Basketball in Africa

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.