Basketball in Africa

SAVIO retained the Union basketball championship yesterday after defeating JKT 48-41 points in mouthwatering finals held at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Savio who are also the National Basketball League Champions were at their best and dominated the proceedings from the word go. They took control of the first quarter of the game of the scoreboard which read 9-8 points. Despite putting up a hard fight, JKT who are among the best teams in the country, failed to impress, leaving their opponents leading the game, and up to the breather Savio had recorded an impressive 25-19 points. The electrifying finals saw basketball giants JKT sinking in front of hundreds of fans packed in the Indoor Stadium. The army men fought hard in the third quarter but still could not match the intensity, and determination displayed by Savio who chalked yet another 32-28 points, before concluding the final quarter with a seven points gap. Savio slotted their points through Yusuf Abdul who recorded 15 and his teammate Henry Mwinuka who registered 10 points while JKT got their points through Charles Makene and Franklin Simkoko who scored 17 and 9 points, respectively. In the third position playoff, Tabora’s Bees who last Saturday lost to mighty Savio took the third position after defeating Dar’s Oilers by 63-49 points in a match played at the same venue earlier in the day. Meanwhile in the Ladies event, JKT Queens consoled their male counterparts, after emerging champions of the Union title in the Ladies discipline beating Jeshi Stars 45-33 points in the finals held at the same venue. JKT who were behind the opponents at the breather with 12 points against 14 of Jeshi were more rejuvenated in the last two quarters of the game and managed to turn up the tables against their opponents to win at the nail biting final. Their points came from Dorica Mbunda who slotted home 12 points and her colleague Muhaja Yawawa who had nine points while Jeshi got their points from their towering veteran player Grace Daudi who registered seven points and Nipaeli Kessy who scored five.

The Santiago South Camphionship has finally started. Due to many setbacks, mainly financial, the Regional Association has managed to organize this year Santiago South Championships.
However, this will be a short championship due to the proposed dates for the National Championship. If Santiago South does not end by the end of June, it will not have a representation in the National Championships.

The results of the first two games:

ABC (72) - Boavista (23)
Predio (76) - Bairro (53)

The schedule of the Championship:

1ª JORNADA
Data Hora Local Equipa A Equipa B

25-04-07 19:00 Gimno Boavista ABC
25-04-07 20:30 Gimno Predio Bairro
28-04-07 20:30 Gimno Amibasket Seven

Junior community basketball groups marked the 2007 Africa Malaria Day by participating in a U-17 basketball tournament, organised by Another Level Sports Associates-ALSA at Kariokor Estate in Nairobi . The event, which attracted U-17 and U-14 teams from Eastleigh, Komarock, Kayole, Shauri Moyo and Kariokor Estates, saw the juniors compete for basketball wards as they got the message of Preventing- Controlling- and Treating Malaria: Africa's Biggest Killer of Children.

Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya . It is endemic in 40 districts and epidemic in 16 districts in the country. It is estimated that over 70 per cent of Kenya 's population is exposed to the risk of contracting Malaria, whereby over 3.5 million children below the age of five years remain at risk. It is further estimated that a child suffers 3 to 5 episodes of Malaria per year, and over 35,000 children below age five die each year from direct consequences of Malaria. This translates to an average of 94 children in a day. Health is a basic right! Help Fight Malaria by making Kenya a Malaria Free Nation. Lets all partner to Prevent-Control-Treat Malaria.

The event was graced by Kenya NGO Alliance Against Malaria- KeNAAM CEO; Mr. Gerald Mwangi -Walterfang, Friends of ALSA represented by Mr. Steve Olweny, Yvonne Agengo, Matilda Makatiani, and Mildred Malubi, Africa's Promise officials David Maina and Oscar Ayomi, and USIU Ladies Basketball team players; Sarah Chan, Brenda Mose, Bernice Wambugu and Foda Michael.

Team Eliabo from Eastleigh won the U-14 category as Nairobi Christian Centre Eastleigh-N.C.C.E finished 1 st runners-up, while Shauri Moyo Baptist team won the closely contested U-17 category as Eastleigh 's Eliabo came second.

Awards:

Most Valuable Player-MVP Girls: Georgia Merab (Kariokor Saints)
Most Valuable Player-MVP Boys: Martin Mugambi (Eliabo U-14 Team)
Most Promising Player-MPP Girls: Mercy Adhiambo (Kayole U-14)
Most Promising Player-MPP Boys: Benson Mukuna (Kayole U-14)
Coach Appreciation: Julian Ongoma (Kayole Basketball Team)
Sponsor Appreciation: Steve Olweny ( Dubai )

U-14 Category Standings
1. Eliabo U-14 Team (Winners)
2. Nairobi Christian Centre Eastleigh-N.C.C.E (Runners-up)
3. Kariokor Saints
4. Kayole U-14 Team

U-17 Category Standings
1. Shauri Moyo Baptist (Winners)
2. Eliabo Team (Runners-up)
3. Hoop Team “B” Komarock
4. Hoop Team “A” Komarock
5. Kayole U-17 Team

Full Results:

U-14
Kariokor 16 vs. Kayole 10
Eliabo 17 vs. N.C.C.E 12
Eliabo 19 vs. Kariokor 04
N.C.C.E 21 vs. Kayole 06
N.C.C.E 12 vs. Kariokor 07
Eliabo 21 vs. Kayole 04

U-17
Hoop Team-B 15 vs. Hoop Team-A 11
Shauri Moyo Baptist 25 vs. Kayole Team 10
Eliabo 24 vs. Hoop Team-A 18
Hoop Team-B 17 vs. Kayole Team 15
Shauri Moyo Baptist 15 vs. Eliabo 12
Hoop Team-A 18 vs. Kayole Team 15
Hoop Team-B 19 vs. Shauri Moyo Baptist 14
Shauri Moyo Baptist 13 vs. Hoop Team-A 08
Eliabo 24 vs. Kayole 18

The Kenya National women's basketball team is already in training ahead of the All Africa Games Championships to be held in Algeria in July. The team, under Coach Thomas “Smatts” Olumbo, qualified for the games after they whacked home team Rwanda 95-38 in a game they sunk a record nine three-pointers in the Zone Five qualifiers-Rwanda. The veteran tactician is maintaining the same squad that includes guards Rebecca Sarange, Eunice Ouma, Hilda Luvandwa, and Millicent Anyango among others, backed by forwards led by Gladys Wanyama, Caroline “Majeng” Achieng and Miriam Awuor. Others in training at Nyayo Gymnasium include High School sensation Salma Garang of Shimba Hills High School , and USIU explosive forward Angela Okoth. Coach Olumbo will name his final squad before departure to Algeria .

Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Secretary-general, Francis Gbiri has said that the national male and female teams will hold trials in June to select their teams to the 9th All Africa Games to be hosted by Algeria, July 11 - July 23 in Algiers.
Gbiri said in Lagos that the men's team would hold their trials in Dallas while the women's team trials would hold in Houston, both in the U.S.

The secretary said that the team would build on their performance at the 2003 8th All Africa Games hosted by Nigeria in Abuja.
The female team would play in group B with Mali, Tunisia, Senegal, Kenya and Zimbabwe, while the male team would play in group B along side Cameroon, Liberia, Angola, Mali and Congo, Kinshasa.
Gbiri said that as part of preparations toward the Africa Games, the female league, sponsored by Zenith Bank would now kick-off it's first leg tournament in Abuja.
The event, originally planned to hold in Kano was shifted to Abuja for between May 3 and May 9.
The second leg of the competition would also hold from May 9 to May 17 in Abuja while the third leg would hold in Asaba, May 18 - May 25. The final leg would hold in Lagos between May 26 and June 2.
Gbiri sald: "I believe in my players and I know they are going to make the country proud".
The federation would invite one of it's coaches, Kelvin Cook from U.S. by mid May.
Meanwhile, Gbiri also said that screening for the National U-19 players would hold in Kaduna from May 4 - May 9 as part of their preparations for the African Cup of Nations as well as a World championship to be staged in in Yugoslovia some time in July.
The U-19 players are in group C amidst of Australia, Canada and Turkey.

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala

KAMPALA International University continued their imperious run in the basketball league with a 72-55 win over Sadolin Power.
KIU, who were coming off a 67-64 opening victory over Mogas Falcons last Wednesday, looked more like kings of the mountain as they fuelled a fourth quarter run limiting Power to only eight points whilst scoring 21.

With Markmot Orom, Emma Baguma and Jeff Mwaniki doing the heavy lifting as usual, Isaac Afidra put the game out of Power's reach with a flurry of rebounds and free throws at the YMCA on Saturday.
Sadolin Power, who got 10 points from Richard Balemwa and eight points from Wilbrod Oketcho, never recovered after the third quarter to register their first season loss.
Elsewhere, skipper Henry Malinga's two free throws in the final thirty seconds gave Falcons a deserved 66-64 victory over Miracle.
Warriors doomed Charging Rhinos to a second consecutive 64-41 loss in the men's division one games.
The women's action saw KCC Leopards pick up a second successive victory (83-41) over Nabisunsa as Uganda Christian University defeated Victoria Lakers 41-21.
Oketcho stopped at eight

BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Saturday results

Men
KIU 72 Power 55
Falcons 66 Miracle 64
Warriors 64 Rhinos 41
B.Court 41 Vegetarians 36
Lubiri H. 41 Stone 37

Women
KCC 85 Nabisunsa 41
UCU 41 Lakers 21

By Gloria Kyomugisha

Men
Lubiri v Stone
B/Court v Vegetarians
KIU v S. Power
Women
V/Lakers v UCU

THE National basketball league encounter between the unpredictable KIU and high-flying Sadolin Power is perhaps the top item on today’s line-up.
The rivals will battle at the YMCA

AFTER months of speculation about his future, University of Connecticut men's basketball player Hasheem Thabeet has decided to return to UConn for his sophomore season.

Thabeet, a 7-foot-3 centre from Tanzania, was considered a possible first-round NBA draft pick if he left school early. Instead, Thabeet announced yesterday he wants to play for the Huskies at least one more season.

The deadline for declaring for the 2007 NBA Draft is Sunday. "I am very excited about next season and returning to UConn for my sophomore year," Thabeet said.

"I look forward to continuing my education as a person and as an athlete. We have all been working very hard since the season ended and we will continue doing everything we can to get better each day and have a great season next year. "I would also like to express my appreciation to all my fans and those who have taken interest in my career here at UConn," Thabeet added.
"I want to especially thank my fans in Tanzania who continue to send me volumes of letters of support. I am glad I can be a role model figure to the youth in Tanzania, many of whom do not have the opportunities that I have been given."
UConn head coach Jim Calhoun, who has been counseling Thabeet on a near-daily basis, was pleased with the decision. "We obviously have high expectations for Hasheem in the coming year," Calhoun said. "He had a very good freshman year for us and showed great improvement as the year went on. "He has the opportunity to take it to the next level during this coming summer and heading into next season and can really be a big part of our team achieving success in the future."
Thabeet started all 31 games for UConn last season and averaged 6.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots per game. He ranked first in the Big East and third nationally in blocked shots.

By Caxton Apollo
Nairobi

National women's basketball league champions Telkom will host Kenya Ports Authority in their first leg tie at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium today at 2 pm.
It will be a repeat of last year's play-offs final which saw Telkom battle from behind to deny KPA their fifth consecutive title. Telkom, who last won the title in 2000, shocked the dock women 2-1 in the best of three series final to win the 2006 championship.
The two have the bulk of players in Kenya's national team currently preparing for the All Africa Games to be held in Algiers, Algeria in July. They are expected to use the league match to shape up for national duty.
Ulinzi Warriors, who made history by becoming the first team to win the league title five years in a row, play their season opener against newcomers Kisumu Lakeside. Ulinzi dismissed Co-op Bank 2-0 in the 2006 play-offs final while Lakeside registered a 2-0 win over Java Warriors to clinch the lower competition championship.
The soldiers start as favourites to grab two points. They are expected to parade their experienced players Moses Shida, Simon Mugambi, Ancette Wafula and Ken Oliver.
After losing 71-62 to Co-op Bank last weekend, University of Nairobi's Terrorists return to the court against International Christian Centre. ICC also had a disastrous start when KCB Lions beat them 98-74.
In another women's match, Catholic Dream Team take on Kisumu Lakers while Nairobi Pentecostal Church will host visiting Kenya Ports Authority. The dock men have been out of action for two years and Nairobi fans will be out to see how the coastal team have prepared for their bid to regain lost glory.

Tomorrow, Kisumu Lakeside will wind up their Nairobi tour against fellow newcomers Strathmore University. The sides joined the top competition this year and will be battling it out to make a name for themselves.
Yana Milele meet Kisumu Ladies, KPA take on Blazers while Don Bosco have a date with Langata Crusaders.
Last weekend, KCB Lions re-discovered their winning form as they beat hard battling ICC 98 - 74.
The Lions who came to this match with a point to prove, having lost their first match of the new season to Co-op Bank, lead their opponents from start to finish with some brilliant display particularly from David Nyarsouk who kept fans from both sides on their feet with powerful slams.
It was however Patrick Kirui who gave his team the much needed points sinking 26 points to crown a man-of-the match display.
In earlier matches played on the same day, Java Warriors were unlucky loosing Strathmore University by a solitary point in a nail biting match. The final score was 56 - 57 in favour of Strathmore University.
In the women's leagues, Yana beat Dynamites 56 -22 thanks to an impressive display by Judith Okoth.
In the other match -played on Sunday Sprite Storm hammered University of Nairobi 'Dynamites' 57 - 24 points.

The teams of 1º de Agosto and Interclube will face each other this Friday, in Luanda, in a game that will have the two teams fighting to consolidate the second position of the first division senior male Basketball Championship.This game counts for the fifth round of the championship's second phase.
After finishing the first phase unbeaten, 1º de Agosto suffered their first defeat, in the fourth round, against Petro de Luanda.
Nevertheless, Interclube are to have a real tough time in this game, since the opponents are seen as the favourites, considering the technical qualities of 1º de Agosto's players.

Other fifth round games:
Petro de Luanda - Atlético Sport Aviação (ASA)
Misto de Cabinda - Desportivo da Universidade Agostinho Neto (CDUAN).
Petro de Luanda lead the championship with six points, followed by 1º de Agosto and Interclube, with five points.

JKT maintained their winning streak in the ongoing Union Basketball League after recording a narrow 44-43 win over Bees of Tabora in a see-saw match at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The match started at a cracking pace with both teams exchanging quick baskets in turn. The first quarter saw JKT chalking a slim 9-7 lead, before recording a 22-20 lead at the breather.
The nail-biting match picked up even more momentum in the third quarter as the Tabora lads fought hard to a draw level while their opponents aimed at increasing the tally.
However, JKT had an edge above their opponents and counted quick baskets for the scoreboard to read 35-29. In the last quarter the Tabora lads came back rejuvenated, huffing and puffing on the neck o their opponents, which saw them reducing the tally to 44-43 at the final whistle.

THE inaugural edition of the Baya Basketball Tournament will span three days instead of two, Sports Nation was told yesterday.

Organised by the Baya Sports Club, the tournament dribbles off at 5 p.m. today and will continue tomorrow and on Sunday at the Palais des Sports.
The top six finishers in last year’s Men’s division 1A league championship have all accepted an invitation to participate in the tournament. They have been divided into two pools of three – A and B. Baya are in pool A along with Premium Cobras and Cascade Bullets, while pool B is made up of PLS Hawks, MBU Rockers and SMB Razorbacks.
All action will be at Victoria Gymnasium on day one – today – and four matches have been scheduled. The order of matches is as follows: Baya v Cascade Bullets (pool A), PLS Hawks v SMB Razorbacks (pool B), Premium Cobras v Cascade Bullets (pool A) and MBU Rockers v SMB Razorbacks (pool B).

The remaining two group matches – Baya v Premium Cobras (pool A) and MBU Rockers v PLS Hawks (pool B) – followed by the two semifinals – winners of pool A v runners-up pool B and winners pool B v runners-up pool A – will be played at the Palais des Sports on Saturday as from 2 p.m.
The Roche Caïman venue will host the third place play-off match at 3 p.m. and the final at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The tournament winners will receive a cash prize of between R1,500 and R2,000 and a floating trophy. Other than trophies, the runners-up will pocket R1,000 and the third place finishers R500. In fact, all participating teams are also expected to receive trophies.

All Fédération internationale de basket-ball amateur (Fiba) rules and regulations will be applied during the tournament. A player who is disqualified in a match will not be allowed to take part in any other matches during the tournament.
The organisers have decided that all group matches will last 32 minutes – 8 minutes each quarter. As for the semifinals, third place play-off match and the final, they will last the usual 40 minutes – 10 minutes each quarter.

Tickets will cost R10 for children below 12 years old and R20 for children above 12 years old, and adults.

G. G.

By Sande Bashaija
Kampala

FALCONS' quest for a sixth national basketball league title has hit a dead end.
The record champions on Wednesday night lost their opening game 64-69 to Kampala International University (KIU) and return to action today against Miracle, who started on a high with a 60-44 win over Charging Rhino last Sunday.
The Mogas sponsored team, romped to an 18-9 first quarter lead at Lugogo Indoor Stadium but could not absorb the shock with the scoreboard reading 69-64 in favour of KIU at the end.
Despite reporting late for the game, national team captain Sam Obol made tremendous drives and sunk in 7 of his 12 points in fourth quarter to help Falcons close an 11-point lead established by KIU by the close of third quarter.

Isaac Afidra (13) had shot thrice from outside the arch and Jeff Mwaniki once for KIU to dominate second quarter 15-10 but only managed 9-24 in the third.

Late brawl

Ugly scenes rocked the last 30 seconds of the game with KIU's Emma Shikuku and Emma Baguma (13) involved in a brawl with Charles Ssuubi.
Makmot Orom had a game high 19 points for KIU while new recruit Moses Ochan collected 12 as KIU beat Falcons for the second time in five league meetings.
The Malinga brothers Henry and Eric top scored for Falcons.
Fazirah Motoni's 10 points had steered Amazon Rhino to a 37-31 triumph over Crane High School in the ladies category.
There is no clear favourite to win this year's league title with defending champions Nkumba Marines expecting stiff competition from several teams.

Results

Crane H. 31 Amazon 37
Falcons 64 KIU 69

Today at Lugogo

Nabisunsa v Leopards
Miracle v Falcons
Rhino v Warriors

Miracle basketball club has sacked coach Peter Mubanda after one season in charge. The coach who had two years left on his contract, was fired after several Miracle players questioned his coaching style. Players also complained that he also misses training.

Sunday Results

Whales 40-39 Raprors
Union Bank 57-37 Sea Rovers
Dodan Warriors 80-78 Kennys Bullets
Chariot 62-54 Warriors Academy
Police Bombers 51-31 Kadets
Ebun Comets 54-51 Islanders

Monday Results

Islanders 66-59 Chariot
Police Bombers 44-40 Sea Rovers
Dodan Warriors 69-34 Kadets
Raptors 49-47 Warriors Academy
Ebun Comets 43-42 Whales
Union Bank 74-56 Bullets
Wednesday Pairing
Whales Vs Police Bombers
Sea Rovers Vs Islanders
Chariot Vs Union Bank


Table

Team P W L FF PTS POS

Union Bank 10 10 - - 20 1st
Dodan Warriors 10 9 1 - 19 2nd
Ebun Comets 10 9 1 - 19 3rd
Kennys Bullets 10 7 3 - 17 4th
Islanders 10 6 4 - 16 5th
Police Bombers 10 6 4 - 16 6th
Chariot 10 5 5 - 15 7th
Whales 10 3 7 - 13 8th
Sea Rovers 10 3 7 - 13 9th
Raptors 10 2 8 - 12 10th
Warriors Academy 10 1 9 - 11 11th
Kadets 10 - 9 1 9 12th

Zamalek vs Ittihad
In a quick and easy match El Zamalek win 87-80.
As Ittihad played with juniors Zamalek player not found hardness to finish the match and catch 2 point waitting for El Gezira match tomorrow.
First quarter is the best for Zamalek which ended 23-15, and in the second quarter all notice Zamalek player recklessness to tied with Ittihad 32-32, then Zamalek player wake up to finish first half 45-40.
Thied and forth quarter have the same rythem to end the match 80-87 and still Zamalek in the first with El Gezira by 24 point

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

The first circuit of the Zenith Bank Female Basketball League earlier fixed to hold in Kano has been moved to the National Stadium, Abuja. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) officials explained that the decision was taken due to what was referred to as "logistics reason".
"We just did not have any choice but to move the event to Abuja under the prevailing conditions," Sam Ahmedu, Zenith League Director, said yesterday.The NBBF, however, announced that the initial dates for all the three circuits for the Elite-8 and the lower level 12 remain unchanged. At that the Elite teams are billed to arrive in Abuja next Wednesday as the competition proper begins the following day. The other league for the Maiden 12 teams will hold at the same venue from the 11th. The teams have been accordingly directed officially to proceed to Abuja. Sunshine Angels of Akure, AHIP of Kano, First Bank, Customs, Dolphins, Amazons, Delta Force and Nigeria Immigration make up the Elite-8.
THISDAYSports learnt that even though participants were initially worried by the security reports from that region during the election period, the huge demands and conditions set by the Kano State officials for the use of the sports hall at the stadium did not help matters.
And with the fixtures released yesterday by the NBBF, Sunshine Angels and AHIP will play the opening match next Thursday. The first game is scheduled to begin at 12noon. Delta Force will take on the Nigeria Immigration in the second game while First Bank and Amazons are for the third game. The star match of the day is definitely the last one of the day between Dolphins and Nigeria Customs. First Bank ladies are the defending champions of the league.

Dann O'were
Nairobi

Marion Githegi, the UK-based student, will join the national team's training camp for the All Africa Games next month, a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) official said on Wednesday.
Agina Wesonga, the KBF chairman, told SportFest that Githegi, a guard who plays high school basketball in England, has been held back because of examinations."We want to include her in the provisional team. She is expected at the end of May," said Agina, adding that Nairobi-based players have already started non-residential training. Githegi, has impressive credentials and was named to the England basketball under-15's regional and England All Star team.

She says in her email to Agina: "I have learnt a lot over the seven years that I have been playing basketball. I have met a lot of people who are now my friends, but most importantly I have grown to be a mature student/athlete with my love for the game of basketball and will continue to pursue my career."

National team head coach Ronny Owino said he will give Githegi a chance in the team and see if she is up to scratch.
"If she is a good guard as her school credentials suggest, then we will give her a chance like anybody else when she finally comes," said Owino. Owino said he will call up four US-based players to enhance the team's medal prospects. Beatrice Awino has already been ruled out because she is sitting examinations.
Kenya has been drawn in pool B in the Pan Africa festival that starts on July 13. They will play Tunisia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Senegal and defending champions Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Co-operative Bank over the weekend beat University of Nairobi Terrorist 71-60 in a Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
International guard Cliff Ochieng fired 18 points to lead the bankers to their second successive win.
They led 37-28 at the break. Brian Busu bagged 18 for the campus lads.t was double trouble for University teams as Sprite Storms dismissed UoN Dynamites 57-54. Hilda Luvandwa managed 15 points for Storms with Doreen Milala scoring 10 for the losers. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology thrashed newly promoted Lang'ata Crusaders 73-48.
The losers, who last week failed to travel to Mombasa for their opener against Kenya Ports Authority have found out early that things will be rough.
Roy Kahure, Jkuat's national team player led all scorers with 21 points while Boniface Okulo managed 16.

THE top six finishers in last year’s Men’s division 1A league championship have accepted an invitation to participate in the inaugural edition of the Baya Sports Club two-day this weekend.The tournament will dribble off at 5 p.m. on Friday and all action will be at Victoria Gymnasium and with six matches on the opening day. The semifinal, third place playoff and final will be played on Saturday at the Palais des Sports as from 2 p.m.

The six teams have been divided into two pools of three – A and B. Baya are in pool A along with Premium Cobras and Cascade Bullets, while pool B is made up of PLS Hawks, MBU Rockers and SMB Razorbacks.
The order of matches on day one is as follows: Baya v Cascade Bullets (pool A), PLS Hawks v SMB Razorbacks (pool B), Premium Cobras v/s Cascade Bullets (pool A), MBU Rockers v/s SMB Razorbacks (pool B), Baya v/s Premium Cobras (pool A) and MBU Rockers v/s PLS Hawks (pool B).

All teams have confirmed their participation and tickets will cost R10 for children below 12 years old and R20 for children above 12 years old, and adults.
Baya Sports Club president Hervé Anthony told Sports Nation yesterday that other than the cash prize of between R1,500 and R2,000, the tournament winners will get a floating trophy.
This means that Baya Sports Club, who also comprises the Bel Air women’s basketball team and the Baya Boxing Club, wants the Baya Basketball Tournament to become a yearly event. But all will depend on the kind of success the inaugural edition enjoys.
The runners-up will pocket R1,000 and the third place finishers R500.
Anthony, who is also the manager of the men’s national basketball team, took the opportunity to send a message to all teams’ supporters.
“I call on all supporters to support their teams in the best possible manner. Avoid insulting and swearing at officials and referees. If supporters continue to mis-treat game’s officials, I’m sure the little group of people who are still giving their time to make sure the sport runs well, will give up. It won’t be good for the sport of basketball,” said Anthony.

G. G.

By Renatha Msungu

JKT men started defending their title well by defeating Rangers of Zanzibar 93-44 in the opening match of the on-going Union Basketball League match at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

The Mainland team led 28-12 in the first quarter before stretching their lead to 47-20 until the half of the game.
The defending champions lead 67-35 in the third quarter.
A good combination of Charles Makene, Ashrafu Haroun and Tumsifu Apolo, helped JKT won the game.
Makene scored 17 points while Haroun and Tumsifu scored 16 and 8 points respectively for the winners. Ranger`s Hafidhi Mgeni and Abdu Ally scored 11 and 12 points respectively.
Meanwhile, the government promised to work closely with Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) in preparations for the next year`s championship.
The Minister for State, Vice-President Office, Union Affairs, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, made the promise when he opened the league.

`This will be in line with our efforts to strengthen our Union between Zanzibar and Mainland. My ministry will play a great role in co-ordinating the event next year,` said Dr. Mwinyi.
On his side, the TBF President, Richard Kasesela, said the federation would next year stage the event in Pemba as a way to strenghten the Union.
The Union Basketball League is expected to end on April 26, the Union Day.

This year, ALSA and USIU Ladies Basketball Team will host junior basketball community groups to a one day basketball tournament in commemoration of Africa Malaria Day, which is held on April 25th,every year. The tournament is for boys and girls aged 17 years and below and is aimed at both creating awareness on Malaria and launch of mosquito nets collection campaign that will be run by USIU Ladies Basketball Team in their effort to join in the fight against Malaria. The tournament dubbed JaMalaria Junior Basketball Challenge will be held on April 28th, 2007 from 9.00 am and will double up as a launch for this event to be held annually in commemoration of Africa Malaria Day as we strive to promote advocacy amongst the youth and youth organizations to become malaria champions. Through this initiative, USIU Ladies Basketball Team will lead other teams and universities and set an example for other sports in using the power of sports to make a difference in the society. The nets collected will be presented to ALSA JaMalaria Initiative at the annual JaMalaria Basketball Camp held in August. The nets will be presented to the less fortunate members of our community in the most malaria prone areas.

from http://alsabasketball.com/home.htm

By Nanama Keita

The Gambia Basketball Federation in collaboration with the Banjul Sports Committee have announced they will organise a special basketball match that will gather veteran basketballers in the country, press release from Banjul Sports Committee has revealed. According to the release, meant to rekindle the spirits and the golden period of basketball at the Manneh Sillah Memorial Lawn which is about to be taken over by the National Assembly.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at Manneh Sillah memorial lawn in Banjul. "The match will bring together veterans players from a female team that won the golden madal in 1970 and male team that won the golden medal in 1972.The attendance of all former basketball enthusiasts will be dearly appreciated as this is a night to be remembered and it will serve as the last basketball match to be played on the lawn," the release concludes.

Petro de Luanda meet Interclube and 1º de Agosto face the mixed team of Cabinda for this Tuesday's second leg of the semi-finals of the Angola Cup in senior males basketball.
Petro and Inter will play at Cidadela pavilion, in Luanda, whilst 1º de Agosto meet the mixed team of Cabinda in this far northern province of the country.After a win over Interclube, for the first leg, by 94-82, Petro de Luanda will try to consolidate their advantage and qualify for the finals.
On the other hand, 1º de Agosto, titleholders, has an easier task. The 105-71 victory in the first leg leaves the holders a step away from the finals.

Wallidan Basketball Club on Saturday night clinched the 2007 Basketball male League title over YMCA Basketball team.

In a well attended and competed final played at the Manneh Sillah Memorial Basketball Court in Banjul. Wallidan defeated YMCA 59-49 points.

Despite the late kick off, around 23pm, the final attracted many Basketball fans from Banjul and KMC including the Former Secretary of State For Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, Alhagie Samba Faal.

It was YMCA, who first registered the first points just fithteen seconds after the kick off through their play maker Halifa Faal.
But Wallidan came back quickly in the score sheet and took the lead at the middle of the first quarter.
The first quarter ended on a draw 16-16.
The second quarter produced the same scenario but Wallidan players improved on their scoring chances and led at the end of the second quarter and went to the break with a four points margin 29-25.
Wallidan went on the rampage in the third quarter by assuring all their shooting chances while YMCA players missed the best scoring chances including several free throws.
The third quarter went to Wallidan again with a 40-33 points.
The must awaited last quarter of the final produced the best part of the encounter with YMCA closing the gap on Wallidan to 42-42 points but at three minutes to play, Wallidan controlled the game and dominated YMCA.
Wallidan finally clinched the title with a ten points different 59-49.
According to Binet Marong, a member of the Organising Committee, the Winners, Wallidan, would be awarded D20,000 while the Runner up, and YMCA would receive D10,000.
She revealed that the prizes would be awarded in an Award night to be organized soon.

He added that the Awarding Night would also feature a Dong competition, Free throwing competition and a three points competition.

MEN’S division 1A defending champions Premium Cobras needed a strong fourth quarter performance to avoid an early slip up, stepping up their defence and going to their Tanzanian import – Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan for scoring.

He got nine of their 18 points in the final 10-minute spell for a 59-56 win over SMB Razorbacks who had led for long spells in Sunday’s match at Victoria Gymnasium.

After overcoming a two-point deficit at the end of the first quarter which they lost 15-17, coach Pascal Fostel’s SMB Razorbacks wanted to produce an early upset as they dominated the Cobras 11-9 and 21-15 in the second and third quarters. In the end, they could not sustain the momentum, letting victory slip away.

‘Dulla’ got a game-high 23 points and some amazing dunks for the Cobras who are experiencing lapses of concentration in their play just over a week before they leave for Reunion to compete in the Indian Ocean Club Championship (IOCC).

Nigel Cafrine, who had a spell with Premium Cobras before re-uniting with SMB Razorbacks, led his team in scoring with 16 points.

PLS Hawks 90 ... Angels 57

With five players – Ugandan Stephen Omony (27 points), Thomas Collie (14 points), Nigel Annette (11 points), Rodney Lozé (10 points) and veteran skipper Jim Domingue (10 points) – scoring in double digits, PLS Hawks have decided to set the pace in the men’s top flight standings on basket difference with their 90-57 win over Angels.
Coached by Clifford Joubert, PLS Hawks won all four quarters 24-22, 23-15, 20-5 and 23-15.
Sharp shooter Darren Lesperance, who netted a season-high 10 3-pointers to help Angels beat Anse Etoile 86-56 in the Curtain-raiser tournament, again had the hot hands for Anse Boileau-based Angels with 20 points, including three treys.

MBU Rockers 61 ... Pointe Larue Falcons 52

MBU Rockers used a strong second quarter performance to spoil Pointe Larue Falcons’ return to the top flight, winning 61-52.
Although playmaker and captain Nigel Sinon, veteran power forward Gonzague Agrippine and small forward Alvin Marie fouled out, the Rockers held on to start the championship on a good note.
Winners of last year’s Men’s division 1B league, Pointe Larue Falcons got 22 points from skipper Kenneth Sinon who used to play for the Rockers.
Meanwhile, the other men’s top flight match between Curtain-raiser losing finalists Cascade Bullets and Baya had to be stopped on Saturday night with 2 minutes 06 seconds played in the third quarter as sudden rain sent water on to the court, making it unplayable.

In the Men’s division 1B league, Praslin Warriors hosted Beau Vallon Heat on Saturday and had no trouble getting a big 85-49 win.
Ryan Volcère, who is back with the Warriors after a stint with MBU Rockers, finished as the game’s highest scorer with 25 points, while the Heat got 13 points from both Jean-Paul Camille and B. Forte.
With Abdel Sylla and Reggie Ah-kong combining for 46 points – 23 points apiece – Juniors won 68-53 against Anse Etoile who also got 23 points from Jason Jean.
Bel Air Blazers won all four quarters in their 76-57 victory over Ex-Champs with S. Servina scoring a game-high 30 points.
Former Seychelles guard George François led Ex-Champs in scoring with 22 points.

Mont Fleuri 103 ... Cadettes 14

In the only women’s match, Mont Fleuri reached the century mark, winning 103-14 against Cadettes.
Former Bel Air centre Lindy Aglaé had the hot hands for Mont Fleuri with 28 points and she was helped on the offensive end by veteran Williana Dubois with 18 points, while Cadettes got eight points from L. Labiche.

G. G.

ASSISTANT coach of the national female basketball team, Scott Nnaji is optimistic that the team would excel at both the All Africa Games and African Women's Basketball Championship.
Nnaji who expressed satisfaction with the responses of the players in camp assured that members of the technical crew are ready to put in their best to enable the team achieve the right result.
"We in the coaching crew are determined to ensure we record good outings in both major competitions, knowing that it would be to the glory and honour of Nigeria," Nnaji reasoned.
He also spoke about insinuations of ill-blood existing between him and the team's foreign coach, Kevin Cook from the USA, but Nnaji dispelled all talk about conflict in the crew.
"Everything is cordial between us. There is no conflict and I can assure you that we are both working towards the common goal of bringing glory to Nigeria. We are both getting on very well, that I can assure all Nigerians," said the coach, who also doubles as handler of the female squad of Customs Basketball Club.

By Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

TENSION and more tension is what characterized the national basketball league encounter between Kyambogo Warriors and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons on Sunday evening at YMCA Wandegeya.

By halftime, UCU looked poised for an easy win (39-22) after Warriors' awkward second quarter 5-points show compared to the opponents' 21. A tightly contested first quarter had ended 18-17 for UCU, who were making their debut in Division 1.
With the partisan crowd seemingly conceding that the Mukono-based side had carried the day, Warriors, bronze medallists last year, produced a memorable comeback, pouring in 19-12 for third quarter to end 41-51. Stephen Okias (12 points, 3 blocks), Ronnie Kasewu (11pts) and Joshua Etalu (8pts, 2 blocks) then took on the UCU defence with might at the onset of fourth quarter to reduce the deficit to 56-59. This ushered in nail biting moments and zealous fans were on their toes.So inept the Warriors were, for failing to keep on the pressure in the last three minutes. Former Falcons guard Richard Atuhaire was at fault, losing the ball twice in the dying moments on top of committing an unsportsman-like foul on UCU's Robert Mugabe (13), who put the game beyond reach on the charity line.
Eric Nyamai had a game high 16 points for UCU, Ivan Enabu 12 and Geoffrey 11 as last year's Division 2 champions sent their signals for a likely play-offs berth.
Elsewhere Ali Mavita gathered 21 points for the 2005 champions A-1 Challenge to see off Nabisunsa 49-24 in the women's category. Falcons take on KIU tomorrow night at Lugogo.

By Modou Nyang

Wallidan defeated YMCA 59 to 49 on Saturday at the Manneh Sillah memorial lawn to clinch the basketball league title.
The first quarter ended 16 all before Wallidan lead 29 -25 for the first break. In the third quarter Wallidan extended their lead to 37 - 30 and by the second break the score stood at 40 - 33 in favour of Wallidan.

At the call of the final whistle Wallidan won by a margin of ten points.

KCB Lions, the reigning East and Central Africa club champions recovered to beat International Christian Center (ICC) 98-74 in a Premier League tie at Nyayo National Stadium basketball gymnasium.
In their opening tie of the season, Lions struggled and fell 66-73 to rivals former four time national champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank).
As in the previous tie, it was Abel Nson's three point opener that set Lions away to a 24-14 first quarter margin and left ICC struggling the rest of the way.
In the second quarter, the 7 foot David Nyarsuok hit a stunning two handed slam dunk that ignited the sparse crowd. His huge basket made it 60-42 in Lions favour.
At the start of the last quarter, KCB had easily rolled away 76-53 leaving ICC, who had Steve Kuta, Nelson Njau and Vito Kote struggling for grip.
Lions played a much better game than last week with Patrick Kirui leading the charge with 26 points, Nson managed 20 while the 20 year old Nyarsuok chipped in with another 15 points.
Ken Maru scored 13 points while Ken Githinji hit similar number including the game clinching foul shot as Strathmore University nipped Java Warriors 57-56
It was Java's second succesive loss in the league following a 34-61 drubbing they suffered away in Kisumu. They had Eric Omondi and Peter Adede sinking 13 points each.
In the ladies tie of the day, Yana Milele made it two wins in as many matches when they hit University of Nairobi "Dynamites" 56-22.
Judith Akoth sunk 23 points while Sylvia Koech added 10 for Yana had won 64-32 against Catholic Dream Team last week. For the losers Irene Atieno made eight.

Dann O'Were

By SANDE BASHAIJA
KAMPALA

Results
Women
Bucks 64 Lakers 16
Sparks 43 Cubs 21
Men
Miracle 60 Rhino 44
L’stone 51 Crane H. 63
Najja H. 24 Lubiri H. 52
Wednesday
Crane High v Amazon
Falcons v KIU

DESPITE losing reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Flavia Aketcho to UCU Mukono, women's league defending champions Lady Bucks proved they are still a force to reckon with, by drubbing debutantes Victoria Lakers 64-16 Saturday at YMCA Wandegeya.
Frances Nabulobi began her quest for yet another national basketball league top scorer's accolade with a game high 13 points while Lisa Mary contributed 6 for Bucks.
Rosana Imelda's 6 points and the defensive instincts of Faridah Akuju (2) were the only consolation for hapless Victoria Lakers though coach Sam Bahwayo is unfazed by the dismal show.
"Most of my girls are new in the game but am sure of registering at least four wins in first round," Bahwayo told Daily Monitor. In the men's Division 1, Michael Olweny's game high 18 points could not save giants Charging Rhino from a 44-60 hiding by Miracle, a performance that left many wondering whether the former would survive relegation. Solomon Ssali top scored for Miracle with 15 points.
Crane High's Phillip Wakimwero went top of the scoring charts with 21 points and helped his team defeat Livingstone 63-51 in the men's Division 2. Youngster Emmanuel Ateng and Martin Okello collected 14 points for the Makerere University based side.

Action continues on Wednesday at Lugogo

Story by PHILIP ONYANGO

Marion Githengi, a Kenyan basketball player living in Britain, has been included in the Kenya team that starts training today for the All Africa Games to be held in Algiers in July.

Githengi, a 20-year-old student, was included in the team after the Kenya Basketball Federation verified her past records.
KBF chairman, Agina Wasonga, said the star guard was upbeat and ready to play for Kenya. She has lived in London since she was seven, but holds a Kenyan passport.
Githengi, who stays with her step-father, James Hogge, also a basketball coach in London, had requested to be included in the team after she learnt that KBF officials were contacting Kenyan players in US colleges to beef up the squad ahead of the games.
Githengi has twice been named in the British under-16 and under-20 teams after an impressive performances at school level, but could not play because she holds a Kenyan passport.
“From her profile, I think she will be very useful for Kenya in Algiers. We have, therefore, decided to call her up,” Agina said.
National team head coach Ronnie Owino welcomed Githengi’s inclusion in the team, and said he expected her combination with Rose Ouma, currently at Lewis and Clerk College in the US, could be lethal.
Owino was, however, worried that Kenya might lack height advantage in Algeria after Union University declined to release Beatrice Awino Oyenje for national duty due to examinations.
Josephine Owino may also not be released as she has to sit her examinations.
The coach said he had spoken to Union University women’s basketball coach, Mark Campbell, who said Oyenje, who, at 6’6, is the tallest basketball player at her college, was unavailable for the All Africa Games.
Oyenje, who left the country last year while a Form Three student at Mombasa High School, must pass the examination to be allowed to play in the university team next season.
In the absence of Beatrice, Owino has been trying to contact Miriam Wandanda, also based in Tennessee.
Other US-based players being sought by the coach include Rose Ouma, Jackline Wasuda, and Miriam Obudho.
Owino has also included four more players in the team which starts non residential training today at the Nyayo National Stadium under himself and Thomas Smarts Olumbo.
They are Anastasia Njeri, Judy Akoth, Brenda Angechi and Pamela Sinda.

Martin Okwako


Lawrence Ndegwa

The 2007 Universities and Colleges Basketball League-UCBL came to an end over the Easter weekend at Strathmore University …. With the USIU Basketball teams…..Flames and Tigers reclaiming both the Ladies and Men's championships. The men's finals saw rivals USIU Tigers and KCITI Wildcats face-off in a bigCAT duel that lived up to its expectation of being both entertaining and explosive. We now revisit the KCITI Wildcats Story….The Lost Glory!

For the third year in a row…the Wildcats have been in the UCBL Finals but have failed to recapture the College title….since losing it after a 110-78 loss to the Tigers in game-3 of the 2004 Season. This years league saw the Wildcats under Coach Peter Othoro; a former Wildcats player, field a very strong team with, many seeing them as favourites to clinch the championship. However, things didn't work out for them come the finals as they fell 53-45 to USIU Tigers.

But before the memories of the 2007 UCBL League start to fade….alsaBasketball makes honorary mention of some Wildcats who did KCITI proud this season….. They are Martin Okwako who was named the Most Valuable player…. Collins Ouko…. Lawrence Ndegwa (Despite his frequent outbursts) …… and Joshua Vuva for holdin' court. Big-Up guys.

By The 2007 Universities and Colleges Basketball League-UCBL came to an end over the Easter weekend at Strathmore University …. With the USIU Basketball teams…..Flames and Tigers reclaiming both the Ladies and Men's championships. The men's finals saw rivals USIU Tigers and KCITI Wildcats face-off in a bigCAT duel that lived up to its expectation of being both entertaining and explosive. We now revisit the KCITI Wildcats Story….The Lost Glory!

For the third year in a row…the Wildcats have been in the UCBL Finals but have failed to recapture the College title….since losing it after a 110-78 loss to the Tigers in game-3 of the 2004 Season. This years league saw the Wildcats under Coach Peter Othoro; a former Wildcats player, field a very strong team with, many seeing them as favourites to clinch the championship. However, things didn't work out for them come the finals as they fell 53-45 to USIU Tigers.

But before the memories of the 2007 UCBL League start to fade….alsaBasketball makes honorary mention of some Wildcats who did KCITI proud this season….. They are Martin Okwako who was named the Most Valuable player…. Collins Ouko…. Lawrence Ndegwa (Despite his frequent outbursts) …… and Joshua Vuva for holdin' court. Big-Up guys.

By Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

KCC Leopards and Sadolin Power registered wins over UCU Mukono and Knight Riders respectively on the opening day of the national basketball league but defending champions Nkumba Marines forfeited the points, despite the players' presence at Lugogo.
Karrol Bisereko, Karl Mugalu, Barnes Ankunda, Moses Olobo, Norman Blick and Donald Blick all turned up but team coach Timothy Odeke said they had written to Fuba, asking for postponement of the game.Odeke argues that with students on holiday, it's hard to raise a full team. Nevertheless Fuba officials insist that Marines is a club and should be able to honour all fixtures and that's why a walkover was awarded to Heaters.

Last year's runners-up KCC Leopards unbelievably rolled with newcomers UCU Mukono in the first half but took control of last quarter to win 49-32 on Friday evening.

Becky Akullo's 10 points, Linda Tamale 8 and Annet Nakiwu 7 gave KCC the win. Cilia Asila and Brenda Mbone combined for 12 points while last season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Flavia Aketcho, who also made a surprise switch from defending champions Lady Bucks added 6.

Wilbrod Oketcho marked his return from injury with 15 points for Power, Richard Balemwa collected 14 while debutante Stephen Mwesigye added 13 in their 91-70 win.

Debutants Knight Riders, without star point guard Ivan Enabu, now a UCU Mukono player, had Collins Mukiza (20) and Derrick Mbusi (13) reach double figures.

Results
Leopards 49 UCU 32
Power 91 Riders 70
Heaters 20 Marines 00

Today
Rangers v Comets
A-1 Challenge v Nabisunsa
Vegetarian v MBC Rocks
Hawks v KCC Lions
Warriors v UCU Mukono

Born May 11, 1981 in Ibadan, Olumide Oyedeji is a bastion in the Nigerian Men's national team, D'Tigers.
Oyedeji, a 6'10" center, most notable in the America National Basketball Association was selected by the Seattle Supersonics in the 2nd round (42nd overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft.He is regarded to be the most traveled Nigeria professional basketball player, having played professionally in China, Puerto Rico and is currently with Seoul Samsung Thunders in South Korea.

Prior to his NBA career (1998-2000) he played two seasons for DJK Würzburg of the German basketball league and had brief stint with the Sonics and the Orlando Magic in the NBA.

He was a member of the National team to the 1998 World Cup in Greece, and featured at the African Championship in Algeria, where the team won a Bronze. Oyedeji was in the team that qualified the country for the 2006 FIBA World championship in Japan, but he was left out of the squad to the championship proper, basketball enthusiasts have never stopped talking about that. Oyedeji spoke in chat with Wale Quadri, about his pet project, personal life, his future in the national team and other issues.

So how is life going on with in South Korea?

It has been great, I had a great season, though my club Seoul Samsung Thunders could not make it to the final this season, but on a personal note, I won the Most Valuable Player award in the All-Stars game. I was in the season's best five and also I thank God for having an injury-free season and to God be the glory, I was also the best big man in an Asian tournament.

The All African Games is around the corner and most countries have started preparation. But, Nigeria's preparation is yet to take-off, we learnt the camp is opening in May in Dallas, U.S.A, how prepared are you?

I think they said the camp is starting in June in Dallas or somewhere in the U.S.A., I really know about their plans, I have not been contacted, I have not received any letter of invitation. So, I don't know anything about the campaign until I'm contacted.

I know I'm always available to serve the nation at any giving opportunity.

It was reported that you've turned back on national assignment after the saga between you and the coach, Sam Vincent.
I have no problem with Nigerian basketball or the Nigeria Basketball Federation, but with Sam Vincent. I am a Nigerian and whether Sam Vincent likes it or not, he is going to leave this country one day somehow, but for me, I have nowhere to go. I am a home boy and my loyalty is not to Sam Vincent but to countrymen and women, to Nigeria as a whole not even to the NBBF, to the 140 million Nigerians.
I think not being able to compromise on this triggered off the hostility between us. But, I'll remain loyal to my country despite the humiliation and the embarrassment and pain that I went through to assist Nigeria qualify for the World Championship in Japan. The foreign coach denied me the opportunity to represent my country because I was not a coach's stooge.

Do you have any regrets missing the World championship?
No, not at all, although everybody's dream is to play at the World Championship, but my inability to play in Japan was not regretted. I have been to World Championship before that was when I was very young in 1998. Although, I did not play any match, but was on the bench all through. I have played at the highest level, having played in the NBA, Euro league and Asia. I have played in the best leagues all around the world, so I thank God for all those, because with God, it would not have been possible. I did not really miss much not playing at the World Championship, because I was not looking for job then unlike some players who are desperate to get clubs and want to do anything to please the coach. I thank God I am not in that situation.

Project into the future, what can you say about the game in Nigeria?

Honestly that has been my fear. That really prompted me to set up the academy to give hope to the kids and make them realize that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. No matter the situation they are facing now the future will be good. Like when I was playing basketball back home. It is unfortunate that despite the array of talented Nigerian stars spread across Europe, little have been given back to the society. These kids don't see them anymore. When I was growing up I saw the likes of Tunji Awojobi, Peter Aluma, Julius Nwosu, the late Muhamed Asha and many more. This gave me the encouragement to want to play like them. But at the last World Championship, we took all American-based team to the championship, we made the home-based stars looked inferior and felt neglected. If you say the truth in Nigeria, you become their enemy, the president of NBBF, Buba Gyang is a good man and he is doing his best for the game. He spends his personal money on the game, but what about the people around him? What kind of people are they?

There is currently no national league going what do say about that?

It is very bad and this will have negative effect on the home-based players negatively. You know, basketball and sports in particular take a lot of kids off the street, Sports discourage them from social vices, I will say it's the game that changed my life. Also, it can change their lives too. When I was young, I was in school and still playing the game, now, tell me how many games they play in 5 years? May be about 46 games, and in one season, I played 64 games and in five years they have not played more than what I played in a season. I think it's not about getting sponsors, what we need is people with innovative ideas, people who can think and plan, so I must confess I am extremely disappointed.

If you had not being a basketballer, what sports would you have gone into?

I played soccer too, it is only that I don't know how successful I would have been if I had continue playing the game.

Let's go personal. How soon are you quitting the bachelorhood?
(Laugh) Very soon and I will send you invitation as soon as all I's are dotted and T's crossed.

Is she going to be a Nigerian?

Yes! Definitely I'm a village man from Ibadan, I can't marry a white lady. My heartthrob is a full blooded Nigerian. Though, she doesn't leaves here in Nigeria, but she from Ibadan. I so much cherish her; she's always there for me. I don't think I can do without Nigerian girl.

Petro de Luanda beat archrivals 1º de Agosto by 106-89, at the number two pavilion of Cidadela Stadium, in a first classic match of the second phase of the 29th edition of the national senior males basketball tournament.
Showing great physical strength and technical-tactic strictness, by halftime Pedro were already ahead by a 10 points margin (54-44).Besides Saturday's defeat, 1º de Agosto is still in advantage in matches between both teams, five victories out of six games.
With this win, the national champions re-launched the fight to retain the title, together with their archrivals who suffer the first defeat this season.
The match was attended by top officials of FIBA-Africa, who witnessed Friday in the Angolan capital, Luanda, the draw of Afrobasket2007 to be played on August 15 to 26 in the country.

By NASONGELYAKILYINGA

THE Union Basketball League is expected to start at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam today with over 15 teams from Mainland and Isles competing for the top honours.

Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General Lawrence Cheyo said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that preparations for the event were complete.
“Everything is in place ahead of the league, which would involve both men and women teams. We expect to release the fixtures this evening,” he said.
Cheyo named some of the men teams for the tournament as the newly crowned National Basketball league (NBL) Champions Savio, Oilers, JKT and Bees of Tabora all from the Mainland. He said the Mainland’s women teams are Lady lioness, Jeshi Stars, JKT Queens and Mapinduzi of Dodoma.
The TBF boss named Zanzibar teams as Tonado, Nyuki and Rangers. Cheyo said eight Zanzibar teams would be known after the completion of the Isle’s basketball mini league tomorrow.
Zanzibar hosted last year’s event where Cargo Ladies and Savio won the tournament in the women and men’s categories respectively. However, Cargo Ladies despite being the defending champions will not feature in this year’s event after it failed to qualify.

By Fred Vubem

Sponsorship is a vital source of finance in sport.
It goes without saying that basketball clubs cannot survive by the little subsidies they receive from the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, or contributions from members, or gate takings. Hence the need to get sponsors involved so as to give the financial impetus necessary to jump start the sport in Cameroon where the centre stage has been occupied by football. However, to get sponsors interested in the game would require that basketball be erected to a popular sport just as the king sport, football.Sports has been elevated to a spectacle and for this spectacle to take place, there must be some essential requirements such as a befitting infrastructure, organised clubs and federations and adequate training facilities for athletes. Cameroonian love the game of basketball and this is testified in the numerous improvised basketball courts that are found in residential areas especially in the metropolitan cities of Douala and Yaounde. However, with the absence of a befitting arena for people to practice or watch others practise it, very few people usually turn up for basketball games. This situation does not encourage companies to put their money in the game as their objective is to reach out to the greatest number of people possible.

Another way out will be to have basketball games covered by the media. This will enable sponsors to target both the spectators on the pitch and the larger public through the mass media. Only then will sponsoring opportunities like carrying the names of companies on jerseys or putting banners or billboards around the basketball court, be made available to clubs and the federation.

By Fred Vubem

This will make the championship more competitive and increase chances of detecting talents.
Though there are basketball clubs all over the country, most of them are based in the metropolitan cities of Douala and Yaounde. This accounts for the domination of clubs from Douala and Yaounde in the national championship and cup. Therefore in order to increase the level of play and increase the chances of detecting young talents in basketball, there is need for more clubs to be created.Contrary to football where the elite championship is played all over the country, basketball clubs begin their competition within the province and only the best from each province qualify for the national championship. Provinces like the Far North, North, Adamawa, North West, South West and East with few or no basketball clubs are no rival to provinces like the Centre and Littoral where there are over thirty clubs. An increase in the number of clubs in the other provinces would consequently lead to an increase in the number of matches a club has to play before confronting representatives of the other provinces. This will not only better prepare the team for the national championship and cup, but also improve on the quality of the game in Cameroon. Also, it would give an opportunity for many more youths to practise the game and thereby improve their talent.

Similarly, creating more clubs will get more communities interested in the game. Sports associations or clubs are known to be a communal belonging. That is why people from a specific area usually convert to be the supporters of the club from their area or which bears the name of their company or region. Hence, it will contribute in popularising the game in Cameroon.

The draw ceremony of the Africa Nations Championship 2007 was held today 20th April 2007 in Luanda in presence of the officials of FIBA Africa conducted by the president Alain Ekra, the Secretary General, Dr Alphonse Bilé and the FIBA representative, Mr Pedrag Bogosavljev.
As well as former famous players of Angola like Jean Jacques Conceiçao, Anibal Moreira, Guimaraes and the current president of FAB, Gustavo who have been all invited to attend this continental event.

The draw ceremony was organised in a kind of gala with about 400 guests of which the local political authorities. The official logo and mascot « DRIBLO » of the Afro basket 07 were presented at this ceremony.
This competition will be held from 15th to 26th August 2007 in Angola with 16 participating teams for the first time. The opening game will oppose Angola, the organising country to Rwanda in the playing hall of Citadela in Luanda.

The composition of groups is as follows :

Group A (Benguela) : ANGOLA, CAP VERDE, RWANDA & MOROCCO
Group B (Lubango) : SENEGAL, COTE D'IVOIRE, MALI & EGYPT
Group C (Huambo) : NIGERIA, CENTRAL AFRICA, LIBERIA & DRC
Group D (Cabinda) : ALGERIA, TUNISIA, CAMEROON & SOUTH AFRICA

by Dorothy Okatch

The long awaited Top 8 games (National Championships) finally took place over the past weekend (March 16 - 17). The tournament has been divided into two parts, the semi-finals will kick off this coming weekend (March 24 - 25) as well as the much anticipated finals. The tournament is being sponsored by the University of Botswana and USN.

The long awaited Top 8 games (National Championships) finally took place over the past weekend (March 16 - 17). The tournament has been divided into two parts, the semi-finals will kick off this coming weekend (March 24 - 25) as well as the much anticipated finals. The tournament is being sponsored by the University of Botswana and USN. The teams that qualified for the finals are as follows according to the order of qualification:

Men's Qualification
1. Troopers
2. Police
3. Spartans
4. Drillers
5. BDF 5
6. Flames
7. Cadets (Defending Champions)
8. Falcons

Ladies Qualification
1. Vixens
2. BDF 5
3. Relics
4. Falcons Ladies

The standings that were used were those from the 1st round of the league due to the event that the second round did not play to an end.

The weekend proved to be a three course meal for spectators as well as players who had an unusual hunger to either play or watch Basketball at its best. The level of play amazed the crowd that rose to oohs and aahs with every move made on the court. On day one of the games (Friday), Troopers took on Falcons, Police played Cadets, Drillers railroaded BDF 5, and Spartans put the fire out on Flames.
Police took on the squad that is well known for their youthful energy, dedication and passion, Cadets. The youngsters put in their all as they tried to stay in the tournament as the defending champions. Police appeared to be strong for them and convincingly beat Cadets with a final score of 41-35.
The Troopers vs Falcons game was the walk over that was expected by all. The veteran Troopers team showed Falcons no mercy at all throughout the whole game. Though Falcons tried to pull a few tricks out of the hat, they were no match for the men in blue. The final score for this game was a merciless 104-65 win for Troopers.

The Drillers vs BDF 5 game came to a close with Drillers taking the win at 83-56.

In their flashing orange and white kits, Spartans had the task of putting out the fire against the Francistown Flames team. The game pulled in a lot of crowd and had every one on their feet. Flames was not a walk over as had previously been thought. They put up a mighty fight against Spartans, but did not have enough fuel to take the game. Spartans put the icing on the cake with two extra ordinary one handed dunks by Mwelwa Sikwila and an additional two handed dunk by their rookie, Ray. Though they totalled three dunks in the game, Flames also had a put back made by their star player from Zambia, George. Spartans won the game defeating Flames with a score line of 64 - 51.

The end of the day results meant that Cadets, Falcons, Flames, and BDF 5 had come to the end of their road for victory.

Day 2

The females then had a chance to show what they are made of. The female schedule had to be adjusted to a round robin tournament as the Selebi Phikwe team, Falcons were unable to make it for the tournament. The first game of the day saw BDF 5 ladies taking on Relics. The game started off extremely slowly for Relics and they lagged 20 points behind at one point of the game. Relics, full of players who are either beginners, have just left the high school league, and a few experienced players, put the steam on in the 2nd half. With the guidance of their highly skilled coach, Roy Sikwila, the team managed to close the lead in the last quarter. The final score was in favour of BDF 5 however at 50-48. Relics is to take on the Vixens ladies next weekend.

In the men's games, Spartans played a spectacular game against Police. Throughout the league, Police have proved to be a needle in the foot of the Spartans team as they never won a game against them. However, lady luck seemed to be on their side as they played with their all and defeated Police with a score line of 50-33.
With two minutes left, two point difference in the Troopers vs. Drillers game, the lights decided to go off. The game has been postponed to mid week. May the best team win.

Top scorers for the weekend were,

Men
1. Ratanang (Troopers) - 41 points
2. Arthur (Drillers) - 41 points

Ladies
1. Diana Mberengwa (Relics) - 21 points

El Ittihad VS Zamalek
After farce arbitrament Ittihad recede from the match inspite of leading 77-75 before 28 second of the end of the match.
reason of recede:
Amir El Fanan does a personal foul then he object on this decision which make the arbiter accounted technical foul and possession for Zamalek beside encourager
objection then after arbiter accounted another foul against encourger they throw chairs which make the security drive them away
then------>6 shoots for Zamalek, possession and hall withour Ittihad encourager make the player and Ittihad responsible recede from the match
before 28 second match ended.
After conversation between Gasser Monir (Ittihad manger) and Mohamed Meselhi (Ittihad vice-president)
they decide to recede from the match and consider Zamalek win.
Ittihad responsible accused arbiter this season as they compliment Al Ahly and Zamalek on Ittihad account and arbiter consider Al Zamalek win 20-0 as law said.

Al Ahly VS Gezira
At the same time and after violent game Al Ahly beat Al Gezira 83-75 to play with Zamalek in the final 30 April 2007.
Tarek El Ghannam,Ihab El Alfy and Sherif Ali beside Ibrahim El Gamal and Mody El Garhi get revenge from Al Gezira in the 1st,2nd and 3rd quarter
then Al Gezira wake up in the 4th quarter with their activities movies by Ahmed Saker, Ramy Genedi,Mody El Sagheir and Mohamed El Kerdani who injured
and go out but without benefit to lose the match.

By Faraja Jube

The Zanzibar Basketball Association has indefinitely banned three Beit el Ras players for attacking referee during their league match against Nyuki played earlier this week.
The isles basketball body has also imposed a 20,000/- fine on the club.
The association`s Secretary General, Abdularhman Mohammed Hassan, named the banned players as Nabil Said, Sudi Bwanga and Mustapha Ramadhani.
Hassan said yesterday that the association also banned two Nyuki players -Mohammed Amour and Abbas Hussein- from participating in the remaining league matches.
The body has also fine the two players 15,000/- each while their coach Abdi Babu has been fined 20,000/-.

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala

CHAMPIONS Nkumba-Marines and newly promoted Makerere Youth Heaters provide today's main attraction as the 2007 national basketball league starts off at Lugogo Indoor stadium.
The two open the senior men's league that comprises 12 teams.The similarities between both teams are many, most notably their shared sense of destiny and the anticipated thrilling match-ups.
Two-time league Most Valuable Player Norman Blick shoulders the burden of securing Marines an opening victory today.
He comes up against Heaters' new signing Michael Kariuki whom the Makerere side lured from Sadolin Power. Kariuki's collection of blocked shots, rebounds and points will be a thorn in Blick's side as Marines' Karrol Bisereko battles to stop an underlooked Joseph Ikong (Heaters) from dominating the boards.
Blick will be assisted by reigning MVP Boniface Okello, Karl Mugalu, Paul Mwaka and Salim Ali as the Marines aim for a positive league start.
Others in today's fray are Sadolin Power who for the past two years have finished second in the league. They take on Entebbe-based Knight Riders.
Expectations will be high in the KCC Leopards camp when they face off with league debutantes Uganda Christian University in the women's highlight match.
Leopards should be wary of UCU's trio of 2005 MVP Brenda Mbone, Lorraine Othieno and Cilia Asila who left their own fold to join the Mukono-based university in 2005.
There are also 12 teams in the women's league.

Today - Lugogo Indoor

Opening ceremony- 5.30pm

Men
Marines v MUK Heaters
Power v Knight Riders

Women
Leopards v UCU

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

The Nigerian national basketball team best known as The Tigers will know their opponents today as the draw for the 2007 African Nations Cup competition holds in Luanda, Angola.
The Nigerian team qualified directly from Algeria last year after beating them in a bitter third place match won by higher rated Nigeria. The victory not only ensured Nigeria was in Japan 2006 FIBA World Championship but put The Tigers straight to Angola 2007 without going through the rigours of the qualifying games.As the teams prepare for the draw agency reports confirmed that the chairman and the secretary-general of the International Basketball Federation for Africa (FIBA-Africa), Alain Ekra and Alphonse Bille, respectively, are already in Luanda to attend the draw ceremony. The biggest African senior male Basketball Championship (Afrobasket2007) is to take place from 10-26 August.The competition, which will take place in the provinces of Cabinda, Huila, Huambo, Benguela and Luanda, will be disputed by the host country's team (title holders), Senegal (vice champions), Nigeria, DR Congo, Algeria, Central African Republic, Morocco, Mali, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, South Africa, Rwanda, Liberia and Cameroon.
This competition will be the very first to be played by 16 countries - up from the 12 that the last in Algeria. The two top teams from each group will qualify into the quarter final stage and then move accordingly into the semi and final games. While hosts Angola, Senegal, Nigeria and Egypt are seen as the teams to beat the likes of Rwanda and Liberia are clearly there to make up the numbers and gain experience for the future.
The winners of the competition will gain automatic ticket to the 2008 Olympics in China while the second and third winners will feature in another FIBA tournament with other continental representatives to fight for more tickets.

After beating Al Ahly and Zamalek, El Gezira continue their revolution to back again and beat Police (Ittihad El Shorta) 51-76 yesterday.
Police player and their coach Sami El Sharoni still defence and resist El Gezira player Ahmed Sakr(c),Mohamed El Kerdani and brothers Ramy and Sherif Genedi
by their experience and talents damaged Police basket in the last edition for second league to tied with Al Ah;y and Zamalek in the first position
with 18 point to them waiting for the first tournament in Alexandria and Police in the last position with 10 point

Sporting surprize
At the same time Sporting win Ittihad (Alexandria leader) 89-92 to prove that no one big in bascket and Sporting become a black horse of the league.
After this match Sporting in the 4th position with 14 point and Ittihad in the 5th position with 12 point

Lagos City league leader, union Bank basketball club of Lagos Wednesday takes its unbeated run in the league to eleven with a 71-62 points victory over hard fighting Chariot basketball club of Lagos at the sports hall of the Lagos National Stadium, Surulere.

The Gboyega Vidal tutored side took an early lead in the tension soaked match against the Chariot who provided a surprised performance in the fourth quarter that revive their confidence to the chargrin of the bankers after trailing the Stallion boys by 30 points at the end of the third quarter.
Chariot coach, Dave Onmhoke praised his players for putting up such a spirited fight in a game the Union Bank team felt was over with five-star performance from Chariot experience point guard, Chris Nomigo whose barrages of three points shots cut off narrow the wide margin between his team and the Banker.
The two team will thrill fans on Friday in the revise fixtures of the league which promises to be another thriller as Chariot players and handlers have vowed to upstaged the star-studded Union Bank.
In other matches decided Wednesday, Islanders kept its hope of playing in the playoffs alive with a 64-38 points win over much improved Sea Rovers while Police Bombers fought hard to wade off stiff opposition from Whales for it sixth win with a 57-51 points victory.
Six matches are on the bill Friday with the star match of the day between Dodan Warriors and Ebun Comets basketball clubs a must watch for basketball fans in Lagos.
Islanders and Sea Rovers will take the centre stage in the first match of the day in one of the revised fixtures while Police Bombers mount yet another road block for the Whales from Isolo.
The Raptors versus Kennys' Bullets match is one in which the Lateef Folami Bullets can't afford to toil with after suffering two consecutive defeat in the hand of Dodan warriors and Union Bank.
The defending City league champion will want to use the encounter against Raptors to get back to reckoning in the race for a spot in the playoffs.
The Kadets versus Warriors Academy pairing is a battle between two bottom placed teams which makes it more interesting as both side are from the same Dodan Warriors Basketball Project under the leadership of Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd).

By Olusegun Ikuesan -

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala

CHAMPIONS Nkumba-Marines open their title defence against newly promoted MUK Youth Heaters when the national basketball league starts tomorrow at Lugogo.
Sadolin Power plays Knight Riders in the other men's game while KCC Leopards, who finished second in last year's league face league debutantes UCU in the women's match.Marines (who also claimed the 2005 championship) will be bidding to become only the second team since Falcons (2002-2004) to win the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association league title hattrick.
Sadolin Power, who have twice played second fiddle to the Marines (2005-2006) and Falcons, will have a good deal of positive deja vu to spur them on when they once again go title hunting in the 2007 season.
Seldom has a team dominated the sport as Marines have done in the past two years. But the basketball gods have dealt the Makerere Heaters a chance to hang with the big boys and an opportunity to challenge Marines' supremacy.
A good omen is that the Heaters managed to acquire the services of Power forward Michael Kariuki as well as speed merchants Allan Tawodda and Richard Balemwa during the transfer season.
In addition to their already solid front court of Joseph Ikong and Robert Mubiru, the Heaters should enjoy their first outing in the premier league.
Meanwhile, Falcons, who hold the record for achieving two back-to-back titles (1998-2000 and 2002-2004) have promised to regain their high profile years.
Last year's lowly team, Miracle, has taken a decision to reverse the tag, signing the likes of Chris Ocamringa and Solomon Ssali.
These could be abstract motivations that should give Power, Falcons, Warriors, Rhinos, Heaters, KIU and Miracle some hope of tying a knot in the Marines' tail.

Past league winners

2006-Marines
2005-Marines
2004-Falcons
2003-Falcons
2002-Falcons
2001-Sky Jammers
2000-Sadolin Power

By Hassan Abdul

Camping for Nigeria's junior national basketball team, the Junior Tigers, initially slated to commence on the 22nd of April, will now commence in the first week of May.
This gives the team, just two months to prepare for the under-19 club championship coming up in Serbia in July and also for the 9th All African Games coming up in Algiers in the same month.The Nigeria Basketball Federation had in January, suspended preparation for the team, alongside the other male and female national basketball teams to enable it sort out 'logistic' problems involved in the selection and training of the players to be used for both events and had promised that all will be set in April for the camping to resume.
Basketball is going to one of the highly contested games at the Algiers 2007 with countries like Angola, who produced the winners and runners-up at the last African Basketball Clubs Championship, as one of the top contenders for the title.
"We had to change the date and push it one week forward because of the elections going on. We felt it was better to put some time between the conduct of the elections and the resumption of the camp," Dr. Adamu Ahmed, chairman of the NBBF technical committee told Trustsports.
The invited players will now be camped in Kaduna, as against the initially reported location, Lagos.The 'delay' in the take off of preparations had drawn criticisms from many stakeholders in the game, with many saying the country was courting failure.

Although a date has finally been fixed, the crucial issue of the composition of the team is still not certain as fears that the bulk of the team will be formed around foreign-based players had been making the rounds and was a strategy being considered in the NBBF's quest to make best use of the resources available to it.
"These players who are in Europe and the United States are exposed to better training and medical facilities so that is an advantage that we can capitalize on. However, we will see how we can fit in local players in our plans," Mr. Akinlotan Segun, former secretary of the Nigerian Basket Ball Federation, had said.

By Sande Bashaija
Kampala

THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) has backtracked on its promise to block new teams from taking part in the national league.
Newly elected Fuba President Ambrose Tashobya had earlier noted that the number of teams had overwhelmed the available facilities and promised to maintain or even reduce the current number.But newcomers Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono women have been deemed to be replacements for Ndejje Hornets who pulled out mid last season. And UCU taste their first action tomorrow evening against KCC Leopards in the season opener at Lugogo.

KCC Leopards v UCU

The two teams are currently locked in a wrangle over star players Brenda Mbone, Cilia Asila and Loraine Athtieno.
"The three were on our registration form last season and are therefore our players. We can only release them after being compensated. However the authorities at Mukono seem to be defiant," Joy Olinga the KCC team manager notes with concern.
Though still recovering from last season's loss to Lady Bucks in the finals, KCC are desperate to make amends. They are favourites to win this year's championship.

Marines v Heaters

Champions Nkumba University Marines begin their title defence against a newly promoted Youth Heaters, seeking to stamp their authority on Uganda's basketball.
The Marines have no strong newcomers but Heaters have been linked with a move to sign Power's trio of Michael Karuiki, Richard Balemwa and Allan Tawoda. Timothy Odeke's men led by two-time MVP Norman Blick should be able to outsmart Heaters but are not outright favourites.

Power vs Riders

Knight Riders are happy to have succeeded in convincing star point guard Ivan Enabu to stay. He leads them tomorrow against last year's losing finalists Sadolin Power with hope of surviving relegation.

By Khadija Yusuf And Gilbert Wandera
Nairobi

The national women's basketball team have a tough assignment awaiting them in the forthcoming All Africa Games set for July 11-23 in Algiers, Algeria.
The girls will be tested in the preliminaries where they will have to push past defending champions Nigeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Mali and Zimbabwe.They launch their campaign for continental glory against Tunisia, who are no pushovers.
The tough nature of the pool has compelled the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) to recall its veteran players based in the United States to bolster local players ahead of the Pan-African games.
Those contacted include Rose Ouma, Miryam Wandanda, Josephine Achieng, Beatrice Awino, Maureen Obudho and Jacqueline Wasuda.
"We are optimistic the US-based players will make it and strengthen the side as we prepare to face the continent's best teams. Most of them have promised to have joined us by June 25," the KBF fixtures secretary, Steven Nyakina, told SportFest on Wednesday.
The official said Nairobi-based players will resume training at the Nyayo Stadium on Monday under the tutelage of coaches Ronnie Owino and Thomas Olubo.
Those in Mombasa will be training at the KPA gymnasium under coach Anthony Ojukwu.
Those expected to resume camp in both cities include Angela Luchivya, Volnet Wanyama, Samba Mjomba, Angela Okoth, Eunice Ouma, Rabecca Karenga and Joyce Makungu.
Others are Caroline Achieng, Caroline Arato, Gladys Wanyama, Millicent Anyango and Hilda Luvanda.
Pool 'A' has hosts Algeria, DRC Congo, Angola, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique.
Elsewhere, the women's handball team has been placed in Group 'B'.
Others are Cameroon, Nigeria and Congo. Group 'A' has Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Angola.
According to fixtures released by the organisers, Kenya play their first match against Cameroon on July 11. They'll then take on Nigeria before winding up their group fixtures against Congo.
In other Group 'B' fixtures, Congo open their campaign against Nigeria before taking on Cameroon.
In Group 'A', Angola take on Tunisia with Ivory Coast taking on Algeria on the first day. Tunisia play Ivory Coast with Algeria confronting Angola on the second day.
On the third day, Angola have a date with the Ivorians with Algeria clashing with Tunisia.
Kenya Amateur Handball Association chairman F K Paul said they are in a difficult pool, but expressed confidence they would prevail.
"Cameroon are the defending champions and our other opponents are worthy adversaries but we are not complaining. We will give it our best shot," said the official.Kenya were placed seventh out of eight countries during the eighth All Africa Games held in Abuja, Nigeria in 2003.
"We will seek to improve on that performance by doing much better this year," he said.
He said the team will begin preparations next week at Nyayo National Stadium.

1º de Agosto beat the mixed team of Cabinda on Tuesday, in Luanda, by 105-71, in a first leg semi-finals game of the Angolan Cup in senior males basketball, played at pavilion two of Cidadela Sports Stadium.
Showing a great interchange and technical-competitive capacity, the cup's titleholders entered the second quarter of the match with a 53-31 advantage.Apart from the disadvantage, the representatives of the northern Cabinda province tried their best to overcome 1º de Agosto's favouritism.To the contrary of what was expected, Henrique Bado, of the mixed team of Cabinda, was the top scorer with 19 points, but inadequate to beat their opponents.
On his turn, Olímpio Cipriano, of 1º de Agosto, was the second best scorer with 18 points.
The second leg game will be played next Tuesday.

By SANDE BASHAIJA

KAMPALA

IF the words of Peter Mubanda are anything to go by, then Youth Heaters will surely be title challengers when the national basketball league season gets underway this Friday.
The topflight league newcomers have gone on a shopping spree that could see them assemble a new look side at the beginning of the season.
Michael Karuiki is soon completing his move from Sadolin Power to the Makerere-based side and could be followed by two of his teammates. Star guards Richard Balemwa and Allan Tawoda who joined Power last season from No-Nem and Bush courts respectively are joining Heaters.
“We have talked to them and they are very willing to join me at Heaters,” Mubanda said.

Brenda Wesuda of Mombasa High controls the ball past Iris Luyo and Joyce Misita of Tigoi Girls from Western Province during their basketball final at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret. Mombasa won 107-64. Picture by Titus Munala

A host of the United States' National Basketball Association (NBA) stars will return to South Africa in September for the fifth edition of the FIBA Basketball Without Borders program, a South African newspaper reported on Monday.

Their five-day development and community outreach program, led by the Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, will take place in Johannesburg, said Sowetan, a Johannesburg newspaper.
This announcement was made by the NBA, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Basketball South Africa (BSA).
The camp will unite the top young basketball players aged 19 and under from across the region.
Mutombo and company will take part in motivational and life skills seminars that promote education, leadership, character development, and healthy living with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
Mutombo said the program encapsulated the best of what the NBA can offer in terms of using its players as positive role models while giving back to communities in need.
"It is a privilege and a testament to the success of the program that we are once again returning to South Africa," he was quoted as saying.

from www.chinadaily.com.cn

By BETRAM LENGAMA

MORE teams have confirmed participation in the Union Basketball League, which is scheduled to take off at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam from April 23 to 29.

Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General, Lawrence Cheyo said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that five teams had already confirmed taking part in the event.
Cheyo named the teams as JKT who were the first team to confirm followed by the newly crowned National Basketball league (NBL) Champions Savio and Oilers in men’s discipline while in the ladies category are Lady Lioness and Jeshi Stars.
He also noted that Bees from Tabora Region was the only team in men’s discipline which had not met the deadline and that they were looking forward to replacing the team with Dodoma Spurs.
On the ladies’ side, the teams which had not met the deadline include the category NBL champions (NBL), JKT Queens and Mapinduzi Dodoma.
Cheyo also observed that eight teams from Zanzibar taking part in the event would be known after the isle’s basketball mini league winds up on April 19.
In another development, TBF has requested Cargo Ladies and Prisons Ladies teams to return to the federation offices the trophies they won in last year’s event held in Zanzibar ready for the Dar es Salaam event. JKT and Savio who were the winners in men’s category had already returned their trophies.

PREMIUM COBRAS beat Cascade Bullets on Sunday at the Palais des Sports to retain the men’s Curtain-raiser title whilst Anse Boileau-based HotShots replaced Anse Etoile Stars as women’s champions after defeating newly formed RA Sisters.

In between the day’s two finals, Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) chairman Paul Denis presented Léon Bonnelame with a R5,300 cheque.
Now an amputee as a result of an illness, Mr Bonnelame contributed greatly towards the progress and development of basketball in Seychelles in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The money was collected during the charity matches organised by the SBF last month.
Speaking at the short ceremony, Mr Bonnelame, who almost shed some tears, thanked the SBF for being generous, adding that it was good to see that some people still care for others.

Cobras defeat Bullets
Cascade Bullets, who eliminated RC Dynamics in the semifinal last Saturday, started the match on a very high tempo, taking an early 19-7 lead with playmaker Kenneth Sophie scoring eight points in the first quarter. But Premium Cobras, who got off to a slow start, cut the deficit to 19-15 at the end of the first 10 minutes of play, despite the Bullets applying a well-coordinated defence.

In the second quarter, Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan took matters in his own hands, notching up 13 of his 28 points to help Premium Cobras take the lead for the first time in the game at 24-23 on one of Danny Bertin’s six 3-pointers. But the Bullets still went for the break with a six-point – 42-36 – advantage.

The third quarter was the turning point of the match. The Bullets could not hold on to their rhythm as the Cobras stepped up in defence, allowing coach Grégoire Scholastique’s team to score just 11 points, while netting 31 of their own.

At the end of the third quarter, the Cobras led 67-53.

The fourth and last quarter was a formality for Premium Cobras as they had already done the hard work in the previous one. They again outscored the Bullets 25-21 for an 88-78 win.

The Bullets’ Kenneth Sophie was the match’s top scorer with 35 points.

According to Premium Cobras team president Roy Collie, they were expecting some resistance from Cascade Bullets as it was a final.
“They put up a really good fight and we appreciate that. We congratulate them. I would also like to congratulate my players for playing three tough matches in as many days against tough opponents. This is good preparation for the Indian Ocean Club Championship,” Collie told Sports Nation.
For his part, the Bullets’ coach Grégoire Scholastique said that a lack of experience cost them the match.
“We led throughout the first and second quarters and we just didn’t work hard on defence in the second half. Premium Cobras have some quality players, especially ‘Dulla’ who is unstoppable and I would like to congratulate them,” said Scholastique.

HotShots succeed the Stars

In the women’s final, the more experienced HotShots dominated newly formed RA Sisters 69-30.Under the captaincy of Tina Agathine who made a game-high 20-point contribution, HotShots applied a half-court press which confused the RA Sisters’ players. They won the first quarter 14-6.

In the second 10-minute spell, HotShots, who eliminated last year’s champions Anse Etoile Stars in the semifinal, maintained the pressure and scored another 14 points compared to RA Sisters’s 8.

Almost assured of victory, HotShots kept playing strong in attack to outscore RA Sisters 19-9 and 22-7 in the third and fourth quarters.
Belinda Andrew was the only RA Sisters player in double figures with 14 points.
HotShots’ playmaker Brenda Arissol described her team’s performance as satisfactory even though they started the match a bit slow.
“Although they are a new team, RA Sisters played quite well. Our training sessions are disrupted at times as not all players can attend training. I would like to thank our loyal fans for their continuous support,” said Arissol.
RA Sisters’ captain Nadia Ah-kong said they are very proud to have reached the final.
“We are a new team and we have a lot to learn before we can reach the required level. We are going to work hard to achieve better results and bring more competition in women’s basketball here,” noted Ah-kong.

R. D.