matches, Angels are sixth in the eight-team standings with 14 points, one more than MBU Rockers’ total.
In the Men division 1B, Pointe Larue Falcons won by the slightest of margins – 56-55 – against Anse Etoile to consolidate first place with 17 points, the same total as Ex-Champs who defeated Beau Vallon Heat 67-60 on Sunday night. In the same division, Praslin Warriors collected a home win on a 70-68 score against Bel Air Blazers.
In the men’s lowest division, RA Herons won 63-60 to inflict a second defeat on leaders Juniors and Falcons Youth beat Mont Fleuri Dawgz 61-58.
G. G.
KENYA : School teams strike target in Dar games
Story by PHILIP ONYANGO in Dar es Salaam
The three Kenya teams won their basketball matches in the East Africa Secondary Schools ball games, which started on Sunday in Dar es Salaam.
Yesterday, Mombasa High defeated Burundi’s Don Bosco 46-20 and Laiser Hill Academy followed suit, beating Uganda’s Kaboja 52-28. Aquinas then overcame Tanzania’s Jitegemee 53-20 and in the girl’s category, Tigoi saw off Uganda’s Nabisunza 63-53. Kibuli narrowly beat Nabisunza 20-17 in an all-Ugandan affair.
The three Kenya teams won their basketball matches in the East Africa Secondary Schools ball games, which started on Sunday in Dar es Salaam.
Yesterday, Mombasa High defeated Burundi’s Don Bosco 46-20 and Laiser Hill Academy followed suit, beating Uganda’s Kaboja 52-28. Aquinas then overcame Tanzania’s Jitegemee 53-20 and in the girl’s category, Tigoi saw off Uganda’s Nabisunza 63-53. Kibuli narrowly beat Nabisunza 20-17 in an all-Ugandan affair.
UGANDA : Falcons stop KIU
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
Wandegeya
Men
KIU 65 Falcons 73
MAK Youth 61 Veg 69
Berkeley 58 FPAU 48
Women
Cubs 43 Amazon 55
SAM Obol (pictured) was the saviour for Falcons when they beat KIU 73-65 in a league game played on Sunday at the YMCA courts, Wandegeya.
Obol’s double conversion from the charity line for a 58-all normal time tie aided the side to the win.
The University side had taken a cautious approach, going close in the first three quarters before stepping up in in the fourth with a 19-14 lead. Falcons only needed Charles Ssubi's three pointer to level the game at 54 with one minute left on the clock.
Markmot Orum and Henry Mwinuka (14 points) extended the lead to four points before Brian Ssentongo (13 points) reduced it to two under 45 minutes.
KIU were heading for a win but Mwinuka, in a bid to hold the ball till the final whistle made a turnover following pressure from Ssentongo who released Obol (18 points) on the left side and an eventual foul on the star who made no mistake from the line.
Man of the game Ssubi had 15 points all from out side the arc ,while Henry Malinga added 15 points. Isaac Afridra and Emma Baguma made 15 and 14 respectively.
Wandegeya
Men
KIU 65 Falcons 73
MAK Youth 61 Veg 69
Berkeley 58 FPAU 48
Women
Cubs 43 Amazon 55
SAM Obol (pictured) was the saviour for Falcons when they beat KIU 73-65 in a league game played on Sunday at the YMCA courts, Wandegeya.
Obol’s double conversion from the charity line for a 58-all normal time tie aided the side to the win.
The University side had taken a cautious approach, going close in the first three quarters before stepping up in in the fourth with a 19-14 lead. Falcons only needed Charles Ssubi's three pointer to level the game at 54 with one minute left on the clock.
Markmot Orum and Henry Mwinuka (14 points) extended the lead to four points before Brian Ssentongo (13 points) reduced it to two under 45 minutes.
KIU were heading for a win but Mwinuka, in a bid to hold the ball till the final whistle made a turnover following pressure from Ssentongo who released Obol (18 points) on the left side and an eventual foul on the star who made no mistake from the line.
Man of the game Ssubi had 15 points all from out side the arc ,while Henry Malinga added 15 points. Isaac Afridra and Emma Baguma made 15 and 14 respectively.
26 August 2006
UGANDA : Falcons take on hard KIU
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
KAMPALA
Men
Berkeley v FPAU
MAK Youth v Veg
KIU v Falcons
Women
MAK Cubs v Amazon
FALCONS have registered a dozen unbeaten runs, the highest in the local basketball league history, but today they face one of the biggest battles against KIU.
The record league winners take on Kampala International University in an anticipated tough fixture at YMCA. KIU fresh from a 44-40 loss to Rhino last weekend will be all out to try and stop the title hopefuls inorder to avoid another possible relegation.
The Kansanga based side is danger having collected 18 points from 12 games, just above Gulu Hawks, Livingstone and Najja High.
Star players Isaac Afidra, Jeff Mwinuki and Emma Baguma should find way of stopping rampant Henry Malinga, Sam Obol and Loui Habineza if they are to get maximum points.
However, Steven Omony's Falcons who are likely to miss the services of Eric Malinga, will be aiming at keeping an upright tally and keep the top spot on the Yello Max table.
In the Yello Go conference, on form Vegetarians take on Makerere Youth Heaters with an intention of keeping close to the play offs, while Makerere Cubs meet Amazon Rhino in the only women's game of the day.
KAMPALA
Men
Berkeley v FPAU
MAK Youth v Veg
KIU v Falcons
Women
MAK Cubs v Amazon
FALCONS have registered a dozen unbeaten runs, the highest in the local basketball league history, but today they face one of the biggest battles against KIU.
The record league winners take on Kampala International University in an anticipated tough fixture at YMCA. KIU fresh from a 44-40 loss to Rhino last weekend will be all out to try and stop the title hopefuls inorder to avoid another possible relegation.
The Kansanga based side is danger having collected 18 points from 12 games, just above Gulu Hawks, Livingstone and Najja High.
Star players Isaac Afidra, Jeff Mwinuki and Emma Baguma should find way of stopping rampant Henry Malinga, Sam Obol and Loui Habineza if they are to get maximum points.
However, Steven Omony's Falcons who are likely to miss the services of Eric Malinga, will be aiming at keeping an upright tally and keep the top spot on the Yello Max table.
In the Yello Go conference, on form Vegetarians take on Makerere Youth Heaters with an intention of keeping close to the play offs, while Makerere Cubs meet Amazon Rhino in the only women's game of the day.
UGANDA : Marines ready to sink Rhinos in MTN league
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Men
Sky Jammers v UCU
Crane High v Flippers
C/Rhinos v N/Marines
Women
K/Comets v MUK-Sparks
CHARGING Rhinos and MTN basketball league title holders Nkumba-Marines will renew their rivalry when the play-off qualification battles continue today at the YMCA courts.
The two sides have had challenging battles over the past two seasons with the champions avenging a 2005 second round 76-73 loss by defeating the Rhinos 81-79 in the first round encounter in June this year.
Rallying behind Alex Ochola and David Kiberu, 1997 champions Rhinos, are hopeful progressing into a better position on the table with a victory today.
Rhinos are placed fifth on the Yello Max table standings, and could make headway to the fourth and final play-off berth with a commanding victory today.
Upon his return from injury, Rhinos’ Robert Ndamagye will be charged with the unenviable task of stopping the MVP and Marines’ Norman Blick while Mandy Juruni, Ronnie Kalule and Hamza Nyambogo will have to contest Marines’ shooting trio of Albert Aciko, Donald Blick and Boniface Okello.
Elsewhere, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosts Jinja-based Sky Jammers at Mukono as Crane High takes on Flippers in an earlier game at the YMCA.
Men
Sky Jammers v UCU
Crane High v Flippers
C/Rhinos v N/Marines
Women
K/Comets v MUK-Sparks
CHARGING Rhinos and MTN basketball league title holders Nkumba-Marines will renew their rivalry when the play-off qualification battles continue today at the YMCA courts.
The two sides have had challenging battles over the past two seasons with the champions avenging a 2005 second round 76-73 loss by defeating the Rhinos 81-79 in the first round encounter in June this year.
Rallying behind Alex Ochola and David Kiberu, 1997 champions Rhinos, are hopeful progressing into a better position on the table with a victory today.
Rhinos are placed fifth on the Yello Max table standings, and could make headway to the fourth and final play-off berth with a commanding victory today.
Upon his return from injury, Rhinos’ Robert Ndamagye will be charged with the unenviable task of stopping the MVP and Marines’ Norman Blick while Mandy Juruni, Ronnie Kalule and Hamza Nyambogo will have to contest Marines’ shooting trio of Albert Aciko, Donald Blick and Boniface Okello.
Elsewhere, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosts Jinja-based Sky Jammers at Mukono as Crane High takes on Flippers in an earlier game at the YMCA.
24 August 2006
ANGOLA : Country Pleased With Team's Performance Against Spain
Angolan fans showed their satisfaction with the performance of the country's senior males team at the World Basketball Cup in Japan, after the African champions lost by 93-83 against the Spaniards.
After three consecutive victories, the Angolan team suffered their first defeat, despite the loss, the players, technical team and supporters showed confidence for the upcoming challenges and satisfied with attitude presented this Wednesday against the European team.Despite the defeat, everyone interviewed by ANGOP, was unanimous in affirming that the exhibition and attitude of the players on the court is helping the team to focus on results differently.
For André Nzuzi, sports journalist, the team played relaxed even without any NBA star, "we showed that we went to the competition to compete and not to participate".
After three consecutive victories, the Angolan team suffered their first defeat, despite the loss, the players, technical team and supporters showed confidence for the upcoming challenges and satisfied with attitude presented this Wednesday against the European team.Despite the defeat, everyone interviewed by ANGOP, was unanimous in affirming that the exhibition and attitude of the players on the court is helping the team to focus on results differently.
For André Nzuzi, sports journalist, the team played relaxed even without any NBA star, "we showed that we went to the competition to compete and not to participate".
NIGERIA : Milo B/Ball Clinic Enters Last Lap
The annual Nestle Milo Basketball Clinic for Future Champions holding in the 13th edition has entered the last lap for the 2006 season with the Lagos edition. Over 700-kid basketballers began the daily drills yesterday in three centres spread across Lagos.
The National Stadium is serving as the main venue with the Syrian Club at Ribadu Road, Ikoyi and the First Bank Court at Satellite Town as the other centres. The event rounded off by the weekend in Enugu following the first one-week of the programme held in Kaduna.Nestle Milo officials expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of participants at the Enugu leg of the clinic, which ended at the weekend.
About 700 kids between the ages of 3 and 14 trooped daily to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, venue of the weeklong clinic for training.
Speaking at the colourful closing ceremony, Banji Okubote, Group Brand Manager (Milo), who was represented by Segun Oloidi, Regional Sales Manager (South-East), said that the kids showed great potentials which if properly harnessed would put Nigeria in the top bracket of world basketball ranking.
"With the level of proficiency the kids have demonstrated here today, I feel more convinced that the future of basketball in Nigeria is very bright. Our goal is that in the nearest future, Nigeria should be in a comfortable position to produce en-masse the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, Olumide Oyedeji, among others", he said.Master Emmanuel Ogbu, 14 and Miss Juliana Ali, 14, emerged as the Most Valuable Players in the boys and girls categories respectively, after the six-day training that took the kids through the basics of basketball.
Ali, an SS II student of the Annunciation Secondary School, Enugu said she hopes to play top-flight professional basketball in future. Similarly, Ogbu who is also an SS I student at the Nike Grammar School, Enugu thanked Milo for giving him and other kids the opportunity to bring out the talents in them by sponsoring the Clinic.
The closing ceremony witnessed free throws by the journalists, coaches, and parents. Interestingly, none of the journalists and coaches made any good throw. But some of the parents recorded good throws and were richly rewarded with Milo products for their efforts.
The National Stadium is serving as the main venue with the Syrian Club at Ribadu Road, Ikoyi and the First Bank Court at Satellite Town as the other centres. The event rounded off by the weekend in Enugu following the first one-week of the programme held in Kaduna.Nestle Milo officials expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of participants at the Enugu leg of the clinic, which ended at the weekend.
About 700 kids between the ages of 3 and 14 trooped daily to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, venue of the weeklong clinic for training.
Speaking at the colourful closing ceremony, Banji Okubote, Group Brand Manager (Milo), who was represented by Segun Oloidi, Regional Sales Manager (South-East), said that the kids showed great potentials which if properly harnessed would put Nigeria in the top bracket of world basketball ranking.
"With the level of proficiency the kids have demonstrated here today, I feel more convinced that the future of basketball in Nigeria is very bright. Our goal is that in the nearest future, Nigeria should be in a comfortable position to produce en-masse the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, Olumide Oyedeji, among others", he said.Master Emmanuel Ogbu, 14 and Miss Juliana Ali, 14, emerged as the Most Valuable Players in the boys and girls categories respectively, after the six-day training that took the kids through the basics of basketball.
Ali, an SS II student of the Annunciation Secondary School, Enugu said she hopes to play top-flight professional basketball in future. Similarly, Ogbu who is also an SS I student at the Nike Grammar School, Enugu thanked Milo for giving him and other kids the opportunity to bring out the talents in them by sponsoring the Clinic.
The closing ceremony witnessed free throws by the journalists, coaches, and parents. Interestingly, none of the journalists and coaches made any good throw. But some of the parents recorded good throws and were richly rewarded with Milo products for their efforts.
NIGERIA : Oyedeji Clinic Begins
The 7th annual Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Clinic dunks off today at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Sanni Abacha Stadium, Kano.
The sponsor of the annual clinic, former NBS star, Olumide Oyedeji explained that the idea of taking the clinic to the North was to give the youths of the areaopportunity to express themselves in the game.He pointed that talents abound in all zones of the country and such must be given the necessary opportunity to showcase such God's given talents.
Oyedeji, who was dropped from the national team camp by Coach Sam Vincent preparatory to the FIBA World Basketball Championship in Japan hinted that over 600 kids are expected to take part in the Kano leg of the clinic where hidden talents would be discovered at the 3 day event.
Meanwhile, the Lagos leg of the clinic will hold from August 28- September 2 at the basketball court of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The sponsor of the annual clinic, former NBS star, Olumide Oyedeji explained that the idea of taking the clinic to the North was to give the youths of the areaopportunity to express themselves in the game.He pointed that talents abound in all zones of the country and such must be given the necessary opportunity to showcase such God's given talents.
Oyedeji, who was dropped from the national team camp by Coach Sam Vincent preparatory to the FIBA World Basketball Championship in Japan hinted that over 600 kids are expected to take part in the Kano leg of the clinic where hidden talents would be discovered at the 3 day event.
Meanwhile, the Lagos leg of the clinic will hold from August 28- September 2 at the basketball court of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
KENYA : Coast Youth No Match for the Powerful Coop Bank
By Philip Onyango
Nairobi
Cooperative Bank of Kenya maintained their winning ways when they hammered stubborn Coast Youth 65-49 in an entertaining national classic basketball league match at the Mombasa Baptist High School grounds.
CYS, fresh from a 76-64 victory over Nakuru Club at the same venue the previous weekend played hard but failed to contain the more technically superior and speedy Cooperative under the charge of national coach Thomas Smarts Olumbo.
Coop who rested Peter Kiganya in this encounter had Cliff Ochieng, Furaha Odari and Collins Macharia in great form as they led 21-08 in the first quarter.
Sensing danger, CYC who also played without forward Ken Okello who leaves for a United States College next week, improved their game within the second quarter. Schoolboys Tony Okello and Lemmy Meshark contributed vital points as they trailed 13-14 for a 35-21 halftime score.
The Coastals gave the bankers anxious moments in the last quarter which they won 17-13 but it was not enough to cancel the deficit.
Macharia led the scorecard for Cooperative bank with 13 points. Ochieng had 8 while Lemmy Meshack led the scorecard for CYC with 15 assisted by Tony Owino (8).
The women's match between Sprite Storms and Kenya Ports Authority did not start after the KBF cancelled it at the request of Storms.The match, which is expected to be explosive, should be the last local assignment fo KPA's Rose Ouma and school girl Beatrice Awino of Storms who have landed scholarships to colleges in the United States.
Meanwhile the Nairobi Basketball Association has congratulated the three players for getting scholarship to study and play basketball in the US.
Nairobi Basketball Association chairman Ronny Owino said Kenya stands a high stand of winning international events if the players abroad could be recalled to beef up local players.
Nairobi
Cooperative Bank of Kenya maintained their winning ways when they hammered stubborn Coast Youth 65-49 in an entertaining national classic basketball league match at the Mombasa Baptist High School grounds.
CYS, fresh from a 76-64 victory over Nakuru Club at the same venue the previous weekend played hard but failed to contain the more technically superior and speedy Cooperative under the charge of national coach Thomas Smarts Olumbo.
Coop who rested Peter Kiganya in this encounter had Cliff Ochieng, Furaha Odari and Collins Macharia in great form as they led 21-08 in the first quarter.
Sensing danger, CYC who also played without forward Ken Okello who leaves for a United States College next week, improved their game within the second quarter. Schoolboys Tony Okello and Lemmy Meshark contributed vital points as they trailed 13-14 for a 35-21 halftime score.
The Coastals gave the bankers anxious moments in the last quarter which they won 17-13 but it was not enough to cancel the deficit.
Macharia led the scorecard for Cooperative bank with 13 points. Ochieng had 8 while Lemmy Meshack led the scorecard for CYC with 15 assisted by Tony Owino (8).
The women's match between Sprite Storms and Kenya Ports Authority did not start after the KBF cancelled it at the request of Storms.The match, which is expected to be explosive, should be the last local assignment fo KPA's Rose Ouma and school girl Beatrice Awino of Storms who have landed scholarships to colleges in the United States.
Meanwhile the Nairobi Basketball Association has congratulated the three players for getting scholarship to study and play basketball in the US.
Nairobi Basketball Association chairman Ronny Owino said Kenya stands a high stand of winning international events if the players abroad could be recalled to beef up local players.
23 August 2006
UGANDA : Lugogo fire
MBC Rocks v Vegetarians
Miracle v Livingstone
Miracle basketball club go for their second consecutive MTN basketball season sweep of Livingstone today at Lugogo. Miracle defeated Stone 62-53 during their first round encounter in June, a fete they are looking to repeat.
Miracle v Livingstone
Miracle basketball club go for their second consecutive MTN basketball season sweep of Livingstone today at Lugogo. Miracle defeated Stone 62-53 during their first round encounter in June, a fete they are looking to repeat.
UGANDA : Stone faces Miracle
ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
KAMPALA
Today
MBC Rocks vs Vegetarians
Miracle vs Livingstone
Relegation candidates Livinstone take on Miracle in the MTN Basketball League this evening at Lugogo.
The Makerere University side has failed to compete in the top-flight division, winning only 2 games in 13 outings, and have been left with a big task of winning all the remaining 5 games to avoid relegation.
Miracle, which still has a mathematical chance of getting to the play offs, will be out for nothing but a win.
Their last three games against Gulu Hawks, KIU and Rhino are a balance of power that could see them reach the last four.
In the Yello Go conference, Vegetarians will be out to collect maximum points to boost their play off chances. The Luzira based team is currently in fourth place on 16 points from 10 games, behind Sky Jammers, Knight Riders and Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
KAMPALA
Today
MBC Rocks vs Vegetarians
Miracle vs Livingstone
Relegation candidates Livinstone take on Miracle in the MTN Basketball League this evening at Lugogo.
The Makerere University side has failed to compete in the top-flight division, winning only 2 games in 13 outings, and have been left with a big task of winning all the remaining 5 games to avoid relegation.
Miracle, which still has a mathematical chance of getting to the play offs, will be out for nothing but a win.
Their last three games against Gulu Hawks, KIU and Rhino are a balance of power that could see them reach the last four.
In the Yello Go conference, Vegetarians will be out to collect maximum points to boost their play off chances. The Luzira based team is currently in fourth place on 16 points from 10 games, behind Sky Jammers, Knight Riders and Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
UGANDA : Rhinos Halt Kiu
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala
Charging Rhinos dominated the final two minutes on their way to victory in a low-scoring MTN basketball league game against Kampala International University (KIU) Sunday.
KIU had a 40-39 advantage with two minutes remaining when Mandy Juruni scored on a drive to the hoop, picking up a foul that saw him convert one shot from the charity line to make it 42-40.
Despite 14 points from Isaac Afidra, Rhinos added two more points to seal the victory that put them into fifth place on the table.
Falcons are together with Warriors top, at 25 points. Marines have 23 and Power are fourth with 21.
Miracle are sixth at 19 and KIU 18.
Kampala
Charging Rhinos dominated the final two minutes on their way to victory in a low-scoring MTN basketball league game against Kampala International University (KIU) Sunday.
KIU had a 40-39 advantage with two minutes remaining when Mandy Juruni scored on a drive to the hoop, picking up a foul that saw him convert one shot from the charity line to make it 42-40.
Despite 14 points from Isaac Afidra, Rhinos added two more points to seal the victory that put them into fifth place on the table.
Falcons are together with Warriors top, at 25 points. Marines have 23 and Power are fourth with 21.
Miracle are sixth at 19 and KIU 18.
NIGERIA : Nigeria Lose Again, Coach Disappointed
By Patrick Omorodion
D' Tigers' American coach, Sam Vincent has expressed disappointment over his team's second loss in the FIBA World Championship in Japan with a promise however that he will use today's rest day to work out a winning strategy for the remaining two group games Argentina tomorrow and Lebanon on Thursday.
On a day Nigerians expected the team to stand the French team and ensure a second round berth, the Tigers' went to sleep especially in the first two quarters, allowing a Mamoutou Diarra-inspired Les Bleus to take them on some basketball lessons to end the first half with a 9 point deficit at 56-47.The Julius Nwosu-led team could only manage seven points in the first quarter, six of these came from star player Ime Udoka while France's Diarra who flew into Japan only last Saturday as a last minute replacement for Tony Parker was the Tigers' Achilles Heel with a back-to-back three pointers.
Like they did against Venezuela but still lost, the Tigers got into the game with Ekene Ibekwe in blistering form, and with support from Ebi Ere, they fought back to reduce the margin which gone up to 20 points at a time to 11 on a final score of 64-53.
According to Coach Vincent, "It's disappointing to follow a win like that (against Serbia & Montenegro) with two losses where we played poorly at times. When we came here we set ourselves a goal of winning two games and going through to the second round. It's still a possibility but we have some work to do tomorrow (today) to accomplish that."
He also blamed the tight match schedules which saw them play three games in three days for the loss especially for the older players."The older players are struggling with that many games. And playing against a team that runs up and down the court like France really exposed how tired they were. The day off will do them good," he said."Playing three games in as many days is bad enough but considering how we play, it's even more gruelling than you can imagine. However, it is our best ability so we must use it," Vincent added
Meanwhile Argentina held on tight to the leadership of the group with their third straight win over Venezuela at 96-54 while defending champions, Serbia & Montenegro shrugged off their poor start in the championship, whipping Lebanon 104-54.
African champions, Angola are still riding high as they recorded their third victory to ensure a second round berth. hey share joint first position with Spain in Group B. Host, Japan also won their match against Panama 78-61 while Germany were swept off by Spain 92-71.
D' Tigers' American coach, Sam Vincent has expressed disappointment over his team's second loss in the FIBA World Championship in Japan with a promise however that he will use today's rest day to work out a winning strategy for the remaining two group games Argentina tomorrow and Lebanon on Thursday.
On a day Nigerians expected the team to stand the French team and ensure a second round berth, the Tigers' went to sleep especially in the first two quarters, allowing a Mamoutou Diarra-inspired Les Bleus to take them on some basketball lessons to end the first half with a 9 point deficit at 56-47.The Julius Nwosu-led team could only manage seven points in the first quarter, six of these came from star player Ime Udoka while France's Diarra who flew into Japan only last Saturday as a last minute replacement for Tony Parker was the Tigers' Achilles Heel with a back-to-back three pointers.
Like they did against Venezuela but still lost, the Tigers got into the game with Ekene Ibekwe in blistering form, and with support from Ebi Ere, they fought back to reduce the margin which gone up to 20 points at a time to 11 on a final score of 64-53.
According to Coach Vincent, "It's disappointing to follow a win like that (against Serbia & Montenegro) with two losses where we played poorly at times. When we came here we set ourselves a goal of winning two games and going through to the second round. It's still a possibility but we have some work to do tomorrow (today) to accomplish that."
He also blamed the tight match schedules which saw them play three games in three days for the loss especially for the older players."The older players are struggling with that many games. And playing against a team that runs up and down the court like France really exposed how tired they were. The day off will do them good," he said."Playing three games in as many days is bad enough but considering how we play, it's even more gruelling than you can imagine. However, it is our best ability so we must use it," Vincent added
Meanwhile Argentina held on tight to the leadership of the group with their third straight win over Venezuela at 96-54 while defending champions, Serbia & Montenegro shrugged off their poor start in the championship, whipping Lebanon 104-54.
African champions, Angola are still riding high as they recorded their third victory to ensure a second round berth. hey share joint first position with Spain in Group B. Host, Japan also won their match against Panama 78-61 while Germany were swept off by Spain 92-71.
UGANDA : Rhino and A-1 All Register Wins
CHARGING Rhinos further shuttered KIU's campingn for the seasons' play-off hopes with a narrow 44-40 win in a heated encounter of the MTN top flight basketball league game played on Sunday at YMCA.
Sharp shooting guard Ronnie Kalule's triple three pointers were fundamental for the 1997 league champions' continued quest to finish in the play offs bracket.
David Kibelu and Mande Juluni added 11 and 9 respectively to kill off KIU. Isaac Afidra's 14 points were not enough to lift the team past Rhino.
In the women's game defending champions A-I Challenge beat Crane High 79-41 to move to third place.
Sharp shooting guard Ronnie Kalule's triple three pointers were fundamental for the 1997 league champions' continued quest to finish in the play offs bracket.
David Kibelu and Mande Juluni added 11 and 9 respectively to kill off KIU. Isaac Afidra's 14 points were not enough to lift the team past Rhino.
In the women's game defending champions A-I Challenge beat Crane High 79-41 to move to third place.
21 August 2006
NIGERIA : Japan 2006: Venezuela Cages D'Tigers
Barley 24 hours after turning the World Championships on its head with an upset victory over champions Serbia and Montenegro Nigeria's basketball team D'Tigers were brought crashing down to earth yesterday when they lost to Venezuela.
Victor Diaz, who scored 24 points, was the tormentor in chief as the Latin American country ran away 84-77 winners in the FIBA world championships taking place in Japan.
Nigeria made a late run, closing the gap to 73-68 with 3 minutes remaining, but a 3-pointer by Diaz with 20 seconds left sealed the win for Venezuela (1-1).
Diaz was 6-for-10 from the 3-point line, and Oscar Torres and Miguel Marriaga each added 14 points to give the South Americans their first win.
"Victor is our most experienced player and he hit some huge shots for us today," Venezuela coach Nestor Salazar said. "He was a lot more focused today and we needed him to step up and he did."
Venezuela, which lost 82-72 to Lebanon in its opening match, took control of the match in the second quarter, scoring 26 points to take a 42-27 lead.
Nigeria (1-1) upset defending champion Serbia-Montenegro 82-75 on Saturday but struggled against Venezuela and trailed 64-49 heading into the final period.
Ebi Ere, who scored 13 points, hit a pair of 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to pull Nigeria within seven points but it wasn't enough.
"We came out too relaxed, not tense enough" Ere said. "In a tournament like this you've got to play hard every day. You either win or you go home."
Ime Udoka, who played for the New York Knicks last season, led Nigeria with 23 points.
Africa's second representatives Senegal lost their second match but Angola secured a second victory.
Carlos Arroyo scored 29 points and hit the first of three straight 3-pointers during the game's decisive run, leading Puerto Rico to an 88-79 victory over Senegal.
Elias Ayuso added 20 points for the Puerto Ricans (1-1), who built a big early lead, blew all of it, then recovered to even their record after losing 111-100 to the United States in their opener.
Makhtar N'Diaye and Babacar Cisse each scored 14 points for Senegal (0-2), which got off to a horrendous start.
However, Carlos Almeida scored 19 points and Angola made 12 3-pointers in an 87-62 victory over Japan yesterday in the first round of the FIBA world championships.
Almeida, who had 22 points in the opening win over Panama, hit two of his three 3s at the end of the second quarter when the African champions started to break the game open.
Japan (0-2) got off to a good start again as it did in its opening loss to Germany, leading 21-16 after the first quarter. But 6-foot-7 power forward Joaquin Gomes, who played at Valparaiso from 2000-04, started to take control inside and that allowed Angola (2-0) to get wide-open 3-point attempts.
Victor Diaz, who scored 24 points, was the tormentor in chief as the Latin American country ran away 84-77 winners in the FIBA world championships taking place in Japan.
Nigeria made a late run, closing the gap to 73-68 with 3 minutes remaining, but a 3-pointer by Diaz with 20 seconds left sealed the win for Venezuela (1-1).
Diaz was 6-for-10 from the 3-point line, and Oscar Torres and Miguel Marriaga each added 14 points to give the South Americans their first win.
"Victor is our most experienced player and he hit some huge shots for us today," Venezuela coach Nestor Salazar said. "He was a lot more focused today and we needed him to step up and he did."
Venezuela, which lost 82-72 to Lebanon in its opening match, took control of the match in the second quarter, scoring 26 points to take a 42-27 lead.
Nigeria (1-1) upset defending champion Serbia-Montenegro 82-75 on Saturday but struggled against Venezuela and trailed 64-49 heading into the final period.
Ebi Ere, who scored 13 points, hit a pair of 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to pull Nigeria within seven points but it wasn't enough.
"We came out too relaxed, not tense enough" Ere said. "In a tournament like this you've got to play hard every day. You either win or you go home."
Ime Udoka, who played for the New York Knicks last season, led Nigeria with 23 points.
Africa's second representatives Senegal lost their second match but Angola secured a second victory.
Carlos Arroyo scored 29 points and hit the first of three straight 3-pointers during the game's decisive run, leading Puerto Rico to an 88-79 victory over Senegal.
Elias Ayuso added 20 points for the Puerto Ricans (1-1), who built a big early lead, blew all of it, then recovered to even their record after losing 111-100 to the United States in their opener.
Makhtar N'Diaye and Babacar Cisse each scored 14 points for Senegal (0-2), which got off to a horrendous start.
However, Carlos Almeida scored 19 points and Angola made 12 3-pointers in an 87-62 victory over Japan yesterday in the first round of the FIBA world championships.
Almeida, who had 22 points in the opening win over Panama, hit two of his three 3s at the end of the second quarter when the African champions started to break the game open.
Japan (0-2) got off to a good start again as it did in its opening loss to Germany, leading 21-16 after the first quarter. But 6-foot-7 power forward Joaquin Gomes, who played at Valparaiso from 2000-04, started to take control inside and that allowed Angola (2-0) to get wide-open 3-point attempts.
UGANDA : Rhino Face KIU
By Aloysius Byamukama & Daniels N. Tatya
Kampala
WITH only a few games to the end of the MTN basketball league preliminary games, some title hopefuls in the men's campaign are not yet sure if they will make it to the play-offs.
This is the same scenario between Kampala International University and Charging Rhino who last year were relegated to the stands as the best of three semi finals series were being played.
Today the two sides meet in a crucial encounter as the race heats up again. KIU's 82-57 win over Najja last week eased their relegation threats and instead paved way for their play-offs quest as they maintained seventh place at 17 points from 11 games, while Rhino are one place below the semi-finalists' line.
Isaac Afidra, Jef Mwaniki and Emma Baguma will lead the Kansanga based side, while sharp shooting guards Ronnie Kalule, Rodgers Sserunyigo and Mandy Juruni will be vital for the 1997 champions.
Women champions A-I Challenge face Crane High in the women's game today.
Men
KIU v Rhino
SPENA v UCU
Women
A-1 v Crane High
Kampala
WITH only a few games to the end of the MTN basketball league preliminary games, some title hopefuls in the men's campaign are not yet sure if they will make it to the play-offs.
This is the same scenario between Kampala International University and Charging Rhino who last year were relegated to the stands as the best of three semi finals series were being played.
Today the two sides meet in a crucial encounter as the race heats up again. KIU's 82-57 win over Najja last week eased their relegation threats and instead paved way for their play-offs quest as they maintained seventh place at 17 points from 11 games, while Rhino are one place below the semi-finalists' line.
Isaac Afidra, Jef Mwaniki and Emma Baguma will lead the Kansanga based side, while sharp shooting guards Ronnie Kalule, Rodgers Sserunyigo and Mandy Juruni will be vital for the 1997 champions.
Women champions A-I Challenge face Crane High in the women's game today.
Men
KIU v Rhino
SPENA v UCU
Women
A-1 v Crane High
ZAMBIA : Bullets Take On Magic in Sprite Challenge
By Mabvuto Phiri
Lusaka
THE Sprite Challenge Basketball championship starts today in Ndola with defending champions Hetro Bullets taking on Barclays Magic in the quarterfinals of the K40 million rich event.
Bullets, the surprise package of last season, engage a wounded Magic side that has had an indifferent start to the league season especially with the departure of coach Lovemore Sikaale to Ndola.
With Bullets enjoying top form in the Northern Zone league, Magic will have to be at their best to get past the Copperbelt side.
However, the return of playmaker Sizi Kuntepa to the Magic ranks after his coaching programme in South Africa seems to have added some fire to the bankers' play.
In another match, Southern Zone powerhouse NAPSA Hurricanes date Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) in a match that is seriously tilted in favour of Hurricanes.
Lechwe Steel has been pitted against Green Eagles while First Quantum Nets face UNZA Pacers.
Women's champions Nets of Lusaka have earned passage to the semi-finals after their quarterfinal opponents Lechwe Steel pulled out following failure to come up with a full team.
Nets were seeded first during the draws as last year's runners up Green Buffaloes were seeded second.
Buffaloes will encounter fellow Lusaka team Shells who have problems following the departure of some of their key players to join UNZA Pacers and will look to fixing their next round berth.CEC's women's team will face Lootresses as UNZA Honeys take on Ndola Woosters.
ZBA general secretary Mwembe Kaona warned all the teams to be punctual to avoid unnecessary delays.
Kaona added that the prize money for the winners would be announced at a later stage.
Lusaka
THE Sprite Challenge Basketball championship starts today in Ndola with defending champions Hetro Bullets taking on Barclays Magic in the quarterfinals of the K40 million rich event.
Bullets, the surprise package of last season, engage a wounded Magic side that has had an indifferent start to the league season especially with the departure of coach Lovemore Sikaale to Ndola.
With Bullets enjoying top form in the Northern Zone league, Magic will have to be at their best to get past the Copperbelt side.
However, the return of playmaker Sizi Kuntepa to the Magic ranks after his coaching programme in South Africa seems to have added some fire to the bankers' play.
In another match, Southern Zone powerhouse NAPSA Hurricanes date Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) in a match that is seriously tilted in favour of Hurricanes.
Lechwe Steel has been pitted against Green Eagles while First Quantum Nets face UNZA Pacers.
Women's champions Nets of Lusaka have earned passage to the semi-finals after their quarterfinal opponents Lechwe Steel pulled out following failure to come up with a full team.
Nets were seeded first during the draws as last year's runners up Green Buffaloes were seeded second.
Buffaloes will encounter fellow Lusaka team Shells who have problems following the departure of some of their key players to join UNZA Pacers and will look to fixing their next round berth.CEC's women's team will face Lootresses as UNZA Honeys take on Ndola Woosters.
ZBA general secretary Mwembe Kaona warned all the teams to be punctual to avoid unnecessary delays.
Kaona added that the prize money for the winners would be announced at a later stage.
UGANDA : All Not Lost for Miracle
Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala
MIRACLE Basketball Club is refusing to give up on the race for the MTN basketball league play-off qualifications ahead of today's clash with Falcons.
Miracle trails the Yello Max Conference table-leaders Falcons by five points and is confident of closing the gap after this evening's clash with the former league champions.
The Rubaga-based team ended relegation talk with a resounding 60-37 victory over Najja High two weeks ago and now turn their sights on play-offs.
Rallying behind Ben Komakech, Richard Aciko, James Kirabo, Michael Mawa and Raymond Bukenya, the side is hopeful of cutting Falcons' lead before their next game against Livingstone on Wednesday where they hope for another good display and maximum points.
Meanwhile, Judith Akoth is a doubt for Lady Bucks' vital second round clash against KCC Leopards because of a pending investigation.
Akoth stands to be suspended for 365 days if found guilty of being involved in both the Kenyan and Ugandan basketball leagues.
YMCA
Berkeley v Flamers
L/Bucks v KCC Leopards
Falcons v Miracle
Gulu
Hawks v Warriors
Kampala
MIRACLE Basketball Club is refusing to give up on the race for the MTN basketball league play-off qualifications ahead of today's clash with Falcons.
Miracle trails the Yello Max Conference table-leaders Falcons by five points and is confident of closing the gap after this evening's clash with the former league champions.
The Rubaga-based team ended relegation talk with a resounding 60-37 victory over Najja High two weeks ago and now turn their sights on play-offs.
Rallying behind Ben Komakech, Richard Aciko, James Kirabo, Michael Mawa and Raymond Bukenya, the side is hopeful of cutting Falcons' lead before their next game against Livingstone on Wednesday where they hope for another good display and maximum points.
Meanwhile, Judith Akoth is a doubt for Lady Bucks' vital second round clash against KCC Leopards because of a pending investigation.
Akoth stands to be suspended for 365 days if found guilty of being involved in both the Kenyan and Ugandan basketball leagues.
YMCA
Berkeley v Flamers
L/Bucks v KCC Leopards
Falcons v Miracle
Gulu
Hawks v Warriors
ANGOLA : Troisième victoire consécutive angolaise
La sélection nationale de basket-ball a battu lundi, la Nouvelle Zelande (95-73), réalisant ainsi sa trosième victoire consécutive au championnat du monde de basket-ball qui se dispute au Japon.
Après son passage dimanche aux huitièmes de finale, en marchant sur le Japon (87-62), pour la deuxième journée du Groupe B, et gagné samedi le Panama (83-70), l`Angola s`est défait ce lundi de la Nouvelle Zelande.
L`Angola se repose mardi et jouera mercredi contre l`Espagne.
Après son passage dimanche aux huitièmes de finale, en marchant sur le Japon (87-62), pour la deuxième journée du Groupe B, et gagné samedi le Panama (83-70), l`Angola s`est défait ce lundi de la Nouvelle Zelande.
L`Angola se repose mardi et jouera mercredi contre l`Espagne.
17 August 2006
NIGERIA : D'Tigers Arrive in Japan
THE national male basketball squad, D'Tigers have arrived Japan from Dallas USA for the FIBA World Basketball Championship taking place August 19 - September 3.
Led by former NBA star and American, Sam Vincent, the team will battle with 23 other teams for the bragging rights of 'world champions' at the 16-day championship in the Far East.
The D'Tigers, who snatched a world championship ticket by beating hosts Algeria in the third-place game at the African Championships last year, play in group A alongside two-time defending title holders Serbia and Montenegro, Olympic champions Argentina, France, Venezuela and Lebanon.
Some one-and-half weeks ago, Vincent revealed his World Cup team, including long-term skipper Tunji Awojobi, Olumide Oyedeji, Chamberlain Oguchi, Derrick Obasohon, Ebi Ere, Julius Nwosu, Deji Akindele, Josh Akognon, Ime Udoka, Ibrahim Badmus, Gabriel Muoneke and Jeff Varem.However, disagreement between Vincent and former NBA star Oyedeji over the choice of captainship led to Vincent dropping Oyedeji from the squad and calling up Ejike Ugboaja. Oyedeji had protested the naming of Ime Udoka, who is less than a year in the team as captain, when 12-year veteran Tunji Awojobi is included.
D'Tigers are going to their second World Cup, after playing at the 1998 championships in Greece, where they finished 13th - the best result by an African team at the world championships.
Only Julius Nwosu played in the 1998 tournament. That year's team also included Peter Aluma, Oladipo Ayinla, Emmanuel Acha, Dozie Mbonu, Obinna Okezie, Godwin Owinje, Muftau Ibrahim, Dominic Okon, Oluyinka Dare, Kingsley Ogwudire and Hanks Oshonaike.
Led by former NBA star and American, Sam Vincent, the team will battle with 23 other teams for the bragging rights of 'world champions' at the 16-day championship in the Far East.
The D'Tigers, who snatched a world championship ticket by beating hosts Algeria in the third-place game at the African Championships last year, play in group A alongside two-time defending title holders Serbia and Montenegro, Olympic champions Argentina, France, Venezuela and Lebanon.
Some one-and-half weeks ago, Vincent revealed his World Cup team, including long-term skipper Tunji Awojobi, Olumide Oyedeji, Chamberlain Oguchi, Derrick Obasohon, Ebi Ere, Julius Nwosu, Deji Akindele, Josh Akognon, Ime Udoka, Ibrahim Badmus, Gabriel Muoneke and Jeff Varem.However, disagreement between Vincent and former NBA star Oyedeji over the choice of captainship led to Vincent dropping Oyedeji from the squad and calling up Ejike Ugboaja. Oyedeji had protested the naming of Ime Udoka, who is less than a year in the team as captain, when 12-year veteran Tunji Awojobi is included.
D'Tigers are going to their second World Cup, after playing at the 1998 championships in Greece, where they finished 13th - the best result by an African team at the world championships.
Only Julius Nwosu played in the 1998 tournament. That year's team also included Peter Aluma, Oladipo Ayinla, Emmanuel Acha, Dozie Mbonu, Obinna Okezie, Godwin Owinje, Muftau Ibrahim, Dominic Okon, Oluyinka Dare, Kingsley Ogwudire and Hanks Oshonaike.
KENYA : Ulinzi Top Standings After Good Weekend
By Caxton Apollo
Nairobi
National basketball league champions Ulinzi Warriors maintained their top position after harvesting the maximum two points at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium at the weekend.
The soldiers, who are the only unbeaten side in 10 outings, rocked Kenyatta University Pirates 89-62 on Saturday. The victory saw Ulinzi Warriors keep their top spot on the nine-team table with 20 points. Former champions Co-operative Bank, who had defeated Tigers of the USIU-A 77-59 in their last assignment, lie second with 18 points. The bankers have played 10 matches, won eight and lost two.
Regional champions Kenya Commercial Bank Lions continued their campaign for the post-season play-offs when they beat University of Nairobi's Terrorists 65-52 on Sunday. As a result, KCB Lions occupy the third position with 16 points.. In fourth position are Tigers with 15 points from five wins and five losses. The varsity lads coached by George Mayienga hit ICC 84-68 on Saturday. Pirates are fifth with 12 points after going down 89-62 to reigning champions Ulinzi Warriors.
In the women's category, Sprite Storms lead the seven-team championship with 14 points. Telkom are second with 13 points from five wins and three losses.
Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority are third with 10 points. The dockwomen, are the only unbeaten team in the seven-team women's championship. Dynamites went dry in six matches after Sprite Storms whitewashed them 82-18. The students lie bottom with six points.
Nairobi
National basketball league champions Ulinzi Warriors maintained their top position after harvesting the maximum two points at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium at the weekend.
The soldiers, who are the only unbeaten side in 10 outings, rocked Kenyatta University Pirates 89-62 on Saturday. The victory saw Ulinzi Warriors keep their top spot on the nine-team table with 20 points. Former champions Co-operative Bank, who had defeated Tigers of the USIU-A 77-59 in their last assignment, lie second with 18 points. The bankers have played 10 matches, won eight and lost two.
Regional champions Kenya Commercial Bank Lions continued their campaign for the post-season play-offs when they beat University of Nairobi's Terrorists 65-52 on Sunday. As a result, KCB Lions occupy the third position with 16 points.. In fourth position are Tigers with 15 points from five wins and five losses. The varsity lads coached by George Mayienga hit ICC 84-68 on Saturday. Pirates are fifth with 12 points after going down 89-62 to reigning champions Ulinzi Warriors.
In the women's category, Sprite Storms lead the seven-team championship with 14 points. Telkom are second with 13 points from five wins and three losses.
Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority are third with 10 points. The dockwomen, are the only unbeaten team in the seven-team women's championship. Dynamites went dry in six matches after Sprite Storms whitewashed them 82-18. The students lie bottom with six points.
16 August 2006
UGANDA : Race for the Play offs
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
KAMPALA
Standings P W Pts
Warriors 13 10 23
Marines 13 10 23
Falcons 12 11 23
Power 12 9 21
Rhino 12 7 19
THE MTN league on Sunday took a different twist after giant killers Warriors jumped on top of the ten-team table following a 64-27 win over relegated Najja High School.
From the table standings released by the federation technical committee at their office in Wandegeya yesterday, the Kyambogo based side went top with 23 points from 13 games with a better points average of 200.
Warriors displaced defending champions Nkumba University Marines who have same number of games played and points collected but with a minor goal average.
Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) technical committee chairman Yunus Nkutu explained that Warriors came on top with a better point differential in head-to-head games.
Warriors' 58-48 and 73-65 respective victories over Marines and Sadolin Power guaranteed their better position
KAMPALA
Standings P W Pts
Warriors 13 10 23
Marines 13 10 23
Falcons 12 11 23
Power 12 9 21
Rhino 12 7 19
THE MTN league on Sunday took a different twist after giant killers Warriors jumped on top of the ten-team table following a 64-27 win over relegated Najja High School.
From the table standings released by the federation technical committee at their office in Wandegeya yesterday, the Kyambogo based side went top with 23 points from 13 games with a better points average of 200.
Warriors displaced defending champions Nkumba University Marines who have same number of games played and points collected but with a minor goal average.
Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) technical committee chairman Yunus Nkutu explained that Warriors came on top with a better point differential in head-to-head games.
Warriors' 58-48 and 73-65 respective victories over Marines and Sadolin Power guaranteed their better position
15 August 2006
UGANDA : A-1 Challenge edge hard KIU
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
Wandegeya
Men
Marines 82 Livingstone 47
Warriors 64 Najja High 25
Bush Courts 59 Jackets 53
FPAU 31 KCC Lions 66
Women
A-1 Challenge 42 KIU 41
UMPIRE Brian Kagoro's technical call on Mai Nakamya handed A-I Challenge a breath taking 42-41 win over Kampala International University Rangers in the MTN league game played on Sunday.
Nakamya had been fouled with four seconds to go and the game tied at 41, but seemed to have faked an injury to ignore the charity line.
Kagoro's decision was her fifth call, and stand-in Barbara Namukaya missed both but Josephine Namayega (10 points) converted one for the defending champion's second win in the second round.
Carol Mugasha tied the game with a neat shot behind the arc after Tewin Ssemakula (17) had given KIU a strong come back. A -I moved up to fourth place.
League table as of August 14
P W Pts
KCC Leopards 12 12 24
Lady Bucks 13 11 24
KIU Rangers 13 9 23
A-1 Challenge 13 9 22
MAK Sparks 14 8 22
Nabisunsa 15 6 21
Crane High 13 5 18
Amazon 13 3 16
MAK Cubs 13 1 14
KYU Comets 11 0 6
Wandegeya
Men
Marines 82 Livingstone 47
Warriors 64 Najja High 25
Bush Courts 59 Jackets 53
FPAU 31 KCC Lions 66
Women
A-1 Challenge 42 KIU 41
UMPIRE Brian Kagoro's technical call on Mai Nakamya handed A-I Challenge a breath taking 42-41 win over Kampala International University Rangers in the MTN league game played on Sunday.
Nakamya had been fouled with four seconds to go and the game tied at 41, but seemed to have faked an injury to ignore the charity line.
Kagoro's decision was her fifth call, and stand-in Barbara Namukaya missed both but Josephine Namayega (10 points) converted one for the defending champion's second win in the second round.
Carol Mugasha tied the game with a neat shot behind the arc after Tewin Ssemakula (17) had given KIU a strong come back. A -I moved up to fourth place.
League table as of August 14
P W Pts
KCC Leopards 12 12 24
Lady Bucks 13 11 24
KIU Rangers 13 9 23
A-1 Challenge 13 9 22
MAK Sparks 14 8 22
Nabisunsa 15 6 21
Crane High 13 5 18
Amazon 13 3 16
MAK Cubs 13 1 14
KYU Comets 11 0 6
KENYA : Mombasa High Star Gets Scholarship to US University
Mombasa High School star basketball player Beatrice Awino Oyenje has landed a five year full basketball scholarship from the Union University of Tennessee in the United States.
Awino, a form three student will first go through a high school programme at the university for a year before joining the main campus, according to the University's head basketball coach Mark Campbell.
Awino's immediate task is to try to help Mombasa High, the defending champions, try to retain the East Africa Secondary School basketball trophy in Dar es Salaam from August 26 through to September 2.
While wishing Awino well while in the United States, Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association secretary General David Ngugi also supported the idea of her delaying her trip to the US by a week to help Mombasa High School and Kenya retain the girls basketball trophy which they won last year when the games were held in Mbarara, Uganda.
"We as KSSSA are happy that Awino is going to continue her studies in the US, and that basketball has given her the scholarship for further underlines the importance of our school games," Ngugi, who was flanked by KSSSA national chairman Barnabas Kitilit, said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the deputy director of quality assurance and standards Dinda Jakanyakwaka who said Awino's scholarship which has come while she is still in school would work as a motivation to other students to play and study hard while in school with a hope for better things in future.
Apart from playing for the school, Awino also played for the Sprite Storms' women's team in the National Basketball league.
Awino becomes the fifth Mombasa High School student to join a US colleges on a basketball scholarships. Others are Jackline Wasuda, Miriam Wandanda, Josephine Achieng, Owino and Matilda Mayaka.
Also joining Union University on a full basketball scholarship is former Mombasa Baptist High School forward Kennedy Okello who will be leaving the country on August 24.Two Kenyans are among Africans from 28 countries chosen to take part in a US National Basketball Association (NBA) camp next month.Dikembe Mutombo, a Congo-Kinshasa native who plays for the NBA's Houston Rockets, will announce the selections at a press briefing scheduled for tomorrow in New York.
Moses Mugeni and Lionel Adkiny were picked to represent Kenya in the Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa "based on their basketball skills, leadership abilities and dedication to the sport," the NBA said.
In addition to receiving instruction from several NBA players, the Africans picked for the September 6-10 camp in Johannesburg will attend educational seminars on topics such as Aids prevention.
Awino, a form three student will first go through a high school programme at the university for a year before joining the main campus, according to the University's head basketball coach Mark Campbell.
Awino's immediate task is to try to help Mombasa High, the defending champions, try to retain the East Africa Secondary School basketball trophy in Dar es Salaam from August 26 through to September 2.
While wishing Awino well while in the United States, Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association secretary General David Ngugi also supported the idea of her delaying her trip to the US by a week to help Mombasa High School and Kenya retain the girls basketball trophy which they won last year when the games were held in Mbarara, Uganda.
"We as KSSSA are happy that Awino is going to continue her studies in the US, and that basketball has given her the scholarship for further underlines the importance of our school games," Ngugi, who was flanked by KSSSA national chairman Barnabas Kitilit, said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the deputy director of quality assurance and standards Dinda Jakanyakwaka who said Awino's scholarship which has come while she is still in school would work as a motivation to other students to play and study hard while in school with a hope for better things in future.
Apart from playing for the school, Awino also played for the Sprite Storms' women's team in the National Basketball league.
Awino becomes the fifth Mombasa High School student to join a US colleges on a basketball scholarships. Others are Jackline Wasuda, Miriam Wandanda, Josephine Achieng, Owino and Matilda Mayaka.
Also joining Union University on a full basketball scholarship is former Mombasa Baptist High School forward Kennedy Okello who will be leaving the country on August 24.Two Kenyans are among Africans from 28 countries chosen to take part in a US National Basketball Association (NBA) camp next month.Dikembe Mutombo, a Congo-Kinshasa native who plays for the NBA's Houston Rockets, will announce the selections at a press briefing scheduled for tomorrow in New York.
Moses Mugeni and Lionel Adkiny were picked to represent Kenya in the Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa "based on their basketball skills, leadership abilities and dedication to the sport," the NBA said.
In addition to receiving instruction from several NBA players, the Africans picked for the September 6-10 camp in Johannesburg will attend educational seminars on topics such as Aids prevention.
UGANDA : Namayega Sinks Kiu
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala
JOSEPHINE Namayega sunk one-of-two shots from the charity line with four seconds left to give reigning champions A-1 Challenge a 42-41 win over KIU Rangers in the MTN basketball league.
A-1 Challenge overcame an early rally by the Kampala International University Rangers who had gone up 21-17 in the first two quarters on Sunday at the YMCA.
The A-1 trio of Ali Mavita, Viola Akuma and Elizabeth Kizza then teamed up to turn the tables on KIU, closing the third period on a 12-6 run that gave the champions their first lead in the game.
The fourth quarter saw Rangers come out strongly with precision passing led by Hadija Kizza, Safina Nakato and Tewin Ssemakula who sunk three-pointers at will to give Rangers a 41-39 lead with 1:12 minutes left on the clock.
KIU's lead was however short lived as A-1's Carol Mugasha sunk a 3-pointer to tie the game at 41-41 with four seconds left.The game seemed to be heading into overtime but KIU's Maimouna Nakamya earned her team a technical foul after faking an injury.
The foul call then saw Namayega bury one free-throw to win the game for A-1 Challenge.
In the men's league, defending champions Nkumba-Marines maintained their winning streak after they upset Livingstone 82-47.
Kampala
JOSEPHINE Namayega sunk one-of-two shots from the charity line with four seconds left to give reigning champions A-1 Challenge a 42-41 win over KIU Rangers in the MTN basketball league.
A-1 Challenge overcame an early rally by the Kampala International University Rangers who had gone up 21-17 in the first two quarters on Sunday at the YMCA.
The A-1 trio of Ali Mavita, Viola Akuma and Elizabeth Kizza then teamed up to turn the tables on KIU, closing the third period on a 12-6 run that gave the champions their first lead in the game.
The fourth quarter saw Rangers come out strongly with precision passing led by Hadija Kizza, Safina Nakato and Tewin Ssemakula who sunk three-pointers at will to give Rangers a 41-39 lead with 1:12 minutes left on the clock.
KIU's lead was however short lived as A-1's Carol Mugasha sunk a 3-pointer to tie the game at 41-41 with four seconds left.The game seemed to be heading into overtime but KIU's Maimouna Nakamya earned her team a technical foul after faking an injury.
The foul call then saw Namayega bury one free-throw to win the game for A-1 Challenge.
In the men's league, defending champions Nkumba-Marines maintained their winning streak after they upset Livingstone 82-47.
14 August 2006
UGANDA : KIU chase de play off
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
KAMPALA
Results
Men
KIU 82 Najja 57
In Jinja
Flamers 65 Flippers 60
Jammers 77 Riders 90
KAMPALA International University's 82-57 win over Najja High on Saturday kept the going tough for this season's play offs in the MTN Yello Max conference.
Isaac Afidra made 26 points and Emma Baguma contributed 15 to ensure the University team went to 17 points from 11 games, meaning they can still challenge for the last four slots in case third and fourth placed Power and Warriors slip up in their six games.
The two have collected 21 points apiece and KIU needs to win all their remaining games to get there. Falcons regained their top position on Friday after a close 59-55 win over Rhino that kept the 1997 champions in fifth place ahead of Miracle and KIU.
Meanwhile, three-man Makerere Cubs lost 54-52 to Crane High in an entertaining game at Makerere.
Immaculate Chocho notched a team record 34 points and Diana Nakimuli added 12 for Crane. Rolyn Nakalanzi made 17 points for the Cubs
KAMPALA
Results
Men
KIU 82 Najja 57
In Jinja
Flamers 65 Flippers 60
Jammers 77 Riders 90
KAMPALA International University's 82-57 win over Najja High on Saturday kept the going tough for this season's play offs in the MTN Yello Max conference.
Isaac Afidra made 26 points and Emma Baguma contributed 15 to ensure the University team went to 17 points from 11 games, meaning they can still challenge for the last four slots in case third and fourth placed Power and Warriors slip up in their six games.
The two have collected 21 points apiece and KIU needs to win all their remaining games to get there. Falcons regained their top position on Friday after a close 59-55 win over Rhino that kept the 1997 champions in fifth place ahead of Miracle and KIU.
Meanwhile, three-man Makerere Cubs lost 54-52 to Crane High in an entertaining game at Makerere.
Immaculate Chocho notched a team record 34 points and Diana Nakimuli added 12 for Crane. Rolyn Nakalanzi made 17 points for the Cubs
12 August 2006
UGANDA : KIU face A-1 in titanic tie
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
Kampala
Men
FPAU v KCC Lions
Kabojja v Berkeley
Najja High v Warriors
Bush Courts v Jackets
Livinstone v Marines
Women
A-1 Challenge v KIU
MTN women league champions A-I Challenge take on Kampala International University Rangers in a hot fixture at YMCA courts.
The last time the two rivals met, it was Nimrod Kaboha's side had a last smile after a last minute three pointer by Aisha Nalumansi propelled them to a 49-46 win.
A-I went further to lose to Lady Bucks and KCC Leopards before a stunning 46-36 loss to Makerere Sparks at the beginning of the second round.
They have only this time to squeeze for a win and regain their aspirations for the play offs.
Both have 20 points but Rangers are ahead in fourth place because of the head on rules and have a game at hand. KIU are vying for their first play off slot at their second attempt in the league.
In the men's Yello Max conference, Marines will take on high scoring Livingstone, while the defending champions will be out to extend the pressure on Falcons. Several other men’s games will be on card.
Kampala
Men
FPAU v KCC Lions
Kabojja v Berkeley
Najja High v Warriors
Bush Courts v Jackets
Livinstone v Marines
Women
A-1 Challenge v KIU
MTN women league champions A-I Challenge take on Kampala International University Rangers in a hot fixture at YMCA courts.
The last time the two rivals met, it was Nimrod Kaboha's side had a last smile after a last minute three pointer by Aisha Nalumansi propelled them to a 49-46 win.
A-I went further to lose to Lady Bucks and KCC Leopards before a stunning 46-36 loss to Makerere Sparks at the beginning of the second round.
They have only this time to squeeze for a win and regain their aspirations for the play offs.
Both have 20 points but Rangers are ahead in fourth place because of the head on rules and have a game at hand. KIU are vying for their first play off slot at their second attempt in the league.
In the men's Yello Max conference, Marines will take on high scoring Livingstone, while the defending champions will be out to extend the pressure on Falcons. Several other men’s games will be on card.
11 August 2006
UGANDA : Falcons take on Rhinos
By Aloysius Byamukama
KAMPALA
Results
UCU 90 MAK Youth 59
Miracle 51 Najja High 38
Women
Lady Bucks v MAK Sparks
Men
Charging Rhino v Falcons
GIANTS Falcons face Charging Rhinos in the men's Yello Max MTN Basketball league.
The record winners need to regain their top position from Nkumba Marines who are on top because of the head-on rules, while the 1997 winners Rhinos need a win in order to keep their play- off hopes alive. In the women’s category, Lady Bucks and Makerere Sparks also face off this evening in a mid-week clash at Lugogo indoor Stadium.
The University Students last beat their opponents in the 2003 best of five final series en-route to their first league title and have since been a punching bag.
However, the four second round straight wins including victories over KIU Rangers and defending champions A-I Challenge has helped them.
" This is the most important stage of the league where the focuss is only on wins," Sparks' Margaret Nalubega said.
The two rivals need a win to run away from Rangers and A-I Challenge who pose a play- offs threat in fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Meanwhile, UCU Mukono maintained their unbeaten run in the Yello Go Conference with a win over Makerere Youth Heaters, while Miracle struggled to beat relegation candidates Najja in the games played on Wednesday.
UGANDA : Miraculous Power
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Power 79 Miracle 73
Warriors 82 Stone 55
Miracle 60 Najja High 37
UCU 97 MUK Youth 59
Today
L/Bucks v M/Sparks- 5.30pm
C/Rhinos v Falcons- 7.00pm
SADOLIN Power utilised a 17-10 third quarter lead to post a 79-73 victory over a surging Miracle side in one of Sunday's MTN basketball league games.
Miracle took a 20-18 first quarter lead following 13 points from Raymond Bukenya before Allan Tawodda and Marvin Keronga combined for 35 points to give Power a six-point fourth quarter advantage.
Ben Komakech finished with 10 points and eight rebounds for Miracle, who have lost seven of their last 11 games.
Meanwhile, Falcons will look to record their second straight 10-plus victory season when they attempt to win their twelfth consecutive game against Charging Rhinos today at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Unbeaten in eleven league contests this year, Falcons are 12-1 and have a two game lead over Nkumba-Marines for the top slot on the Yello Max conference standings.
Falcons, who lost their own invitational tournament to Kenya's Ulinzi in the final, will need to redeem themselves locally. Henry Malinga will again take the charge of spurring the side.
Also playing today, Lady Bucks go for their second season sweep of MUK-Sparks in an early encounter at Lugogo.
Bucks defeated Sparks 48-46 on June 17 for their first round triumph. Even more importantly, a victory for them today could see the Bucks inch closer to KIU Rangers, whom they sit a game behind for second place in the women's playoff race.
NIGERIA : NBBF Rewards d'Young Tigers
By Wale Quadri
Lagos
Members of the victorious national U-18 basketball team, D'Young Tigers were yesterday became N100, 000 richer each, courtesy of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
The cash award was handed over to the 12-member team at a reception held at the Nigeria Olympic Committee boardroom in honour of the team.
The D'young Tigers last weekend won the African Under-18 Championship in Durban and thus qualified to represent the country at the FIBA under-19 World Championship in Canada next year.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NBBF President, Buba Gyang who was represented by the Chairman, Youth Committee and leader of delegation, Mr Richard Agwu who expressed appreciation to the Sports ministry and the NBBF board commended the players for their brave performance and urged them to see the junior World Cup as the next challenge.
Responding on behalf of the team, Ebun Comets point guard and captain of the Junior Tigers described the team's victory as a sign of good things to come. He solicited for supports of all Nigerians especially the ministry ahead of the Junior World Cup in Canada next year.
Lagos
Members of the victorious national U-18 basketball team, D'Young Tigers were yesterday became N100, 000 richer each, courtesy of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
The cash award was handed over to the 12-member team at a reception held at the Nigeria Olympic Committee boardroom in honour of the team.
The D'young Tigers last weekend won the African Under-18 Championship in Durban and thus qualified to represent the country at the FIBA under-19 World Championship in Canada next year.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NBBF President, Buba Gyang who was represented by the Chairman, Youth Committee and leader of delegation, Mr Richard Agwu who expressed appreciation to the Sports ministry and the NBBF board commended the players for their brave performance and urged them to see the junior World Cup as the next challenge.
Responding on behalf of the team, Ebun Comets point guard and captain of the Junior Tigers described the team's victory as a sign of good things to come. He solicited for supports of all Nigerians especially the ministry ahead of the Junior World Cup in Canada next year.
10 August 2006
UGANDA : Najja, Stone in relegation trouble again
By Aloysius Byamukama
KAMPALA
TOP flight basketball league sides Najja High and Livingstone are the relegation candidates from the top-flight MTN basketball league.
The High School boys were last season saved from relegation when Fuba increased the Yello Max teams to ten, but have again failed to stand the challenge.
Najja have not won a single game so far and lie bottom of the ten-team table with 9 points from 12 games including three forfeit losses from walkovers, while Livingstone have only managed a double win over their relegation counterparts and remain second from bottom.
Najja has for the last three seasons struggled, while Livingstone jumped off the lower division this season.
Elsewhere, Miracle, KIU and Gulu Hawks are still struggling to avoid the third place from bottom, as three teams will be demoted to Yello Go.
Meanwhile, the race for the play- offs in the top Yello Max is tighter with Falcons, Power, Warriors and defending champions Marines all out tro make it. The 1997 champions Rhino and Mircale are also hungry to make it to the play-off stage.
KAMPALA
TOP flight basketball league sides Najja High and Livingstone are the relegation candidates from the top-flight MTN basketball league.
The High School boys were last season saved from relegation when Fuba increased the Yello Max teams to ten, but have again failed to stand the challenge.
Najja have not won a single game so far and lie bottom of the ten-team table with 9 points from 12 games including three forfeit losses from walkovers, while Livingstone have only managed a double win over their relegation counterparts and remain second from bottom.
Najja has for the last three seasons struggled, while Livingstone jumped off the lower division this season.
Elsewhere, Miracle, KIU and Gulu Hawks are still struggling to avoid the third place from bottom, as three teams will be demoted to Yello Go.
Meanwhile, the race for the play- offs in the top Yello Max is tighter with Falcons, Power, Warriors and defending champions Marines all out tro make it. The 1997 champions Rhino and Mircale are also hungry to make it to the play-off stage.
SEYCHELLES : Cobras avenge first-round defeat
Mont Fleuri’s Premium Cobras exacted revenge on Baya in their second-round league encounter over the weekend as they brushed aside Michel Malbrook’s team 70-52 to erase the bitter memories of a 63-66 defeat suffered earlier in the league. The win is Cobras seventh in nine matches and it gets their title hope back on track after they had also endured a loss to Angels, 79-76, in their previous match. Until the defeat against Anse Boileau-based Angels, Cobras were well on their way to a first league title in three years after they had gained the upper hand over their rivals PLS Hawks in the first round.
The memory of their defeat to Baya in late May still fresh in their minds, Cobras were extra careful in their strategies on Saturday and came all out to prevent history from repeating itself.
After some early jitters during which Baya remained level on points with Cobras, the latter, coached by Jude Talma, accelerated in the latter stages of the first quarter to take it with a 11-7 score.
James Bier, Cobras’ and the match’s top scorer with 21 points, took things in his stride in the second quarter after a scoreless first ten minutes of play. Combining two roles, as shooting guard and at times as play-maker, he totalled eight points in the quarter to bring the score to 28-19 in his team’s favour at half-time. Baya had no solution to his piercing runs which left them exposed and allowed other Cobras players to chip in with an occasional basket of their own.
Cobras enjoyed their best spell in the third quarter which they won 21-12, bringing the score to 49-31 to almost kill off the match.
But after dominating the third quarter effortlessly, Cobras took to the court casually for the final ten minutes of play only to be swiftly awakened by Baya’s man-to-man full-court approach which almost gifted the Bel Airians a shot at victory. In no time Cobras 18-point lead was reduced to fewer than 10 points as Baya, led by their skipper Dave Roseline, who finished with 12 points, and the surprising B. Cherry, Baya’s top scorer with 13 points, pushed their opponent to their limits. Fortunately for Cobras, Bier was still up to the task and he responded twice to three-pointers from Roseline and S. Denis, with two three-pointers of his own. Baya finally ran out of steam towards the end of the match and allowed Cobras to level the score at 21-21 in the quarter and conclude the match at 70-52.
The win allows Cobras to take a two-point lead at the top of the men's division 1A standings. They have 16 points from nine matches, two more than their eternal rivals PLS Hawks and the surprising SMB Razorback, who were not in action during the weekend.
In two other matches played last Saturday, MBU Rockers had the better of RC Dynamics 52-40, while Praslin Warriors were beaten by Pte Larue Falcons 56-65 in a division 1B encounter.
The memory of their defeat to Baya in late May still fresh in their minds, Cobras were extra careful in their strategies on Saturday and came all out to prevent history from repeating itself.
After some early jitters during which Baya remained level on points with Cobras, the latter, coached by Jude Talma, accelerated in the latter stages of the first quarter to take it with a 11-7 score.
James Bier, Cobras’ and the match’s top scorer with 21 points, took things in his stride in the second quarter after a scoreless first ten minutes of play. Combining two roles, as shooting guard and at times as play-maker, he totalled eight points in the quarter to bring the score to 28-19 in his team’s favour at half-time. Baya had no solution to his piercing runs which left them exposed and allowed other Cobras players to chip in with an occasional basket of their own.
Cobras enjoyed their best spell in the third quarter which they won 21-12, bringing the score to 49-31 to almost kill off the match.
But after dominating the third quarter effortlessly, Cobras took to the court casually for the final ten minutes of play only to be swiftly awakened by Baya’s man-to-man full-court approach which almost gifted the Bel Airians a shot at victory. In no time Cobras 18-point lead was reduced to fewer than 10 points as Baya, led by their skipper Dave Roseline, who finished with 12 points, and the surprising B. Cherry, Baya’s top scorer with 13 points, pushed their opponent to their limits. Fortunately for Cobras, Bier was still up to the task and he responded twice to three-pointers from Roseline and S. Denis, with two three-pointers of his own. Baya finally ran out of steam towards the end of the match and allowed Cobras to level the score at 21-21 in the quarter and conclude the match at 70-52.
The win allows Cobras to take a two-point lead at the top of the men's division 1A standings. They have 16 points from nine matches, two more than their eternal rivals PLS Hawks and the surprising SMB Razorback, who were not in action during the weekend.
In two other matches played last Saturday, MBU Rockers had the better of RC Dynamics 52-40, while Praslin Warriors were beaten by Pte Larue Falcons 56-65 in a division 1B encounter.
09 August 2006
UGANDA : League action switched to Lugogo
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
LUGOGO
Today
Mak Youth vs UCU
Miracle vs Najja High
THE local basketball governing body, Fuba, has shifted all mid-week MTN League second round games to Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Federation Public Relations Officer (PRO) Carol Nantalo said the change is aimed at completing the second round early enough for the play offs to begin.
"Teams use the YMCA courts for training making it impossible to play mid-week games here," said Nantalo.
Action at Lugogo begins this evening with two men's teams from the top conferences tussling it out. Yello Go table leaders Uganda Christian University, Mukono will be aiming at keeping their unbeaten run when they face Makerere Youth Heaters.
Miracle returns to action against relegation candidates Najja High hoping to bounce back from their 79-73 loss to Power over the weekend.
LUGOGO
Today
Mak Youth vs UCU
Miracle vs Najja High
THE local basketball governing body, Fuba, has shifted all mid-week MTN League second round games to Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Federation Public Relations Officer (PRO) Carol Nantalo said the change is aimed at completing the second round early enough for the play offs to begin.
"Teams use the YMCA courts for training making it impossible to play mid-week games here," said Nantalo.
Action at Lugogo begins this evening with two men's teams from the top conferences tussling it out. Yello Go table leaders Uganda Christian University, Mukono will be aiming at keeping their unbeaten run when they face Makerere Youth Heaters.
Miracle returns to action against relegation candidates Najja High hoping to bounce back from their 79-73 loss to Power over the weekend.
GAMBIA : Jerrod Mustaf Introduces Street Basketball in the Gambia
Nanama Keita
The founder and CEO of SBA Mr. Jerrod Mustaf, was in the country for a week's visit as special guest of His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Dr Alhagi Yahya Jammeh in a bid to introduce street basketball in the Gambia.
Mr Mustaf met the Gambian leader during his audience with the Gambian community living in the US in New York at the end of the UN General Assembly held in September 2005 in New York.
Street Basketball Association (SBA) is an organisation founded by Mr Mustaf in the United States designed to improve youth basketball through playing in the streets and parks. It also incorporates music in the game in the form of the hip-hop giving the game a new face loved by youths. It is in this light that Mr Mustaf visited the Gambia to introduce street basketball in the country and improve the game which is mostly played in the greater Banjul area and Brikama.
According to Mr Mustaf, he wants to concentrate in the meantime on grassroots basketball with the view to develop the game.
Mr Mustaf, who was accompanied by Patrick Robinson, a member of Street Basketball Association (SBA) visited senior secondary schools in Banjul, the Independence Stadium, Manneh Sillah Memorial Court, and the Youth and Sports Department as well as the executive of the Gambia Basketball Federation went around the schools to introduce street basketball. Patrick Robinson, who has ball joggling abilities, entertains a student which has inspiration to basketball lovers. Basketball clinics were be held in schools and at the Manneh Sillah Memorial Court where senior and junior players attended.
The founder and CEO of SBA Mr. Jerrod Mustaf, was in the country for a week's visit as special guest of His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Dr Alhagi Yahya Jammeh in a bid to introduce street basketball in the Gambia.
Mr Mustaf met the Gambian leader during his audience with the Gambian community living in the US in New York at the end of the UN General Assembly held in September 2005 in New York.
Street Basketball Association (SBA) is an organisation founded by Mr Mustaf in the United States designed to improve youth basketball through playing in the streets and parks. It also incorporates music in the game in the form of the hip-hop giving the game a new face loved by youths. It is in this light that Mr Mustaf visited the Gambia to introduce street basketball in the country and improve the game which is mostly played in the greater Banjul area and Brikama.
According to Mr Mustaf, he wants to concentrate in the meantime on grassroots basketball with the view to develop the game.
Mr Mustaf, who was accompanied by Patrick Robinson, a member of Street Basketball Association (SBA) visited senior secondary schools in Banjul, the Independence Stadium, Manneh Sillah Memorial Court, and the Youth and Sports Department as well as the executive of the Gambia Basketball Federation went around the schools to introduce street basketball. Patrick Robinson, who has ball joggling abilities, entertains a student which has inspiration to basketball lovers. Basketball clinics were be held in schools and at the Manneh Sillah Memorial Court where senior and junior players attended.
08 August 2006
UGANDA : Marines Sink Najja Nfalcons in Action
By Aloysius Byamukama
Wandegeya
THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) on Saturday postponed the MTN league tie between Gulu Hawks and Kampala International University.
This came after the Northern Uganda side failed to raise transport to travel to Kampala. "They called in time before the game and we had to respect their request and we shall fix it latter," Federation technical chairman Yunus Nkutu said.
Meanwhile, Marines rested their top stars and went on to demolish relegation candidates Najja High 106-40. Youthful Boniface Okello made a career high 39 points, while Paul Mwaka added 23 to keep the defending champions on course to the play offs. Danson Ngati and Lewis Dingo made 19 and 12 points for Najja who remained winless in all 12 games played.
In the women's division, Kampala City Council Leopards took their un beaten record record to 12 games after a 82-27 win over Crane High to remain top of the table.
New signing Linda Tamale notched 22 points for KCC while Hellen Nakijjo and Diana Nakimuli made 11 and 7 for the high school girls.
Makerere Sparks also beat Amazon 45-37 to register a 4th straight second round win.
Men
Marines 106 Najja 40
Vegetarians 73 SPENA 60
Crane High 69 FPAU 48
Berkeley 56 Flippers 50
Jackets 20 Jammers 00
Women
Sparks 45 Amazon 37
KCC 82 Crane High 27
Wandegeya
THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) on Saturday postponed the MTN league tie between Gulu Hawks and Kampala International University.
This came after the Northern Uganda side failed to raise transport to travel to Kampala. "They called in time before the game and we had to respect their request and we shall fix it latter," Federation technical chairman Yunus Nkutu said.
Meanwhile, Marines rested their top stars and went on to demolish relegation candidates Najja High 106-40. Youthful Boniface Okello made a career high 39 points, while Paul Mwaka added 23 to keep the defending champions on course to the play offs. Danson Ngati and Lewis Dingo made 19 and 12 points for Najja who remained winless in all 12 games played.
In the women's division, Kampala City Council Leopards took their un beaten record record to 12 games after a 82-27 win over Crane High to remain top of the table.
New signing Linda Tamale notched 22 points for KCC while Hellen Nakijjo and Diana Nakimuli made 11 and 7 for the high school girls.
Makerere Sparks also beat Amazon 45-37 to register a 4th straight second round win.
Men
Marines 106 Najja 40
Vegetarians 73 SPENA 60
Crane High 69 FPAU 48
Berkeley 56 Flippers 50
Jackets 20 Jammers 00
Women
Sparks 45 Amazon 37
KCC 82 Crane High 27
ANGOLA : Angolans Win Tournament of Qatar
Angola national senior male basketball team won on Sunday the tournament of Qatar, preparatory for the Japan World Cup, after winning their opponents of Leetonia by 83-77, in the final that took place in Doha.
Eduardo Mingas with 24 points was the best scorer of the Angolan team, who are the African champions and representatives of the continent to the Japan World Cup that will take place from 19 August to 03 September, 2006.
On Monday, the National team will go to Singapore en route to Tokyo, where they expect to carry out their last trainings before the start of the event.
Eduardo Mingas with 24 points was the best scorer of the Angolan team, who are the African champions and representatives of the continent to the Japan World Cup that will take place from 19 August to 03 September, 2006.
On Monday, the National team will go to Singapore en route to Tokyo, where they expect to carry out their last trainings before the start of the event.
NIGERIA : Nigeria Retains African Trophy
Pius Ayinor
Lagos
Even though the national junior basketball team camped for barely two weeks in Lagos before flying out to Durban, South Africa for the 15th African Junior Men's Basketball Championship (AJUBBA), the young Nigerians yesterday won the African Cup after they defeated Mali 69-41 in the final game.
The victory achieved before 4.00pm Nigerian time meant that the Junior Tigers, as the junior national basketball team are nicknamed, retained the African Cup they won four years ago in Cairo before moving on the following year to represent the continent at the world level in Greece 2003. And with this success in South Africa, the Junior Tigers and their counterparts from Mali would represent Africa at the 2007 FIBA Junior Men' Championship billed for Canada next July.
"We thank God for this victory and we are quite glad we didn't disappoint those waiting for us back home in
Nigeria," Oseer Ikyatoor, the team captain said moments after he lifted the giant trophy at the sport centre of the Institute of Technology, Durban.
His coach Daudu Adeka, who knelt down on the court in obeisance to God after the buzzer, was practically short of words.
"This is the best thing happening to me; to these players and indeed every Nigeria," he said.
Before the final game yesterday the Malians had knocked out the highly rated Angolans at the semi-final played Saturday and this meant that the Malians did not drop any game until they met Nigeria.
The improved rating only counted with Nigeria in the first quarter of the game. At half time Nigeria led 27-17. When the match resumed the difference became very clear as the Junior Tigers jumped to a 30-point lead as the scores read 48-17 before the Malians made their first point after the break. Thereafter it practically became a one sided affair as the several time out calls hardly changed anything for the Malians.Adeka and his assistant in South Africa Masai Ujiri were in Cairo four years ago as assistant coaches in the team. Nigeria won the cup for the very first time in 1987 when the championship was held in Lagos.
The victorious players are expected back at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos tomorrow aboard a South African Airways flight. The head of the delegation Ricky Agu confirmed the schedule yesterday on the phone to THISDAYSports.
"We should be landing Lagos by about 8.30pm on Tuesday," Agu said.
Lagos
Even though the national junior basketball team camped for barely two weeks in Lagos before flying out to Durban, South Africa for the 15th African Junior Men's Basketball Championship (AJUBBA), the young Nigerians yesterday won the African Cup after they defeated Mali 69-41 in the final game.
The victory achieved before 4.00pm Nigerian time meant that the Junior Tigers, as the junior national basketball team are nicknamed, retained the African Cup they won four years ago in Cairo before moving on the following year to represent the continent at the world level in Greece 2003. And with this success in South Africa, the Junior Tigers and their counterparts from Mali would represent Africa at the 2007 FIBA Junior Men' Championship billed for Canada next July.
"We thank God for this victory and we are quite glad we didn't disappoint those waiting for us back home in
Nigeria," Oseer Ikyatoor, the team captain said moments after he lifted the giant trophy at the sport centre of the Institute of Technology, Durban.
His coach Daudu Adeka, who knelt down on the court in obeisance to God after the buzzer, was practically short of words.
"This is the best thing happening to me; to these players and indeed every Nigeria," he said.
Before the final game yesterday the Malians had knocked out the highly rated Angolans at the semi-final played Saturday and this meant that the Malians did not drop any game until they met Nigeria.
The improved rating only counted with Nigeria in the first quarter of the game. At half time Nigeria led 27-17. When the match resumed the difference became very clear as the Junior Tigers jumped to a 30-point lead as the scores read 48-17 before the Malians made their first point after the break. Thereafter it practically became a one sided affair as the several time out calls hardly changed anything for the Malians.Adeka and his assistant in South Africa Masai Ujiri were in Cairo four years ago as assistant coaches in the team. Nigeria won the cup for the very first time in 1987 when the championship was held in Lagos.
The victorious players are expected back at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos tomorrow aboard a South African Airways flight. The head of the delegation Ricky Agu confirmed the schedule yesterday on the phone to THISDAYSports.
"We should be landing Lagos by about 8.30pm on Tuesday," Agu said.
07 August 2006
KENYA : Blazers whip Outsidaz in NBA tourney
By Dann O’werre
Blazers beat Outsidaz 63-49 at the Railways Club, Nairobi, on Saturday to move to the top of the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league standings.
Joel Atebe nailed 17 points, while Ken Keya contributed 12 to lift high riding Blazers over unbeaten Runda.
They have 21 points, while Runda are now second with 20.
Kenya Polytechnic beat Catholic Dream Team 69-40 to move to fourth place with 17 points.
Samuel Ocholla hit 20 points, Hillary Omondi 15 and Lameck Onyancha 14. Brandon Ouma had 16 for the losers.
Trail Blazers had 21 points from Joshua Vuva and 20 from Steve Okwako as they beat third placed Langata Crusaders 53-52. Reuben Ndede shot 16 for the losers.
In the women’s matches, Mennonites went past Kenyatta University "Oryx" 44-36. Florence Mbithe made 12 points and Penina Nthenya 11.
Lucy Shiko had 11 for KU. CDT had 16 points from Dora Achieng and 15 from Quinter Ramogi in a 58-30 defeat of Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC), who had 11 from Yvone Musyoki.
In other matches, Team Jam crushed Yassets 64-37, Outsidaz hit Catholic Dream Team 65-59, while Kenyatta University Oryx nipped second-placed Nairobi Pentecostal Church 35-31.
Blazers beat Outsidaz 63-49 at the Railways Club, Nairobi, on Saturday to move to the top of the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league standings.
Joel Atebe nailed 17 points, while Ken Keya contributed 12 to lift high riding Blazers over unbeaten Runda.
They have 21 points, while Runda are now second with 20.
Kenya Polytechnic beat Catholic Dream Team 69-40 to move to fourth place with 17 points.
Samuel Ocholla hit 20 points, Hillary Omondi 15 and Lameck Onyancha 14. Brandon Ouma had 16 for the losers.
Trail Blazers had 21 points from Joshua Vuva and 20 from Steve Okwako as they beat third placed Langata Crusaders 53-52. Reuben Ndede shot 16 for the losers.
In the women’s matches, Mennonites went past Kenyatta University "Oryx" 44-36. Florence Mbithe made 12 points and Penina Nthenya 11.
Lucy Shiko had 11 for KU. CDT had 16 points from Dora Achieng and 15 from Quinter Ramogi in a 58-30 defeat of Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC), who had 11 from Yvone Musyoki.
In other matches, Team Jam crushed Yassets 64-37, Outsidaz hit Catholic Dream Team 65-59, while Kenyatta University Oryx nipped second-placed Nairobi Pentecostal Church 35-31.
NIGERIA : Zenith Bank League: Dolphins, Sunshine Win
The Dolphins and Sunshine Angels teams are riding high in Abuja where the Losers’ Conference tournament is holding in the Zenith Bank Female Basketball
League. And this is simply according to pre-match analyses.
After the wins on the opening day, the teams also won their games yesterday to stay unbeaten. The Dolphins beat Oluyole Babes of Ibadan 65-28 in the first match of the day. In the other game played at the National Stadium, Abuja Sunshine Angels of Akure cut down Dodan Amazons 56-39. The third game which would have been between Bauchi Queens and Plateau Rocks could not hold as the teams remain absent from the championship venue.
The wins for both teams mean that they remain the top teams in the championship and which also explains that the match between both sides would determine the winner of that conference. Even though the Dolphins are more rated than the Sunshine team, both teams have not met this year as the Dolphins arrived Abuja as one of the best losers of the Western Conference held in Akure while Sunshine played in Asaba through the Equatorial Conference.
The top two teams in the championship originally billed to end on Tuesday would qualify for the Final-8 play off in Lagos.
League. And this is simply according to pre-match analyses.
After the wins on the opening day, the teams also won their games yesterday to stay unbeaten. The Dolphins beat Oluyole Babes of Ibadan 65-28 in the first match of the day. In the other game played at the National Stadium, Abuja Sunshine Angels of Akure cut down Dodan Amazons 56-39. The third game which would have been between Bauchi Queens and Plateau Rocks could not hold as the teams remain absent from the championship venue.
The wins for both teams mean that they remain the top teams in the championship and which also explains that the match between both sides would determine the winner of that conference. Even though the Dolphins are more rated than the Sunshine team, both teams have not met this year as the Dolphins arrived Abuja as one of the best losers of the Western Conference held in Akure while Sunshine played in Asaba through the Equatorial Conference.
The top two teams in the championship originally billed to end on Tuesday would qualify for the Final-8 play off in Lagos.
UGANDA : Vegetarians stop Spena in top tie
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Men
Vegetarians 73 SPENA 60
N/Marines 106 Najja 40
Jackets 20 Jammers 0 (w/o)
Falcons 20 Najja 0 (w/o)
Women
Sparks 45 Amazon 37
VEGETARIANS topped SPENA for their sixth straight victory in an MTN basketball league match-up between the top teams in the Yello Go conference on Saturday.
Michael Ola scored 17 points as Vegetarians triumphed 73-60 over St Peters Naalya (SPENA) at the YMCA courts.
Victor Mwesigye added 10 points for the Luzira-based team that continued their dominance over SPENA in the second round.
SPENA closed within 46-40 at halftime before Vegetarians opened the second half with eight straight points to pull away.
A 3-point shot by Alex Gimoro provided Vegetarians their biggest lead at 65-56 with five minutes left, and SPENA did not get any closer than 10 points thereafter.
William Ojok recorded his second double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds for SPENA, who face UCU Mukono on August 20.
Meanwhile, defending champions Nkumba-Marines led by 33 points after the first half and maintained the pace on their way to a 106-40 victory over hapless Najja High.
Boniface Okello and Paul Mwaka spurred Marines for the eighth time in 11 games.
UGANDA : Power battle past Miracle
By Aloysius Byamukama
Wandegeya
Men
Power 79 Miracle 73
Falcons 20 Najja 00
Warriors 82 L/Stone 55
Women
A-1 97 MAK Cubs 25
MTN league title contenders Sadolin Power kept their play offs aspirations alive with a 79-73 win over Miracle on Sunday at the YMCA courts.
The 2000 champions needed a third quarter double three- pointers from Allan Tawodda and captain Marvin Keronga to take a 15 point lead after the Lubaga side had kept the game too close.
Even when Raymond Bukenya regained his shooting form from out side the arc in the last quarter, off bench star Alex Kasindwa extended Power's lead to 8 points with three minutes left.
Tawodda made 25 points, while Keronga and Richard Balemwa contributed 11 apiece to keep their side's chase on Falcons and Marines. Warriors also kept their quest for play- offs insight after stopping Livingstone 82-55.
In the women division, defending champions A-I Challenge beat Makerere Cubs 97-25. Ali Mavita, Josephine Namayega, Liz Kizza and Viola Akuma were in good scoring form for A-1 Challenge.
Wandegeya
Men
Power 79 Miracle 73
Falcons 20 Najja 00
Warriors 82 L/Stone 55
Women
A-1 97 MAK Cubs 25
MTN league title contenders Sadolin Power kept their play offs aspirations alive with a 79-73 win over Miracle on Sunday at the YMCA courts.
The 2000 champions needed a third quarter double three- pointers from Allan Tawodda and captain Marvin Keronga to take a 15 point lead after the Lubaga side had kept the game too close.
Even when Raymond Bukenya regained his shooting form from out side the arc in the last quarter, off bench star Alex Kasindwa extended Power's lead to 8 points with three minutes left.
Tawodda made 25 points, while Keronga and Richard Balemwa contributed 11 apiece to keep their side's chase on Falcons and Marines. Warriors also kept their quest for play- offs insight after stopping Livingstone 82-55.
In the women division, defending champions A-I Challenge beat Makerere Cubs 97-25. Ali Mavita, Josephine Namayega, Liz Kizza and Viola Akuma were in good scoring form for A-1 Challenge.
RWANDA : Kigali to Host Regional Hoops
The East and Central Africa Senior Basketball Challenge Cup will be played in Kigali, Rwanda, in December, Daily Monitor has learnt.
Regional body secretary, Ronny Owino, said the event would be held between December 6-10. Uganda's men are the defending champions whereas the Kenyan women are the reigning lady champions.
Both teams won their respective categories last year in Kampala when the tournament was co-hosted at Lugogo Indoor Stadium and YMCA Courts in Wandegeya.
Kenya, who are eager to reclaim the men's title from Uganda have already started training for the highly competitive games. All the 5 countries in the region are expected to participate in the one-week FIBA sanctioned event.The international governing body FIBA has also agreed to use the tournament as a qualifier for the forthcoming All Africa Games in Algeria.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, Agina Wesonga told media in a press release that the regional event would also be used to qualify teams for African Nations tournament.
During the event, referees shall be over 18 years but those above 35 will barred from officiating, according to the new international rules.
Regional body secretary, Ronny Owino, said the event would be held between December 6-10. Uganda's men are the defending champions whereas the Kenyan women are the reigning lady champions.
Both teams won their respective categories last year in Kampala when the tournament was co-hosted at Lugogo Indoor Stadium and YMCA Courts in Wandegeya.
Kenya, who are eager to reclaim the men's title from Uganda have already started training for the highly competitive games. All the 5 countries in the region are expected to participate in the one-week FIBA sanctioned event.The international governing body FIBA has also agreed to use the tournament as a qualifier for the forthcoming All Africa Games in Algeria.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, Agina Wesonga told media in a press release that the regional event would also be used to qualify teams for African Nations tournament.
During the event, referees shall be over 18 years but those above 35 will barred from officiating, according to the new international rules.
06 August 2006
UGANDA : Miracle face Power
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
KAMPALA
Men
Warriors v Livingstone
Sadolin Power v Miracle
Women
MAK Cubs v A-1 Challenge
AFTER an impressive show at the regional Falcons tournament last week, Miracle basketball club shift their focus to the MTN league with a date against Sadolin Power today.
The Lubaga based side will be out to avenge the 83-60 first round loss to the 2000 champions as well as avoid a likely relegation to the lower Yello Go conference.
Ben Komakech (knee), Raymond Bukenya, Richard Aciko (ankle) and Chris Kyebambe passed late fitness tests yesterday after picking injuries in the Lugogo event.
" We have them back and shall try to get the points from Power although the federation informed us late," Kyebambe told Sunday Monitor.
Third placed Power have Ken Balyejusa likely to return while Wilbrod Okecho whose 23 points sunk their opponents in the first round will be available to keep last year's finalists in contention for the last four spots.
Out of sorts women defending champions A-I also hope to recover from a shocking 37-46 loss to Makerere Sparks two weeks ago and take care of Makerere Cubs.
Meanwhile, the federation has implemented a new rule where teams that were walked over in the first round still lose in round two. Najja High, Kabojja, Kyambogo Comets and SPENA are the victims.
KAMPALA
Men
Warriors v Livingstone
Sadolin Power v Miracle
Women
MAK Cubs v A-1 Challenge
AFTER an impressive show at the regional Falcons tournament last week, Miracle basketball club shift their focus to the MTN league with a date against Sadolin Power today.
The Lubaga based side will be out to avenge the 83-60 first round loss to the 2000 champions as well as avoid a likely relegation to the lower Yello Go conference.
Ben Komakech (knee), Raymond Bukenya, Richard Aciko (ankle) and Chris Kyebambe passed late fitness tests yesterday after picking injuries in the Lugogo event.
" We have them back and shall try to get the points from Power although the federation informed us late," Kyebambe told Sunday Monitor.
Third placed Power have Ken Balyejusa likely to return while Wilbrod Okecho whose 23 points sunk their opponents in the first round will be available to keep last year's finalists in contention for the last four spots.
Out of sorts women defending champions A-I also hope to recover from a shocking 37-46 loss to Makerere Sparks two weeks ago and take care of Makerere Cubs.
Meanwhile, the federation has implemented a new rule where teams that were walked over in the first round still lose in round two. Najja High, Kabojja, Kyambogo Comets and SPENA are the victims.
NIGERIA : In the U18 final
Nigeria under 18 junior national here in Durban, South Africa gave a good account of themselves in the semi finals pairing against Congo to book a final ticket against West Africa neighbour, Mali.
The Nigerian who trailed the Congolese in the first quarter of the encounter (22-21) turned the table against the more physically Congolese side from the second quarter winning 28-18 to send a clear signal to the boys from the Central African country that Canada is not expecting them come 2007 when the world championship would be staged.
The coaches Adeka Dauda and Masai Ujiri tutored side soon turn the heat on their Congolese counterpart in the third quarter by introducing a zonal style of play which caught the Congolese napping ending the quarter 24-09 and carried on to the fourth quarter which also ended with the Congolese scoring a single digit of 14-08 points for a cumulative scores of 87-57 points to set up a grand finale duel against hard fighting Mali who edge out Angola in the first semi final by 68-60 points.
Team captain and starting point guard, Oseer Ikyaator led the team in scoring with 22 points, 3 assist and 2 rebounds, Ibrahim Yusuf added 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steal, Abel Baraya had a double-double of 11 points and 18 rebounds and one block while Nosa Omoregie had 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals to rap-up the game for Nigeria.
The Nigerian players have resolved that though the country has qualified for the FIBA World Championship but nothing short of winning the cup would do.
The finals come up at 2.00pm local time Sunday at the sports hall of the Durban University of Technology and will be aired live on Super sports.
The Nigerian who trailed the Congolese in the first quarter of the encounter (22-21) turned the table against the more physically Congolese side from the second quarter winning 28-18 to send a clear signal to the boys from the Central African country that Canada is not expecting them come 2007 when the world championship would be staged.
The coaches Adeka Dauda and Masai Ujiri tutored side soon turn the heat on their Congolese counterpart in the third quarter by introducing a zonal style of play which caught the Congolese napping ending the quarter 24-09 and carried on to the fourth quarter which also ended with the Congolese scoring a single digit of 14-08 points for a cumulative scores of 87-57 points to set up a grand finale duel against hard fighting Mali who edge out Angola in the first semi final by 68-60 points.
Team captain and starting point guard, Oseer Ikyaator led the team in scoring with 22 points, 3 assist and 2 rebounds, Ibrahim Yusuf added 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steal, Abel Baraya had a double-double of 11 points and 18 rebounds and one block while Nosa Omoregie had 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals to rap-up the game for Nigeria.
The Nigerian players have resolved that though the country has qualified for the FIBA World Championship but nothing short of winning the cup would do.
The finals come up at 2.00pm local time Sunday at the sports hall of the Durban University of Technology and will be aired live on Super sports.
05 August 2006
RWANDA : BUG under heat
By Julius Mbaraga
Saturday, 05 August 2006
Basketball United Generation has a hectic weekend ahead with two vital clashes against ESPOIR and Marine in the second half of the 2006 National Basketball League.
BUG start their weekend action today 11:00am at Rafiiki tussling it out with the mighty ESPOIR side who have finally found their right footing after a fatigued 2005 National Basketball League season.
The formerly dubbed KCBC side is desperate to return to its winning ways that it exhibited early this year when they host Gisenyi based Marine at Lycee De Kigali tomorrow (Sunday).
Marine head into the Sunday clash trying to get something out of this game to narrow the gap with the hosts (BUG) who are seated in fourth place on the league table.
BUG who lost their winning form following persistent injuries for some of their top players believe they can turn things round now that their key players are back on court.
“The entire BUG camp is in upbeat mood following the return of its key players,” BUG’s head coach Jean De Dieu Nizeyimana.
Fixtures
Today
ESPOIR vs BUG
AGF vs UNR
KIE vs Marine
Sunday
AGF vs APR
BUG vs Marine
ESPOIR vs UNR
Women
APR vs ISAE
KIE vs UNR
Saturday, 05 August 2006
Basketball United Generation has a hectic weekend ahead with two vital clashes against ESPOIR and Marine in the second half of the 2006 National Basketball League.
BUG start their weekend action today 11:00am at Rafiiki tussling it out with the mighty ESPOIR side who have finally found their right footing after a fatigued 2005 National Basketball League season.
The formerly dubbed KCBC side is desperate to return to its winning ways that it exhibited early this year when they host Gisenyi based Marine at Lycee De Kigali tomorrow (Sunday).
Marine head into the Sunday clash trying to get something out of this game to narrow the gap with the hosts (BUG) who are seated in fourth place on the league table.
BUG who lost their winning form following persistent injuries for some of their top players believe they can turn things round now that their key players are back on court.
“The entire BUG camp is in upbeat mood following the return of its key players,” BUG’s head coach Jean De Dieu Nizeyimana.
Fixtures
Today
ESPOIR vs BUG
AGF vs UNR
KIE vs Marine
Sunday
AGF vs APR
BUG vs Marine
ESPOIR vs UNR
Women
APR vs ISAE
KIE vs UNR
UGANDA : Hawks look to Akena
By Gloria Kyomugisha
YMCA
Amazon v Sparks
SPENA v Vegetarians
Marines v Najja High
KIU v Gulu Hawks
Pool Court
Crane High v FPAU
Leopards v Crane High
Flippers v Berkeley
Jackets v Jammers
IN only his fifth season in the MTN basketball league, Denis Akena has brought the aerial attack back to the Gulu-based Murchison Hawks team.
“A player with a high scoring energy,” that is how coach Nimrod Kaboha described him after Hawks’ first round head-to-head meeting with KIU.
At the time, Hawks had just upset KIU in the league.
Today, the Gulu team visit the student team in their third match of the second round at the YMCA courts.
Hawks who have only made the second division playoffs since joining the league three years ago, are hoping to repeat their first round feat and earn maximum points as the playoff qualification battle intensifies.
Akena, who won a call-up to this year’s All-Star and the university teams, finished the first round among the top scorers.
Together with Morris Lawoko, the two are hoping to lead their team to an elite position in the Yello Max Conference by October.
YMCA
Amazon v Sparks
SPENA v Vegetarians
Marines v Najja High
KIU v Gulu Hawks
Pool Court
Crane High v FPAU
Leopards v Crane High
Flippers v Berkeley
Jackets v Jammers
IN only his fifth season in the MTN basketball league, Denis Akena has brought the aerial attack back to the Gulu-based Murchison Hawks team.
“A player with a high scoring energy,” that is how coach Nimrod Kaboha described him after Hawks’ first round head-to-head meeting with KIU.
At the time, Hawks had just upset KIU in the league.
Today, the Gulu team visit the student team in their third match of the second round at the YMCA courts.
Hawks who have only made the second division playoffs since joining the league three years ago, are hoping to repeat their first round feat and earn maximum points as the playoff qualification battle intensifies.
Akena, who won a call-up to this year’s All-Star and the university teams, finished the first round among the top scorers.
Together with Morris Lawoko, the two are hoping to lead their team to an elite position in the Yello Max Conference by October.
KENYA : Lions face Pirates in return leg encounter
By Dann O’were
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Lions play Kenyatta University Pirates in a return Premier League tie at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium this afternoon.
Lions, the East and Central Africa club champions, are out to avenge the shock 83-82 loss to fifth placed Pirates a month ago.
To ensure that no upset is witnessed today, Greg Odera, Tobias Onyango and Paul Oloo must shut out Paul Ojuoga and Griffin Ligare early.
Lions are preparing for the Africa club championships.
University of Nairobi Terrorists, confident after a 66-48 win over Pirates, confront International Christian Centre in a match that could go either way.
UoN Dynamites face a tall order against Sprite Storms, back from Kampala where they claimed the Falcons International Trophy by beating Burundi’s Berco Stars.
Tomorrow, United States International meet leaders Co-operative Bank of Kenya in the pick of the week match that should be a cracker all the way.
It will be the students’ Abel Nson against the rising Co-op star, Bobby Okwako, who demolished ICC last weekend. Fans should expect a good game.
Yana tackle USIU Flames and hope that their good performance is maintained.
In the lower division, Kisumu Lakeside host Don Bosco, Nairobi Pentecostal Church face off against Java Warriors and Strathmore have a date with Lomboritz.
Meanwhile, Kenya were knocked out of the medal brackets in the 15th edition of the African under-18 men’s championship in Durban, South Africa. Kenya’s Maseno High School lost their last two games hence bowed out without posting a win. The event ends tomorrow.
They fell 64-84 to Guinea and 53-83 to Cote d’Ivoire sports hall of the Durban Institute of Technology.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Lions play Kenyatta University Pirates in a return Premier League tie at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium this afternoon.
Lions, the East and Central Africa club champions, are out to avenge the shock 83-82 loss to fifth placed Pirates a month ago.
To ensure that no upset is witnessed today, Greg Odera, Tobias Onyango and Paul Oloo must shut out Paul Ojuoga and Griffin Ligare early.
Lions are preparing for the Africa club championships.
University of Nairobi Terrorists, confident after a 66-48 win over Pirates, confront International Christian Centre in a match that could go either way.
UoN Dynamites face a tall order against Sprite Storms, back from Kampala where they claimed the Falcons International Trophy by beating Burundi’s Berco Stars.
Tomorrow, United States International meet leaders Co-operative Bank of Kenya in the pick of the week match that should be a cracker all the way.
It will be the students’ Abel Nson against the rising Co-op star, Bobby Okwako, who demolished ICC last weekend. Fans should expect a good game.
Yana tackle USIU Flames and hope that their good performance is maintained.
In the lower division, Kisumu Lakeside host Don Bosco, Nairobi Pentecostal Church face off against Java Warriors and Strathmore have a date with Lomboritz.
Meanwhile, Kenya were knocked out of the medal brackets in the 15th edition of the African under-18 men’s championship in Durban, South Africa. Kenya’s Maseno High School lost their last two games hence bowed out without posting a win. The event ends tomorrow.
They fell 64-84 to Guinea and 53-83 to Cote d’Ivoire sports hall of the Durban Institute of Technology.
ANGOLA : National Team Defeat Qatar
The Angolan senior male basketball team defeated Qatar Thursday 88-57, in the second round match of the international tournament that is taking place in that Middle-East country, as part of the preparation training for the World Basketball Championship, set for Japan, in August.
The basketball team play again this Friday against the Philippines, for the third and last round of the competition.
The World Basketball Championship starts on 19 August and ends September 3, Angola will play against New Zealand, Germany, Spain, Panama and Japan on the first phase.
The basketball team play again this Friday against the Philippines, for the third and last round of the competition.
The World Basketball Championship starts on 19 August and ends September 3, Angola will play against New Zealand, Germany, Spain, Panama and Japan on the first phase.
04 August 2006
NIGERIA : Dolphins, Sunshine in Losers’ Games
The Zenith Bank Female Basketball League resumes this afternoon with teams in the Losers’ Conference play off taking the jump ball at the National Stadium in Abuja. The series is a continuation of the first three stages held in Asaba, Akure and then Bauchi a fortnight ago.
Top of the pack for this Abuja meet are the Dolphins of Lagos who failed to qualify directly from the Western Conference play off held in Akure. That centre was aptly tagged the ‘Zone of Death’ with First Bank, Delta Force and Dolphins as clearly the three favourites to pick up the two tickets. But in a dramatic twist, the Delta team that seemed to falter at the start of the play off woke up to edge out the highly rated Dolphins who finished last season as the runners up of the inaugural Zenith Bank League.
But with the pain of that fall over, the Lagos club owned by Wale Aboderin are the undisputed top seeds of this zone. They are highly rated to qualify for the Lagos finals. The other teams here are Oluyole Babes from the Akure play off, Sunshine Babes who finished third from the Equatorial Conference in Asaba and Dodan Amazons who were fourth there. Also in are Plateau Rocks of Jos and the Bauchi Queens. Both teams finished third and fourth respectively from the Savannah Conference play off held in Bauchi.
The six teams in Abuja are the best losers from the three conferences and two teams are billed to qualify to join the other six for the Final-8 play off. With the Dolphins favoured for the top spot, going by the records, the other ticket should be a clear fight between Plateau Rocks and Sunshine Queens. Both teams have not met for quite some time now which makes their clash quite difficult to predict.
The Rocks arrived late in Bauchi but rallied hard to pick a losers’ ticket. Experience and background may place them ahead of Sunshine before the actual battle begins on the court. Dodan Amazons and Oluyole Babes look like outsiders. The last four teams would drop to the lower division from next season.
Top of the pack for this Abuja meet are the Dolphins of Lagos who failed to qualify directly from the Western Conference play off held in Akure. That centre was aptly tagged the ‘Zone of Death’ with First Bank, Delta Force and Dolphins as clearly the three favourites to pick up the two tickets. But in a dramatic twist, the Delta team that seemed to falter at the start of the play off woke up to edge out the highly rated Dolphins who finished last season as the runners up of the inaugural Zenith Bank League.
But with the pain of that fall over, the Lagos club owned by Wale Aboderin are the undisputed top seeds of this zone. They are highly rated to qualify for the Lagos finals. The other teams here are Oluyole Babes from the Akure play off, Sunshine Babes who finished third from the Equatorial Conference in Asaba and Dodan Amazons who were fourth there. Also in are Plateau Rocks of Jos and the Bauchi Queens. Both teams finished third and fourth respectively from the Savannah Conference play off held in Bauchi.
The six teams in Abuja are the best losers from the three conferences and two teams are billed to qualify to join the other six for the Final-8 play off. With the Dolphins favoured for the top spot, going by the records, the other ticket should be a clear fight between Plateau Rocks and Sunshine Queens. Both teams have not met for quite some time now which makes their clash quite difficult to predict.
The Rocks arrived late in Bauchi but rallied hard to pick a losers’ ticket. Experience and background may place them ahead of Sunshine before the actual battle begins on the court. Dodan Amazons and Oluyole Babes look like outsiders. The last four teams would drop to the lower division from next season.
NIGERIA : 15th AJUBA: Beating Congo Our Priority, Nigeria Pl
Nigeria under 18 players here in Durban, South Africa at the 15th Fiba Africa Championship have resolved to get pass their semi-final opponent, Congo DR on Saturday before thinking of the trophy.
The players who are in high spirit for the all important semi-final encounter choruss that the clash against the hard fighting Congo side is most crucial at the moment, as getting a final berth guaranteed that they will be at next year FIBA World Championship holding in Vancouver, Canada.
Captain of the Nigeria team, Oseer Ikyaator said, “our mind is on how to get passed the Congolese who play more of physical game than technique, all the players are rearing to go on Saturday and it will be a good thing to beat the Congolese side which guarantee us going for the world championship next year, after the semi-final victory we can then think of how to lift the cup.
The team will have it last practice before Saturday encounter this afternoon while the semi-final matches will be beamed live by South Africa based cable network Supersports to the world audience.
Nigeria topped group-B after winning all its four group matches to set up a semi-final duel against Congo who were group-A runners-up at 2.00pm local time while the first semi-final between group-A leader Mali and group-B runner-up Angola.
Pundit have, however, predicted a Nigeria, Angola final going by the robost style of play of the two countries.
The players who are in high spirit for the all important semi-final encounter choruss that the clash against the hard fighting Congo side is most crucial at the moment, as getting a final berth guaranteed that they will be at next year FIBA World Championship holding in Vancouver, Canada.
Captain of the Nigeria team, Oseer Ikyaator said, “our mind is on how to get passed the Congolese who play more of physical game than technique, all the players are rearing to go on Saturday and it will be a good thing to beat the Congolese side which guarantee us going for the world championship next year, after the semi-final victory we can then think of how to lift the cup.
The team will have it last practice before Saturday encounter this afternoon while the semi-final matches will be beamed live by South Africa based cable network Supersports to the world audience.
Nigeria topped group-B after winning all its four group matches to set up a semi-final duel against Congo who were group-A runners-up at 2.00pm local time while the first semi-final between group-A leader Mali and group-B runner-up Angola.
Pundit have, however, predicted a Nigeria, Angola final going by the robost style of play of the two countries.
UGANDA : Rhino headcoach Mailboux throws in towel
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
Kampala
CHARGING Rhinos’coach Mr. Mike Mailboux has resigned his job and left the club indefinitely. Mailoux joined the 1997 league champions mid last season, taking over from then Robert Ndamagye.
The American born coach left at the end of the MTN league round one and did not hand in a written resignation letter but sent an SMS to team captain Rodgers Sserunyigo.
"He sent me a message expressing his dissatisfaction with the conditions at the club and I showed it to the managers," Sserunyigo said.
However, an insider from the league giants' camp told Daily Monitor that Mailoux had a direct grudge with players David Kiberu, Hamza Nyambogo and Sserunyigo which propelled him to step down.
The players have been questioning his tactics after failing to lead them to the play- offs.
Kampala
CHARGING Rhinos’coach Mr. Mike Mailboux has resigned his job and left the club indefinitely. Mailoux joined the 1997 league champions mid last season, taking over from then Robert Ndamagye.
The American born coach left at the end of the MTN league round one and did not hand in a written resignation letter but sent an SMS to team captain Rodgers Sserunyigo.
"He sent me a message expressing his dissatisfaction with the conditions at the club and I showed it to the managers," Sserunyigo said.
However, an insider from the league giants' camp told Daily Monitor that Mailoux had a direct grudge with players David Kiberu, Hamza Nyambogo and Sserunyigo which propelled him to step down.
The players have been questioning his tactics after failing to lead them to the play- offs.
03 August 2006
NIGERIA : 15th AJUBA: Semi-final battle begins
The real battle of the 15th edition of the African U-18 men championship will be staged at the sports hall of the Durban Institute of Technology, South Africa on Saturday as the semi final matches begin.
Defending champion, Nigeria having qualified Tuesday when it won all its group-B matches await Wednesday games to know who it is confronting in the second semi final, but after a pulsating and energy sapping encounter between Mali eventual group-A leader and Congo DRC Nigeria will now take on the Central African country in what promises to be a thrilling match.
In the other semi final Mali will have it hand full against enterprising Angola who posted a massive 72-49 points victory over Ivory Coast to book a semi final ticket.
The Nigerian camp is trying to devise a means to oust the Congolese whose play depend so much on strength rather than techniques.
The two finalist of this championship automatically qualifies for the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Championship slated for Vancouver, Canada
Results so Far:
Group-A: Group-B:
Congo 71-46 South Africa Nigeria 103-72 Kenya
Congo 20-0 Zambia (walk-over) Angola 86-42 Kenya
Mali 73-34 Mozambique Nigeria 85-51 Guinea
Congo 66-44 Mozambique Ivory Coast 83-53 Kenya
Mali 60-43 South Africa Nigeria 64-48 Angola
Mali 20-0 Zambia (walk-over) Angola 51-47 Guinea
Mozambique 66-60 South Africa Nigeria 92-54 Ivory Coast
South Africa 20-0 Zambia (walk-over) Guinea 84-64 Kenya
Mali 53-50 Congo Angola 72-Ivory Coast 49
Semi-finals pairing:
Mali Vs Angola
Nigeria Vs Congo
Defending champion, Nigeria having qualified Tuesday when it won all its group-B matches await Wednesday games to know who it is confronting in the second semi final, but after a pulsating and energy sapping encounter between Mali eventual group-A leader and Congo DRC Nigeria will now take on the Central African country in what promises to be a thrilling match.
In the other semi final Mali will have it hand full against enterprising Angola who posted a massive 72-49 points victory over Ivory Coast to book a semi final ticket.
The Nigerian camp is trying to devise a means to oust the Congolese whose play depend so much on strength rather than techniques.
The two finalist of this championship automatically qualifies for the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Championship slated for Vancouver, Canada
Results so Far:
Group-A: Group-B:
Congo 71-46 South Africa Nigeria 103-72 Kenya
Congo 20-0 Zambia (walk-over) Angola 86-42 Kenya
Mali 73-34 Mozambique Nigeria 85-51 Guinea
Congo 66-44 Mozambique Ivory Coast 83-53 Kenya
Mali 60-43 South Africa Nigeria 64-48 Angola
Mali 20-0 Zambia (walk-over) Angola 51-47 Guinea
Mozambique 66-60 South Africa Nigeria 92-54 Ivory Coast
South Africa 20-0 Zambia (walk-over) Guinea 84-64 Kenya
Mali 53-50 Congo Angola 72-Ivory Coast 49
Semi-finals pairing:
Mali Vs Angola
Nigeria Vs Congo
ANGOLA : Angola Beat Guinea Conakry in African Juniors Championships
Angola's junior males basketball team defeated on Tuesday at Durban pavilion (South Africa), its counterpart of Guinea Conakry, by 51-47, in a third round match of the African Championships being played since last weekend.
By half time, the Angolan players coached by Manuel Sousa "Necas" were ahead by a three-point difference (22-19).
With this victory, the second in three matches, Angola strengthens the possibility of moving into the next stage.
Angolan player Francisco Luano was the best shooter of the encounter with 13 points.
Angola plays this Wednesday afternoon against Cote d'Ivoire.
By half time, the Angolan players coached by Manuel Sousa "Necas" were ahead by a three-point difference (22-19).
With this victory, the second in three matches, Angola strengthens the possibility of moving into the next stage.
Angolan player Francisco Luano was the best shooter of the encounter with 13 points.
Angola plays this Wednesday afternoon against Cote d'Ivoire.
UGANDA : Fuba Suspends Akoth
Aloysius Byamukama
Kampala
THE local basketball governing body, Fuba, has suspended Lady Bucks playmaker Judith Akoth 'Lulu' from featuring for her club in the remaining MTN league games this season.
The decision comes after the Kenyan born player was found guilty of having been playing for Kenyan sides Telecom and Yana since her S.6 vacation in December 2005.
She returned to Uganda a couple of weeks ago and featured for the record league champions in their 105-62 win over Crane High School on Sunday July 23.
Federation technical chairman Yusuf Nkutu told Daily Monitor that the player could be allowed to re-join Lady Bucks next season and only if the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) can process her release statement from Yana.
In a related development, Crane High duo of Larissa Kantungeko and Florence Kalume face the same verdict. The two played for former side Berco Stars of Burundi during the just concluded third edition of the Falcons invitational tournament.
Kampala
THE local basketball governing body, Fuba, has suspended Lady Bucks playmaker Judith Akoth 'Lulu' from featuring for her club in the remaining MTN league games this season.
The decision comes after the Kenyan born player was found guilty of having been playing for Kenyan sides Telecom and Yana since her S.6 vacation in December 2005.
She returned to Uganda a couple of weeks ago and featured for the record league champions in their 105-62 win over Crane High School on Sunday July 23.
Federation technical chairman Yusuf Nkutu told Daily Monitor that the player could be allowed to re-join Lady Bucks next season and only if the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) can process her release statement from Yana.
In a related development, Crane High duo of Larissa Kantungeko and Florence Kalume face the same verdict. The two played for former side Berco Stars of Burundi during the just concluded third edition of the Falcons invitational tournament.
ZAMBIA : ZBA Gets Malawi Invitation
By Namatama Njekwa
Lusaka
THE Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) is expected to participate in a two-day friendly match with Malawi after receiving an invitation from Malawi Basketball Association (MBA).
Confirming the invitation yesterday, ZBA general secretary Mwembe Kaona said the invitation would make up for the association's failure to send the Under 18 men's national team to South Africa last Friday.
"In the wake of our failure to send the Under 18 men's national team to South Africa for the FIBA (International Federation of Basketball Association) Africa Zone World Cup qualifiers, we may send the boys to Malawi to make up for the disappointment," Kaona said.
He disclosed that MBA had also offered to meet all up keep costs of the team whilst in Malawi. 'They have offered to provide full-board lodging (accommodation and meals) plus local transport for our team whilst in Malawi," said Kaona.
MBA sent the invitation signed by its president Oscar Kanjala with tentative dates for either this month or next month. The Under 20 are the current Zone Six SADC silver medallists.
Lusaka
THE Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) is expected to participate in a two-day friendly match with Malawi after receiving an invitation from Malawi Basketball Association (MBA).
Confirming the invitation yesterday, ZBA general secretary Mwembe Kaona said the invitation would make up for the association's failure to send the Under 18 men's national team to South Africa last Friday.
"In the wake of our failure to send the Under 18 men's national team to South Africa for the FIBA (International Federation of Basketball Association) Africa Zone World Cup qualifiers, we may send the boys to Malawi to make up for the disappointment," Kaona said.
He disclosed that MBA had also offered to meet all up keep costs of the team whilst in Malawi. 'They have offered to provide full-board lodging (accommodation and meals) plus local transport for our team whilst in Malawi," said Kaona.
MBA sent the invitation signed by its president Oscar Kanjala with tentative dates for either this month or next month. The Under 20 are the current Zone Six SADC silver medallists.
NIGERIA : Junior Tigers Lead
Pius Ayinor
Lagos
The junior national men's basketball team, the Junior Tigers, have taken the lead in the African junior tournament holding in Durban, South Africa after going up with three straight victories.
The young men are taking hold of the African continent just as Nestle Nigeria Plc and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) get set to start another Milo Basketball Clinic that would produce future basketball greats for Nigeria. The Milo Clinic has been marked out to begin on Monday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
But before the Nigerian kids embark on the beginners' programme in Kaduna the Junior Tigers may have won one of the tickets to the next FIBA World Under-19 championship in Canada. Monday night the Nigerian youths defeated their counterparts from Angola 64-48 in one the toughest pre-championship matches. The win over arch-rivals and highly rated Angolans was the third straight win for Nigeria.
The Nigerian campaign in South Africa began last Saturday with the 105-72 win over Kenya. That result was followed by another win over Guinea with the result reading 85-51.
In some other games Congo defeated South Africa 71-46 in the opening game. Angola cut Kenya 86-42 while Mali defeated Mozambique 73-34. The championship ends the weekend.
In Kaduna when the Milo clinic begins on Monday, it would run to the 12th before starting the following day in Enugu and wrapping up on the 19th. The event would hold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and it will be the very first edition in centre known as the Coal City.
The programme for beginners would end up in Lagos from the 20th to the 26th. The Lagos event would hold in three centres of Syrian Club, Ikoyi, First Bank Courts at Satellite Town and the National Stadium, which would host the closing day events.
The Finance and Control Director of Nestle Nigeria Jacques Vauthier assured that this edition would also be quite lively.
"For the past 12yearsss of sponsoring the clinic, over 50,000 kids have benefited from the programme. Therefore there is no gain saying that the game has not developed over the years recording annually, about 4,000 kids benefiting," he said.About 4,500 kids are expected participate in this year's programme.
Their first Vice President Chief Segun Erinle represented the NBBF. He said the Federation remain very committed in their partnership with Nestle.
"We remain committed to Nestle as partners and say thank you. And today we pushed to request that Nestle assists the Federation financially as Nigeria plays two world championships in Japan and Brazil," he said.
Lagos
The junior national men's basketball team, the Junior Tigers, have taken the lead in the African junior tournament holding in Durban, South Africa after going up with three straight victories.
The young men are taking hold of the African continent just as Nestle Nigeria Plc and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) get set to start another Milo Basketball Clinic that would produce future basketball greats for Nigeria. The Milo Clinic has been marked out to begin on Monday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
But before the Nigerian kids embark on the beginners' programme in Kaduna the Junior Tigers may have won one of the tickets to the next FIBA World Under-19 championship in Canada. Monday night the Nigerian youths defeated their counterparts from Angola 64-48 in one the toughest pre-championship matches. The win over arch-rivals and highly rated Angolans was the third straight win for Nigeria.
The Nigerian campaign in South Africa began last Saturday with the 105-72 win over Kenya. That result was followed by another win over Guinea with the result reading 85-51.
In some other games Congo defeated South Africa 71-46 in the opening game. Angola cut Kenya 86-42 while Mali defeated Mozambique 73-34. The championship ends the weekend.
In Kaduna when the Milo clinic begins on Monday, it would run to the 12th before starting the following day in Enugu and wrapping up on the 19th. The event would hold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and it will be the very first edition in centre known as the Coal City.
The programme for beginners would end up in Lagos from the 20th to the 26th. The Lagos event would hold in three centres of Syrian Club, Ikoyi, First Bank Courts at Satellite Town and the National Stadium, which would host the closing day events.
The Finance and Control Director of Nestle Nigeria Jacques Vauthier assured that this edition would also be quite lively.
"For the past 12yearsss of sponsoring the clinic, over 50,000 kids have benefited from the programme. Therefore there is no gain saying that the game has not developed over the years recording annually, about 4,000 kids benefiting," he said.About 4,500 kids are expected participate in this year's programme.
Their first Vice President Chief Segun Erinle represented the NBBF. He said the Federation remain very committed in their partnership with Nestle.
"We remain committed to Nestle as partners and say thank you. And today we pushed to request that Nestle assists the Federation financially as Nigeria plays two world championships in Japan and Brazil," he said.
SEYCHELLES : C.J.S.O.I Les basketteuses seychelloises éliminées
Les basketteuses seychelloises n'atteindront pas les demi-finales après leur deuxième défaite mercredi après-midi au Gymnase de Phoenix.
Pour la deuxième journée consécutive, les Seychelloises ont tremblé devant des adversaires plus fortes qu'elles.
Contre Madagascar mercredi, les Seychelloises ont perdu 22-99 pour prendre la troisième place dans leur poule.
Madagascar termine deuxième, suivi en deuxième position par Maurice, qui avait déjà battu les Seychelles 62-48.
La Réunion et Mayotte sont les deux équipes dans l'autre poule.
Pour la deuxième journée consécutive, les Seychelloises ont tremblé devant des adversaires plus fortes qu'elles.
Contre Madagascar mercredi, les Seychelloises ont perdu 22-99 pour prendre la troisième place dans leur poule.
Madagascar termine deuxième, suivi en deuxième position par Maurice, qui avait déjà battu les Seychelles 62-48.
La Réunion et Mayotte sont les deux équipes dans l'autre poule.
01 August 2006
RWANDA : AGF promise hard-game
By Julius Mbaraga
AGF have vowed to make it difficult for table leaders ESPOIR during today’s encounter at Kacyiru in the ongoing National Basketball League.
The game is expected to be a tight contest between the first and last clubs on the league table. Having won last weekend’s encounter with BUG, the Kacyiru side is looking forward to more positive results. One of the club’s star guards, Gishomo, said the team has been training intensively and that the entire team is ready to take on the Rafiiki outfits.
“We have to forget that they are at the top of the table and concentrate on our game,” the 25-year-old said.
However, sources who preferred anonymity, blame AGF’s poor performance to the club’s hasty management and financial strain.
Tomorrow, three games are on card - two in the men and one in the ladies category. In the men’s category, ESPOIR gets back into action when they travel to KIE while UNR host 2005 reigning champions APR in Butare.
In the ladies’ category, KIE will host ISAE.
Today
AGF vs ESPOIR
Sunday
KIE vs ESPOIR
UNR vs APR
KIE vs ISAE (women)
AGF have vowed to make it difficult for table leaders ESPOIR during today’s encounter at Kacyiru in the ongoing National Basketball League.
The game is expected to be a tight contest between the first and last clubs on the league table. Having won last weekend’s encounter with BUG, the Kacyiru side is looking forward to more positive results. One of the club’s star guards, Gishomo, said the team has been training intensively and that the entire team is ready to take on the Rafiiki outfits.
“We have to forget that they are at the top of the table and concentrate on our game,” the 25-year-old said.
However, sources who preferred anonymity, blame AGF’s poor performance to the club’s hasty management and financial strain.
Tomorrow, three games are on card - two in the men and one in the ladies category. In the men’s category, ESPOIR gets back into action when they travel to KIE while UNR host 2005 reigning champions APR in Butare.
In the ladies’ category, KIE will host ISAE.
Today
AGF vs ESPOIR
Sunday
KIE vs ESPOIR
UNR vs APR
KIE vs ISAE (women)
UGANDA : Kenyan clean sweep
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Men
Ulinzi 87 Falcons 61
Women
S/Storms 66 Berco Stars 49
SHOOTING-GUARD Ancette Wafula destroyed Falcons’ defence to inspire Kenya’s Ulinzi Warriors to victory in the Falcons Invitational final at Lugogo on Sunday.
Wafula scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half as unbeaten Ulinzi Warriors got a crushing 87-61 victory.
Men’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Peter Odendo added 15 points including three slam dunks.
The women’s final saw Kenya’s Sprite Storms give Burundi’s Berco Stars quite a jolt with a 66-49 rout. Evelyn Kedogo scored 15 points and MVP Hilda Luvandwa added 12 .
Meanwhile, Norman Blick scored 30 points as Nkumba-Marines clinched third place with a 100-68 victory over Miracle
KENYA : Ex-KBF chairman eyes top Fiba post
By Dann O’Werre
Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, Morris Aluanga, will vie for the presidency of the Fiba Africa Zone Five in next week’s election slated for Nairobi.
According to KBF chairman, Agina Wesonga, continental body secretary Alphonse Bile will preside over the meeting. Bile will arrive in Kenya from South Africa where he is attending the under 18 championships.
"Bile said he would personally attend the meeting and we are waiting for his word," said Agina, adding that "so far Aluanga is the only candidate to have declared his interest."
The elections were pushed from Burkina Faso as only two member states Kenya and Eritrea attended. Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia have been invited.
Aluanga, who is also the chairman of the East and Central Africa Confederation, expressed confidence that he would sail through.
Meanwhile, Prof. Allain Ekra from Ivory Coast was elected unopposed to run the continental body for another four-year term. His sole opponent, Berraf Mustapha from Algeria, stepped down.Also re-elected was Bile also from Ivory Coast. The treasurer is Abd El Hamid Masoud from Egypt.
Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, Morris Aluanga, will vie for the presidency of the Fiba Africa Zone Five in next week’s election slated for Nairobi.
According to KBF chairman, Agina Wesonga, continental body secretary Alphonse Bile will preside over the meeting. Bile will arrive in Kenya from South Africa where he is attending the under 18 championships.
"Bile said he would personally attend the meeting and we are waiting for his word," said Agina, adding that "so far Aluanga is the only candidate to have declared his interest."
The elections were pushed from Burkina Faso as only two member states Kenya and Eritrea attended. Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia have been invited.
Aluanga, who is also the chairman of the East and Central Africa Confederation, expressed confidence that he would sail through.
Meanwhile, Prof. Allain Ekra from Ivory Coast was elected unopposed to run the continental body for another four-year term. His sole opponent, Berraf Mustapha from Algeria, stepped down.Also re-elected was Bile also from Ivory Coast. The treasurer is Abd El Hamid Masoud from Egypt.
UGANDA : Falcons fall to Kenya’s Ulinzi
By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
LUGOGO
IT was yet another good trip to Uganda for the Kenyan sides following a double victory at the 2006 Falcons Invitational tournament that climaxed on Sunday at Lugogo.
Ulinzi Warriors and Sprite Storms won the men and women titles respectively. The Kenyan men league champions eased past tournament organisers Falcons with a 87-59 win. Ulinzi players, showing some good shooting power and class dominated the home side in all quarters.
Even when Falcons stand-in coach Steven Omony introduced youthfuls Brian Ssentongo and Charles Suubi for out marked Henry Malinga and Guy Rutaitsire, the Kenyans remained firm.
Simon Mugambi, Anicette Wafula and Osano used Falcons' defenceless game to pick 15, 14 and 10 points respectively. Malingas Eric and Henry made 17 and 14 points with impressive Louis Habineza notching 10.
In the ladies category, Sprite Storms struggeld to beat surprise package Berco Stars of Burundi 66-49 for the ladies' gold. Defending men and women champions APR (Rwanda) and Lady Bucks (Uganda) did not take part.
NIGERIA : Vmobile League - Peaks to Keep Trophy Forever
Pius Ayinor
Lagos
The Plateau Peaks of Jos late Sunday became the very first champions of the Vmobile Premier League. And in beating Dodan Warriors 71-63 at the National Stadium, Lagos, they not only won the Vmobile League but set a lot of records in the process.
The Vmobile League held in its very first season this term as the edition played last year was only a challenge competition and aptly named the Vmobile Challenge and which was won by Union Bank Club. The first league proper ended Sunday night in Lagos with Plateau Peaks emerging champions.
And if as they have been named the first champions, they are also champions forever as the Vmobile league has definitely held for the first and only season with the Vmobile brand officially changing to Celtel with effect from this morning. The league automatically becomes Celtel Premier Basketball League. And with the re-branding it means the Vmobile title would rest forever with the Jos-based champions.
The Peaks also broke a 10-year-old jinx as no Savannah Conference side had ever won the league since 1995 - the last time Niger Potters coached by Fred Oniga with Peter Wonder Boy Odaudu as captain.
The flagship league of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) since then was dominated exclusively by Ebun Comets and Lagos Islanders until last year when the Challenge edition went to Union Bank.
The Peaks match against Dodan Warriors was advertised to be a serious battle and the game was as exciting as expected. Both teams won two quarters each but the final result was determined by the difference in the points made. Peaks took the first quarter 25-14 while Warriors took the second 16-12.
After the break Dodan Warriors won the third by 25-19 but the difference 15-8 victory of Peaks in the last quarter was enough to crown them champions.
"They had the advantage of playing with their full team but we didn't get that," Dodan Warriors co-ordinator Sam Ahmedu said after the match.
"So they simply had the advantage with our players in South Africa representing Nigeria. But the timetable was intentionally drawn to favour the Savannah teams. They wanted a Savannah Conference team to win the league and that is why they refused to shift the date," he alleged.
But the NBBF League Director Muktar Khaleh explained the brand change was part of the reason the date was not moved.
"We could not be playing Vmobile League in the time of Celtel," he said.The Comets defeated Niger Potters 68-59 to win the third spot in the final play off.
The final weekend witnessed a lot of side action with Jazzman Olofin performing live amongst others artistes through the event. The NBBF President and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Jacob Buba Gyang was at the event as Chief host.
The next season has been fixed to jump off by November and run through May 2007.
Copyright © 2006 This Day. All rights re
Lagos
The Plateau Peaks of Jos late Sunday became the very first champions of the Vmobile Premier League. And in beating Dodan Warriors 71-63 at the National Stadium, Lagos, they not only won the Vmobile League but set a lot of records in the process.
The Vmobile League held in its very first season this term as the edition played last year was only a challenge competition and aptly named the Vmobile Challenge and which was won by Union Bank Club. The first league proper ended Sunday night in Lagos with Plateau Peaks emerging champions.
And if as they have been named the first champions, they are also champions forever as the Vmobile league has definitely held for the first and only season with the Vmobile brand officially changing to Celtel with effect from this morning. The league automatically becomes Celtel Premier Basketball League. And with the re-branding it means the Vmobile title would rest forever with the Jos-based champions.
The Peaks also broke a 10-year-old jinx as no Savannah Conference side had ever won the league since 1995 - the last time Niger Potters coached by Fred Oniga with Peter Wonder Boy Odaudu as captain.
The flagship league of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) since then was dominated exclusively by Ebun Comets and Lagos Islanders until last year when the Challenge edition went to Union Bank.
The Peaks match against Dodan Warriors was advertised to be a serious battle and the game was as exciting as expected. Both teams won two quarters each but the final result was determined by the difference in the points made. Peaks took the first quarter 25-14 while Warriors took the second 16-12.
After the break Dodan Warriors won the third by 25-19 but the difference 15-8 victory of Peaks in the last quarter was enough to crown them champions.
"They had the advantage of playing with their full team but we didn't get that," Dodan Warriors co-ordinator Sam Ahmedu said after the match.
"So they simply had the advantage with our players in South Africa representing Nigeria. But the timetable was intentionally drawn to favour the Savannah teams. They wanted a Savannah Conference team to win the league and that is why they refused to shift the date," he alleged.
But the NBBF League Director Muktar Khaleh explained the brand change was part of the reason the date was not moved.
"We could not be playing Vmobile League in the time of Celtel," he said.The Comets defeated Niger Potters 68-59 to win the third spot in the final play off.
The final weekend witnessed a lot of side action with Jazzman Olofin performing live amongst others artistes through the event. The NBBF President and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Jacob Buba Gyang was at the event as Chief host.
The next season has been fixed to jump off by November and run through May 2007.
Copyright © 2006 This Day. All rights re
ANGOLA : National Junior Team Start Victorious
Angola´s junior basketball team defeated Kenya last Sunday, by 86-42, at the first round match of the African Junior Basketball Championship, taking place in Durban, South Africa from July 28 to August 6.
The victory was considered very important by the team´s coach, Manuel Sousa "Necas", since it happened before this Monday´s game against the title holders, Nigeria.
Manuel Sousa "Necas" recognises the match will be difficult, due to the physical superiority of the opponents. However, he assured that the team will play with confidence aiming for a good result.
The victory was considered very important by the team´s coach, Manuel Sousa "Necas", since it happened before this Monday´s game against the title holders, Nigeria.
Manuel Sousa "Necas" recognises the match will be difficult, due to the physical superiority of the opponents. However, he assured that the team will play with confidence aiming for a good result.
KENYA : Terrorists' Score Their Second Win of the Year
Caxton Apollo
Nairobi
University of Nairobi's Terrorists registered their second win in this year's basketball Premier League when they shocked Kenyatta University Pirates 66-48 at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.
In other matches, Co-operative Bank maintained their top form beating International Christian Centre 88-69 while Lomboritz caused the biggest upset when they rocked Telkom 67-61 in the men's Division One league tie.
Pirates underrated Terrorists and ended up surrendering two points to their fellow students who hit them hard 66-48.
Terrorists, who had lost eight matches and had only one win, went for an early kill through Brian Busu, Rodney Genga and Fred Magana.
The trio scared Pirates from the start racing to a 12-0 run as their opponents lost their heads going dry in six minutes. Pirates' Griffins Ligare and Emmanuel Sande were completely out of the game from the start creating room for Terrorists to lead 16-13 in the first quarter.
Coach Waringo Gitau of Pirates had no game plan as Terrorists remained on fire to lead 33-24 at half-time. Surprisingly, Pirates trailed throughout. from start to finish suffering a heavy 20-14 defeat in the last quarter.
Eugene Genga and Arnold Mulili each scored 15 points while Rodney Genga added 13 for Terrorists. Paul Ojuoga lacked the usual support replying with 15 points for Pirates.
In another top tie, Bobby Okwako scored 19 points while Collins Macharia added 16 as Co-op Bank maintained their second spot after registering a 88-69 win over ICC.
Maurice Ochieng had 21 points and James Omune managed 18 for ICC.Lomboritz ended Telkom's winning treak when they pipped them 67-61in a closely contested men's Division One match.
Telkom had set the ball rolling with a 16-10 first quarter advantage before going down 36-34 at half-time. Philip Tindo shot 16 points, Eric Etemesi had 10 for Lomboritz while Maurice Ogolla managed 18 with team-mate Maxwell Kaunda scoring 10 for Telkom.
The top women's tie between champions Kenya Ports Authority and high-riding Telkom was called off at the last minute due to the preparations for Kecoso Games.
Nairobi
University of Nairobi's Terrorists registered their second win in this year's basketball Premier League when they shocked Kenyatta University Pirates 66-48 at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.
In other matches, Co-operative Bank maintained their top form beating International Christian Centre 88-69 while Lomboritz caused the biggest upset when they rocked Telkom 67-61 in the men's Division One league tie.
Pirates underrated Terrorists and ended up surrendering two points to their fellow students who hit them hard 66-48.
Terrorists, who had lost eight matches and had only one win, went for an early kill through Brian Busu, Rodney Genga and Fred Magana.
The trio scared Pirates from the start racing to a 12-0 run as their opponents lost their heads going dry in six minutes. Pirates' Griffins Ligare and Emmanuel Sande were completely out of the game from the start creating room for Terrorists to lead 16-13 in the first quarter.
Coach Waringo Gitau of Pirates had no game plan as Terrorists remained on fire to lead 33-24 at half-time. Surprisingly, Pirates trailed throughout. from start to finish suffering a heavy 20-14 defeat in the last quarter.
Eugene Genga and Arnold Mulili each scored 15 points while Rodney Genga added 13 for Terrorists. Paul Ojuoga lacked the usual support replying with 15 points for Pirates.
In another top tie, Bobby Okwako scored 19 points while Collins Macharia added 16 as Co-op Bank maintained their second spot after registering a 88-69 win over ICC.
Maurice Ochieng had 21 points and James Omune managed 18 for ICC.Lomboritz ended Telkom's winning treak when they pipped them 67-61in a closely contested men's Division One match.
Telkom had set the ball rolling with a 16-10 first quarter advantage before going down 36-34 at half-time. Philip Tindo shot 16 points, Eric Etemesi had 10 for Lomboritz while Maurice Ogolla managed 18 with team-mate Maxwell Kaunda scoring 10 for Telkom.
The top women's tie between champions Kenya Ports Authority and high-riding Telkom was called off at the last minute due to the preparations for Kecoso Games.
UGANDA : Warriors Fall
By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala
ANCETTE Wafula's 27 points helped Kenya's Ulinzi basketball club secure a semi-final place with a 85-64 victory over Kyambogo Warriors in the Falcons Invitational tournament at Lugogo.
Richard Osano added 20 points in Ulinzi's 21-point victory that saw them maintain top place in Pool B, to set up a semi-final date with Uganda's Nkumba-Marines.
In the women's contest, Kenya's Sprite erased a 10-point first-quarter deficit to surge past Uganda's MUK-Sparks 65-40.
Meanwhile, KCC Leopards became the second team to pull out of the tournament after defending champions Lady Bucks, because their appeal was not honoured.
Men
Ulinzi 85 Warriors 64
Women
Storms 65 MUK-Sparks 40
Berco 20 L/Bucks 0 (w/o)
Today
Rest day
Tomorrow
3rd place play-off- 1.00pm
Final- 3.00pm
Kampala
ANCETTE Wafula's 27 points helped Kenya's Ulinzi basketball club secure a semi-final place with a 85-64 victory over Kyambogo Warriors in the Falcons Invitational tournament at Lugogo.
Richard Osano added 20 points in Ulinzi's 21-point victory that saw them maintain top place in Pool B, to set up a semi-final date with Uganda's Nkumba-Marines.
In the women's contest, Kenya's Sprite erased a 10-point first-quarter deficit to surge past Uganda's MUK-Sparks 65-40.
Meanwhile, KCC Leopards became the second team to pull out of the tournament after defending champions Lady Bucks, because their appeal was not honoured.
Men
Ulinzi 85 Warriors 64
Women
Storms 65 MUK-Sparks 40
Berco 20 L/Bucks 0 (w/o)
Today
Rest day
Tomorrow
3rd place play-off- 1.00pm
Final- 3.00pm
NIGERIA :Vmobile League - Comets, Peaks Begin Final Battle
By Pius Ayinor
Lagos
The final lap for the Vmobile Premier Basketball League will start this afternoon as the national Final-4 play off holds at the National Stadium in Lagos. This weekend's competition marks the final lap of the play off series that began with the Atlantic Conference teams in Lagos before moving over to Kaduna last weekend where the Savannah Conference teams held their zonal play off games.
The opening game for the national event is the game between former league champions Ebun Comets and Plateau Peaks of Jos. In the national finals of many seasons gone by, the Peaks were major problems to the aspiration of the Comets and the situation could also be quite a test for the Comets this time.
The Peaks are riding on good current form going by their outing in Kaduna last weekend while the Comets are haunted by the absence of one of their players Orseer Ikyator who left the country for South Africa on Wednesday with the junior national team as Nigeria features in the African Junior men's Championship. The player was a major feature in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) selection while the Atlantic Conference qualifiers lasted.
The opening game between Comets, champions of the Atlantic and Peaks runners-up of the Savannah Conference would take the jump ball at 2.00pm
The next match in the two game per day series is between Niger Potters and Dodan Warriors. Both teams finished as winners and runners-up of their various conferences. But even as the spectators remain in suspense as to the outcome of the match, the captain of the Potters Abubakar Usman is certain of how the final picture would look like.
"We have come this far because of hard work and we know this would see us through when we all gather in Lagos. I don't see any team stopping us from winning the trophy," Abubakar said.
The Potters point guard says he is very confident because of the rosters of the four teams in the finals.
"We know these teams. We have played with and against most of the players and so we know what to expect," he said in the euphoria of their hundred percent victory in Kaduna.The player was voted the overall MVP of the Savannah Conference.
The Vmobile League play off will feature two games daily starting from 2.00pm and with a lot of side attractions. A number of Nigerian celebrated musicians have been lined up to perform live at the venue.
The champions of the Vmobile League will represent Nigerian in the next African Champions League competition.
Lagos
The final lap for the Vmobile Premier Basketball League will start this afternoon as the national Final-4 play off holds at the National Stadium in Lagos. This weekend's competition marks the final lap of the play off series that began with the Atlantic Conference teams in Lagos before moving over to Kaduna last weekend where the Savannah Conference teams held their zonal play off games.
The opening game for the national event is the game between former league champions Ebun Comets and Plateau Peaks of Jos. In the national finals of many seasons gone by, the Peaks were major problems to the aspiration of the Comets and the situation could also be quite a test for the Comets this time.
The Peaks are riding on good current form going by their outing in Kaduna last weekend while the Comets are haunted by the absence of one of their players Orseer Ikyator who left the country for South Africa on Wednesday with the junior national team as Nigeria features in the African Junior men's Championship. The player was a major feature in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) selection while the Atlantic Conference qualifiers lasted.
The opening game between Comets, champions of the Atlantic and Peaks runners-up of the Savannah Conference would take the jump ball at 2.00pm
The next match in the two game per day series is between Niger Potters and Dodan Warriors. Both teams finished as winners and runners-up of their various conferences. But even as the spectators remain in suspense as to the outcome of the match, the captain of the Potters Abubakar Usman is certain of how the final picture would look like.
"We have come this far because of hard work and we know this would see us through when we all gather in Lagos. I don't see any team stopping us from winning the trophy," Abubakar said.
The Potters point guard says he is very confident because of the rosters of the four teams in the finals.
"We know these teams. We have played with and against most of the players and so we know what to expect," he said in the euphoria of their hundred percent victory in Kaduna.The player was voted the overall MVP of the Savannah Conference.
The Vmobile League play off will feature two games daily starting from 2.00pm and with a lot of side attractions. A number of Nigerian celebrated musicians have been lined up to perform live at the venue.
The champions of the Vmobile League will represent Nigerian in the next African Champions League competition.
CAMEROON : Youth Basketball Championship Begins Next Week
Elizabeth Mosima
Ten teams are expected to participate in the competition.
The gymnasium of the College de la Salle in Douala will be the venue of a one-week national youth championship in basketball. Organised by the Cameroon Basketball Federation (FECABASKET), the competition will bring together ten teams from all the provinces in the country. The competition falls in line with the policy of FECABASKET to train young talents who will replace aging ones in future. The tournament will run from July 31 to August 6, 2006. This year's youth championship promises to be tough as each province is determined to have its name written in the book of fame.
Prior to the event, preparations have been going on in the various provincial leagues.
Only the best teams were selected from each province following their activities and excellent performances in their different leagues. Organisers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a hitch free event. Preparatory meetings are going on in Yaounde and Douala. The various committees in charge of the organisation of the competition are working hard in other to avoid last minute rushes. In order to ensure the best results, a technical meeting has been slated for July 30 at 4:00pm at the College de la Salle campus in Douala.
Sources close to federation reveal that the tournament will be organised in Douala due to the absence of adequate sports infrastructure in Yaounde. "That is the reason why the Cup of Cameroon and other major international competitions were organised in Douala last year," the source said. It is equally the wish of FECABASKET officials to vulgarise the sport in the hinterland.
Ten teams are expected to participate in the competition.
The gymnasium of the College de la Salle in Douala will be the venue of a one-week national youth championship in basketball. Organised by the Cameroon Basketball Federation (FECABASKET), the competition will bring together ten teams from all the provinces in the country. The competition falls in line with the policy of FECABASKET to train young talents who will replace aging ones in future. The tournament will run from July 31 to August 6, 2006. This year's youth championship promises to be tough as each province is determined to have its name written in the book of fame.
Prior to the event, preparations have been going on in the various provincial leagues.
Only the best teams were selected from each province following their activities and excellent performances in their different leagues. Organisers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a hitch free event. Preparatory meetings are going on in Yaounde and Douala. The various committees in charge of the organisation of the competition are working hard in other to avoid last minute rushes. In order to ensure the best results, a technical meeting has been slated for July 30 at 4:00pm at the College de la Salle campus in Douala.
Sources close to federation reveal that the tournament will be organised in Douala due to the absence of adequate sports infrastructure in Yaounde. "That is the reason why the Cup of Cameroon and other major international competitions were organised in Douala last year," the source said. It is equally the wish of FECABASKET officials to vulgarise the sport in the hinterland.
NIGERIA : Ayinla Not Our Problem - Savage
By Wale Quadri
Lagos
The management Union Bank Basketball team has said that the introduction of former Nigeria international, Ayinla Johnson into the team during the Atlantic Conference play-off in Lagos was not responsible for the team's inability to make it to the National final which is expected to hold in Lagos from July 28 through 30.
According to the team manager of the 2005 NBBF/VMobile challenge winner, Rotimi Savage the introduction of Ayinla was meant to help boost the team in its quest to win the national title after emerging victorious at the end of the regular season of the more competitive Atlantic conference of the league.
He explained that Ayinla, who is based in London, had at different times joined the team at crucial stages on the local and continental scene.
Savage revealed that he was shocked to learn that the non-qualification of his team was ascribed to the presence of Ayinla.
"Ayinla has been a regular face within the Union Bank basketball club fold. He was with us at last year's challenge in Abuja where we emerged victorious. So, the claim that Ayinla was imposed on the team is spurious. I believe that his presence has helped us and why some believe that he is causing disaffection is what I don't understand. The team manager hinted that Ayinla was at the National Sports Festival where alongside coach Emma Okolo recruited players for the team and was also at the Abeokuta camp prior to the play-offs.He however said the team has put behind it inability to qualify for the grand finale in Lagos, adding that the problem which prevented it from qualifying for the final was temporary as efforts have been made to guide against a reoccurrence.
It also stated that it has learned from the mistakes and that all hands would be on deck to ensure the team does better in subsequent championships.
Many had expected the Stallion Boys to pick one of the two tickets in the Atlantic conference, which they failed to do.
Lagos
The management Union Bank Basketball team has said that the introduction of former Nigeria international, Ayinla Johnson into the team during the Atlantic Conference play-off in Lagos was not responsible for the team's inability to make it to the National final which is expected to hold in Lagos from July 28 through 30.
According to the team manager of the 2005 NBBF/VMobile challenge winner, Rotimi Savage the introduction of Ayinla was meant to help boost the team in its quest to win the national title after emerging victorious at the end of the regular season of the more competitive Atlantic conference of the league.
He explained that Ayinla, who is based in London, had at different times joined the team at crucial stages on the local and continental scene.
Savage revealed that he was shocked to learn that the non-qualification of his team was ascribed to the presence of Ayinla.
"Ayinla has been a regular face within the Union Bank basketball club fold. He was with us at last year's challenge in Abuja where we emerged victorious. So, the claim that Ayinla was imposed on the team is spurious. I believe that his presence has helped us and why some believe that he is causing disaffection is what I don't understand. The team manager hinted that Ayinla was at the National Sports Festival where alongside coach Emma Okolo recruited players for the team and was also at the Abeokuta camp prior to the play-offs.He however said the team has put behind it inability to qualify for the grand finale in Lagos, adding that the problem which prevented it from qualifying for the final was temporary as efforts have been made to guide against a reoccurrence.
It also stated that it has learned from the mistakes and that all hands would be on deck to ensure the team does better in subsequent championships.
Many had expected the Stallion Boys to pick one of the two tickets in the Atlantic conference, which they failed to do.
NIGERIA : Ahead V/Mobile Final - Peaks, Potters Storm Lagos
Savannah Conference qualifiers, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna and Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos have arrived Lagos for the national final of the V/Mobile Premier League billed to dunk-off tomorrow at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.
Both teams picked the qualification tickets against all oppositions at the Savannah Conference play-off which ended last weekend in Kaduna.
Already, players of both teams are breathing fire and brimstone in reparation for the final while the teams round up its training session today with determination to win a continent ticket to represent the country in club championship.Niger Potters forward, Joseph Abubakar, who emerged the most valuable layer in their second game against Plateau Peaks, expressed optimism that the trophy will return with them to Minna at the end of hostilities in Lagos.
"Potters remains the team to beat his season, we have experienced layers and the ability to win the trophy. We are determined that nothing short of victory will elude us in Lagos," he said.
Plateau Peaks point guard, Job Nelson said his expectation is to add he league trophy to his collection.
Both teams picked the qualification tickets against all oppositions at the Savannah Conference play-off which ended last weekend in Kaduna.
Already, players of both teams are breathing fire and brimstone in reparation for the final while the teams round up its training session today with determination to win a continent ticket to represent the country in club championship.Niger Potters forward, Joseph Abubakar, who emerged the most valuable layer in their second game against Plateau Peaks, expressed optimism that the trophy will return with them to Minna at the end of hostilities in Lagos.
"Potters remains the team to beat his season, we have experienced layers and the ability to win the trophy. We are determined that nothing short of victory will elude us in Lagos," he said.
Plateau Peaks point guard, Job Nelson said his expectation is to add he league trophy to his collection.
