Basketball in Africa

Players of Africa in Belgium

N1
Moustapha N’Doye 87 2,09m SENEGAL (team: Mons-Hainaut)
Stephane Pelle 80 2,04m CAMEROON ( Liége Basketball)
Hervé Djoumbi 77 2,04m CAMEROON (Leuven)
Christian Ilongo 85 1,94m RDC (Oestende)

N2
David Mukeba 77 2,00m ANGOLA (Fleurus)
Georges Bokanga 81 2,00m RDC (Fleurs)
Kanefu Semijejero 77 1,96m RDC (Fleurs)

N3
Jarvis Kelley-Sanni 75 2,05m NIGERIA (US Cambusart)
Leigh Enobakhare 86 2,07m NIGERIA (KBGO Duva)
Bob Tshitenge 82 1,95m RDC (Antwerp Giants 2)
Christian Badabanga 81 2,08m RDC (UBCF Quaregnon)
Daouda Kamata 87 IVORY COAST (Royal Schaerbeek)
Leon Mziye Munango 87 RDC (Royal Schaerbeek)

N4
Kengale Kapinga 68 1,80m RDC (Holstra Wevelgem)
Christos Ikoma Yanliko 76 1,95m RDC (Holstra Wevelgem

By Gloria Kyomugisha

MTN Basketball League
FPAU v Flippers
Berkeley v Lubiri
A-1 Challenge v L/Bucks
C/Rhinos v S/Power
at YMCA courts
Nabisunsa v MUK-Cubs
B/Jackets v MBC Rocks
B/Court v Vegetarians
at makerere University court

CHARGING Rhinos take on Sadolin Power today as the MTN basketball league preliminary round enters the final week.

With their playoff dreams shattered, Rhinos still have an edge over fourth-placed Power in the highly billed encounter.

Rhinos will determine Power’s final position on the Yello max table before the playoff semi-final clashes next week. A victory for Rhinos will see Power maintain fourth place on the table and face on-form Falcons in the playoffs.

But in case Power pulls off a win, they will improve their position to third place and set up a semi-final date with Warriors.

Another match will see champions A-1 Challenge take on Lady Bucks in a women’s playoff battle also at the same venue.

A-1 Challenge, currently fourth on the league table, will have the chance to move to third if they defeat Lady Bucks and pray that KCC Leopards outlast Kampala International University Rangers tomorrow.

Lang’ata Crusaders Fidel Maithya (with ball) in action against African Nazarene University in a basketball league match at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, last week. African Nazerene University won 63-62.

Story by CAXTON APOLLO

National basketball league champions Ulinzi Warriors will be out to maintain their unbeaten record when they tackle Kenya Commercial Bank Lions at Nyayo National Stadium from 4pm.

Ulinzi Warriors was awarded their first leg tie on a 20-0 basis after Lions walked out of the court in protest at the poor officiating. Today, the soldiers, who have won all their 13 matches, will start as favourites to win and keep their scoresheet clean.

But, the match is a mere formality for Ulinzi, who are assured of finishing top in the eight-team competition to qualify for the post-season four-team play-offs semi-finals. Lions, who went down fighting 78-76 to USIU-A Tigers last weekend badly need the two points to finish in third position.The bankers have collected 21 points from nine wins and four loses.

As usual, Ulinzi’s much-improved forward Vincent Ambani, Ancette Wafula, Tom Opar and John Apollo are expected to give Lions a run for their money. But, the Eastleigh-based army men should not underrate the bankers whose experienced players Ikapian Juma, Greg Odera and Tobias Onyango can rise to the occasion to break their unbeaten record.

In another men’s top match, Gitau Waringo’s Kenyatta University Pirates will take on International Christian Centre in a tie that has no significance in the race for the play-offs.

Pirates have 17 points from five wins and seven losses which automatically throws them out of the running.

ICC on the other hand, are threatened with relegation after winning only one match from 12 outings and any upset to the varsity lads will not make much difference. In the Division One league category, Telkom return to the court to complete their pre-season programme against Strathmore University.

After having harvested the maximum four points last weekend, Telkom are already through to the play-offs. Telkom beat Kisumu Lakeside before registering a narrow 93-92 win over Java Warriors.

Strathmore, who have also lost five matches, will battle strongly in order to bid good-bye to the pre-season on a winning note to qualify for the prestigious play-offs. Lomboritz will take on bottom placed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Tomorrow, the high-riding George Mayienga Tigers of the USIU-A will be in Nakuru to meet Nakuru Club at Menengai High School from 4pm. Tigers rocked Lions 78-76 to qualify for the play-offs but it remain while an certain whether the Nakuru club will honour the fixture after skipping two matches in a row in Nairobi.

Mennonites face stubborn Java Warriors in a match they must win to sail into the play-offs. Mennonites have 24 points from six loses while Java, who slipped 93-92 against Telkom have dropped four points.

The final of the 2006 Nigeria national women club championship that is set to dunk-off on Sunday in Lagos looks interesting with the level of seriousness puts into preparation by clubs yearning for honours.
Championship top three teams, First Bank Elepant Girls, Dolphins and First Bank Blue Angels are not leaving any stone on turned in their bid to do well in the final-8 of the championship as the three teams just returned from a week-long training tour to strategise for the finals.

First Bank teams coached by the duo of Adewumi Aderemi and former D'Tigress captain, Sola Ogunade went on tour of Akure, SouthWest Nigeria where its two teams Elephant Girls and Blue Angels were for close to three weeks.

According to the teams' head coach, the choice of moving camp out of the clubs' traditional base, Lagos was to afford the players the opportunity to concentrate fully for the task ahead.

The former assistant coach of the Nigeria senior female national team pointed out that the players and its handlers need the tour so that everybody would know that the task ahead is as big as the parent company, First Bank Nigeria Plc.

He, however, assured the bank management and the teams' teeming supports of a good outing in this year's finals.

"We are known to be the best in this country and that we can't compromise, don't forget also that our going to Akure is not just for the Nigeria finals but to also access our players readiness for the 12th African Club Championship coming up in Libreveille, Gabon later in October, as we are set to reclaim our tilte which was lost last year in Mali", the coach opined.

Dolphins on the other hand takes its training tour to neighbouring Cotonou, Republic of Benin where the team trained twice daily on the watchful eyes of club owner, Wale Aboderin and coach Sylvester James.

The Ochuko Okworogun captain side played some friendly matches against some top clubs in the small West Africa country.

According to the team boss, the club is prepared to surrender its second spot if it cannot over take the Elephant Girls as the number one club in Nigeria.

Other clubs that will give Elephant Girls, Dolphins and Blue Angels a run for their money and talents in the finals includes, Delta Force basketball club of Asaba; Sunshine Angels of Akure; Customs basketball club of Lagos; Immigration and AHIP basketball clubs of Kano

Dolphins, who placed second behind Elephant Girls last years is also setting its eyes on the Africa title in Gabon.

By Paul Munyuki
Harare

FOUR teams have pulled out of the Harare Basketball Association pre-season tournament, which gets underway tomorrow while a new team -- Chitungwiza Blades -- have registered to play in the league.

Army side Black Rhinos, Celtics, Mufakose Hawks and South Central pulled out yesterday.

No reasons have been given for the decision by the teams to pull out.

The HBA has centralised the tournament and games that were originally scheduled for Mabvuku, City Sports Centre and Dzivaresekwa will now be held at Belvedere Technical Teachers' College.

Varsity Leopards have also been moved from Pool D to Pool C after the organisers seeded the teams according to how they finished at the end of last season.

HBA administrator and tournament director Simon Lawson said only the teams in Pool A will remain at Kambuzuma.

"The women's games will also be at Belvedere and so we can not congest one venue when there can be an alternative.

"Mufakose Hawks, Black Rhinos and Celtics have pulled out of the tournament but we also have new comers Chitungwiza Blades who have registered with the HBA.

"We want the teams to get a lot of play time and with that in mind we are planning on the teams playing classification games if they do not qualify for the semi-finals.

"All group games will be on this while the semi's and the finals have been set for next weekend and we are yet to decide on the venue," said Lawson.

Men

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

The final national play off for the Zenith Bank Female Basketball League takes the first jump ball on Sunday at the National Stadium, Lagos with the top eight teams from the Conference play offs featuring. The officials of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and their sponsors Zenith Bank confirmed the details to THISDAYSports yesterday.

By the schedule, the Independence Day battle would commence with the game between one time national champions Customs and AHIP of Kano. This game is billed to start off at midday and would thereafter be followed by three other matches.

In the next game, which follows immediately after, Delta Force of Asaba would face Sunshine Angels of Akure which finished in second position from the Losers Conference play off held in Abuja last month. On paper, the Delta girls look very good to take the full points.

The third match of the opening day is between defending champions First Bank and Immigration which won the Savannah Conference play off held in Bauchi. On paper and on ground, the Elephant Girls are certain to win and a win by Immigration would be seen as an upset. The day's event would be wrapped up with the game between Atlantic champions, the Blue Angels and Dolphins of Lagos. This fixture is certainly the most balanced of all four games and would take more than the crystal ball to predict the winners. Dolphins finished as champions of the Losers zone.The championship would hold daily for the following six days and be wrapped up the following weekend and four matches as well but the matches for the closing day would commence by 9.30am.

Two teams qualified from the four conferences to make up the eight teams who remain together to form the division one cadre for the female league. The lesser teams have been stepped down to the next division with effect from the next season expected to start off by next month. The conference qualifiers began July 3rd with the first stage held in Asaba, before Akure, Bauchi and Abuja took their turns.

The winners of the league and their runners up would represent Nigeria in the next FIBA Africa Club championship for female teams.

By Sande A. Bashaija
Wandegeya

FANS who had turned up for the Nkumba Marines, Charging Rhino MTN league game Wednesday evening left the YMCA Wandegeya courts disappointed after the game could not go on due to load shedding.

It was meant to start at 7:30pm but power went off 10 minutes earlier.

Both teams had dressed and warmed up and were only waiting for floodlights to be switched on but were later informed by Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) official Imelda Nyongesa that the game could not be played.

Marines protested saying they could not waste more transport to come back for the same game and requested that the Rhinos travel to Nkumba on a later date. Rhino players also argued that they could not raise transport and decided to forfeit the game and Marines be awarded two points.

Rhino are out of play-offs while Marines have already qualified and can take second place if awarded the two points.

FUBA organising secretary Edmund Lumu though said the game has to be played at all costs because the result affects table standings and teams gunning for play-offs.

It was the second time for the game to be aborted after it was abandoned halfway on August 27 due to a heavy downpour and darkness.

Action in the MTN sponsored league resumes tomorrow at the YMCA courts in Wandegeya.

Results

Lubiri 57 KCC Lions 58
Kabojja 61 FPAU 39

The rising profile of one of the nation's modest basketball teams Dodan Warriors of Lagos have continued to grow in leaps and bounds ahead of the 2006/2007 Premier League season scheduled to dunk off next month.

Sports Champion can exclusively reveal that the club is on the verge of signing the dotted lines for an awesome sponsorship package with a new generation bank for the next two seasons.

Top official of the club disclosed that discussion with the prospective sponsor has reached advanced stage, adding the deal will be completed in the next two weeks.

Though, other detail of the sponsorship deal and terms remains sketchy, it was learnt that the club will smile to the bank when the deal is sealed.

According to the source, the deal will see the Lagos-based outfit donning the logo of the sponsors when the new season commence.

"Apart from planning a good welfare package for the players as motivation, we are talking with with a corporate organisation for sponsorship. The talks have reached advanced stage and when the deal is sealed will let you know" he informed.

Meanwhile, Proprietor of the Dodan Warrior, Col. Sam Ahmedu said the club's target for the new season is to win the league shield.

"Right now we are concentrating on the continental championship which we are hosting in the first week of November'

"This will serve as platform to get set for to the new season. Anyway, we are training and playing everyday, there is never a dull moment in our camp. Our aim is not to be second to any team, having gone that far, we can not settle for anything less than the top position" he boasted.

CASCADE BULLETS are out of danger after surprising SMB Razorbacks 68-61 on Tuesday September 26 at Victoria Gymnasium in a Men’s division 1A League match.

Skippered by Biko Biong, the Bullets got a game-high 20 points including two 3-pointers from shooting guard Dan Côme and 18 points including two treys from playmaker Kenneth Sophie in the important win to bring their points tally to 18. They have five wins and eight losses to their name in 13 games played. Their final league encounter is against Angels Friday September 29.

As for SMB Razorbacks, they have finished the season in fourth position with 21 points after seven wins and seven defeats. Jean-Paul Camille led them in scoring on Tuesday with 15 points.

Although Angels are presently at the bottom of the eight-team league table with 17 points, they will avoid automatic relegation to the Men’s division 1B as they will garner at least a point in their final match as winning teams win two points and the losers one in basketball here.

This means that RC Dynamics, who have concluded their season with 17 points after three wins and 11 defeats, will make the drop the Men’s division 1B at the end of the present campaign.


G. G.

By Corry Ihuhua


THE Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) yesterday suspended and fined three basketball players and two clubs after a fight broke out during a league match played at Augustineum High School last weekend.

Civics player Eric Norman was suspended for the rest of the season and was fined N$300, while his counterpart from the UBC Rebels team, Nigel Mubita, was suspended for three league games and fined N$300.The two players were involved in a fight that eventually led to both team benches joining the free-for-all.

Mubita's brother, Moses, was suspended for the rest of the season as player, coach and manager and he also received a fine of N$300.

The three have been ordered to pay the fines on September 29, and are not allowed to attend any matches or take part in any other activities of the KBA during the period of their suspension.
In addition, both Civics and the UCB Rebels were fined N$500 for violating four league rules as set by the KBA.

The KBA said the fines had to be paid in cash, and if the teams and players did not pay up, they would all be suspended and all the points for games played during that time would be forfeited.

However, the KBA added that the teams could appeal according to article 42-48 of the Namibia Basketball Federation's regulations of 2006

Caxton Apollo
Nairobi

Defending men's and women's basketball Premier League champions, Ulinzi Warriors and Kenya Ports Authority, are headed for the completion of the 2006 pre-season competition with unbeaten record.

KPA kept their scoresheet clean with 20 points from 10 outings when they crossed the century mark with a 106-23 win over Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Mombasa at the weekend.

Sprite Storms, who head the table standings with 21 points, and third placed Telkom have lost three matches each.

KPA are chasing to enter the history books by becoming the first women's team to win the title four times in a row.

Storms and Telkom will battle it out for the second and third positions while newcomers Yana, under coach John Chasimba, are assured of clinching the fourth spot.

Yana will face KPA in the best-of-three series playoff semi-final.

Ulinzi Warriors are enjoying the top spot on the men's standings with 26 points from 13 straight victories.

The soldiers, who are focused on emulating Co-operative Bank of Kenya by winning four championships in a row, have two matches in hand against KCB Lions on Saturday and University of Nairobi's Terrorists on October 8.

Co-op Bank, with 23 points, Tigers of the United States International University (22) and KCB Lions (21) are all through to the play-offs' semi-finals but their finishing order is still unpredictable.

The battle for the top spot in the men's Division One league intensified last weekend after the return leg matches.

Telkom bounced back, registering four points to move from sixth to first position. Telkom have 25 points from 10 wins and five loses.

They are in the same spot with Strathmore University, who have also garnered 25 points.

The two teams clash in their last pre-season tie on Saturday.

Kisumu Lakeside and Java Warriors are well placed to grab the first position depending on the outcome of their last matches.

After harvesting three points from their Nairobi tour, Lakeside also have 25 points from 14 games. Lakeside have registered 11 wins and three loses.

Java lost their fourth match after Telkom edged them 93-92 to lie in fourth place with 22 points. Mennonites have collected 24 points and are lowly rated to qualify after losing six matches.

They must win their last tie against Java Warriors on Sunday to keep the chances alive.

AFTER the lucky 71-70 win over Warriors on Sunday, defending champions Nkumba University Marines return to action this evening at the YMCA Courts against 1997 champions Charging Rhino.

Marines are currently fourth on the Yellow Max Conference table but on level points (30) with third-placed Power and second-placed Warriors.
Power and Warriors have a better point-average than Marines. Record winners Falcons still lead the table with 32 points despite losing to Power over the weekend.

Marines need a win today to snatch second place and avoid a clash with table leaders Falcons in the play-offs. Donald Blick, who scored the winning basket against Warriors, could make the Marines' starting five alongside Carrol Bisereko, Barnes Ankunda, Boniface Okello and reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Norman Blick.

Charging Rhino, which is out of the MTN Basketball League play-offs for the second season running will be playing for pride. National team star Moses Wasswa is back in the country from USA and could play his second game for Rhino.

He will combine with experienced point guard Mande Juruni, Ronnie Kalule, Rogers Sserunyigo and coach player Robert Ndamagye .

Today

Marines vs Rhino
Kabojja SS vs FPAU
Lubiri vs KCC Lions

Kabojja v FPAU
Lubiri v KCC Lions
N/Marines v C/Rhinos
The fight for the second to fourth positions in the Yello max conference gets underway today at the YMCA court. Champions Nkumba-Marines play Charging Rhinos today in a battle where Marines hope to secure a symbolic victory.

By Dann O’were

East and Central African club champions, KCB Lions, fell 76-78 to United States International University (Usiu) in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League match at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium at the weekend.

The victory enhanced the team’s, popularly known as Tigers, chances of making the four-team play offs next month. Abel Nson nailed 28 points, while Dan Okwiri shot 15. Tobias Ocholla and Juma Ikapian scored 21 and 14 points for KCB.

Nakuru Club did not honour their fixtures against International Christian Centre, giving the latter two easy points.
They have missed three consecutive matches that will cost them dearly.

In lower division matches, Telkom nipped Java Warriors 93-92, while Kisumu extended Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) woes with a 88-73 defeat.

Meanwhile, four Nairobi Basketball Association teams for the provincial play-offs in Kisumu were known at the weekend following matches played at Railways Club.

Runda, Kenya Polytechnic, African Nazarene University and Blazers are the teams.
They booked their tickets to the lakeside town next month with contrasting wins.

Runda beat Team Jam 75-46 with Ken Ondiek nailing 19 points. Kenya Poly beat Old Pirates 65-63.

Outidaz shocked Blazers 55-47, but missed out as they had an inferior aggregate. Peter Gathungu and Zico Kadir shot 25 points. Joel Atebe made 11 for Blazers.
Gerald Masibey scored 16 points as ANU went past Langata Crusaders 54-43. Fidel Maithya made 11 for the losers.

In the women’s matches, Nairobi Pentecostal Church beat Strathmore University 31-26, while Mennonites edged Kenyatta University 58-51.

Meanwhile, national women’s champions Kenya Ports Authority have been confirmed for the Africa women club championships, a top KBF official said.

T porters, league winners for the last four years, will carry the nation’s flag in the continental tournament set for Libreville, Gabon next month.

By Paul Munyuki
Harare

THEY might have not won the honours but the debutant teams in the Sprite-Nash Top Schools basketball tournament had every reason to walk high after giving their more seasoned campaigners a good run.

The tournament at Marondera High School at the weekend had such teams as Mufakose High 2 of Harare and Masvingo's Dewure competing for the first time but they did not disappoint especially in the Girls section.

Mufakose High 2 finished fourth in the Girls category after losing to eventual runners-up Loreto who beat them 46-41 in the semi-final but they showed potential to become a force in schools basketball.

Fifth-placed Dewure who were Masvingo's torch bearers had finished third in Pool B where they were behind leaders Loreto and Hillcrest.

In the qualifying rounds, Dewure edged highly fancied Mashonaland East representatives Watershed College 22-21 -- a match which the visitors could have won by a bigger margin had they been collecting the rebounds.

Tournament director Simon Lawson felt the gap between the newcomers and those teams that have been a regular feature could be bridged if more schools got the necessary exposure.

"Competition in both groups was tough as there were quite a number of matches that had to be decided in overtime including the girls final between Loreto and Empandeni.

"One thing that pleased me is that some schools are taking their sport seriously and we have a good example of Empandeni who finished ninth last year but they managed to claim the championship this year in the girls' category.

"At the same time Dewure who were taking part in this tournament for the first time really played some good basketball and managed to finish in the top five, better than some teams that had taken part in the previous editions.

"Looking at where they came from (Dewure) all they need is more exposure . . . more tournaments and if they get the right resources next year they will give many teams problems.

"Mufakose came fourth and runners up in their group and I believe that that was a major achievement because they managed to reach the semis yet it was also their first time," said Lawson.Lawson said the script was the same in the Boys category where defending champions Churchill triumphed.

"In the boys category Churchill did not have an easy journey to the finals because Marist Nyanga proved to be a difficult side to deal with both in the final and in the group stages.

"There was no team that one could rule out given the way Visitation and Loreto played," Lawson said.

By Paul Munyuki
Marondera

HARARE'S Churchill Boys High made it three in a row when they defended their title as the Nash-Top Schools Basketball Champions after dismissing spirited Marist Brothers Nyanga 62-59 in the final here yesterday.

There were new holders in the girls' category when Empandeni edged Loreto 42-41 to write their own piece of history as they became the second girls side to win the title since the launch of the competition.

The girls tournament had been dominated by Girls High School also of Harare who won the previous five editions of the tournament but things were different this year.

The Churchill Bulldogs managed to beat Marist Nyanga on exposure and experience as they have all their players plying their trade with the Harare Basketball League teams.

Marist Nyanga took the lead in the first quarter (22-13) but by the end of the first half, Churchill had reduced the gap to 34-36.

At the end of the third quarter, the sides were level at 48-48 and it was also in the last quarter that the Marist Nyanga trio of Tawanda Mufokozana, Mathew Sagwete and Ronald Nyamariwata seemed to have taken control of the game but that was not to be.Churchill managed to stay calm and the Stormers' quad of Nomutsa Mpezeni, Simba Dongonda, Kelvin Zakazaka and Tatenda Kembo co-ordinated well.

Sigauke's Tawanda Chitsinde, Emmannuel Kusema, the team captain, and Advent Karikumasa of Churchill proved too powerful for Marist Nyanga in the dying minutes of the game.

To book a place in the boys final, the Bulldogs had beaten Lomagundi College 71-39 in the semi-finals while Marist Nyanga managed to overpower Loreto 44-36. Earlier on Marist Nyanga and Churchill had met in the group stages where the champions upset the runners-up 34-27, giving the winners a good run for their money. Loreto, on the other hand, had finished tops in Pool B while Lomagundi were placed second in the same pool.

Opening the match with two treys from Ugandan Stephen Omony and Seychellois playmaker Thomas Collie for a 6-0 lead, PLS Hawks showed their intention of working their way to an 11-point margin win against main rivals Premium Cobras to defend the Men’s division 1A League title.

But when Premium Cobras’ captain James Beier equalised at 6-6 on a slam dunk, PLS Hawks just could not follow the momentum, losing 63-69.

On another fantastic slam in the ninth minute when being defended by Omony, Beier brought the score to 21-12 in Premium Cobras’ favour but the Ugandan responded with a 3-pointer and a baseline jumper to narrow the gap at 21-17 after the first 10 minutes of play.

Using a 9-2 run to distance themselves from their opponents and with Lenny ‘Bad’ Aglaé blocking airborne Omony who was attempting a 16th minute slam dunk, Premium Cobras went for the break with a healthy 15-point (40-25) advantage.

Opting for a tight and scrambling defence and getting the ball in the paint, PLS Hawks worked their way back into the game and on an Omony 29th minute lay-up, they came to within six points (49-43) of equalising. But up came Tanzanian Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan with a long trey with two seconds left on the clock to send Premium Cobras into the fourth quarter with an eight-point (52-43) lead.

All attempts by PLS Hawks to try and pull level was countered by Premium Cobras who held on to win. Winners of all four encounters against PLS Hawks so far this season, Premium Cobras had five players in double digits – ‘Dulla’ 17 points including two 3-pointers, Brian Morel 14 points including two treys, Reuben Kolawole 11, Beier 10 and Aglaé 10. As for PLS Hawks, they were led in scoring by Omony with a game-high 23 points, while stand-in centre Rodney Lozé was their only other player in double figures with 14 points.

As the players and members of management shook hands after the final whistle, a section of the crowd threw bottles on to the court right in front of police officers who watched and did nothing.

..................

What they said:

Michel Malbrook (Anse Etoile Stars’ coach): “It has been a tough season following a ban imposed on us by the SBF not to compete in all international competitions and one of my players (Lindy Mathiot) banned lately for not attending national team training. We had to win by a six-point margin and my players responded to the challenge. They worked hard and displayed the will to win. I have to congratulate them. We are now looking at winning the Top-of-the-Table competition and the SBF Cup.”

Jude Talma (Premium Cobras’ coach): “It has been fantastic up to now. We are unbeaten against PLS Hawks this year and to win the championship with Premium Cobras in my first season as coach is something good. The success has come not only from coaching. There’s unity on the team and as coach I don’t believe in a one-man show. I listen to everyone’s suggestions and build the team’s success on the positive contributions. I also have to thank the team’s management for its hard work. Today (Sunday) we slowed down the pace of the game to run down the clock and it worked. PLS Hawks needed to win big and they needed to have the ball in their hands. But we stopped them. Now we are going for the double.”

....................

Other results
Baya beat RC Dynamics 77-50 (Men’s division 1A)
SMB Razorbacks beat Angels 86-70 (Men’s division 1A)
Bel Air Blazers beat Beau Vallon Heat 71-62 (Men’s division 1B)
LM Chasers beat Mont Fleuri Dawgz 66-28) (Men’s division two)
LMS Jazz beat LMS Youth 87-42 (Men’s division two)

THE party must have been good and full of fun for Anse Etoile Stars and Premium Cobras after they clinched the Women’s and Men’s division 1A League championships on Sunday September 24 at the Palais des Sports.

The Stars needed to win by a six-point margin against Bel Air and they did it by an even bigger advantage – 11 – thanks to their 49-38 victory to be crowned champions on the head-to-head rule after both teams finished the championship tied on 22 points (10 wins and two defeats apiece in 12 games).

Having won the first-round match-up 47-42, Bel Air knew that Anse Etoile Stars would come out strong, but probably they did not imagine how aggressive coach Michel Malbrook’s players would be for the decisive encounter.

Unable to get off the blocks, Bel Air trailed 2-13 at the end of the first quarter and 13-27 at half-time as the Stars, playing without a playmaker, distanced themselves from their opponents with accurate outside shooting – Dinah Louis scoring three 3-pointers for nine of her 12 points and Simone Asba hitting two treys despite playing with a torn calf muscle.Hurt in their ego, Bel Air doubled their determination and got a combined 11 points from veteran captain Thyra Boniface and Patricia Samynadin to outscore Anse Etoile Stars 14-7 in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to seven points – 34-27.

When Bel Air started turning the ball over like in the first half and centre Lindy Aglaé missing easy lay-ups although she top-scored in the match with 15 points, the Stars went on a 12-2 run with Lucia Souffe netting eight consecutive points to bring the score to 44-29.
The closest Bel Air got was at 10 points – 44-34 and 46-36 – but as time ticked away they failed to pressure the Stars who celebrated victory.

Having achieved their goal of winning their 14th championship crown in 16 seasons, the Stars, who dethroned Bel Air as women’s champions last year with two matches to spare, are now aiming to defend their Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup to achieve another League and Cup double.

By Sande A. Bashiaja & Daniels N. Tatya
WANDEGEYA
Men
Marines 71 Warriors 70
Power 56 Falcons 51
Jackets 51 Riders 77
Lubiri 48 Flammers 60
KCC Lions 67 Kabojja 66
Women
A-1 66 Nabisunsa 23
MAK Cubs 59 Comets 51


DEFENDING champions Nkumba University Marines and last season's losing finalists Sadolin Power snatched places in the MTN Basketball League play-offs after defeating Kyambogo Warriors and Falcons respectively over the weekend.
Eric Malinga's game high 19 points were not enough to give record winners-Falcons victory over Sadolin Power. Sam Obol had 11 points, Henry Malinga 5 but could not save Falcons from the 51-56 loss. Mark Enabu grabbed 18 points while Michael Karuiki marked his return to the Power team with 16 points.

It was Falcons' second loss of the season but they still retain top spot with 32 points, Warriors remained second even after falling to Marines. A-1 Challenge and MAK Cubs won the women’s matches.

Ben Oluoch scored season high 43 points as he guided Runda to a 82-55 win over Team Jam in Game One of the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) Play Off match at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

Oluoch, named to the provisional national team a few days ago, was in top shape, tearing into the Team Jam defence at will. Calvin Onyango scored 12 points for the losers.

Blazers hit Outsidaz 67-50 behind 21 points from Calvin Onyango. Peter Gathungu had 14 for Outsidaz.

Kenya Polytechnic hit Old Pirates 54-42 as Lameck Onyancha had 19 points. Yusuf Ramadhan hit 18 points, including the game-clincher as Africa Nazarene University beat Langata Crusaders 63-62 in overtime.

Reuben Ndege had 18 for LC. In the women’s matches, Strathmore University nipped Nairobi Pentecostal Church

28-27 as Lucy Apondi nailed 11 points.

Janet Musembi scored eight for NPC. Kenyatta University Oryx had 15 points from Hellen Ochuot as they pipped Mennonites 48-46.

The losers had 13 from Florence Mbithe.

By Dann O’were

By SANDE A. BASHAIJA & DANIELS N. TATYA
KAMPALA
Men
Lubiri v Flammers
Riders v Jackets
Marines v Warriors
Power v Falcons
Women
Comets v MAK Cubs
Nabisunsa v A-1

DEFENDING champions Nkumba University Marines will be all out to get a win when they face Sadolin Power this afternoon at the YMCA courts in Wandegeya.Warriors and Falcons have already made the play-offs while Marines and Power need two points (1 win) to progress. Falcons lead the Yellow Max Conference table with 31 points, Warriors are second with 29 while Marines and Power occupy third and fourth positions respectively with 28 points apiece. Losses for Marines and Power today will help Charging Rhino stay in contention for a play-off berth.

The Rhinos are fifth on the table with 26 points and take on Marines on Wednesday. However, if Marines and Power register wins, Rhinos will miss the play-offs for the second consecutive season.

Fresh from hitting a season-high 44 points against KIU on Wednesday MVP Norman Blick will lead Marines, while Warriors will look up to Stephen Okias.

Power will also welcome back Kenyan import Michael Kariuki but will be without their inspirational captain Marvin Keronga who left the country for further studies and Ken Balyejusa, still nursing an injury.

In the women's category reigning champions A-1 Challenge must also register a win to avoid meeting table leaders KCC Leopards in the play-offs. A-1, currently fourth on the table can avoid a clash with KCC Leopards by winning their two remaining games and pray that second-placed Lady Bucks and third-placed KIU Rangers falter some where along the way.

By Sande A. Bashaija & Daniels N. Tatya
KAMPALA

Men
MAK Youth v MBC Rocks
Jammers v Vegetarians
KIU v Livingstone
Women
Amazon v Lady Bucks
KIU Rangers v Crane High


RECORD women champions Lady Bucks return to action today against Amazon Rhino at the YMCA Wandegeya courts in need of nothing less than a win if they are to maintain the second place on the table.

The former champions have 29 points, three behind table leaders KCC Leopards, while KIU Rangers lie third with 28 points. Lady Bucks still have to face defending champions A-1 Challenge (currently fourth) next Saturday and cannot afford any slip-up today.

Losing the two remaining games will put Bucks in fourth position and in line to face faultless KCC Leopards when the play-offs get underway.
The team that qualifies as number one plays the fourth while second takes on third in the best of three semi-final play-off series.

Lady Bucks will look up to experienced Flavia Oketcho and Mariam Birungi against a depleted Amazon Rhino that lost most of its star players at the beginning of this season.
In the men's Yellow Max Conference, wounded KIU take on Livingstone. KIU will be without injured skipper Isaac Afidra.

POINTE LARUE FALCONS are back in the men’s top flight and they have done it in just two seasons. Men division two winners in 2005, they have finished as Men division 1B champions this year.
It’s a good achievement considering the fact that the team disbanded in 2002 only for the players to regroup and register with the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) and play in structured competitions in 2005.

After finishing the 2005 season unbeaten in the lowest league, Pointe Larue have 11 wins and one loss this year for 23 points.

Team manager Nichol Gabriel told Sports Nation that “2006 has been a fruitful and competitive season. We enjoyed it. Now that we have been promoted to Men division 1A, we’re going there to stay. We’re very serious about it.”

It must be noted that Falcons played in the country’s old first division from 1989 to 1995 before being relegated to the second division. After three years struggling in the second tier league, Falcons won promotion to the top flight in 1998 before making the drop again in 2002. That same year, the team disbanded and it was only with the return to Seychelles of manager Gabriel that the players decided to revive the team.

Ex-Champs will finish as runners-up following their 61-58 victory against third-placed Anse Etoile over the weekend.

In the Men division 1A, both Premium Cobras and PLS Hawks collected convincing wins and they did it in style.

With assistant coach Clifford Joubert in the stands and his name not even on the score-sheet, PLS Hawks overcame the absences of big men Barry Baron and Rodney Lozé (serving automatic suspension after being disqualified in the recent defeat to Baya) to beat Angels 106-74.

Ugandan Stephen Omony top-scored for coach Tony Juliette’s PLS Hawks with 27 points and Nigel Annette came off the bench to add 26, including four 3-pointers.

Clearly missing influential skipper Steven Servina who is pursuing his studies in China, Angels went to Daniel Dodin for scoring and he finished with a game-high 28 points.

SMB Razorbacks thought they could stop a two-game losing skid on Sunday as they reduced the deficit to three points mid-way through the fourth quarter against Premium Cobras, but when the leaders pressed a little harder on the accelerator, coach Pascal Fostel’s team just could not react. A 63-88 loss is the third consecutive for SMB Razorbacks and they need to become more focus to put an end to the losing sequence.

Premium Cobras got balanced scoring with four players in double digits. Danny Bertin connected on a season-high seven treys – four consecutive in the fourth quarter – for a team-high and game-leading 26 points. Nigerian power forward Reuben Kolawole added 24 and he joined Tanzanian Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan (15 points) in the dunking show. Christopher Camille added 13 points.

For SMB Razorbacks, Nigel Cafrine scored 17 points and Jean-Paul Camille netted 14.

In the women’s League, there were easy wins for Anse Etoile Stars, Bel Air and Mont Fleuri.
Bel Air walked over Juniors and this coming Friday, they are to play Mont Fleuri who defeated bottom team Hackers 87-24.

Williana Dubois top-scored for Mont Fleuri, while S. Sophie contributed 14 points, more than half of Hackers’ total.

Anse Etoile Stars lost skipper Simone Malbrook with five fouls but this happened after they had already sewn up the game against inexperienced Cadettes, winning 86-15.

Dinah Louis got 29 points including four treys, Malbrook added 24 points and Lucia Souffe made a 14-point contribution to the win.

Kathleena Pouponneau scored eight points for Cadettes.
It is unfortunate that Sports Nation cannot bring its readers the positions of the teams in the other divisions as it did not receive the updated league tables by the time of going to press.

G. G.

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala

NORMAN Blick hit a record eight 3-pointers as Nkumba-Marines demolished Kampala International University 101-55 on Wednesday.

Blick's shooting accuracy at Lugogo equalled Isaac Afidra's (KIU) 3-point shooting record set in the 2004 MTN basketball season.

Blick finished with a game-high 44 points and ten rebounds while Karol Bisereko added 17 points and Karl Mugalu 12.

KIU only managed to match Marines for the first ten minutes before any dreams of victory were blown away by Blick.

KIU were out of sorts and got a team-high 16 points from Makmot Orom as Emma Baguma and Farouk Omar added 12 and 8 points respectively.

Yello Max standings

P W L PTS

Falcons 16 15 1 31
Warriors 16 13 3 29
N/Marines 16 12 4 28
S/Power 16 12 4 28
C/Rhinos 16 10 6 26
Miracle 18 8 10 26
KIU 16 6 10 22
G/Hawks 16 4 12 20
Livingston 17 2 15 19
Najja High 17 0 17 14

By Sande A. Bashaija & Daniels Tatya
Lugogo

MTN basketball league defending champions Nkumba University Marines and Charging Rhinos registered wins over KIU and Miracle respectively Wednesday evening at Lugogo Indoor Stadium to keep their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs alive.

Marines whitewashed KIU 101-55 with reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Norman Blick scoring a season high 44 points including eight 3-pointers. Carrol Bisereko garnered 17 while Donald Blick added 8 points for Marines in the high scoring game.

Markmot Orom registered a team-high 16 points, Emma Baguma 12 and Omar Faud 8 for KIU. Kenyan import Jeff Mwaniki who had given KIU hope of reducing the score deficit fell face down on a fast break sustaining a cut in the foreface and was rushed to Mulago Hospital for treatment.

The Kenyan star now joins team skipper Isaac Afidra who hurt his ribs during training. Charging Rhinos made it past hard-fighting Miracle 57-45.

In the women's category, table leaders KCC Leopards subjected Nabisunsa to 109-45 drubbing.

Men

Marines 101 KIU 55
Lubiri 20 W/o Flippers
Rhino 57 Miracles 45

Women

KCC 109 Nabisunsa 45

Still basking in the euphoria of their victory at the just concluded 15th FIBA U-18 championship held in Durban, South Africa, Nigeria's Junior Tigers have called on the Nigeria Basketball Federation to organize friendly matches for the team ahead next year's FIBA Junior World Championship in Canada.

According to the players good preparation remains the only antidote to the team's quest for a meaningful outing at the world championship.

Ebun Comets point guard, Oseer Ikyaator noted that with good preparation and exposure, the team will be a side to beat in Canada.

"We have the players in leagues across Europe and at the home front, the only barrier to a better outing at the world Championship in Canada good be late preparation.

"I will suggest that the federation should keep tab on some of the players who have done the country proud at the African Championship and give us early preparation ahead of the World Championship. We need friendly matches and better exposure to storm the world stage in Canada" the 6'3 player said who captained the Nigeria team said.

Lagos Islanders basketball team coach, Toyin Sonoiki has expressed confidence that the team will return to its winning ways when the new basketball season dunks off in October.

Sonoiki, who commended the players for their commitment to the objective of the club, declared that the style of play of his team are unique and can not be compare to none, adding that any club that dares the Islanders will do that at its own peril.

"We are growing a team, we have a philosophy and a style of play, our kind of players can not be found on the street.

"We started our developmental plan last year, but unfortunately we didn't have a league, we just played a week tournament which really affected our plan because we thought we are going to have a full season with the players."Our target is really next season so, watch out for the Islanders when the new season starts" he boasted.

Islanders which used to dominate the nation's basketball scene in the past was a shadow of itself during the 2005/2006 Premier League season.

The team failed to make it to the national final 4 play-off, having lost all their matches to their opponents in the Atlantic Conference play-offs.

After two months of recess, the second edition of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Female League will resume October.

According to the NBBF Secretary, Segun Akinlotan, the league will resume with the final 8 play-offs billed for the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.The qualified teams include Customs, Blue Angels who made it through from the Equatorial Conference, while Elephant Girls and Delta Force qualified from the Western Conference.

Others are Nigeria Immigrations and AHIP who emerged top two from the Savannah Conference. Dolphin and Sunshine completed the eight spots having qualified from the losers' conference final held in Akure.

Meanwhile, First Bank Basketball team Coach, Aderemi Adewunmi has hoped for a fair paring, as the Elephants Girls begins the defense of their title.

Aderemi, who expressed confidence that this year's title will not elude team, want the organisers to be fair in making the fixtures for the final 8.According to the assistant female national team coach, a fair pairing may see his team, Elephant Girls and their junior side, Blue Angel play in this year's final.

"This is going to be another year of victory for First Bank, our target is to get both Elephant Girls and Blue Angels play in the final, but I can only hope the organisers will be fair in making the fixture so as not to deliberately group us together in the first round" he said.

The Elephants Girls, booked a place in the final 8 from the Western Conference in Akure, while their junior team Blue Angels coached by former D'Tigress forward, Sola Ogunade also qualified from the Equatorial conference play-offs held in Asaba.

The present champion of the Liberia Basketball Federation, Invincible Eleven (IE) is in high gear for the up-coming 2006 FIBA African Championship cup for men in the Ivory Coast.

The nation's champion is expected to play seven games and is placed in Group "A" with Nigeria, Gambia, Somalia, Ghana, Libya, and Sierra Lone.

According to an executive of the Liberia Basketball Federation the league is expected to start on Sunday, September 30 and end on October 8; with the final play in Nigeria.

The is entourage is expected to be made up of 18 persons; including 5 five officials, two referees and the Secretary General of the LBF.

The country's representative to this year's FIBA championship will be under the leadership of Mr. Bill M. Martins.

Speaking to reporters at yesterday practice sessions at the sports commission, the head of the delegation Mr. Martins said the team is in high gear for the FIBA championship competition.

Mr. Martins said IE is in full readiness and the boys are going not only as participants set to bring pride to Liberia and the rest of the teams in the country.

He called on Liberians from all walks of life to put their weight behind the 'Yellow Boys' who according to him are going as Liberia and not only as a team.

Mr. Martins said the team has met all the criteria and conditions laid down by the organizers of the tournament.

During yesterday practice sessions the 'Yellow Boys' were seen in high spirit and readiness to engage their counterparts.Some of those who are expected to make-up the team are Isaac K. Sarmu, one of IE's most sensational players, Otis, Richard Martins, among others.

Meanwhile the team's manager have reassured his commitment to all supporters and well wishers of the 'Yellow Boys' that they will clinch victory.

The team will leave Liberia on Sunday by road to go to the Ivory Coast.

The present champion of the Liberia Basketball Federation, Invincible Eleven (IE) is in high gear for the up-coming 2006 FIBA African Championship cup for men in the Ivory Coast.

The nation's champion is expected to play seven games and is placed in Group "A" with Nigeria, Gambia, Somalia, Ghana, Libya, and Sierra Lone.

According to an executive of the Liberia Basketball Federation the league is expected to start on Sunday, September 30 and end on October 8; with the final play in Nigeria.

The is entourage is expected to be made up of 18 persons; including 5 five officials, two referees and the Secretary General of the LBF.

The country's representative to this year's FIBA championship will be under the leadership of Mr. Bill M. Martins.

Speaking to reporters at yesterday practice sessions at the sports commission, the head of the delegation Mr. Martins said the team is in high gear for the FIBA championship competition.

Mr. Martins said IE is in full readiness and the boys are going not only as participants set to bring pride to Liberia and the rest of the teams in the country.

He called on Liberians from all walks of life to put their weight behind the 'Yellow Boys' who according to him are going as Liberia and not only as a team.

Mr. Martins said the team has met all the criteria and conditions laid down by the organizers of the tournament.

During yesterday practice sessions the 'Yellow Boys' were seen in high spirit and readiness to engage their counterparts.Some of those who are expected to make-up the team are Isaac K. Sarmu, one of IE's most sensational players, Otis, Richard Martins, among others.

Meanwhile the team's manager have reassured his commitment to all supporters and well wishers of the 'Yellow Boys' that they will clinch victory.

The team will leave Liberia on Sunday by road to go to the Ivory Coast.

By Dann O’were

Champions Runda and Predators face weak opposition in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) Play Off draws announced on Wednesday.

The top four teams in both categories will represent the province in the Kenya Basketball Association (KBF) national Play Off in Kisumu next month.

NBA fixture secretary, Joseph Amoko, said the draws for men pitted Runda v Team Jam, Blazers v Outsidaz, Kenya Polytechnic v Trail Blazers. The women’s draws will see Predators v Trail Blazers, Catholic Dream Team v Kenya Polytechnic, Nairobi Pentecostal Church v Kenyatta University and Menonites v Strathmore University.

But NBA has said that any team that owes the association money will be barred from playing. "If you know you owe us money don’t bother to come," said chairman Ronny Owino.

Weekend results: Kenya Polytechnic 75 Old Pirates 61; Kenya Poly 81 Blazers 75; Old Pirates 78 Langata Crusaders 77; KU Oryx 71 Kenya Poly 16 and Kenya Poly 13 NPC 54.

By Innocent Ndawula
Kampala

ALLAN Tawoda and Wilbrod Okecho's 30 and 28 points respectively plus Richard Balemwa's 18 were enough to push Sadolin Power past Najja High school in a Yello-Max MTN basketball league game played at the YMCA on Tuesday.

This was Power's chance to recover after they lost 88-92 against Warriors over the weekend. Power who were in a must win situation dominated the game from the start to the end.
They snatched an early 30 points before they run rings around the school boys in the last quarters.Power now move to third place on the table standings with 27 points.

Results

Power 118 Najja 60

By Namatama Njekwa
Lusaka

ZAMBIA has failed to send representatives at the men's 21st basketball Africa Cup club championship qualifying series, which starts this weekend in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zambia Basketball Association ZBA) general secretary Mwembe Kaona said in an interview yesterday that the association had nominated NAPSA and Green Buffaloes to travel as envoys but the two clubs failed to commit themselves."We nominated national champions National Pension Scheme Authority Hurricanes and Green Buffaloes but non of them gave a positive response," Kaona said. "The deadline for submitting the forms for participation was last week Friday."

He said International Federation of Basketball (FIBA) was disappointed to learn that Zambian teams would compete in the event. "Julien Farran of FIBA Africa's Technical Department phoned me and expressed regret that non of our men's teams will make it for the championship in DRC where the teams were drawn in group B of the qualifying series," Kaona said.

By Gloria Kyomugisha and Alex Odongo

Today
Sadolin Power v Najja High

WARRIORS stayed firmly on course for a place in the MTN basketball league playoffs with a thrilling 92-88 triumph over Sadolin Power.

Ronnie Kasewu exploded for 19 points and Stephen Okias added 18 to fire Warriors to a comprehensive triumph over Power in Sunday’s Yello max encounter at the YMCA.

Warriors got off to a 25-24 lead in the first quarter and limited Power to 19 points in the second quarter for a 50-43 halftime lead.

Allan Tawodda buried a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to take his points tally to 21 and bring Power within two points (88-90). but Warriors’ Francis Kasekende, who was fouled on a drive, sunk a free-throw and Brian Gumisiriza added another for a 92-88 lead.

Power are now in a must win situation going into today’s game against Najja High at the YMCA court.

Meanwhile, Gulu Hawks beat Kampala’s Livingstone 67-51 at Kaunda ground, Saturday.

By Caxton Apollo
Nairobi

Coast Youth Club have officially pulled out of this year's Premier League. The second leg matches conclude at Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium on October 7.

While announcing the new development yesterday, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary Stephen Nyakina said the Mombasa-based CYC had officially written to state they were unable to honour their remaining second leg fixtures due to lack of sponsorship.Nyakina said the federation had accepted the request from self-supporting teams request to continue with the Premier League in the 2007 season. As a result, KBF will only honour the Coastal team's first leg matches while their return leg fixtures will be treated as cancelled.

"All the teams that had won their second leg matches against CYC will have two points subtracted from the current league standing since the matches are now not valid" said Nyakina.CYC honoured all their first leg matches but started skipping the away return leg fixtures against Kenya Commercial Bank Lions on August 26 and University of Nairobi's Terrorists the following day. The Coastal boys again failed to show up against Co-operative Bank in Nairobi on Sunday. So far they have played 11 matches won three and lost eight.

Four other top clubs, Post Bank, KCB Lions, Sprite Storms and Kenya Railways were forced to withdraw from the 2006 championship due to lack of sponsorship. The men's top league has now been reduced to eight teams from 11 while the women's competition has only seven teams.

Meanwhile Ulinzi Warriors, Kenya Ports Authority and Java Warriors are favoured to clinch first position in the 2006 men's and women's pre-season final standings.

By Dann O'were
Nairobi

Provincial league star Ben Oluoch is among 40 players named by Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) yesterday to start training for the Senior Challenge Cup show in Kigali, Rwanda in November.

Oluoch, a former Postbank guard now playing for Nairobi Basketball Association side, Runda, is the only player from the lower division picked by the selection panel.The bankers, former Premier League side and also 2003 East and Central Africa club champions, folded early this year, forcing players to move to other clubs. KBF chairman, Agina Wesonga, while releasing the provisional squad, told SportFest: "We had a meeting with the vice chairman and the competions secretary and we agreed with the selection."

He said that KBF will meet this week to agree on the team's training programmes. He named coaches Francis Ngunjiri, Gitau Waringo and Sammy Wanjohi to handle the men's side.

Thomas Olumbo, Ben Oluoch and Anthony Ojukwu will be the tacticians handling the ladies team. Kenya women are the defening champions.The Players:

Men: Ben Oluoch (Runda),Dan Okwirri, Yoni Wanambiro (USIU), Richard Osano, Ancette Wafula, Vincent Ambani, Moses Shida, Victor Odendo and John Apollo (Ulinzi). Lewis Muiya, Patrick Kirui, Greg Odera, David Otiso, Paul Oloo, Juma Ikapian (KCB). Cliff Ochieng, Peter Kiganya, Dan Gaiko, Furaha Odari (Co-op), Eugene Genga (UoN) and Nelson Njau (ICC).

Women: Angela Luchivya, Hilda Luvandwa, Evalyn Kedogo, Lorraine Achieng , Salma Anyango(Storms).Caroline Achieng, Joyce Makungu, Eunice Ouma, Caroline Arato, Mwajuma Suleiman, Rebecca Sarange (Telkom). Mirriam Awuor, Millicent Anyango, Yvonne Akinyi, Gladys Wanyama (KPA). Angela Okoth, Samba Mjomba (USIU), Volnet Wanyama, Caroline Achieng (Yana).

By Fred Vubem

BEAC won in both the men and women categories.

The finals of the national basketball cup were played last Saturday September 16, at the Concorde sports complex of the University of Yaounde I, with BEAC carrying the day. In the men's senior category, BEAC beat Noga Air force of Douala 76-65. It was a tough match with both teams seemingly equal in strength before BEAC had an edge during the last fifteen minutes of the game as reflected in the quarterly scores; 22-20, 40-37, 55-54 and finally 76-65.Contrarily in the female category, it was an easy walk for the BEAC girls who established their supremacy over LMS Douala from the beginning of the match and dominated all through the game; 13-8, 29-20, 48-32 and 65-49.It was an all Douala affair in the junior category between Phoenix and Ecole de Basketball of Douala. The match was characterised by several misses with the boys of Phoenix showing signs of more maturity and experience than the basketball school boys and finally won 78-61.

The finals were presided at by the Minister of sports and Physical Education, Philippe Mbarga Mboa I the company of his colleague of Higher Education, Fame Ndongo. The matches were lively as fan clubs rivalled for public attention. Conspicuous among them was a group of BEAC fans made up exclusively of disabled people. Supporters who turned out in their numbers cheered and jeered as players made offensives and counter offensives. On hand also was the band of the national gendarmerie, traditional dance groups and 'pomp pomp girls'.

The only stain on the finals were complains about the referees from Noga Air force and Ecole De Basket of Douala. There was also a squabble between the federation and Noga Air force over putting on a T-shirt other than that of the official sponsor of FECABASKET. A request by Noga Air force for two of their suspended players to be allowed to play, was turned down be the federation. Something they claimed minimised their chances of winning the cup.

Women's basketball league champions Kenya Ports Authority maintained their unbeaten run when they beat USIU Flames 77-40 at Nairobi's Nyayo stadium yesterday.

In other matches yesterday, it was: Java Warriors 80 JKUAT 70, Dynamites 53 JKUAT 48, Yana 38 Sprite Storms 56, Strathmore 57 Don Bosco 53, JKUAT 60 Nairobi Pentecostal Church 70.Yesterday, KPA went into the scoring rush through veterans Gladys Wanyama, Millicent Anyango and Miriam Awuor to race to a 29-10 first quarter lead.

The dockwomen led 47-20 at half-time.

On resumption, Flames reorganised with Mitchelle Otinda and Angela Okoth keeping the portswomen on their toes. Flames went 12-10 in the third quarter.On sensing danger, KPA's Anyango, Wanyama and Awuor strongly defended their clean record, outscoring Flames 20-8 in the last quarter. Wanyama scored game-high 22 points for KPA while Otinda shot 12 for Flames.

In the men's Division One match, Mike Muriithi's Java Warriors kept alive their chances of finishing in the first spot when they beat JKUAT 80-70.

Howard Juma and Kenneth Githinji showed their true colours from the word go to lead Java Warriors to a 21-15 first quarter advantage. Java, who have garnered 21 points from 12 outings, were up 47-25 at half-time.

By DANIELS TATYA

KAMPALA

Results (Men)
Miracle 65 KIU 63
Gulu 67 Livingstone 51
Riders 70 MBC Rocks 74
Women
MAK Cubs 46 AK Sparks 51
Comets 04 Leopards 86

MIRACLE Basketball Cclub on Saturday beat Kampala International University (KIU) in a thrilling MTN Yello Max conference clash at the YMCA Courts in Wandegeya.

The two clubs that are out of this season's play offs in their respective conference fought a tight game which was edged by Miracle 65-63.

Miracle is now assured of surviving relegation. Benjamin Komakech (21points) and Donald Ssali (15 points) spurred Miracles to a much-coveted victory while Emma Baguma (18 points) top scored for the KIU side.

In Gulu, it was a miscalculation for Livingstone as they lost 51-67 to fellow relegated candidates Gulu Hawks at their Caribbean Courts.

By Aloysius Byamukama
KAMPALA

Fixtures (Men)
Riders vs MBC Rocks
UCU vs Bush Courts
Gulu vs Livingstone
Miracle vs KIU
Women
Comets vs Leopards
MAK Cubs vs MAK Sparks

Kampala International University (KIU) takes on Miracle in an MTN Basketball League mid-table clash at YMCA Courts this evening.

The two sides are out of this season's play offs in the men's Yello Max conference, but while KIU will be out for maximum points to finish in a respectable position on the standings, Miracle needs the points to ensure their stay in the top flight. The Lubaga based-side needs one win from two games to ensure their survival.

KIU, which was last season re-instated in the top flight following the local basketball governing body, Fuba's decision to increase the teams to ten, go into the game on the back of a 67-61 first round win.

Relegation candidates Livingstone and Gulu Hawks face off at the Carribean Courts.
In the women's league, it will be a Makerere affair as Sparks take on the Cubs.

Six teams will be participating in three categories.

The finals for the Cup of Cameroon to mark the end of the basketball season, will be played tomorrow at the Concorde sports complex of the University of Yaounde I, under the patronage of the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Philippe Mbarga Mboa.

According to a release from the president of the Cameroon Basketball Federation, Noah Chrysogone Simon Jean, six teams will be in competition in three categories. In the junior category to be played at 11.am, league champion, Ecole de Basket of Douala will lock horns with last year's champion, Phoenix Douala. In the female category at 1.pm, BEAC Yaounde will meet with LMS of Douala. The finals of the men's senior category pitting BEAC Yaounde versus Noga Air Force of Douala will be played at 3.pm.It would be recalled that at the level of the championship, Ecole de Basket Douala emerged champions for the junior category. INJS basketball club topped the female championship and Phoenix of Douala was the winner of the men's championship. At the end of the men's championship, Phoenix Douala and BEAC Yaounde qualified for the eliminatory round of champions' cup, Zone 4 which regroups teams from central Africa.

Two years ago, Cameroon was vice African champion for the under twenty competition. One year ago, Cameroon was champion at club level of Zone 4.

The Assistant Secretary General of the Cameroon Basketball Federation, Fochive Fils Jeannot, regretted the fact that Cameroon did not participate in the African Cup of Nations of club champions that took place in Cote d'Ivoire. He pleaded with the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education to assist clubs that have qualified for continental competitions this year, so that they can effectively take part in these competitions.

Basketball instructor at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), O'Brien Adoki has charged officials of Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure that the country's best players are always available for major championships.

He projected into future competitions on the continent and global scenes, and noted that the best way to get desired results would be to always use the best available to the nation."I believe we have an abundance of talent for sport. However, the only way we can win what we should and make the right impact is to garner the best talents we can at each point in time," Adoki reasoned, while noting that the approach would bring results that are even better than the recent ones achieved by The Tigers in Japan.However, Adoki expressed satisfaction with the performance by the national basketball squad, The Tigers, at the recent World Basketball Championship in Japan, saying the presence of younger players meant the team is in transition.

As date for the 2006/2007 Basketball Premier League draws near, Union Bank Team Manager Rotimi Salvage has expressed confidence n the Stallion Boys to return to their winning ways.

Speaking on the tems reparation for the new season in a cht with Sports Champion, Salvage hinted that all hands are on deck to correct the lapses noticed in the club during the last season.

It would be recalled that Union Bank failed in their bid to defend the lasy years' title won during the 2005 Abridged League season in Abuja.

Salvage confirmed that the management has resolved to transform the team and reclaim its rightful top position among clubs in the country."We have put result of the last season behind us and we are ready to claim the top position which the team is noted for when the new season begins" he said.

He informed that the team will regroup later in the month with an open screening camp to scout for players that will fly the team's flag for the new season."The team will resume for camping that will involve new players that will go through screening exercise to select players for the season"

By Nanama Keita

Pierre Jallow, is a promising Gambia basketballer currently making name for himself in the Queensland Australian Basketball League (QABL).

The up-and-coming youngster recently won the player of the Week Award for the final fixture round of the Queensland Australian Basketball League in 2006. In the face of very tough competition in the Goal Coast Goannas, Jallow pounded the pavement to walk away with 36 points, 23 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. This massive effort caps off an exciting season for Jallow in his first year in the QABL against some Queensland, and Australians finest.After having a successful stint in Finland, the Gambian forward moved back to Australia, where he once played for Townsville in the QABL. He changed teams this year and Pierre Jallow already contributed very well in the season opener, netting 29 points and pulling 11 rebounds for the Mackay Meteors, who eventually won against SWM Fileforce Pirates 117-105. The ambititious post player is no doubt having a strong season in Australia

Pierre Jallow, a native of Banjul, attended St. Augustine's High School in Banjul. He was part of the school and national volleyball team, before leaving for the United States, where he was more concerned about getting a good education than pursuing a career in hoops. The 6ft 8in Gambian only began playing the game by accident. As accomplished volleyball player, he represented the Gambia. Jallow was persuaded to switch sports after being spotted by his college basketball coaches. Before enrolling at Penn Valley Community College, in Missouri, Jallow had not played one organised game of basketball.

He was one time quoted as saying: "My two brothers were over there studying, I followed them just to get an education and a degree, the coaches at Penn Valley saw me play and they offered me a scholarship. I didn't really play basketball seriously. I used to go out in the evenings sometimes with my older brother and play some ball, but I just didn't have time for it. "Volleyball was my number one. I knew I was okay at basketball, but I was just better at volleyball at the time and, as most of my good friends were playing it, I had to stick with them."

After a year, Jallow transferred to William Jewell College, near Kansas City in Missouri, a renowned private Baptist school. One of its claims to fame was that Luciano Pavarotti made his international solo recital debut on the Jewell campus in 1973. Before going on stage, he was nervously sweating and asked for a handkerchief. Only a white dinner napkin could be found, he held it throughout the performance, and it became his trademark.

Jallow studied information systems, computers and business and began to make his mark in the gym. He left William Jewell rated as one of the best NAIA Division Two players.

His coach, Larry Holley, said Jallow was very raw initially, but could run and jump and block shots. "It was a great adjustment for me," says Jallow. "I was like a deer caught in the headlights at first."In volleyball the plays are quite simple. In basketball you've got, like, 15 to 20 plays for a guy like me who just wasn't used to having them run for him, and you were expected to master them straight away. "Initially, I was just playing basketball for fun - then I was playing it for real."

After failing to land a club in the summer - "things didn't work out with my agent" - Jallow returned home to The Gambia and was preparing to begin work in his specialist field.

The call from Bullets came to replace injured American Jamie Kendrick and Jallow was beginning to find his way in the unforgiving world of the professional ranks.

Pierre Jallow played college ball in the States before playing professionally in the UK. Currently at Australia, Jallow proves a great basketballer.

Favorite music artist: Bob Marley

Favorite Song: One Love Bob Marley

Favorite movie: Training Day

Favorite Day of the Year: My birthday-August 8th

Favorite TV show: Everybody Loves Raymond

Favorite food: Benachin (Gambian food)

Most Influential person in my life: My father

Favorite NBA Player: Kevin Garnett

Favorite Pro sports team: LA Lakers

Gabonese basketball Federation (FEGABAB) organised senior national championships final (Men and women) from July 18 to 23 2006 in Port-Gentil, the economic capital of Gabon.
The preliminary steps were played with the six leagues of the country: League of “Estuaire” (Libreville) -League of “Ogooue Maritime” (Port-Gentil) – League of “Woleu Ntem” (Oyem) - League of “Moyen Ogooue” (Lambarene) – League of “Haut Ogooue” (Franceville) and League of “Ngounie” (Mouila).
Ten teams were invited for that step in the category of men: STADE MANDJI – OLDSTAR - CAS 1987 - ASOM coming from Port-Gentil, NDELLA - SOMO B coming from Libreville, MANGAGASPORT from Mouanda, LCM from Lambarene, ENGONG from Oyem and ILOUBI from Mouila.
Two groups of five teams played in two places: The gymnasium of Elf Company and the playground of “La Concorde” Complex.
The first two teams of each group were qualified for the semi-finals.
Here are the results: STADE MANDJI Vs SOMO B (57-42), NDELLA Vs CAS 1987 (66-48).
The final was played in the presence of great authorities of province of “Ogooue Maritime”, represented by the Mayor of Port-Gentil Mr NDAOT REMBOGO, a great authority of sport ministry and member of Gabonese basketball Federation (FEGABAB).
STADE MANDJI won the game against NDELLA the former champion; The score was 49 to 46; At the half time, STADE MANDJI was leading by 30 to 21; The game was average balanced; Six seconds before the end of the game, STADE MANDJI took advantage of a fool on OTOMO who attempted a three points at the end of the game; STADE MANDJI was declared champion of year 2006 in Gabon.

Men Official classification
1st STADE MANDJI (Port-Gentil)
2nd NDELLA (Libreville)
3rd SOMO B (Libreville)
4th CAS 1987 (Port-Gentil)
5th ASOM (Port-Gentil)
6th LCM (Lambarene)
7th MANGASPORT (Mouanda)
8th OLDSTAR (Port-Gentil)
9th ENGONG (Oyem)
10th ILOUBI (Mouila)

MENS AWARDS

M.V.P. OTOMO DOUDOU (STADE MANDJI)
BEST SCORER NYOUNDOU Edwin (SOMO B) 128 points / 21.3 per game
BEST DEFENDER NZE DIGONDI (MANGASPORT) 17 bcounters- 56 rebounds- 20 interceptions
2006 REVELATION LANDJI Gael (MANGASPORT)
BSET REFEREE MOANDZA Rene Paul (League OGOOUE MARITIME)
BEST COACH ONANGA Martial (STADE MANDJI)

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

The Nigerian female national basketball team, the Lady Tigers began their very first FIBA World Championship campaign late Tuesday with an 84-50 loss to former champions Russia. The result simply followed the bookmakers' preview.

The Nigerian ladies, however, gave the world number two team a run for their cash at the start of the game leading temporarily 11-5 in the first quarter just as the jump ball was taken in Barueri, Brazil. The Russians, however, recovered quickly and won the first quarter by three points. And when they recovered, it took a good turn for them as they eventually led through the break with 10points with the result at 39-29.

"First match is always a tough one, but still we managed to win. I think we can grow through the competition and I hope we can do a better job on our next match. It's going to be a hard one, but I'm optimistic," Russia head coach Igor Grudin said in obvious reference to the early part of the match.

The head coach of the Nigerian side Kevin Cook reacted to the result of the game like this."I think we gave them a hard time in the first 20 minutes. But then we lost control of the game. I hope we can learn from this and try to improve our game so that maybe someday we'll be able to play in equal conditions against these teams during the 40 minutes. Russia did a very good job, they're really prepared for this competition," he said.

After the break, the big size, experience and exposure of the former world champions came to fore as they found ways around the Nigerian defence, especially with their three pointers. The game and the margin of winning were clearly determined by the output of the teams in the third quarter. From then on the Europeans had dominance despite fast pace of the Nigerians.

Tonight (11.30pm Nigerian time) the Lady Tigers will battle their opponents from China the last game of Group C. The match will be shown live on SuperSport. The Chinese lost their opening match to the USA by 119-72. Nigeria and China were billed to play the USA and Russia respectively last night with analyst giving them no backing against their teams. Their clash today, therefore, is expected to produce the third and fourth teams of the group. The top three teams of each group qualify for the next round of the competition.

MTN Basketball League defending champions Nkumba University Marines' 88-96 loss to Falcons on Sunday, created a dent in the sides' play offs quest.
With only four preliminary games left, Marines' loss left them in a struggle with arch-rivals Charging Rhinos for a slot in the last four.The Entebbe based side's last games are against Gulu, KIU, Warriors and Rhino, where a slip up in any three of the four will see the standings turn in favour of their opponents, who only need to avoid a loss in their remaining three against Miracle, Power and Marines.

On 24 points from 14 games, the side led by MVP Norman Blick is in an uncomfortable fourth place, at the same points with the 1997 champions but on top because of the head-to-head ruling.

The two trail second and third placed Warriors and Power who have 27 and 25 points respectively. The decisive game between the two giants will be re-played on Wednesday September 27 after a heavy downpour stopped it last month.

In the women's league, four sides - KCC Leopards, KIU Rangers, Lady Bucks and A-I Challenge are already through. The best of three semi-final play-offs series are scheduled for Wednesday, October 4 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Story by CAXTON APOLLO

The battle for the 2006 men’s basketball Premier League play-offs semi-finals was reduced to four teams after critical return leg matches at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium over the weekend.

They are defending champions Ulinzi Warriors, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Tigers of the United States International University of Africa and Kenya Commercial Bank Lions.

Ulinzi Warriors, remain favourites to finish at the top with an unbeaten record following their 20-0 walk-over against underdogs Nakuru Club.

After keeping their unbeaten run intact from14 outings the Warriors head the nine-team table standings with 28 points. The soldiers have won all their 14 matches. KCB Lions, who had no match at the weekend, are tipped to clinch second spot. Lions have garnered 20 points from nine wins, two losses and one forfeiture against rivals Ulinzi.

Co-op Bank have harvested 24 points after winning 10 matches and losing four. USIU-A Tigers entered the play-offs race after registering a morale boosting 70-64 win over their fellow students, University of Nairobi’s Terrorists.

Are automatically out

Five remaining teams in the nine-team competition are automatically out of the running for this year’s post-season play-offs. They are: Kenyatta University Pirates with 17 points, Terrorists (17), Coast Youth Club (14), International Christian Centre (13) and Nakuru Club (13).

In the women’s section, Telkom and Sprite Storms assured themselves places in the play-offs after winning their second leg matches over the weekend. Telkom harvested the maximum two points when they beat Flames of the USIU-A 79-53.

As a result, Sprite Storms and Telkom are locked in the first position on the seven-team standings with 19 points each. They have played 11 matches, won eight and lost three.

Reigning champions Kenya Ports Authority seem to be having no opposition in their bid to grab the first position.

The dock women, have maintained their seven match unbeaten record with 14 points. Flames, who dropped one point after going down 79-53 to Telkom and Yana Club, have also collected 14 points each. Flames and Yana will be battling it out for fourth spot to qualify for the post-season play-offs.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

Falcons 96 Marines 88
UCU 75 Vegetarians 41
B.Court 89 SPENA 59
Lions 69 Berkeley 53

ANDREW Tendo capped his new role as coach-player of Falcons’ club by guiding them to a record equaling 14th consecutive MTN Basketball league victory on Sunday.

The 96-88 victory against Nkumba Marines put Falcons level with Charging Rhinos, who won 14 straight games on their way to the 1997 championship.
Tendo took over coaching duties from Seychelles-based and former Falcons star Stephen Omony, who left last month.

“I’m glad it’s all working out for the team most especially in this encounter against the champions. The Marines put on a good run in the fourth quarter but I am glad we were able to stay calm and in control of the game,” Tendo said.

Falcons started the game on a high note with good runs from Charles Suubi, Sam Obol, Henry Malinga and Eric Malinga for a 55-43 halftime lead.

Marines, spurred on by the fans, went on the offensive to narrow the gap in the second half but time was not in their favour.

In Saturday’s games, Becky Akullo scored 15 points including two jump shots in the final two minutes as Kampala City Council Leopards claimed a record 15th consecutive victory at YMCA.

Leopards are vying for their first MTN title, and their 45-42 defeat of MAK-Sparks makes them the first team to win 15 successive games in the women’s league.

Yello Max standings
P W L PTS
Falcons 15 14 1 29
Warriors 16 13 3 29
S/Power 14 11 3 25
Marines 14 10 4 24
C/Rhinos 15 9 6 24
Miracle 16 7 9 23
KIU 14 6 7 19
G/Hawks 14 3 11 17
Stone 16 2 14 18
Najja 16 0 16 13

By ALOYSIUS BYAMUKAMA
KAMPALA

Women
A-I Challenge 59 Comets 22
KCC Leopards 45 Sparks 42
Men
Rhino 59 ‘Stone 57

Makerere University Sparks are out of the MTN basketball league play offs following a 45-42 loss to mighty Kampala City Council Leopards on Saturday.

The 2003 champions trailed 11-24 at half time, only to wake up in the last quarter, which they dominated 22-11. But the undefeated Leopards sealed the win courtesy of Miriam Hamara's two last second baskets. Becky Akullo posted 15 points as they won their 15th game in a row.

Marion Nakaziba made 12 points for Sparks who remained in fifth position.
With only three games to the end of the preliminaries, they are automatically out of contention for play offs as they trail third and fourth placed KIU Rangers and A-I Challenge by four points.

In the men's Yello Max, Michael Olweny (22 points) made two crucial baskets in the dying seconds to help Charging Rhino edge Livingstone 59-57.

Group A
July 28
Congo 71-46 South Africa

July 30
Congo 20-0 Zambia
Mali 73-34 Mozambique

July 31
Congo 66-44 Mozambique
Mali 60-43 South Africa

August 1
Mali 20-0 Zambia
Mozambique 66-60 South Africa

August 2
South Africa 20-0 Zambia
Mali 53-50 Congo


1.Mali,4-0(206:127),8Points
2.Congo,3-1(207:143),7Points
3.South Africa,2-2(175:191),6Points
4.Mozambique,1-3(158:205),5Points
5.Zambia,0-4(0:80),4Points


Group B
July 29
Nigeria 103-72 Kenya

July 30
Angola 86-42 Kenya
Nigeria 85-51 Guinea

July 31
Ivory Coast 83-53 Kenya
Nigeria 64-48 Angola

August 1
Angola 51-47 Guinea
Nigeria 92-54 Ivory Coast

August 2
Guinea 84-64 Kenya
Angola 72-49 Ivory Coast

August 3
Guinea 66-60 Ivory Coast


1.Nigeria,4-0(344:224),8Points
2.Angola,3-1(257:202),7Points
3.Guinea,2-2(248:260),6Points
4.Ivory Coast,1-3(246:283),5Points
5.Kenya,0-4(230:356),4Points


7/8 Places
August 4
Ivory Coast 62-48 Mozambique


5/6 Places
August 4
Guinea 62-45 South Africa


Semi-Finals
August 5
Mail 68-60 Angola
Nigeria 87-57 Congo


3/4 Places
August 6
Angola 74-70 Congo


Finals
August 6
Nigeria 69-41 Mali

The National Basketball champions, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) whipped Legon Shepherds 28-19 to lift the Oguaa Fetu Afahye Cup in a special basketball tournament staged at the University of Cape Coast hockey pitch to round off sporting activities of the Festival.

The CEPS players who made victory certain for the security men were Daniel Armah, Richard Darko and Baniba Dodzie who combined beautifully during the proceedings to bring the full time scores to their favour CEPS.

University of Cape Coast also thrashed Accra "After Seven" 30-25 to place third while 91After Seven' narrowly beat Takoradi "Da" 29-28 for the fourth position with Takoradi "Da" losing all their four matches to place last.

In the Women's division, Legon Shepherds beat Takoradi "Da" 19-6 to lift the ultimate Cup in their division. Mr Lawal Peregrino-Briamah, head coach of CEPS commended the players for their splendid performance during the tournament and urged them to take their training seriously for their impending match against Togo "CBS".

By Mabvuto Phiri
Lusaka

TWO basketball players yesterday left for South Africa to take part in the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) programmes.

Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) general secretary Mwembe Kaona said the two players, Given Kalipinde of NAPSA Hurricanes and Chibwe Chibangu of Lechwe, left for the five-day camp that will be conducted by American basketball stars."This is a good opportunity for them to be exposed by coming face to face with NBA (National Basketball Association) stars who they will ask questions and learn from," Kaona said.

He said the idea of the camp is to expose the players to life and leadership skills and also to help them in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The BWB Africa Camp runs from September 6-10 in South Africa Some of the NBA stars that will lead the mentor of the African players include Dikembe Mutombo (Houston Rockets centre) and back-to-back Most Valuable Player Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns guard).

By Fred Vubem

Six teams in competition in three categories.

This year's Cup of Cameroon in basketball will be played probably on September 16 at the Concorde stadium of the University of Yaounde I. However, the date is not yet certain as the finals of handball have been scheduled to take place on the same day and venue. According to the Assistant Secretary General of FECABASKET, Fochive Fils Jeannot, the Federation will hold talks today with officials of FECAHAND to set a final date. Six teams will be taking part in three different categories. In the men's category, Noga Air Force of Douala will play against BEAC Yaounde. In the female category, LMS of Douala will lock horns with BEAC Yaounde and in the junior category, Ecole de Basket of Douala will clash with last year's champion, Phoenix. Winners will qualify for African championships.

At the level of the championship, Ecole de Basket Douala emerged champions for the junior category. Whereas INJS basketball club topped the female championship and phoenix Douala was the winner of the men's championship. At the end of the men's championship, Phoenix Douala and BEAC Yaounde qualified for the eliminatory round of champions' cup, Zone 4 which regroups teams from central Africa.

Last two years Cameroon was vice African champion for the under twenty competition. One year ago, Cameroon was champion at club level of Zone 4. The Assistant Secretary General regretted the non participation of Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations of club champions that took place in Cote d'Ivoire. He pleaded with the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education to assist clubs that have qualified for continental competitions this year, to be able to effectively take part in the competitions.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

At the YMCA
Comets v A-1 Challenge

Leopards v MUK-Sparks

Livingstone v C/Rhinos

At Jinja SS
Flamers v Crane High

S/Jammers v MBC Rocks

KAMPALA City council Leopards will be out to prove that their undefeated MTN basketball league record this season is not a one-off when they tackle MUK-Sparks at the YMCA court today.

The Leopards who have registered 14 victories in 14 games, are hoping that a win today will help them in their bid for a first-ever league title.

Known for their strong defence, Leopards will look to Monica Siima and Miriam Hamala to help bolster their defensive intensity with Agatha Baliddawa falling into her rebounding role against Sparks’ Marion Nakaziba.

KCC will also look to the shooting of Becky Akullo, Linda Tamale and Annet Nakiwu, who find a lot of success getting to the basket. They will also be fighting to stop Sparks’ Olivia Mulwana, Maggie Nalubega and Vicky Nassolo from putting points on the Makerere team’s board.

Apart from the obvious revenge mission, MUK-Sparks, who have had a good chance to rest a bit, can only wish for a resounding win against KCC, complete with two bonus points if their playoff qualification hopes are to remain alive.

Charging Rhinos, who are fighting for a slot in the Yello Max conference top four, take on Livingstone in the last game of the day.

BERTRAM LENGAMA
Daily News; Friday,September 08, 2006 @00:03
THE Kili RBA men's league season starts tomorrow at the TCC-Chang'ombe ground in Dar es Salaam. The UDSM-Outsiders will take on the newly promoted Chui in the opening match of the 14-team league.

According to the fixture released by Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) yesterday. The day will see last season Kili Super Cup champions Oilers battle it out with another promoted team Jogoo, to be followed with the match between Mgulani and Magnet.
Savio and Chang'ombe Boys will lock horns in another league season opener.

In another development, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), the event's sponsors for the third consecutive year through its Kilimanjaro Premium Lager brand, yesterday announced cash prizes for the winners and outstanding players of the league.

Kilimanjaro Premium lager Brand Manager Oscar Shelukindo disclosed that the title winner will be awarded 3m/- whereas the first runner up will get 2m/- and the second runner up will take home 1m/-.

Shelukindo also unveiled that the outstanding players will share among themselves 1.2m/- with the most valuable player (MVP) taking home 500,000/- and the most disciplined team receiving 300,000/- while the best coach and blocker will get 200,000/- respectively.
He added that there will be weekly and monthly presentation of cash prize, trophies and certificates of appreciation to players who excel during the event.

BD President Simon Msoffe commended the sponsors for their support and challenged players to show appreciation by displaying a high standard game during the event. Teams which are participating in the event are JKT who are the defending champions, Vijana 'The City Bulls' UDSM-Outsiders, Chui, TM-Rockets, Pazi and TM-Mkwawa for Eastern conference.

Is Nigeria about to repeat the mistake of cutting Olumide Oyedeji from the national men’s team to Japan 2006 with the female national team?

Nigeria coach Kevin Cook cut MacTabene Amachree from the Lady Tigers’ final roster at the weekend as the team launched its final preparations for the Brazil 2006 FIBA Women’s World Championship tipping off in Sao Paolo on Sept 12.

According to Isah Umar, the camp coordinator of the Lady Tigers, Amachree was cut from the team because she reported late for the camping exercise.

“The coach has a good team that will do the country proud,” Umar told The Hoops on Thursday from the United States. “These are a good crop of players.

“The coach is aware that his reputation is on the line and so he wants to win; he will win with these players.”

Also missing are forward Rashidat Sadiq, who has been on the national roster since 2003 and was present in the Melbourne Games, and the captain of the team in Australia, Mercy Okorie.

As expected, swingman Mfon Udoka, the elder sister of Ime, the Tigers’ swingman, leads the 12-man roster. Udoka has been exceptional since her debut for Nigeria in the 2003 All Africa Games in Abuja and led the team to its first Nations Cup triumph at home in Abuja last December over Senegal.

The Turkey-based Udoka is joined by Itoro Umoh, who made her Nigeria debut in Athens 2004 but has been unavailable since then and Akiode Mobolaji, the shooting guard who also came into international attention in 2003 with Nigeria and First Bank.

Two others – centre Ugo Oha and power forward Aisha Mohammed – are the only other players who have been on duty for Nigeria before.

This means Olayinka Sanni, Nwagbo Chineze, Morolake Ogunoye, Enjoli Izidor, Osato Edobor of New York University, Adeola Olanrewaju and Olawumi Adebayo are making their international debut in Brazil.

Olanrewaju is a 6ft 3in centre with Xavier, while Ogunoye, a senior at UT-Arlington in the U.S. last year, is a 6ft guard who has garnered several honours in American schools.

Sanni is a centre with the West Virginia University, while Nwagbo made her mark with Orange Syracuse.

Izidor, a Stamford University graduate, has played in Greece and Turkey (with Amachree and Udoka) and is guard-forward.

With the release of the female national team final roster for the battle it means the home-based players who did the nation proud by qualifying this team for the world championship have been left out once again just as coach Sam Vincent did in 2004 when he turn his eyes the other way from the largely home-based players who qualifies Nigeria for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games then.

This is a sad development and does not speak well of these coaces being hired by the NBBF to tinker our teams, its shows they are just out to boost their curriculum vitae borne out of selfish desire rather than helping to take the game to the next level in Nigeria.

Where is the place of Funmi Ojelabi, Amaka Adibeli, Patricia Chukwuma, Ezinne James, Nguveren Iyorhe and Chioma Udeaja or coaches Scott Nnaji and his assistant Adewumi Aderemi yet when it is time to qualify our national teams for world championship or the Olympics they are made to carry out the task and later dumbed.

Coach Cook or who ever is incharge of our present female national team should be told that some crop of players and coaches laboured to qualify these team for the FIBA world championship which he is now reaping and should ask questions why those players and coaches are not in the present scheme of things except he want us to beleive that he is another Sam Vincent, asked a bitter basketball enthusiast.

I hope the same thing will not happen come 2007 when our victorious junior team will be preparing for Canada after beating the rest of Africa to pick one of the two tickets for the FIBA U-19 World Championship, the pundit who does not want his name in print concluded

With The Punch