Basketball in Africa

RAIDERZ remain one of the teams to beat in the Harare Basketball League after ten weeks of blistering action.

With only one defeat in both women and men’s A teams, Raiderz coach, Ngoni Mukukula is confident his charges will prove a cut above the rest.

He declared: "Both Raiderz men and women are showing amazing efforts to make a name for themselves. Shamiso Sigali and Fiona Mukukula have been playing professionally for some time now; Costa Mashati and Mennard Masawi have also been doing wonders for the men’s A side. We are confident of finishing tops come end of season, but that cannot come easily. We shall go out there and get it."
Meanwhile, former University of Zimbabwe stars, Varsity Leopards women, marched into yesterday’s match against Raiderz with an unbeaten eight-match winning record.
Varsity are yet to play Stanbic Mavericks and Raiderz in a promising second-round of the season.
Before yesterday’s fixture, Raiderz women led the pack with 17points, while Mavericks were a win away with 15 points.
With two matches in hand, Varsity Leopards women are on14 points having outwitted Mavericks in the first round.

FOUR foreign-based basketballers have been named in the Zimbabwe squad to prepare for the Zone VI Championships next month in Harare.

Men’s national team coach Ronald Garura, announced a 29-man squad that will go into camp tomorrow and will feature Elijah Moyo and Tawanda Nyashanu, who are both based in the United States, and Namibia-based duo Brian Hore and Mpumelelo Hlabangana.

Both the men’s and women’s national teams begin full-scale training this week leading up to the eight-nation tournament running from February 24 to March 3.

"We have been in contact with our foreign-based players as well as their coaches at their respective bases. They are already in season so their fitness levels should be fine. We expect the Namibia based guys to have joined us by Wednesday and we are also expecting the US-based players to be in by Friday," said Garura.

On the women’s side, the technical team, led by Ngoni Mukukula, named an all-local 21-member squad that will also be going into camp tomorrow.

Both the men’s and women’s squads will be trimmed down to 15 players each after the coaches have had a look at the players. The final list of 12 players for each side will be selected at a later date. Both national teams are likely to engage Zambia in warm-up matches at the City Sports Centre next weekend as they step up preparations for the games.

The resumption of full-scale training camp means that action in the country’s provincial leagues will be suspended to allow the players to fully focus on the games preparations.

Players from Harare are expected in camp tomorrow while those from outside the capital have been given until Friday to join camp.

"The two leagues (Harare and Bulawayo basketball associations) will take a break after this weekend’s games so that the national team can begin camp," he said.

"We have been doing midweek training, that is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with players working with coaches in their respective provinces. We drafted a conditioning and technical programme for the selected players to follow from their bases before they join up as a squad next week."

The Zone VI basketball tournament will serve a dual purpose: as qualifiers for the All-Africa Games in Algeria and the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola later this year.

MEN’S SQUAD

Farai Tumbare, Royce Takaendesa, Duncan Shenje, Norest Shenje, Menard Masawi, Innocent Katsuware, Tawanda Muchenje, Gideon Kembo, Tafadzwa Mudimu, Innocent Sithole, Tapiwa Maguranyanga, Tonderai Mukubvu, Simbarashe Mungomezi, Artwell Dzikiti, Hazvinei Njerere, Tafirenyika Soko, Nyasha Mushekwi, Allan Tegunde, Taurai Chitsimbe, Emmanuel Mukandi, Eric Banda, Tapfuma Muchaneta, Walter Mabhena, Tapfuma Chihota, Angus Shonhayi, Mpumelelo Hlabangani, Brian Hore, Elijah Moyo, Tawanda Nyashanu

WOMEN’S SQUAD

Regina Chisale, Alex Maseko, Juliet Misihairambwi, Shamiso Sigali, Isabel Tengende, Fadzai Mabasa, Sibongile Mkandla, Alice Misihairambwi, Alice Mandivheyi, Dorcas Marondera, Abigail Gondo, Rumbidzai Dhliwayo, Maggy Magwaro, Horacia Makoni, Charity Muchatuta, Talent Samu, Sinikiwe Bakasa, Patience Chinhoyi, Sokuhle, Maggy, Vicky.

BOTSWANA have withdrawn from the Zone Six Basketball championships to be hosted by Zimbabwe next month.


The championships, which will be used as joint preliminaries for the 2007 All Africa Games and the Africa Cup of Nations, are set to run from February 26 to March 3.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) acting chairman Addison Chiware said only six countries will be participating at the games.
“I have just been informed by the Federation International de Basketball (FIBA) that Botswana will not be part of the contestants.
“The country’s withdrawal from the championships has also resulted in a change of the dates it is now going to start as we are going to start two days later than the scheduled date,” said Chiware.
Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia have all confirmed taking part at the games. Despite Botswana’s pull-out, Chiware was confident the tournament would be a success.
Malawi will be making a return to international competition after almost 20 years in obscurity.
Two top teams, one men’s and the other from women will represent the Southern African region at the All Africa Games and the Nations Cup to be hosted by Algeria and Angola respectively.
Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the finals of both tournaments are bright especially given that Angola, who posed the biggest threat, will not be involved in the preliminaries.
Angola automatically qualified for both tournaments by virtue of being the defending champions of the All Africa Games and hosts of the Africa Nations Cup.
Senegal will host the women’s tournament in August.

NEWLY elected Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) President Ambrose Tashobya has pledged to do all that he can for the national teams (men and women) to participate in the Africa Zone 5 qualifiers, due February 3-10 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The former executive has been accused of doing too little for the teams' preparations, but Tashobya, who was elected president on Sunday said he will reverse the rot.
"I don't think it's wise for the teams to give up as yet. Together with my executive, will do our best to make sure Uganda is represented."
Over Shs40m is required for the trip but nothing has been realised yet and very few players showed up for training on Monday, casting more doubts on Uganda's participation.

Leave Cairo this evening, the team's first national basketball en route to Kigali, Rwanda to participate in the fifth round of the African region qualfication for African Games to be held in Algeria next July and the African Nations Championship, which will be held in Angola .
Participate in the activities of the qualifiers teams Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Egypt in addition to the host State. The participation of some other teams, if shown willingness in the final moments. The committee will hold its organization of the championship artistic presence of representatives from the participating teams to the games and agree on which colors for each team so as not to conflict with the other team.

Rosters:

Mohammad Saeed
Rami Jounaidi
Ahmad EL-Saeed
Ahmad Mouneer
Yasse Moubark
Ahmad Saker
Ashraf Rabeeh
Mohammad Adli
Mohammad Kardani
Mohammed El Zein

Mostafa El Shafie (195-G/F-84)

Wael Bader


Team Manager: Adel Abdelfatah
Assistant Coach: Emad Mahmoud

Desportivo de Saurimo beat ASA on Tuesday by 53-50, a game being considered the most thrilling of the fourth round, counting for the national junior males basketball championship, taking place in Lubango city, southern Huila Province, in both sexes.
Still for the same round, Benfica do Lubango managed to get their first victory, beating Desportivo do Tchioco by 78-61, whereas Sporting de Benguela lost to Desportivo da Nocal by 63-69.
With the end of the fourth round, Desportivo de Saurimo take the lead of the championship with 10 points, followed by ASA with 10 points as well, and in the third place come Desportivo da Nocal with 9 points.
For the fifth round, to be disputed this Wednesday, the highlight goes to the encounter between Desportivo da Nocal versus Desportivo de Saurimo, and Tchioco versus Sporting de Benguela.
In females, Benfica do Lubango beat Inter de Benguela by 46-19.

World basketball governing body, Fiba, has dictated that only players with valid passport from their respective countries will be allowed to participate in the Zone V/ All Africa Games qualifiers' championship. The event throws off this Saturday, with seven countries vying for one All Africa Games' slot at Amahoro Petit stade, Kigali in Rwanda.

The All Africa Games will be staged in Algiers, Algeria in July.
Already, five countries in this Zonal fold, including Sudan, Eritrea, Tanzania, Djibouti and Zanzibar disqualified themselves from the event, leaving hosts-Rwanda, Egypt, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia in the fight for a lone slot.
Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) officials said that Fiba has set passports and birth certificates as the only rightful documents that will guarantee players' participation in the Kigali event.

The documents, according to Fiba, will confirm the players' true nationalities, as the world governing body launches its campaign to crack down on the rampant malpractice of players featuring for one country after the other.

In cases where a player has a dual citizenship, Fiba insists that he/she would be considered a national of the team he/she first represented at an international event.
"I think the move is good because we shall have genuine winners at the end of the day. It's a good platform for countries to assess their strength at the game," said Innocent Karuhije, Ferwaba's technical director.
Rwanda is set to field one player in the men's national basketball team with a double nationality. Robert Thompson who is set to play a centre role in the Rwanda's national team has both Rwandan and American nationalities.

However, sources from Ferwaba have confirmed that the player is free to take part in the competition as he has not featured for any American national basketball team.
"He is definitely going to play for us because he has not featured for USA before," asserted Karuhije.Thompson, 24, who will be making his maiden appearance for Rwanda and is expected to be an immovable block against his opponents with his 1.89m height.
Fiba is set to scrutinise the teams on February 2, the eve of the competition.
Egypt is set to arrive in the country first, on February 1, but other participating countries were yet to reveal details of the travel, Ferwaba said.

Tanzania teams have pulled out of the Challenge Cup basketball tournaments which will start on February 3-10 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) secretary general, Laurence Cheyo, said the two teams (men and women) pulled out of the regional championships because of financial constraints.
``We needed 17m/- in order to send two teams to Kigali but we have failed, so we are not going,`` Cheyo said.
He said the championships would now attract teams from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and hosts Rwanda.

KYAMBOGO Warriors' veteran player Ambrose Tashobya was Sunday night elected president of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA). This was at the club delegates' general assembly held at National Council of Sports (NCS) premises in Lugogo.

Tashobya collected 41 votes to deny John Ssimbwa who polled 15. Ssimbwa managed to highlight his executives' achievements including sending a participant to the FIBA World Baskeball Congress in Tokyo, Japan and defeating Kenya for the fist time in history, but Tashobya seemed to have done enough ground work.
The delegates roundly rejected Susan Kafumbe Mukasa's treasury report, which was not audited, and as a result she did not seek another term, giving way to unopposed Miracle's Chris Kyebambe.

Tom Ocamringa was unopposed for the vital general secretary's post after Elliot Bagenda rejected a move to nominate him for another term.
Peter Kirabo with 30 votes edged fellow referee Peter Wandukwa (29) for the hotly contested organising secretary's post. James Manano is assistant general secretary.

- Kenya named her final 12 players who will do duty for the country in the Zone Five All Africa qualifiers in Kigali , Rwanda next month. Dropped from the squad are 2003 All Africa Games captain Evalyne Kedogo who plays for Sprite Storms and Telkom's Judy Akoth. Releasing the names of the players, head coach Ronny Owino gave debuts to two players who will be donning national colours for the first time. These are rising United States International University (USIU) pair of guard Samba Mjomba and forward Angela Okoth.

Also receiving her first call up is Yana 's Violet Wanyama and Telkom's Rebecca Sarange. Six experienced players made the team highly tipped to top the Rwanda show. Eunice Ouma, Joyce Makungu, Caroline Achieng (Telkom), Gladys Wanyama, Caroline Arato, Millicent Anyango (KPA), Hilda Luvandwa and Angela Luchivya of Storms complete the 12 team personel.

In the men's category, Owino said that national champions Ulinzi Warriors utility guard Victor Odendo and KCB Lions Lewis Muya were out of the team due to injuries. Also excluded from the team is University of Nairobi "Terrorists" Eugene Genga. One more player out of 13 will be dropped few days before the departure to the Central Africa nation. "We now have 13 players and will make our final submission on Tuesday." said Owino whose list includes late call ups Dan Gaiko, Patrick Kirui and Roy Kahure. The week long Kigali tournament throws off on February 3. The top teams in each category will book a ticket to the Pan Africa Games in Algeria in July.

Already powerhouse and favorites Egypt have confirmed entry as are Ethiopia , Kenya , Burundi and host Rwanda . The other expected are Eritrea , Uganda , Tanzania , Sudan and Somalia .

Dann O'Were FIBA Correspondent Kenya

Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) has called upon different companies and organisations to come to its rescue as it prepares the national teams for All Africa Games' qualifiers. The qualifier that doubles as the Zone V championships will bring together national men and women teams from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Somalia, Burundi, and hosts Rwanda. The championship runs from February 3-10 at Amahoro Petit stade.

"We are entirely looking at the ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MIJESPOC) to bail us out. We have presented the budget and are waiting for their response," said Ferwaba's technical director, Innocent Karuhije.

He added: "However, in other countries, in addition to the government's support, you find different companies offering both financial and moral support to the team. This is a regional event and I would think that local companies would use this chance to market their products," advised a seemingly disappointed Karuhije.He disclosed Ferwaba has budgeted for Frw 216 millions to host this championship.
"We have the budget ready and we need Frw216 million. In addition to the event expenses, the budget also caters the national teams' expenses," added Karuhije.
"MIJESPOC has been very supportive. They made it possible for the teams to travel to Nairobi late last year, footed the teams' camping expenses and so on," he continued.

Sudan and Eritrea have pulled out of the fourth coming All Africa Games Qualifiers/ Zone V basketball championships slated for February 3-10 in Kigali, Rwanda, the International Basketball Federation (Fiba), has revealed.

The National Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) technical director, Innocent Karuhije said yesterday that Fiba had advised Rwanda to count Sudan and Eritrea out of the Kigali tournament.

"Sudan failed to secure adequate funds to take part in the event while Eritrea's sudden pull-out is still unknown," said Karuhije.
The duo's pull-out has left eleven countries including Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Djibouti and hosts Rwanda in the event.
Meanwhile, the national basketball teams continued with their preparations, warming up against selection sides from Goma (DR Congo) at the weekend.Both sides (men and women) exhibited a good show, scoring 63-32, 76-17 in the ladies' category while the registered a 76-43, 80-56 wins against visitors.
The performance boasted the teams' morale ahead of the qualifiers that throw off on February 3.
As the tournament draws closer, the teams have resorted to daily double training sessions. The ladies training sessions are held 8:00am and 3:00pm while the men have theirs at 11:00am and later at 5:00pm. Rwanda, who joined Zone V in 2005 from Zone IV after four years of pleading with Fiba, will be hosting her maiden qualifiers' event.

The Ivy Basketball League for private secondary schools in Lagos and its environs has taken the jump ball with a total 19 schools featuring in the elite league now playing in its eighth season.

As part of the start off programme, the Chief Executive Officer of AKOFA Sports (organisers of the league) Mr. John Bimbo Faniran met with the media yesterday on the details for the 2007 season. By the schedule, the current season would feature just 19 schools as against nearly 30 that participated in some previous seasons.

"We arrived at that number because we cut down the schools for some reasons particularly on indiscipline while some of the schools could not provide the requisite basketball court.

"We are actually not looking for numbers but quality programme. This is not just competition but recreation and we are determined to give the best," Faniran said.

Last season the male champions Avi-Cenna International School had a playing opportunity in England against the England U-19 team amongst others. Offers, we leant, have come from England, South Africa.

The meeting was held at the corporate offices of Afrab Chem who are one of the corporate sponsors of the league. Another sponsor International Student Recruitment (ISR) UK Ltd announced that quality books would be donated to winning schools just as partial scholarship could also be given to some of the students.

"The league also encourages academic excellence and that is the angle want to work on," Samson Sanusi of ISR said.Cable television network DSTV would show some of the games in delayed relay as part of the initial arrangement towards partnership.

In the first match of the season hosts Dansol High School lost to Ronik Comprehensive School, Ejigbo 17-6 in the female category. Their boys also fell 31-16 to their counterpart from Dansol.

The final game of the league, which is on home and away basis, would be played on February 24th at the Avi-Cenna School, in GRA Ikeja.
By Pius Ayinor

WITH the Zone 5 All Africa Games qualifiers days away, Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) is desperately soliciting funds to ensure the country is represented.

The tournament gets underway February 3-10 in Kigali, Rwanda. Fuba failed to meet the registration deadline of January 15 but the federation's general secretary Elliot Bagenda told Daily Monitor on phone yesterday they informed organisers about their financial hiccups.

"As of now the problem is money but we are set for the tournament. We have contacted prospective sponsors in Nile Breweries, MTN Uganda, Bank of Uganda and some individuals but there is no feedback at the moment," said Bagenda.Fuba needs about Shs40m to send two teams (men and women) including a late registration of Shs0.8m. Ugandan men are the defending champions but poor preparations may condemn them to mere participants not contenders.

Meanwhile, Rwanda National Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) technical director, Innocent Karuhije said yesterday that Fiba had advised them to count Sudan and Eritrea out of the Kigali tournament. " Sudan failed to secure adequate funds to take part in the event while Eritrea's sudden pull-out is still unknown," Karuhije was quoted as saying by the local press.

The duo's pull-out has left eleven countries including Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Somalia, Seychelles, Djibouti and hosts Rwanda in the eventThe organisers have already arranged accomodation.

ZAMBIA basketball coach, Lovemore ‘Potterfield’ Sikaale, has devised a weekly training schedule that will see the Midlands and Copperbelt based players go through their paces twice during the week in their respective regions before linking up on weekends.
Sikaale said the squad preparing for the Zone Six championships in Harare, Zimbabwe had the advantage of having the three coaches attached to it coming from the two different regions.
Johnny Zimba of Napsa Hurricanes and his UNZA Pacers counterpart Curthbert Tembo would drill the Midlands based players while Sikaale takes care of the Copperbelt legion at the Zamsure Sports Complex in Ndola.
He said the technical bench had tailored a heavy training schedule in order to help the players recoup their match fitness following their rusty showing during the first session held at Barclays Sports Complex last weekend.
“We want to get a lot from these boys. We want everyone to work hard for the team, that is why we are keeping the players busy throughout. Basketball is about fitness, so we are going for nothing less than that,” he said.
The outspoken Hetro Bullets mentor, however, said despite the players only regrouping last weekend for the first session, their response has been overwhelming with all the players fighting for few places in the squad.
Sikaale said the coaching bench would not be looking elsewhere for players to beef-up the squad given the seriousness being exhibited by the provisional squad that is already in camp.
The national coach hinted that clubs from both the Midlands and Copperbelt regions would be contacted for friendly matches to prepare the team adequately between now and the time of departure for Zimbabwe.
“This is the time we need to fully utilise the good rapport that exists among clubs in our local league structure. Most of the clubs have contributed players to the national teams and I am sure we won’t find it difficult arranging warm-up games,” he said.
Sikaale, who is Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) national coordinator, paid glowing tribute to his predecessor at the helm of the team, Brian Nsama, who has since been penciled in to attend a refresher course some time this year.
Zambia will be participating at the Zone Six championship in Harare with the hope of doing well and earn a berth to the All-Africa Games scheduled for Algiers, Algeria later this year.
The team is also in contention for a place at the Africa Cup championship slated for Angola as the busy 2007 basketball calendar kicks off with the regional show down in Zimbabwe next month.

Kenya's prospects in the Zone Five All Africa Games qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda continue to dog the team coaches following withdrawal of key players from the team.

And coach Ronny Owino rem,ains a worried man by the day as star players Peter Kiganya, Vincvent Ambani, Richard Osano, David Mugoye and Nelson Njau left the camp.

Kiganya, the best players the country has produced left for USA. This move, admits Owino has seriously dented his plans.

He said that the absence of Kiganya, who has played professional in South American countries of Argentina and Chile, Osano and Mugoye will be a huge blow to Kenya's chances.

" I needed a taller team, now this can not be possible without the trio," Said Owino.

There was relief though when Co-op Banks towering Dan Gaiko reported over the weekend.

Gaiko trained with the team as were new call ups, Patrick Kirui of KCB Lions and Jmo Kenyatta University (Jkuat) Roy Kahure, who has the height but lacks the experience.

Owino, said that John Waruru of Co-op has been dropped and confirmed that Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) have sent the names of 30 players to FIBA Africa beating the January 15 deadline.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) guard Mwajuma Suleiman, Yana's Caroline Achieng and Pamella Sinda have been dropped the squad currently training at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, the latter due to studies.

Thomas Olumbo who is haling the women's sides said that the team has not responded well to training and that with only two weeks left, things will have to take a different approach.

"They are still very slow. The defense and transition is not good and we also need to work on recovery. This we will work on this week together with co-ordination." said Olumbo.

He said that the team is shooting well and the awareness is ok. But there is need to work on recovery from offense to defense in the last sessions.

Owino said that the last two weeks will be vital. The winners from the Kigali show will book a ticket to the Pan Africa Games in Algeria in July.

Participating teams in the February 3-10 show will be Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia and hosts Rwanda. The payers.

Men: Moses Shida, Vincent Ambani, Ancette Wafula, Simon Mugambi, Victor Odendo, Greg Odera, Lewis Muya, David Otiso, Dan Okwirri, Yoni Wanambiro, Furaha Odari, John Waruru, Cliff Ochieng, Eugene Genga,Ben Oluoch and Dan Gaiko.

women: Angela Luchivya, Evalyne Kedogo, Hilda Luvandwa, Joyce Makungu, Caroline Achieng, Eunice Ouma, Rebecca Sarange, Samba Mjomba, Angella Okoth, Caroline Arato, Millicent Anyango, Gladys Wanyama, Volnet Wanyama and Judy Akoth.

Dann O'Were

THERE was a time towards the end of the 2005/06 season when the basketball community in the country thought the sport was going down the chute.

Everything was at a standstill and things had even reached the lowest ebb when clubs boycotted meetings to chart the way forward.
This, coupled with lack of sponsorship, the sport’s Achilles heel for the past three seasons, gave everyone little hope that people would wake up to a fruitful 2006/07 season.
However, like the proverbial phoenix, the sport from the ‘near’ ashes is set for revival as more than eight new teams have joined the Harare Basketball Association (HBA) League and the usually dormant Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) paid the US$2 400 to renew its affiliation with the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA).
The arrears have been piling since 1999 and Zimbabwe could not be included in international programmes.
The move has given veteran coach Ngoni Mukukula reason to believe that the sport is heading for greater heights despite lack of sponsorship.
Mukukula, who is poised to take on incumbent chairman Addison Chiware at the BUZ elections in January, said the future of the sport looks bright.
“The season has started off brilliantly, there are no squabbles and we have seen more clubs coming to the fold especially those from the high density areas. I went to Gweru last week and more than 11 teams were playing and one of them was from Zvishavane. This shows the sport continues to thrive in spite of lack of resources. We also have clubs from as far as Marondera joining the HBA league,” he said.
He showered praises for the BUZ executive for settling the arrears with FIBA saying this was a step in the right direction.
“I am in basketball for the development of the sport and not to make enemies. I want to see the sport being scaled to greater heights and this is why I am interested in the chairman’s position when the BUZ elections are held.
“However, I am prepared to stand aside if I see anyone who shows commitment to the cause of the game,” he said.
The Highdon Raiderz coach also spoke of the ‘perceived’ camps in basketball, which he said are a cancer that could eat the sport to extinction.
“Basketball is a minority sport which cannot survive squabbles. I have heard of certain camps in the sport, but that should not be the case. We should spend most of our time looking for ways to improve the sport other than fight each other.
“I do not have anything against the current executive and if they have the will and power to run the sport, I am prepared to stand aside and support them,” he said.
“They (BUZ) seem to be getting it right. I heard that we will be playing Zambia in an international friendly match and this is a positive stride, which should be applauded,” said Mukukula.
Mukukula said BUZ should work towards bringing professionalism to the sport, which is being viewed as amateur in the country.
“The sport should generate its own income unlike the current scenario whereby one has to fork from his pocket to finance a match.
“This is the reason why some clubs are folding as they belong to individuals,” he said.
He also said preparations for the forthcoming All Africa Games qualifiers should start now.
“We have the talent to compete against the best in the world. The women’s team has no problem as we have been coming third in the region in the last two editions of the Zone Six Games. It is with the men’s team where a problem may arise, as our players lack the required height.
“I think we need to track talented Zimbabwe players in the Diaspora. Countries such as Angola and Mozambique always look powerful when playing us as they use their foreign based players,” he said.
Zimbabwe has players such as Nelson Kasosera (United Kingdom), Levy Mwanza (USA), Evril Jedley and ex Cavaliers player Freddy Manyau who is also based in the United States.
On his team’s chances of winning the championship, Mukukula said chances look good, although it might be difficult.
“We will approach the championship as a journey whereby you know the destination but how to get there can be the problem. However, we have done all the necessary groundwork and that is why we are still to lose a match.
“There are a number of teams that can challenge us and these include Cavaliers, Jewels and Varsity Leopards,” he said.
He also said the future of the sport looks bright with the Hoops 4 Hope programme that continues to churn out stars.
“The future of the sport lies with the juniors. We have to create a platform where they showcase their talent and Hoops 4 Hope does exactly that. We provided five players for the team that represented Harare in the Under-15 tournament held in Gweru. Glen Norah Pistons, one of the up coming teams in the country is also made up of players from the organisation.
“I believe there is no school in the country that can beat recent winners of the Best of the Best 36 primary schools in the country at Queen Elizabeth,” he said.
Gillingham and Shiriyedenga from Dzivarasekwa and Glen Norah respectively were the winners of the tournament.
Mukukula described as unfortunate the abortion of the BUZ elections to bring in new last month.
“That was very unnecessary and basketball was the biggest loser. The move brought an element of uncertainty, as clubs would want to know their leaders. Also those who would be brought would have had more time to settle,” he said.

By Albert Marufu

A TAFADZWA SOKO and Martin Muchabaiwa-led Celtics put its troubles behind to outplay equally haunted Black Rhinos 69-48 in a Harare Basketball Association (HBA) league match played at the University of Zimbabwe yesterday.

Celtics’ baseman Soko "The Magician" top-scored with 26 points while shooting guard Muchabaiwa, nicknamed "Majola", added an impressive 17 shooting points against a short-staffed Rhinos team that had only seven players on the team sheet.

Slack defending by the usually hard-running Rhinos saw Muchabaiwa score five three-point shots out of eight attempts to catapult a determined Celtics back into the top eight of the HBA log standings.

After a forgettable start to the season in which they lost three in seven games left Celtics on the ropes they have picked up form under new coach Simon Lawson to outrun a lacklustre Rhinos.

Celtics, who led 10-8 after the first quarter, added 21 solid points in the second quarter to lead 31-25 at the half-time break. But their defence always looked shaky as they conceded 17 points in the third quarter against the team with the second worst attack in the league. Rhinos had an average of 37 points a match but they managed to score a respectable 48 points against Celtics whilst rotating only six players, a feat that exposed Celtics’ defensive shortcomings.

Despite a slight improvement after the break, Celtics had only point guard Michael Dingiswayo and Soko to show for good defensive players.

But Celtics never looked like giving up their lead as they dominated the last quarter despite being in foul trouble with Soko getting both offensive and defensive rebounds and Muchabaiwa continuing his shooting rage. He fired a huge three off balance and in front of Rhinos’ captain Makumbe for the match’s last shot to end an impressive show.

His coach Lawson was impressed by his percentage scoring rate but said he has to work on his defence to be a complete player.

"The whole team has to work on their defence because at this rate we will pay when we play big teams," said Lawson.

Rhinos’ best player on view, Pararai, said the loss of former players Michael Koffi and Lloyd Muyanganira to Jammers had left Rhinos a very weak team and efforts to get more players during Christmas break were already underway.

By Emmanuel Marambe

THE Basketball Union of Zimbabwe, who host the Zone Six Championships at the City Sports Centre next month, have already started preparations for the event with prospective national team players already fine-tuning for the tournament.



The tournament has been set for February 24 to March 3 and will serve a dual purpose as qualifiers for the upcoming All Africa Games in Algeria and the African Cup of Nations in Angola.

Both men’s and women’s teams will feature at the fiesta, which will attract participants from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and hosts Zimbabwe.

The top two teams from both categories will qualify for the All Africa Games and Africa Cup.

Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the men’s event have been enhanced due to the absence of African powerhouse Angola, who have qualified for both tournaments as the defending champions and hosts respectively.

Angola’s women national team will, however, feature at the event even though they have already qualified for the All Africa Games tournament.

The Angolan side’s participation at next month’s championships has been prompted by the decision to use the Zone VI championships as joint qualifiers for the All Africa Games and Africa Cup of Nations.
Incidentally, the Africa Cup also serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The championships will mark Zimbabwe’s return to official Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) competitions following the lifting of the country’s suspension form the sport’s mother body.
Zimbabwe had been suspended from all FIBA-sanctioned competitions due to unpaid affiliation fees amounting to US$2400, which had accumulated over a seven-year period.

BUZ finally managed to pay off their debt late last year and FIBA subsequently lifted Zimbabwe’s suspension last November.
This will be the first time Zimbabwe has hosted the Zone VI preliminaries in eight years. At the time only male teams were involved.
And with the deadline for registration of teams being tomorrow, six countries, including the hosts, have registered to participate in the tournament in either category.

On the men’s side, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia have confirmed their participation in the tournament.

Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia have registered their female teams.
"Malawi have since indicated to FIBA Africa that they cannot bring a women’s team hence they have only registered in the men’s category," said Addison Chiware, president of the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe.
"Lesotho have indicated that they will not be coming for the championships, but we are still hopeful that Namibia and Swaziland will confirm their participation before the deadline has passed."

Chiware also said that preparations for the successful hosting of the tournament are well on course with some vital equipment needed during the games already in the country.
"The venue is in good condition and we are now just sorting out issues on hygiene and equipment so that everything matches up to international standards.
"We already have an electronic scoreboard and 24-second clock while the statistics software is already on its way from FIBA Africa. Back-up plans have been put in place and we are working towards securing more of this equipment for back up just in case the stuff we have malfunctions.
"Getting more of this equipment is also in line with our capacity building vision and this tournament provides us with a massive opportunity to improve our basketball infrastructure," Chiware said.

On the playing side, Chiware indicated that prospective national team players, the majority of whom represented the country in last month’s friendly matches against Zambia, are holding weekend camps.

The men’s team is under the guidance of men’s national coach Ronald Garura while the women’s side is under Ngoni Mukukula.
"For now we are holding weekend camps for the men’s and women’s teams, but we plan on going into full-scale camp three to four weeks before the tournament," said Chiware.
In a related development, BUZ has revealed that FIBA will organise coaching clinics throughout the country as part of its development programme.

Two clinics have already been held since BUZ was re-admitted by FIBA with an international coaches’ clinic and referees’ clinic having been held last month.
"Last year we held a certificate-level coaches’ clinic so this year we should be having the diploma-level one as well as a zonal referees’ clinic as part of our capacity building drive," said Chiware.

THE Zimbabwe basketball senior teams both men and women will this morning leave for Zambia where they are scheduled to play two international friendly matches.

Ronald Garura, the association’s secretary general, who is also the men’s team coach, said they were expecting good competition from the Zambians.
“We are going to play two games on Saturday and Sunday and the matches will go a long way in preparing for the forthcoming international games. We have assembled a very strong squad, which I think would challenge any opposition.
“It has been a long time since the senior team played a competitive match and I think this is the right platform to showcase their talent,” he said.
Zimbabwe men’s team will be looking up to the talents of Highdon Raiderz duo of Royne Takaendesa and Duncan Shenje, who have been the reason why Raiderz are at the top of the log.
The duo will be well complemented by the Cavaliers quartet of Tafi Soko, Allan Tegunde, Farai Tumbare and Simba Mugomezi.
On their day, the four can be a handful to any side and lot is expected from them.
Men’s squad
T Soko (Cavaliers), N Mushekwi (Cavaliers), A Tegunde (Cavaliers), F Tumbare (Cavaliers), S Mugomezi (Cavaliers), R Takaendesa (Highdon Raiderz), M Masawi (Highdon Raiderz), D Shenje (Highdon Raiderz), A Dzikiti (Jewels), M Banda (Jewels), T Muchenje (Highdon Raiderz), E Banda (Giants),
Head coach: R Garura
Assistant coach: N Pfebeni
Manager: L Moyo

SIX countries have confirmed their participation at the Zone Six Basketball championships, which will be used as joint preliminaries for the 2007 All Africa Games and the Africa Cup of Nations.



The championships, to be played in Harare from February 24 to March 3, mark the return of Zimbabwe to the international scene after paying up outstanding affiliation fees owed to the Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA) last year.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) interim chairperson Addison Chiware said Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and the hosts had all confirmed participation.
He said Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho were the only three nations yet to register their availability before the deadline next week.
“The deadline for the confirmation is January 22 and so far six countries have confirmed their participation at the championships.
“We hope the remaining nations will also confirm participation before the deadline.
“Angola will only be sending their women team as their men’s team have already qualified for the two tournaments by virtue of being the defending All-Africa Games champions and hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
Chiware added that Zimbabwe’s preparations for the Zone Six championships were already at an advanced stage.
“We have been consulting the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) with the view of getting help as you know that this is our first time to host games of such magnitude.
“Both the men and women teams have already started preparing for the tournament,” he said.
Two top teams, one men’s and the other from women will represent the Southern African region at the All Africa Games and the Nations Cup to be hosted by Algeria and Angola respectively.
Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the finals of both tournaments are very bright especially given that Angola, who posed the biggest threat, will not be involved in the preliminaries.
The Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Angola while Senegal hosts the women in August.

MSA HIGH HUMBLE TIGOI FOR 4TH TITLE

Beatrice Awino was unstoppable within the paint as Mombasa Girls High School (Coast province) humbled Tigoi Girls (Western Province) 82-30 to retain the girls title. Mombasa were out for serious business from the tip-off, taking a commanding 24-10 lead after the first quarter, before Awino combined well will guard Brenda Wasuda to extend the lead to 44-18 at the break. The second half wasn’t any different with the Awino-Wasuda duo punishing the Tigoi defense to take a 65-26 third quarter lead. Mombasa held Tigoi to only 4points in the last quarter, as the got a huge 82-30 win.Wasuda added 22 points for the coastal girls, while hardworking Yvonne Mshedni led Tigoi with 15 points
In the semis, Mombasa High were in a class of their own, whipping Raliew Girls from Nyanza Province 129-30, while Tigoi were stretched to the limit before edging out Menengai High from Rift Valley 85-71. Menengai hit Raliew 58-39 to take the third position.

LAISER OUTCLASS AQUINAS FOR BOYS TITLE

After ending as runners-up 3-years in a row, Laiser Hill Academy broke the jinx, outclassing Aquinas High School 56-33 to clinch the boys title for the first time. Former champions, Aquinas High were off to a superb start, taking a 9-3 first quarter lead after good shooting from Kamau and Ken Samora. However, that was short-lived as their former shooting guard, turned Laiser Hill point-man, Richard Dong, sunk back –to-back 3-pointers to give Laiser Hill a 17-12 lead, and never looked back as they went up 21-20 at the break. Laiser Hill maintained their form in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 39-25 as Aquinas struggled to keep up. The final quarter saw Laiser Hill hold Aquinas scoreless for 5-minutes as they went up 45-25 through gift Nyongesa, Leonel Mayake and Dong.Nyongesa and Mayake combined well in the final 2 minutes to seal Laiser’s victory at 56-33. in the semis, Laiser Hill fought to the last second before edging out high flying Friends School Kamusinga from Western 98-94 in an explosive tie that had 7 dunks. Aquinas defeated Mangu High School form Central 45-37 to book a finals spot. Kamusinga Tigers mauled Mangu 68-48 for the third position.
Laiser Hill, Aquinas, and Kamusinga all qualified to represent the country in the East Africa High school games in Dar es Salaam Tanzania later in the year. Laisr Hill Academy is the defending champions.

Mombasa High School Basketball star- Beatrice Awino landed a full basketball scholarship for 5-years from the Union University of Tennessee in the United States of America. Awino will undergo a high school programme at the university for a year, before joining the main campus. Awino has been instrumental for Mombasa High school this year as she led them in both scoring and rebounds as they won the Kenya Secondary Schools Basketball title in April and the East Africa Secondary Schools Basketball tile in August 2006.

She becomes the 5th Mombasa High School player to join a US college from a basketball scholarship. Others were Jacklyne Wasuda, Mirriam Wandanda, Josephine Achieng, Owino, and Matilda Mayaka.

Mombasa High School retained the girl’s basketball title at the East Africa Secondary school games after defeating Kibuli High School from Uganda 69-35. USA-bound six foot forward- Beatrice Awino was unstoppable, bagging 38 points for the winners, in a game they dominated from tip-off to the buzzer, with Awino dominating both offensive and defensive rebounds as well. Brenda Wasuda (R) added 18 points for Mombasa High as Hatima Karima and Nakabugo Assumta replied for the Ugandans with 17 and 11 points respectively. Mombasa High finished the games unbeaten after edging out fellow Kenyans- Tigoi girls High School 80-34 in the semis. Tigoi had defeated Uganda’s Nabisunsa 63-53 before fighting from 6-points down to upset Don Bosco from Burundi 52-51 to finish third. The Games were played at the Dar es Salaam University basketball courts. Beatrice Awino was later named the Most Valuable Player-MVP.
In the boy’s category, defending champions Laiser Hill Academy of Kenya beat Tanzania's Makongo 59-41 in the boys finals to retain the regional cup. they had earlier defeated Uganda’s Kaboja 52-28, before edging out fellow Kenyans Aquinas High School 68-56 in the semis. Aquinas had whipped Tanzania’s Jitegemee 53-24 in an earlier game. Pascal Issa from Makongo MVP

St Austins Academy- Nairobi and St Georges Girls Secondary School claimed the winners' titles of the 3 rd edition of the Nairobi Secondary School Sports Association (NSSSA) Term 1 Basketball tournament. St Austins Academy, former high School basketball champions, won all their games, including a “Pay-Back” 62-45 win over Nairobi Jaffery's Academy …who eliminated them last year at the semi final stages of the NSSSA Schools League. The girl's finals saw Defending champions St Georges Secondary School edge out Moi girls Nairobi 49-41 I an entertaining encounter. David Ogolla of St. Austins Academy and Grace Kendi of St. George's were named the events Most Valuable Players.There were a total number of 24school teams' boys being 16 and girls 8school teams.

Boys had Quarter final as follows;-
1. St.Mary school 22 Vs Kahawa 26
2. Highway 23 Vs St. Austin 41
3. Nairobi Jafferys Vs Dagoretti Boys Walkover Dagoretti didn't show up.
4. Light Acdemy 23 Vs Hillcrest 24

Semi's Boys
Nbi Jafferys 51 Vs Kahawa 30
St. Austins 57 Vs Hillcrest 30

Semi's Girls
St. George's 44 Vs Precious Blood Riruta 39
Moi Nbi Girls 36 Vs Buruburu Girls 25

Finals Boys
St. Austins 62 Vs Nbi Jafferys 45
David Ogola 24pts David Sinda 18pts
Chidi Emmanuel 15pts Bak Bul Bak 19pts

MVP ;-David Ogolla - St.Austins Academy

Finals Girls.
St. George's Girls 49 Vs Moi Nairobi Girls 41
Janet Okoth 17pts Shila Anyanyo 13pts
Linda Mfuchi 16pts
Grace Kendi 11pts

MVP ;- Grace Kendi - St.George's Girls school.

VARSITY Leopards handed Stormers a 100-55 thrashing in the Harare Basketball Association A League at the City Sports Center over the weekend.

The win was Varsity's seventh win of the season.

They have lost twice this season.

Gideon Chikopa once again led the attack for Varsity and top-scored with 22 points and got great support from Michael Makanda, Tafadzwa Walani and Hamilton Mudawarima.
Former Faithwear Jammers player Makanda scored 16 points with Walani adding 13 while Mudawarima weighed in with 12 points.
Ulemu "Respect" Gwaze battled hard for the Stormers with 11 points while Tommy Mhurushomana had eight points.

Varsity team manager Rutendo Makanda said the victory will boost the team's spirits ahead of the forthcoming showdown against Raiderz.
"It was an open game and we were in control from the beginning of the game and we took this game as a preparatory match for next weekend's battle against Raiderz.
"We are on course and we will always give the best we can.
"Hamilton and Gideon played well and not forgetting Makanda and Dominic Mhlanga who came in with valid play as well," said Makanda.
Raiderz also upset favourites Londoner Hawks 72-50 at the same venue.
Brothers Duncan and Norest Shenje were in great form for Raiderz with 21 and 14 points while Menard Masawi chipped in with 12.
Tafadzwa Ndudzo (17 points) and Ian Janure (14 points) tried their best in a losing cause.

Results
A-League: Mbare Bulls 0, Gentlemen's Association 20; South Central 15, Kingdom Cavaliers 85; Varsity Leopards 100, Stormers 55; Raiderz 72, Londoner Hawks 50; Mbare Bulls 39, JBC 64; Faithwear Jammers 56, Raiderz 90.

B-League: Crocodiles 31, Drifters 55; Golden Spurs 50, Sigauke 65; Trinity 23, Richwood 55; Crocodiles 0, Highfield Assassins 20; Panthers 53, Nuggets 59; Golden Spurs 21, Blades 38; Raiderz 50, Londoner Hawks 54.

Women: Raiderz 67, Londoner Hawks 21; Varsity Leopards 83, Stormers 21; Pistons 37, Ducumus A 19; Golden Spurs 35, Blades 20; Panthers 0, JBC 20; Stanbic Mavericks 116, Highfield Assassins 18.

1º de Agosto and Interclube, one of the strongest teams of the senior ladies basketball competition play on Wednesday in the "hottest" encounter of the 21st edition of the tournament that begins on Tuesday in Luanda.

1º de Agosto, national and continental titleholders, have the opportunity to overturn the Super Cup's result, last week, in which Interclube beat them.

The tournament, to be played at pavilion "2" of Cidadela Sports Complex in Luanda, starts on Tuesday with the matches between Interclube and Maculusso, 1º de Agosto and Nocal, the four teams taking part in the competition, all from the capital, Luanda.

The finals are set for February 01 and will be preceded by the game for the third position.

LONDONER Hawks team manager Gilchrist Mageza is confident that his side will come out victorious when they take on bitter rivals Raiderz in a Harare Basketball League match today.

All the league matches for today -- including the B and Women's League -- are scheduled for the City Sports Centre where they will use the indoor court and two outside courts.

Mageza believes that they will recover from last week's 70-46 defeat at the hands of University of Zimbabwe old boys -- Varsity Leopards -- to collect maximum points.
"There is no doubt that tomorrow's (today's) game is going to be a tough one but we have a surprise for them and I am sure we are going to win the game.
Everyone knows that we are going into the game as underdogs but my word to them is that they should not under estimate us.
As underdogs we do not have anything to lose but at the same time we want to make sure that we improve our game to come out with something," said Mageza.
Raiderz could prove a handful for Hawks as they have only suffered one defeat in seven games and they will be banking on the in form Shenje brothers.
Norest and Duncan Shenje last week played a crucial role in the destruction of hapless Gentlemen's Association with the help of Erinos Katsaruware, Costa Mashati and Mernard Masawi.

Fixtures

A-League: Mbare Bulls v Gentlemen's Association, South Central v Kingdom Cavaliers, Varsity Leopards v Stormers, Raiderz v Londoner Hawks, Mbare Bulls v JBC, Gentlemen's Association v Kingdom Cavaliers, Faithwear Jammers v Raiderz.
B-League: Richwood v Drifters, Golden Spurs v Sigauke, Trinity v Richwood, Crocodiles v Highfield Assassins, Panthers v Nuggets, Golden Spurs v Blades, Raiderz v Londoner Hawks, Pistons v Galacticalz.

Women: Raiderz v Londoner Hawks, Varsity Leopards v Stormers.

Pistons v Ducumus A, Golden Spurs v Blades, Panthers v JBC, Stanbic Mavericks v Highfield Assassins.

Rosters from the third best teams:

INTER LUANDA
Edmundo Ventura (1,82 metros), Adilson Câmara (1,82), Simao Panzo (1,88).
Jose Nascimento (1,96) Helder Domingos (1,94), Michel Santos (1,97), Simao Santos (1,98), Manuel Martins "Massunga" (1,82), Armindo Tchipongue (1,97), Vicente Neto (1,96)
Joao Neto (2,00) Lifetu Selengue (2,02), Mouhamadou Diop (2,10)(Senegal) Casimiro Cardoso (1,97), Nivaldo Nsumbo (2,01).

PETRO LUANDA
Domingos Bonifacio , Milton Barros , Shanoon Crooksn (Usa), Euclides Machado, Manuel Mariano, Carlos Morais, Dilson Camacho, Fernando Albano, Luis Costa, Leonel Paulo, Francisco Horacio, Victor de Carvalho, Francisco Jordao(Portugal-Angola), Idelfonso Kiteculo, Frederick Gentry (Usa), Helder King, Idalicio Joaquim and Eduardo Mingas.

1º AGOSTO LUANDA
Miguel Lutonda (1,86 cm), Mayzer Alexandre (1,85), Walter Costa (1,85), Armando Costa (1,93).
Wlademiro Ricardino (1,95), Francisco Luano (1,98), Carlos Almeida (1,93), Olimpio Cipriano (1,93), Gerson Monteiro (1,93).
Muamba Ilunga (2,00), Mbuila Katiavala (2,08), Abdel Bouckar (2,04), Victor Muzadi (2,01), Felizardo Ambrosio (2,01), Joaquim Gomes (2,00).

Kenya Team forward; Carolyne Achieng in action.

The game between Interclube and Lusiadas University that happens this Friday at 06pm (local time), at the courts of Inter, is highlight of the 29th edition of the National Senior Males Championship.

The competition starts two before the Interclube-Lusiadas encounter, with Petro de Luanda receiving Desportivo da Nocal at Cidadela's main pavilion.Still part of the inauguration round, 1º de Agosto faces Vila Clotilde, at pavilion II at 04pm, Athletic Sports Aviation (ASA) plays Cabinda Mixed Team, also at 06pm and Sporting de Luanda faces Agostinho Neto University's Sports Club (CDUAN), at the same time.

Petro de Luanda is the current national champions, whilst 1º de Agosto won the provincial competition.

AMBROSE Tashobya and Peter Mubanda have jumped into the basketball association chairmanship race.

The two officials will take on current chairman John Ssimbwa at polls set for January 28.
Another official Bob Buga has joined the race to fill the vice-chairman's position after the current vice Peninah Kabenge declined to stand for re-election citing a busy work schedule.
Tom Ocamringa and Elliot Bagenda will contest the secretary's post while Joe Burua and Jason Mehl have been fronted to replace incumbent Kigozi Kafumbe as the federation's publicity secretary.
Chris Kyebambe will take on treasurer Susan Kafumbe.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

Interclube conquered Wednesday night the Basketball Senior Female Super Cup, here, by defeating the African champions 1º de Agosto by 65-63 in a game disputed at Cidadela main pavilion.
Although the match was very much balanced, Interclube lost the three first quarters, reaching the half time with a small disadvantage of two points (24-26), but at the end Interclube managed to change the results leading to a victory.
At the end of the match Interclube coach, Apolinário Paquete, attributed the victory to the players.
He said that the victory will motivate more the group and will lead to other conquests, having revealed that the objective outlined for the previous season was achieved after conquering the competition.

1º de Agosto coach, Aníbal Moreira, recognised that the team made a lot of mistakes, that is why they lost. He said that the team have not been acting as African champions.

Following the formal unveiling of the Warriors Basketball Academy in 2005 at the Sports Arena and Leisure Centre, Ilupeju, Lagos, the National Basketball Association (NBA) in collaboration with Sprite have assisted the Warriors Basketball Programme to refurbish its basketball court at the center.

When commissioned, apart from serving as training center for the Academy, the court will also be opened to members of the community at large.

Two NBA officials, which include Masai Ujiri of the Denver Nuggets, will be leading former NBA Star (Sam Perkins) and a WNBA player (Ruth Riley) of the Detroit Shocks and member of the USA female Olympic team for the commissioning of the court which will also feature clinics for Nigerian youths in two age categories (10 – 16 years and 16-19 years) and an exhibition games for veterans and a game between the Warriors Academy and the Junior National team (Junior Tigers).

Ruth Riley is also part of the NBA delegation to Lagos, courtesy of the World Health Organization (WHO) where she will be conducting the “Nothing but Net Programme”, a world wide malaria prevention programme aimed at eradication the scourge in the developing world.

After successfully hosting the 21st Africa Champions Cup for Men recently, the Warriors once again add another feather to their cap by being recognized and supported by the NBA in this project. This is not a surprise as the Warriors Basketball Programme continues to produce young players who are holding their own world wide.

Players like Abdullahi Kuso (Gonzaga University), Dinma Odiakosa (Illinois State University), Michael Eric (Palmgate High School) and Dele Coker are few examples of Warriors players from the Academy and the main team doing well in the NCAA in the USA. Also the club, which came 3rd at the last Africa Club Championship which it hosted, has five players in the Junior Tigers which won the last African Junior Championship and will represent Africa at the World Junior Championship in Canada in July 2007.

Warriors Coordinator, Col Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) calls on all basketball stake holders to witness the Court commissioning. He has also requested all our youths, particularly the schools whose players have been invited for the clinics to kindly release their players to enable them improve their basketball skills from acquiring knowledge from the NBA and Nigerian coaches who will run the clinics.

The Nigerian coaches include Adeka Daudu (Junior Tigers), George Berefoiri (American International School), Peter Ahmedu (Warriors Academy), Sylvester James (Dolphins), Adewunmi Aderemi (First Bank) and Emmanuel Okolo (Union Bank).
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The team Manager of the Invincible Eleven (IE) basketball team, Mr. Emmanuel Taylor has called on board members of the Invincible Eleven Majesty Club (IE) to put to rest the existing leadership scuffle at the association.

Mr. Taylor said, "the act of one group calling for the removal of Mr. Ben Martin, who he said was single handedly appointed by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Willie Russell, while another group maintained that he (Mr. Ben Martin) remain in office, is not healthy for the growth of the club and if not attended to will sooner or later undermine the focus of the club."

Speaking to the INQUIRER recently in the capital, the IE Sports official frowned on the way the current leadership of the association is being run and so called on the club's Board to put in place the proper mechanism that would enable others who are interested in spear heading the club to contest.

According to him, when ever people are being single handedly appointed by the club's Board, it creates a suspicion that causes dissatisfied members of the club to protest, adding that when the opportunity is being afforded to interested people to contest, everybody in that light will fully partake in electing a new leadership.He further commented that the Board of the club should have appointed an interim leadership who will then stir the affairs of the club until an election is being held among members and officials of the club to have a legitimate leadership.

Mr. Taylor added that IE is one of the oldest clubs in the country and so it shouldn't be struggling with leadership scuffle but should rather be contemplating on the challenges that lie ahead so as to better the talents of those young people who have committed themselves to the club.

He however challenged the IE leadership to concentrate on the great task that is ahead of them so as to have a transformed IE and to also satisfy the club's many fans who had always been there whether good times or bad times.

A lot of old hands have been excluded from Nigeria’s provisional lists for July’s All Africa Games holding in the Algerian capital, Algiers.

In all, the Nigeria Basketball Federation called up 22 local players for the male and female categories for the first phase of the exercise, which is starting in two centres on Monday.

The men’s 22-man list sees the inclusion of Adamu Ibrahim, Mbaram Omori, Ayodele Ahmed, Abel Baraya and Orseer Ikyator, who represented the nation at the junior level in South Africa last year.

There are also Stanley Gumut, Charles Okwandu, Mike Ohiero, the Ebun Comets point guard, Ngusha Asortse, Terengwa Gyang and Dennis Ebikoro.

The women’s 22-players list pulls a surprise with the return of shooting guard Taiye Adeniyi. She is joined by Dolphins players like Tinuke Arowosafe, Esther Igben and Juliet Ejogo.

There are also Oluchi Nzekwe, Tamuno Whyte, Theresa Samuel and Olawumi Olayinka.

The men’s camp will hold in Abuja, while the women’s camp is in the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The first phase of the camp would last for a month, Akinlotan said.

This will be followed by a two-week break and a technical review with the teams likely to undertake a screening tour of the United States, where the Nigerian players based there will join them.

Akinlotan said the second phase of the exercise would then start in Zaria and Abuja. The teams would also head for the U.S. after this phase and return to Nigeria before leaving for Algeria.

The teams will return home after Algiers 2007 before flying directly to Angola and Senegal for their respective Nations Cup tournaments.

Nigeria’s female team is the defending champion of the AAG from Abuja 2003 and also holds the FIBA Africa title after winning back-to-back in 2003 and 2005.

The men’s team is the third best in Africa but faces a tough task in Algiers and Luanda; there is only one guaranteed ticket for the continent from the Nations Cup in August to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

It is the same for the women’s game as there is only one guaranteed spot for Africa to Beijing from Senegal; Nigeria represented Africa in Athens 2004.

By Olusegun Ikuesan

The season starts in Ernest in February with the national men and women's teams taking part in the All Africa Games qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.

Then showdown tips off on February 3 through to 10 and Kenyans have been training hard at Nyayo NationalStadium gymnasium under veteran coaches Ronny Owino and Thomas Olumbo.

After Kigali, there will be the East and Central Africa club show in Bujumbura, Burundi in April. Four teams led by defending champions KCB Lions and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will carry the country's flag.

The other two, according to Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) competitions secretary Steve Nyakina, will be the national champions, Ulinzi Warriors (men) and Telkom (women).

July will be the month the All Africa Games takes place in Algiers, Algeria and Kenya hopes to be there, especially the ladies who also were in Abuja in 2003.

Latter in November, KBF plans to host the final tour of the Africa Feminine Club championships where Telkom will carry the country's hopes in the 12 team show.

A look at 2006 in review, the local scene was as bright as always with Ulinzi and Telkom claiming the 2006 national Premier League men and women titles respectively.

But at the international level, things were less impressive as all the country's representatives in the continental podium faired badly.

Maseno High School in South Africa, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Gabon, KCB Lions in Nigeria and the national U 20 team did not fair well either in the Africa National Olympic Committee (Anoca) games.

But on a brighter note a regional event held in Uganda saw the Nairobi men and women teams do the country proud by lifting the Inter Cities titles in Kampala.

After some grueling 7 months of intense activity, 12 teams (four men, four women and four lower division) teams booked a ticket to the November play offs.

In the semi finals of the best of three series, all teams except Ulinzi went through without losing a game. They lost to KCB Lions 70-74, the only fixture they would lose whole year.

Their opponents, Co-operative Bank of Kenya shut out United States International University (USIU)2-0 (76-63 and 73-61).

When they reached the finals against Co-op Bank, the soldiers made history by capturing their fifth title in a row by winning 2-0 (79-73 and 84-83)before a packed Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

Ulinzi was dominant whole year and judging by the personnel at their disposal, they will continue to reign for more years to come laeving others trailing in their wake.

In the women's semi finals, KPA, who had lost to Telkom in Nairobi in the regular season met and beat Yana Milele 2-0 (77-51 ) while Telkom shut out Sprite Storms 2-0 (49-43 and 68-64)

But if they thought the crown would go back to Mombasa on a silver platter, it wa s not to be to their shock Telkom hit them 2-1 after losing the first tie in Mombasa 71-59.

They gave Caroline Arato and Mwajuma Suleiman contracts and a trip to Libreville, Gabon, after the former single handedly dismantled their defense in that wins.

Games two and Three were sad for KPA. Telkom went up 68-57 and as if that was no fluke closed the lid firmly shut on KPA's fifth title attempt with a well taken 55-49 win.

The Telkom win prompted one question I have always wanted to ask for months- are KPA coaches Anthony Ojukwu and Sammy Wanjohi working together?

Kisumu Lakeside did the city proud, in only their first outings they roasted Java Warriors 67-61 at the own back where they remain unbeaten.

Java thought they had a strong chance when the series returned to Nairobi but they did not better in a close 66-68 loss as the Kisumu lads claimed the Divison 1 title.

There were the dark sides too as former East and Central Africa club champions Postbank, Sprite Stormers and Kenya Railways withdrew from the League at the start of the year without playing a game.

Yana did join the show to the relief of many, but did not provided enough challenge losing all its matches to the top three.

Next year Catholic Dream Team (CDT) and Kisumu Lakers will join the show. But whether they will withstand the challenge or merely add up the numbers will be seen when the new season tips off ? And as that was not enough, Coast Youth Club (CYC) and Nakuru Club pulled out midstream watering down the competition even further.

LIONS in LAGOS

Lions traveled to Lagos for the 21st Africa Masculine Championships and saw red. Lost 82-105 to Dodan Warriors of Nigeria, 69-82 to Inter of Congo, beat Back of Guinea 69-67 before losing to the same team 44-56, 57-73 to Onatra of DR Congo and 54-95 to eventual winners Petro Athletico.

KPA in GABON

Unlike KCB who were placed last KPA did make a bold attempt winning three of their eight matches. Took 14 team personnel that included two school girls none of who ever stepped onto the court.

Started off against Somo of Gabon and lost 48-59, played ISPU of Mozambique and won 62-57, crushed 64-84 to Inter of Angola and 42-70 to First Bank of Nigeria. 70.

The porters won 72-60 over Arc en Ciel of Congo and went past Dolphins of Nigeria 91-81 before posting another 73-66 win over Arc.

MASENO in DURBAN

Despite losing all their matches in the 15th Africa U 18 Junior championships in Durban, South Africa, Maseno High School did the country proud.

The former national school champions represented the country in a first ever major junior show which was indeed a milestone. They lost all their four matches, but improved in every game.

Maseno were crushed 102-75 by defending champions Nigeria in their opener. In their second tie against another Africa powerhouse Angola, they fell 42-86.

They went on to lose 64-84 to Guinea in a high scoring match and were hit 53-83 by Cote d' Ivoire in their final preliminary fixtures.

The matches, that brought together nine nations saw the eventual winners Nigeria and silver medalists Angola book a ticket to fly Africa's flag in the World Stage in Vancouver, Canada next year.

UNDER 20 LOSE IN ANOCA GAMES.

Egypt easily bagged the inaugural Associations of National Olympics Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone Five championships gold medal by betting Rwanda 87-62.

Egypt's Mohammed Ihab was declared the Most Valuable Player (MVP)while Kenya's David Ogolla took home the Most Disciplined Players award.

Kenya lost to Rwanda 86-77 but beat Burundi 44-37 to bag the bronze medal in the finals played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Kenya played in pool A at Nyayo gym and whipped Ethiopia 91-44, piped Burundi 60-57 and crushed Tanzania 78-30. Other countries that took part were Eritrea, Uganda and Somalia

Dann O'Were

SANDE BASHAIJA
KAMPALA

THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) has failed to confirm participation in the Africa Zone 5 basketball tournament due February 3-10 in Kigali, Rwanda.

World hoops governing body, Fiba early last week set January 15 as the registration deadline for all teams intending to take part.
Fuba official Yunus Nkutu, who doubles a women's head coach told Daily Monitor on phone Monday evening that the federation was still struggling to raise funds.

"We didn't want to commit ourselves before getting enough money. We can still take part but we'll have to pay a late registration fee of Shs400,000 per team. If we confirm and fail to make the trip, it will cost us a fine of $20,000 (about Shs36m)," Nkutu said.

Uganda are defending champions but Egypt are outright favourites to win the event. Winning teams will automatically qualify for the All Africa Games due July this year in Algiers, Algeria.

The Kenya National teams continued with preparations ahead of the Zone Five All Africa Games qualifiers scheduled for Kigali Rwanda from February 3rd to 10th. Both the women's and men's teams have been undergoing intensive training at the Nyayo National Gymnasium in Nairobi.

National team Head Coach, Ronny Owino named the preliminary squad as;
Women: Joyce Makungu, Caroline Achieng (R), Eunice Ouma, Rebecca Serange (Telkom), Caroline Arato, Mirriam Awuor, Millicent Anyango, Mwajuma Suleiman (KPA), Violet Wanyama, Caroline Achieng, Pamela Sinda (YANA), Angela Luchivya, Evelyne Kedogo, Hilda Luvandwa (Storms), Brenda Angeshi, Anastasia Njeri, Angela Okoth and Samba Mjomba (USIU).

Men: Dan Gaiko, John Waruru, Peter Kiganya, Cliff Ochieng, Eugene Genga (UoN Terrorists), Furaha Odari (Co-op), Ancette Wafula, Vincent Ambani, John Apollo, Victor Odendo, Simon Mugambi, Moses Shida (Ulinzi), Yoni Wanambiro, Dan Okwiri (USIU), Juma Ikapian, Lewis Muya, David Otiso (KCB) and Ben Oluoch (Runda).

Kenya's prospects in the Zone Five All Africa Games qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda, received a jolt with star player Pater Kiganya, missing in the final list submitted to Fiba-Africa on Tuesday.

Kiganya, the best player the country has produced recently, is due to fly to the US, national team head coach Ronny Owino, said. He admitted it has severely dented his plans.
"There is no doubt that without Kiganya, we will need to work extremely hard. He is a good player who has played at the top level and his understanding of the game is good," said Owino.
He said the absence of Kiganya, who has played professional in Argentina and Chile, Richard Osano and Dan Gaiko will be a blow to Kenya's chances.
"I needed a team of tall players. This cannot be possible without the trio," said Owino, adding that the door is still open for Gaiko, who has yet to report for training.

He confirmed that Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) has sent the names of 30 players to Fiba-Africa headquarters in Abidjan thus beating the January 15 deadline.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) guard Mwajuma Suleiman, Yana's Caroline Achieng and Pamella Sinda have been dropped from the squad currently training at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, the latter due to studies.
Thomas Olumbo, who is coaching the women's side, said that the team have not responded to training and that with only two weeks left, things will have to take a different approach.

"They are still very slow. The defence and transition is not good and we also need to work on recovery. We will work on this week," said Olumbo.He said the team is shooting well and the awareness is good. But there is need to work on recovery from offence to defence in the last sessions.
Owino said the last two weeks will be vital. The winners from the Kigali show will book a ticket to the pan-African Games in Algeria in July.

Participating teams in the February 3-10 show will be Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia and hosts Rwanda.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

USPA AWARDS - 2006
Basketball - Becky Akullo

KAMPALA City Council Leopards’ leading scorer Becky Akullo was named basketball player of the year 2006 by the sports press. The 24-year old national league silver medalist becomes the first female basketball player to scoop the award that has in the past been conferred upon males in a sport dominated by men.

Marines forward Boniface Okello and Lady Bucks point guard Flavia Oketcho, who were awarded the 2006 league Most Valuable player accolades, finished second and third respectively, behind Akullo for the overall award.

“The award means the world to me and I am really honoured to have won it,” said Akullo, who was rather shocked at the news.

“I never dreamt I would receive the award — what with players like Norman Blick, Salim Ali and Mark Enabu! it’s a career achievement for me.” The 5’6” left-handed Akullo is an imposing basketballer.

KCC Leopards coach Mandy Juruni referred to her as clutch player who was key to their making it to the finals last year. “She is strong both offensively and defensively and eager to improve her game.

“It is also thrilling for a woman to overshadow icons like Blick, Boniface Okello, Isaac Afidra to basketballer of the year.”

Akullo guided her team to the Miracle Invitational and Makerere Open titles early in the season before helping team Kampala to second place in the Inter-cities tournament in May.
“I think Becky really inspired us to achieve success, she deserves the accolade,” her teammate and friend Miriam Hamala described her.

Akullo’s quest for supremacy started in 1997 when she featured for Nabumali High school in the Sprite Schools meet.
In September 2003, she helped MUK-Sparks dethrone Lady Bucks of the league title while pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Makerere University.

“Becky has an unbelievable winning spurt,” said Marines captain Boniface Okello.

PAST WINNERS since 2001
2001 - Norman Blick
2002 - Isaac Afidra
2003 - Sam Obol
2004 - Norman Blick
2005 - Norman Blick
2006 - Becky Akullo

APR was the national champion men 2006

Cliff Owuor, the APR basketball coach has said that he hopes to strengthen his side ahead of the 2007 National basketball league. The tactician anticipates greater competition from clubs likes Gisenyi's Marines, Basketball United Generation (BUG), Rwanda National University (UNR) and arch-rivals Espoir.

"It's true we won the league last year after tiring play-offs. But, despite the fact that we secured a three-straight game victory against Espoir in the finals, there were strong signs that the 2007 season would even demand more from our team," said the experienced coach.

The former Kenyan national basketball team star, currently handling the national women basketball side ahead of the Zone V basketball championships said; "the point-guard and centre positions are the major areas of my focus. We have one of the best players in these positions in the league but we still need a back-up."

APR was the outright club with much depth in the entire league, going by the 2006 records.

"One advantage APR had over other clubs during the 2006 league was that it had depth in its squad. Unlike other clubs that would tire their players because of limited options, APR freely alternated their players," noted an official of the Rwanda Basketball federation.Owuor, whose club contract winds up in June, also hinted that this year, APR will be looking at manifesting itself on the continental scene.

"The club is eyeing success in the East and Central Club Championships. We need to win this event in order for us to compete in the highly fancied African Club Championships," added the tactician.

The 2007 national basketball league is expected to tick off after the All African Games qualifiers scheduled for early February.

2006 Africa Countries Champions

ALGERIA - ASPTT Alger
ANGOLA – 1º Agosto Luanda
BENIN – ASPAC
BOTSWANA -
BURKINA FASO – AS Sonabhy
BURUNDI -
CAMEROON – INJS Yaounde
CAP VERDE –
CONGO (Brazaville) –
IVORY COAST – ABC
EGYPT –
GABON – Somo
GAMBIA -
GHANA -
GUINE CONAKRY –
LESOTHO -
LIBERIA –
LYBIA –
MAURITIUS ISL.- Curepipe Starlight Sp. Ci.
MADAGASCAR – Sotrata Antsirabe
MALI – DJOLIBA
MOZAMBIQUE – Ferroviario Maputo
MOROCCO – FAR
MAURITANIA – NASR Sabkha
MAYOTTE – BCM Mahor
NAMIBIA –
NIGER –
NIGERIA – First Bank Nigeria
KENYA – Telekom
RCA –
RD Congo – Arc en Ciel
REUNION – Basket Club Dionisien BCD
RWANDA –
SEYCHELLES – Anse Etoile Stars
SENEGAL – JA Jeanne d’Arc
SOUTH AFRICA -
TANZANIA – Cargo Ladies
TCHAD -
TOGO –
TUNISIA – CSS Sfaxie
UGANDA – Lady Bucks
ZAMBIA –
ZIMBABWE – Varsity Leopards


If everybody can completed the missing teams champions , make me know by a coment.

Interclube, third placed in the last season, strengthened its squad with the inclusion of six new players and a technical team with an assistant coach to improve their standings in the national senior males basketball tournament, ANGOP learnt from an official source.

Wingers José Nascimento, Armando Tchipongue and base Lifetu Selengue, from the Sports Club of Agostinho Neto University (CDUA), will represent Inter during the present season, joining the base João Neto (ex-1º de Agosto), play makers Simão Panzo (ex-Petro de Luanda) and Adilson Câmara (ex-Nocal Sports Group).

On the other hand, the former national coach of the senior ladies team, Apolinário Paquete was contracted to assist main coach Manuel de Sousa "Necas" in replacement to Hermenegildo Lopes.

Speaking to ANGOP, Necas informed that the new players might take advantage of the experience they acquired to help Interclube to improve the third place achieved in 2006.

ZIMBABWE is set to host the All-Africa Games and Africa Cup of Nations preliminary basketball qualifiers at the City Sports Centre next month.

The games are scheduled for February 24 to March 3 and the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe has already started preparing for the event.
The joint preliminaries will involve Zone VI members, including Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia.
Zimbabwe re-affiliated to the world basketball governing body, Fiba, late last year after paying their affiliation fees and arrears with the association. Since then, the country has so far been granted the opportunity to host Fiba-sanctioned events among them the coaches' clinic and the referees' clinic in December last year.
BUZ chairman Addison Chiware said the games had given them a platform to show Fiba how committed they are to the game.
"It is a huge honour to be hosting such a big event on the African basketball calendar and this also gives us the opportunity to work with other administrators at a higher level.
"It's also an opportunity to network and gain experience from the happenings at the event.
"The deadline for all the Zone VI teams to register is on the 21st of this month and here, as Zimbabwe, we are running around with the preparations for the games.
"Zone VI are also helping us in the preparations and in also lobbying other countries to come and take part as the qualifiers will be for both the men and women's teams."We also want to show Fiba how dedicated and how serious we are when we host these qualifiers because already we have hosted other international events in the coaching and refereeing departments.
"We have shown commitment since the day we paid arrears and we have to get more serious as this would be an opportunity to market Zimbabwe through sport as well," said Chiware.
Meanwhile, the Harare Basketball Association League will resume this weekend after taking a three-week break for the festive season.
By Paul Munyuki

FORMER basketball Most Valuable Player Henry Malinga has returned to fight for a place on the national team.

The Falcons basketball team centre, who has been AWOL, was one of the 33 players who began individual training at the Makerere University pool court and Main ground.
The national basketball teams resumed training yesterday ahead of the East, Central and Southern Africa Basketball Championships (ECSABC) slated for February 5-11 in Kigali, Rwanda.Coach Robert Ndamagye said it was good to have the 6'5" Malinga back on the squad.
"He will have to fight for his place from a pool of very good players. It is exciting to have quality options to pick from," the coach said.
Malinga was part of the team that played for Uganda in 2005. They upstaged Tanzania before surprising Kenya 61-60 at the ECSABC finals in Kampala to claim the regional crown.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has set January 15 as the registration deadline for countries planning to take part in the 2007 All Africa Games qualifiers.
The Games’ qualifiers are scheduled to run from February 3 at Amahoro Indoor stadium.
Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) technical director Innocent Karuhije revealed the development.
“We received an official communication from FIBA informing us that they will send us (Ferwaba) the final list of all those countries that are scheduled to take part in the qualifiers on January 15 of this month.
“This will help us make the necessary hotel reservations for the participating nations,” said Karuhije.
Meanwhile, the national basketball sides; men and women enter residential training today. The men’s side will reside at Hilton hotel while their ladies’ counterparts will camp at Kigali centre Motel.
Cliff Owour, the ladies’ national team coach who returned Sunday from his home country-Kenya, is expected to resume his duties with the national side today.
The men’s side is still without two of its professionals.
Raoul Mballa is was outstanding during the national side’s tour of Nairobi late last year is expected back in the country on January 12 while Edwin Rubasha who features in the England top basketball league is trying to process travel documents. The federation believes that the duo will add flair to the side.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

ALGERIA - MC Alger
ANGOLA – Petro Luanda
BENIN – ASPAC
BOTSWANA - ?
BURKINA FASO – AS Sonabhy
BURUNDI - ?
CAMEROON – Phoenix Douala
CAP VERDE - ABC
CONGO (Brazaville) – Inter Brazaville
IVORY COAST – ABC
EGYPT – Al Gezira
GABON – Stade Mandji Port Gentil
GAMBIA - ?
GHANA - ?
GUINE CONAKRY – Back BC
LESOTHO - ?
LIBERIA – Invencible Eleven
LYBIA – Ittiad Trípoli
MAURITIUS ISL.- Real Port-Louis
MADAGASCAR – MBC Sebam de Mahajanga
MALI – Stade Malien Bamako
MOZAMBIQUE – Ferroviario Maputo
MOROCCO – RCA Casablanca
MAURITANIA – NASR Sabkha
MAYOTTE – Jeaux d’Afrique Pamandzi
NAMIBIA – ?
NIGER – ?
NIGERIA – Plateau Peaks
Kenya – Ulinzi
RCA – ?
RD Congo – ASB Kauna
REUNION – Saint-Pierre
RWANDA – ?
SEYCHELLES – Premiun Cobras
SENEGAL – US Rail
SOUTH AFRICA - ?
TANZANIA – JKT
TCHAD - ?
TOGO – ?
TUNISIA – Stade Nabeulien
UGANDA – Nkumba Marines
ZAMBIA – Hetro Bullets
ZIMBABWE - Cameo

Kenyan international player based in Oman , David Abdul Mugoye has been named the Best Post Player in the 2005-2006 Oman League. Mugoye, who plays for Club Nizwa in Oman , received the award upon arrival in Oman after a long break in Kenya .

Mugoye together with his Nizwa team-mate and fellow Kenya- Patrick Odhiambo, were in the country for the off-season break. They took time to participate in numerous basketball activities; basketball camps and clinics (JaMalaria), tournaments, international friendly games against Rwanda and advocacy and campaigns.

IT'S one thing to have potential and another the ability to deliver. Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has more than able administrators but surprisingly the development of basketball has stalled.

With the likes of John Ssimbwa (President), Peninah Kabenge (Vice President), Elliot Bagenda (General Secretary) and Susan Kafumbe (Treasurer), FUBA has level-headed, selfless leaders.

Their love of the game can be manifested by what Ssimbwa, Kabenge and Kafumbe have done at Falcons, Sparks and Lady Bucks respectively.
Despite the above leadership, many feel FUBA, registered few successes in 2006 and the few administrative loopholes considered small and irrelevant could be the cause of basketball stagnation.

Communication prob

With discontent building up among club representatives, the failure to organise a general assembly was the biggest disservice FUBA could do to the basketball fraternity.
According to the FUBA constitution an executive's term of office lasts only two years. Elected in November 2004, the current committee is in office illegally, something that Peter Mubanda, a presidential hopeful, is ready to challenge in courts of law.
Daily Monitor however learnt that one of the executive members lost a relative, among other unavoidable circumstances that culminated into the assembly postponed.
Much as FUBA may be given a benefit of doubt it is however imperative that stakeholders are kept informed about the federation's business.
Communication, Mubanda asserts, is the most important thing in administration but it's no big issue in FUBA.
Kigozi Kafumbe is the FUBA publicity secretary but never has he come out to address controversies.
At the beginning of the season Norman Blick was playing semi-professional basketball in Qatar but returned mid-season to play for Marines, something that contravenes FIBA rules.
Different clubs petitioned FUBA over Blick's legality in the league but still the issue wasn't addressed.

Operations office

Since Tom Ocamringa's resignation as the FUBA operations officer, confusion has surrounded this fort that up to now there is no specific person running the office.
The job was advertised in December 2005 and Carol Nantalo was appointed after passing the interviews.
However her appointment seems to have riled some officials. She was reportedly denied an appointment letter, sabotaged and later thrown out in August under unclear circumstances.
"I was just told to stop working but they promised to call me back after sometime," Nantalo told Daily Monitor.
Barely a week after Nantalo's 'sacking', Mande Juruni who had emerged second best in the interviews was called in.
Juruni, a senior basketball player and coach (KCC) did not last two weeks in office as he was asked to leave after a row between the federation and KCC Leopards.

The row had reportedly emerged over Leopards' insistence to use a jersey without the sponsors' logo for a league match.

Awards ceremony

After charging players entrance fees for league games, the closing ceremony should have been an exception.
Players were denied entry into Lugogo Stadium and this made the ceremony the dullest of all time.

National team circus

Following the national team's heroics in the 2005 East and Central Africa Nations Challenge, FUBA president Simbwa indicated that Uganda's targets were now on the African continent.Uganda (men) beat Kenya in the finals while the ladies were second in the tourney hosted at Lugogo. It's a year down the road and the national team(men & women) is yet to play a competitive game.
Luckily enough the 2006 edition was pushed to February 2007 in Kigali, Rwanda. The event will act as the qualifications for the All Africa Games.
This should have been a blessing in disguise but the federation has failed to secure funds for the teams' preparations. Most players snubbed the national call due to lack of facilitation and training is yet to resume.

The real problem

Where as the top officials have the willingness to deliver, their commitments elsewhere have ensured that they give little time to basketball.
Delegation of duties to low ranking, rigid officials is taking basketball to the jaws of death.
Edmund Lumu (organising secretary) has given his whole to basketball but he seems to have been overwhelmed by the challenging workload.
Imelda Nyongesa has equally done a 'wonderful' job but there is need for people who can appreciate positive criticism.

Good side

Apart from the successful Kids League (FUBA plays no big role) and some mouth-watering clashes in the league, the only good thing that happened in basketball last year was the U-20 men's team taking part in the ANOCA Games in Nairobi, Kenya.
It was the first time a Ugandan youth team took part in a regional event but their performance is nothing to be proud of. Due to poor preparations they only managed one win in the opening game against Eritrea (88-77).

There is also need to run the league with a business acumen and dynamism if at all fans that have all turned to rugby are to come back to YMCA.

If FUBA officials don't devout more time to the game or throw in the towel, nothing else but a miracle can take Uganda's basketball to the next level.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has awarded Rwanda the task of hosting the qualifiers of the 9th edition of All Africa Games scheduled for Algiers, Algeria in July.

Rwanda will host the basketball discipline for the Zone V region, where the winner will secure a slot at the highly fancied competition. The Zone V region comprises Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia and hosts Rwanda.

The Kigali qualifiers will attract both men and women, contrary to the previous events.
"Before, the qualifiers only involved men's teams but this time, women are also part of the competition," Innocent Karuhije, the Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) technical director disclosed to Times Sport.The All Africa Games competition that falls after every four years was first staged in 1965 with Congo (Brazzaville) as hosts.
Nigeria is set to compete at the Algiers Games as defending champions, having won the 2003 edition in Abuja, on 226 points, twelve more than runners-up Egypt.
In a related development, Rwanda and Angola have been tipped to host the African Cup of Nations (CAN) basketball event. Karuhije said that Rwanda's chances of winning the hosting rights will greatly depend on the success of the Zone V Championships. The qualifiers are scheduled to run from February 3-10

By Dann O'werre
The New Year will be a relatively busy one for basketball, officials have said.

Kenya Basketball Federation competitions secretary, Steve Nyakina, said this on Wednesday as he released the 2007 calendar of events.

He said that national women champions, Telkom would carry the country's flag in the Africa women club championships slated for Nairobi latter this year.
The tournament, the first ever to be staged in the country, has been slated for November 26; a day after the curtain comes down on the national league.
At the same time, Nyakina said Fiba Africa has released new dates for the Nations Cup that was pushed forward from November.
"Fiba Africa have now given us new dates for the tournament." said Nyakina adding that the week long show will now be staged from February 3.
The championships that will bring together Zone Five nations like Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Kenya will be used pick the All Africa Games representatives.
"With the dates now fixed, our national teams must start training as soon as possible. We will take the sessions very seriously since there is no time," he said.Nyakina also said that the regional club show would be in Bujumbura, Burundi in April.
Also on the menu are the national elections to be held later in the year.
The New Year will start off with the Fiba coaches' clinics in Nairobi.