Basketball in Africa

Story by CHARLES NYENDE Publication Date: 6/30/2007

Kenya women’s basketball coach Thomas Olumbo believes his side has the ability to make it to the medal bracket at the All Africa Games in Algiers. Marion Githegi, based in Britain, trains at Nyayo stadium yesterday. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN “There are eight players in this team who played in Abuja four years ago. They have gotten more experience and with the preparations we have had we are capable of at least making the semis,” Olumbo said. Kenya finished fourth during the last edition of the game in a performance that impressed many and will be hoping to go one better and come back with a medal. Survivors from the 2003 squad that was under Olumbe are Millicent Anyango, Gladys Wanyama, Josephine Achieng, Rose Ouma, Caroline Achieng, Joyce Makungu, and Eunice Owino. Olumbo said training had been better this time round and the team, composed of local and overseas based players had had time to gel together. “The players from the US have taken playing to another level. Definitely this team has gained from their inclusion,” Olumbo said. The exiles are US-based Ouma, Lorene Achieng and Josephine Achieng and UK based Marion Githegi. Olumbo said the 12 players to represent Kenya in Algiers will be picked on Monday from the 15 in camp. The team, captained by Angela Luchivya, almost picks itself with perhaps four or five players fighting to get into the tour party. Olumbo is handling the team together with Ronny Owino. Kenya are in Pool “B” together with Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Zimbabwe. The top two team from the pool will proceed straight to the semi-finals. The basketball team has opted to train at Nyayo Stadium because of its unlimited availability. “We could have preferred to train at the multipurpose gymnasium at Kasarani but their are so many teams training there and we would have had problems securing the place at our convenience,” Olumbo said

By ANNA CHARLES of IJMC

THE Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has asked all the teams that will take part in this year's national championship to meet their own costs. TBF Secretary-General, Lawrence Cheyo, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the federation has for failed to secure sponsorship for the event to be held in the city next month. He said that they have approached various sponsors who are still working on their request. As a precaution, the participating teams must meet their own costs so that the event is held as planned," he said. Cheyo said teams from Arusha, Dodoma, Morogoro, Mwanza, Mbeya, Tanga, Shinyanga and Dar es Salaam are expected to take part. However, he was worried that many teams may pull out of the event for lack of funds. He appealed to companies and individuals to sponsor the tournament, which is aimed at promoting talents as well as picking the national team for various international commitments.

The final list of the twelve players that will represent Nigeria at the July 12 through 22 FIBA U19 World Championship have been made known by the coaching crew led by Adeka Dauda Thursday just as the players were asked to proceed on a two-day vacation to resume Sunday for the final phase of preparation for the World met slated for Serbian city of Novi Sad.

Coach Dauda gave the list which includes two point guards, three off-guards, three small forwards, two power forward and two centres.

The coach says it was tough arriving at the decision to drop the two players (Azeez Oladimeji and Ice Ngutshe) from the final list as they are equally good to make the team if the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF gave approval for all fourteen players to be taken to the championship.

He gave the names of those who make the twelve-man list to include Michael Ohiero and Daniel Daudu as the point guards; Ayodeji Egbeyemi, Nosa Omorogbe and Mohammed Bukar as the off-guards; Ibrahim Adamu, George Ehiagwina and Emmanuel Negedu as the small-forward; the power-forward has Joseph Katuka and Abel Baraya while the two centres are Solomon Alabi and Dele Coker.

Coach Dauda said the players are in high spirit and promised that they will not disappoint when hosltilities began in Novi Sad and urged those dropped to see it as an end to a means.

One of the dropped players, Oladimeji wished his lucky colleagues well in Serbia and promise to stage a come back to the Nigeria national team.

The team is expected to jet out of Nigeria on July 10 which has been described as too close for comfort as the players and their handlers might not have enough rest before it first game on July 12.

By Olusegun Ikuesan - from africabasket.com

Angela Luchivya will captain the Kenya national women's side during next month's All Africa Games, head coach Ronny Owino has said.
Owino said that the speedy Sprite Storms guard was capable of handling the captaincy. She will be assisted by Caroline 'Majeng'Achieng.

The team continues to train at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium for the games and on Tuesday beat Mennoinites 84-72 in a build up match at
the same venue.
USA based center Josephine Achienmg poured in 27 points, Gladys Wanyama made 13 while Achieng added 11. It was the fourth frienldy match for the team.
Coach Thomas Olumbo said after the match that they were still looking for a winning chemistry and that was the reason the team has yet to get cohesion.

In a related development, Qatar Army team coach Mohammed Muse Abdirahman has tipped the team to do well in next month's All Agrica Games.

The tactician who has been helping train the team together with coaches Ronny Owino and Thomas Olumbo said, he has seen remarkable improvemnt in the team
chemistry.

"When I first saw them, the team were not shooting from the perimeter. But after days workouts, I am very impressed with their shots now." he told SporFest at Nyayo Natiuonal Stadium gymnasium.

He said that for a team to perfom better in a big stage like the Pan Africa Games, there is need for both outside and inside plays to counter the
opposition.

" Your federation's effort to bring the country's top players from abroad will also pay dividends as they will play a key role in your success during the show."
said the tactician.

Abdirahman, who is on holiday, said there was immeasurable talent in Kenya and he will do all that he can to help promote the game locally.

"Why should I be in this gymnasium helping to train the team from morning until later in day" ? he posed adding, "Because I love the game and want Kenya to
perform well."

The tactician had earlier donated 11 balls and training kits to the team, a gesture that has been welcomed by the basketball chiefs.

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairmamn Agina Wesonga directed that there will be no Premier league games for the national team players.

He said that they do not want a situation where players will get injured while playing for their clubs and disrupt the national team trainings.

Agina also promised that for the first time ever the national team will bring home a medal from these games.

"The girls have trained well. There are oversease based players in the side and moreover the fact that there are eight players who were in Abuja team can
only mean good results." he noted.

by Dann O'WERE

by KIM KAMASA

Fifteen basketball players together with a technical staff of seven members left for Tunisia yesterday afternoon aboard a Kenya Airways for a series of build-up games ahead of the highly coveted African Basketball championships due in August in the Angolan capital, Luanda. According to the local basketball governing body, Ferwaba, the national team will play three build-up games with the Tunisian national team. “We are going to be in Tunis from June 26th-4thJuly and according to the arrangements we are going to play three build up games” the federation’s General Secretary Mugabo Jean-Lucien said. From Tunisia, the national team will head to Cairo, Egypt where it will have more build-up games with the Egyptian side. Egypt beat Rwanda to a place in the All Africa games and Rwanda believes that this will be a good way of testing herself ahead of the CAN event. Before the team’s departure, Mugabo also revealed that the country’s basketball star Hamza Ruhezamihigo who has been under-going pro trials in Boston (USA) together with Rob Thompson who is on holiday in the USA are expected to link up with the national team in Cairo. He will join the likes of Igor Rwigema, Djin Bandound, Michel Shema and Raoul Mballa who all feature for foreign leagues. “We have been communicating and we are certain that he will join us in Tunisia” Mugabo said. At the CAN event, Rwanda is seeded alongside Angola, Cape Verde and Morrocco.

By Sande Bashaija KAMPALA

KAMPALA International University (KIU) Basketball Club will lose star player Isaac Afidra at the end of this season, Daily Monitor has learnt.
Afidra, the club's all-time top scorer is unhappy with the team's performance and is reportedly desperate to win a championship.
The Kasanga based side has failed to win a game in its last five outings.

DISPLEASED WITH TEAM TACTICS: Isaac Afidra in action during a Basketball League game against record champions Mogas Falcons. Photo by Eddie Chicco.

Afidra admitted he is not settled due to the team's recent slump in form.
“I can't believe we are struggling like this after such a good start. I am going to arrange a meeting with the university administration to discuss the future of our club,” Afidra said on Tuesday evening.

KIU had a perfect start, winning the first four games against record champions Falcons, Power, Knight Riders and Youth Heaters.

They have however fallen to Miracle, Marines and UCU Canons in the last few weeks.
But the turning point was losing to struggling Charging Rhino (50-57) on June 16.

Afidra, who was fouled out of that game with three minutes left, was furious coach Nimrod Kaboha left some senior players on the bench and settled for zone instead of man-to-man defence.

“It's not that there is a rift between me and our coach but I think he has made several mistakes. At times he deploys funny tactics,” Afidra said of coach Kaboha.
Last Sunday Warriors piled more misery on KIU with a 69-60 defeat. Afidra together with what he calls other senior players started on the bench, only to come on towards the end of the second quarter.

Afidra is incensed that senior player Emma Baguma has been denied playing time, exposing the team's backcourt in big games.

"Afidra has always been and will always be a Power player. He has completed his course and I can assure you he is not staying at KIU," a teammate intimated to Daily Monitor on grounds of anonymity.
Afidra has been on a three-year sports scholarship at KIU.

SOUND BALL SKILLS: KIU’s Lillian Agassi in action against Crane High in a league match at Wandegeya. Photo by E.Chicco.

As the battle for League’s play-off places heats up

By Lambert Rusoke
Kampala

Saturday results
KIU Men 60-69 Warriors
Bucks 48-32 MUK Sparks
Leopards 61-29 Lakers
Sunday results
Riders 56-55 Rhino
MBC 73-63 Najja
KCC Lions74-51 Jammers
Women
KIU 56-37 Crane High
Lakers 23-60 Mak Sparks

Bottom club Knight Riders registered their first win of the season with a hard earned 56-55 victory over fellow strugglers and 1997 champions Charging Rhino.

With the first round of the season climaxing, the win will be a big boost for Rider's charges as they bid to avoid relegation. They however need to keep a winning habit during the second round if they are to avoid the drop.

Rhinos, fresh from their 57-50 victory over Kampala International University (KIU) in their last outing, drew first blood and won the first quarter 15-8.
However, Riders bounced back as Rogers Odiama (12), John Musoke (11) and Jimmy Enabu(10) combined to orchestrate a 22-3 and 15-10 dominance in the second and fourth quarters respectively.

Man of the match Sande Okot (24) tried to pull back Rhinos in the game, but Riders hang on for a onee point win. Micheal Olweny contributed to Rhinos cause as well, scoring 14 points. In the games played on Saturday, KIU succumbed to its fifth consecutive loss, going down 60-69 to Kyambogo Warriors.

Brian Gumisiriza (18) and Jude Ochen (13) were in excellent form for Warriors, while KIU had team captain Isaac Afidra scoring 18 with Moses Ochan on 17 in a losing effort.
The aforementioned result leaves the battle for play-off places open with inconsistent defending champions Nkumba Marines handed a glimmer of hope.

In the women's games, the Makerere Sparks registered contrasting results, succumbing to Lady Bucks 32-48 before beating Victoria Lakers 60-23.. Lakers were further undone when they went down again to Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards 61-29.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons are setting the pace in the men’s category after completing their first round games unbeaten. They stopped Miracle 79-70 on Friday.

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Kampala

COLLINS Mukiza scored only one point in the entire game that became crucial for the Knight Riders as they shocked Charging Rhinos into a 56-55 submission at YMCA courts.

Mukiza was held scoreless the entire game until the final 20 seconds when he was fouled and given two shots at the free-throw line.

He sunk one of the two shots to give Riders a one-point lead and an eventual victory over the Rhinos in the national basketball league on Sunday.

Men
K/Riders 56 C/Rhinos 55
Warriors 69 KIU 60
UCU Canons 79 Miracle 70

Women
MUK-Sparks 67 V/Lakers 33
KIU Rangers 66 Crane High 57
KIU Rangers 63 Sparks 57

By Pius Ayinor
Lagos

Dodan Warriors, clearly against all predictions, humbled the Union Bank Club to win the third edition of the Lagos City Basketball League late Sunday. The Warriors won the third match of the three-game series 84-75 to win their first major title since they joined the national premier league system in 1996.

"Everything aside the Warriors players were hungry. They came in played like people who were eager to win and nobody wins any event when your heart does not desire it hungrily," Ayinla Johnson (BBJ), the Union Bank coach told THISDAYSports after the match played at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium.The Union Bank players had taken the first leg last Thursday at a narrow 92-91 but the slim gap may have emboldened the Warriors who then won the second match played on Saturday 82-71. The Lagos State officials, owners of the league, who had brought the trophy on standby were therefore forced to withdraw it and automatically made provisions for another game.

Basketball fans practically prayed for a third game while Game Two lasted on Saturday just as Union Bank team struggled to make it a clean sweep of two straight wins. The struggle took it toll on Sunday as the younger and fitter Warriors players seemed ready to play for eternity while their opponents showed great signs of tiredness. The final series losers incidentally defeated the Warriors in both regular seasons game. The Bankers only dropped a game to Ebun Comets in the regular season and were thus highly voted by analysts to win the league.

Dodan Warriors got a trophy and N100, 000 for their position while their point guard Daniel Dauda was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Union Bank got N75, 000 while the third best team who were also the defending champions, Kenny's Bullet won N50, 000.

The Lagos City which began in 2005 is specially designed for Lagos based teams and featured 12 teams in the regular season which began last April. This year it featured all the national Premier League teams with the exception of the Customs, with their full complement of players.

The National women’s basketball team has lined up three friendly matches to help select the 12 players who will make the trip to Algiers for the All Africa Games.

Head coach Ronnie Owino said out of the 16 players currently in training, four will be dropped by the end of the week to make room for the final team to fine-tune ahead of the Algiers Games, which kick off on July 12.

Owino was, however, categorical that the four overseas-based players will make the trip after proving to be good.

“Am quite impressed with the players’ performance but must single out the four players Marion Githegi (UK), Josephine Owino, Rose Ouma and Lorraine Achieng (US), who have all proved to be very good,” he said.

Owino is full of praise for Josephine Owino, who arrived on Thursday and joined the players in training on Friday as one player who will definitely put Kenya in the medal brackets for the first time ever.

“She trained with the rest of the players on Friday, but from what I saw, she is in a class of her own and should even perform better after staying with the rest of the team for two weeks,” he said.

The coach said the Union University Lady Bulldog Centre is posting well, rebounding well and has the shot. Owino, who left the country in 2004, has a problem adjusting to the Nairobi weather.

By Dann O’were

International Christian Centre (ICC) beat Kenyatta University Pirates in a basketball Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

ICC took a 26-20 margin lead in the first quarter before Pirates charged back to take the second quarter, 16-13. After the break, both sides were level 10-10 and 21-21 in the third and last quarters.

Nelson Njau and Vit Khote each managed 18 points for ICC, who needed a shot by Emanuel Ekai to break a 60-60 tie. Phil Dinga scored Pirates’ 30 including 17 of 21 in the last quarter while Griffin Ligare made 11.

In the Sasanet Nairobi basketball league match played at the same venue, former national champions, Posta, whipped Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) 83-31.

Ben Oluoch’s 29 points included a stunning basket that saw him spin on a 360-degree turn. Anthony Abondo scored 12 and Jeff Muthui 10 for the unbeaten Posta. Victor Okello made KCA’s 10.

In other matches, Posta blanked Old Pirates 69-42. Oluoch led the way with 16 points while Abondo hit 15 for Posta. Tony Ochieng had 19 for the losers.

KCA won 43-39 over Kenya Polytechnic. Okello led the way for KCA with 15 points while Timothy Adedi made 14 for Poly.

Might Hawks succumbed 41-45 to Team Jam who were led by Kevin Otieno 20 points while Kevin Onesmus made 18 for Hawks.

Predators’ Winnie Kanani and Emily Ongoro each scored 16 points and ex-international, Everlyn Kedogo, chipped in with 14 as Predators crushed Kenya Polytechnic 83-12.

Kenyatta University’s Oryx inspirational guard Lucy Wanjiku led her team to a 47-40 win over Strathmore University who had 16 from Lucy Apondi.

Game-1 playoffs of the grand finale of the 3rd Lagos City league lived up to its billing Thursday as fans defied the strike action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress to cheer their darling teams in the first match of the Best-3-Series between Union Bank basketball club and Dodan Warriors basketball club at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium.

The match started with both side adopting more offensive style of play which saw the Stallion Boys as the bankers are known winning the first quarter with just a point margin of 28-27 points, the Warriors players living to their name ‘warriors’ came back forcefully in the second quarter to upturn the table winning the quarter by 27-22 to end the first half 54-50 in its favour.

The third and fourth quarter proved decisive as Union Bank spurred on by former Nigeria Junior International point guard, Sola Alayande who scored 15 points for his side but provided good court coordination winning the third quarter 18-10 points and curtailed the Warriors enterprising off guard and Junior Tigers invitee, Mohammed Bukar who led the floor with 27 points.

Though the Owoicho Alexander coached Warriors won the fourth quarter by 27-24 points but the bankers experience came to bear as Alayande and his gang match-up the youthful Warriors players in the dying seconds of the tension soaked encounter to seal game-1 victory by 92-91 points.

With the first win by Union Bank, Alayande has vowed to end the series in game-2 but Bukar and his colleagues are saying no to this and have promised Gboyega Vidal and his players real battle Saturday during the game-2 billed to dunk-off at 16.00-hour local time.

Other players who had their name on the score-sheet with a double figure, for Union Bank forward Kingsley Aguara led his teammate with 20points, team captain and former Comets guard, Rasheed Bello added 16 while the trio of Alayande, Cameroon import William Ndoumbe and Lious Edem Ekpeyang contributed 15, 13 and 12 points respectively.

Bukar with 23 points was the highest by any player from both sides but it was not enough to secure victory for the Warriors, with the duo of Nosa Omorogbe and Michael Uma-Okoro adding 20and 19 points.

The third place match between defending champion, Kennys’ Bullets basketball club and former Nigeria premier league champion, Ebun Comets basketball club slated for 14,00 hours Saturday also promises the trapping of a losers final match as players of Comets coached by former Nigeria national team handler, Ayo Bakare says the Bullets coached by two former Comets players (Ogoh Odaudu and Lateef Erinfolami) would not beat them a third time this season.

By Seinde Ikuesan

By Gloria Kyomugisha

Wednesday results
Women
UCU 49 Amazon 36
Lady Bucks 88 Crane High 48
Today- Lugogo
MUK-Sparks v KIU (women)
UCU Canons v Miracle (men)

MIRACLE basketball club is faced with the burden of halting UCU Canons’ winning streak when the two face off at Lugogo today.

As the national basketball league first round draws to a close, Miracle is the only team left in division I that can bring to a halt the Mukono-based team’s fortunes.
The Canons have not lost a match since the league started, defeating the likes of defending champions Nkumba-Marines, Sadolin Power, Warriors, KIU and Charging Rhinos on their way to accumulating 16 points to top the table.
Canons are backing themselves to complete a demolition job and finish the first round unscathed.
Miracle, on top of enjoying support of other teams that have fallen prey to the Canons, are also quietly confident after the return of skipper Ben Komakech and forward Edward Bongomin to the fold.
“We are only thinking of a victory over Canons to improve our position,” Miracle’s Chris Kyebambe noted.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

UgandaN basketballers have the potential to polish their skills and also improve their rankings within Zone Five, a South African consultant Myke Scholl has said.
Uganda’s rivals Kenya have over the years enjoyed a dominant hold in the region that also comprises Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.
Scholl says Uganda will be a force to reckon with in the near future if it can work towards building on the budding talents.
Scholl is a consultant with South African-based Miles and Associates International and also Africa’s scout for American NBA side Detroit Pistons.

The official highlighted Uganda’s potential during the launch of a Youth development project called ‘Success By Choice Programme’ recently.

Scholl is also behind the establishment of he Basketball Without Borders camp that runs annually in South Africa and attracts talented boys under 18 years from all over Africa.
“The sport has amazing talent and with appropriate guidelines, Ugandan players can not only dominate their region, but also upgrade to the Olympics, a goal which the domestic federation should particularly aim for,” Scholl noted.

The Success By Choice project that will use basketball as a tool for empowerment, is expected to run for six months and will incorporate an effective learning approach with emphasis on health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness and good sportsmanship.

Success by Choice will be held in 28 Kampala schools.

Story by PHILIP ONYANGO

US-based basketball star Josephine Achieng Owino finally arrived yesterday morning bringing to four the number of foreign players already in camp for the All Africa Games to be held in Algiers next month. Others who have so far arrived are UK-based Marion Githengi, Rose Ouma of Lewis and Clerk in Illinois and another US-based player Lorraine Achieng. Owino, a second year student at Union University in Tennessee, was recently honoured by being named in the NAIA All-American team. Briefly stranded She was earlier expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday but was briefly stranded in Chicago after a UK transit visa hitch. Kenya’s head coach Ronnie Owino was at the airport to receive the player. “We have decided to give her a day’s rest and she will be joining the rest of the players in training from tomorrow (today),” Kenya Basketball Federation chairman Agina Wasonga said of the centre. Owino, and her Lady Bulldog team mates Natanya Smith and Kaitlin Dudley were named in the NAIA All –American second team after the conclusion of the collegiate season. Earlier in the season, Owino and her three-team mates were also picked in the All-Conference selections. Last season, Owino was named to the NAIA All-Tournament team after leading Union to their second of two straight national titles.

Wale Quadri
Lagos

Viewing the prevailing crisis rocking the Nigeria's U-19 preparation for the global world meet in Serbia, Chief Coach of the team, Adeka Daudu submitted that only divine intervention can make the country excel at the championship billed for next month.
According to the coach, who gave an insight into to what to expect at world championship, the Junior Tigers are not enjoying the best of preparation.

"We are not getting the kind of preparation that could match up with our opponents at the world championship," he said.

"We understand the situation of things, but the world championship is not an African affair, where we think raw strength can make one excel. Other factors come to play, the player's psyche and motivation contribute to any team's performance," he maintained.

"We will see what we can make out of this and with God, all things are possible," the coach added.

On whether the team would embark on any foreign tour before heading for Novi Sad, Serbia venue of the championship, the former, Dodan Warriors and Ebun Comets basketball clubs coach said only the Technical Committee and the Youth Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF can say.

According to him, it would have been a good idea if the team is meant to play some tough friendly matches before the commencement of the world championship, but in the absence of an opportunity to go on a training tour, the team would rather settle to play against some of the top clubs in the country as tune-up for the championship.

The stage is set for the grand finale of the 3rd Lagos City league as organizers, Lagos State Basketball Association introduced best-of-three-games, version as obtains in the America National Basketball Association (NBA).

The series begins today with the two finalists, Union Bank (Stallion Boys) basketball club taking on Dodan Warriors basketball club in first game at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium.

The clubs booked a grand finale ticket last weekend at the expense of Ebun Comets basketball club and defending champion, Kennys' Bullets basketball club who will now settle for the third place match slated for Saturday, same day as Game-2 game of the series between the Stallion Boys, as the Union Bank is known and the Warriors.

In his assessment of this year's edition of City League, Chairman, Lagos State Basketball Association, Babs Ogunade in chat with Sports Champion maintained that the standard surpassed its previous editions.

"We are pleased to give to players' opportunity to express their potential even when activity at the national level had gone to bed," he said.

'Teams have stepped up their performance and the lesser clubs have benefited from facing the challenges of playing top teams.".
"I must commend the clubs owners for participating even without major sponsors. It goes to undermine the fact that we are working towards the growth of the game in the country," he added.
On the prospect of sponsors, Ogunade hinted that various sponsors have indicated interest to be part of the show, adding that talks have reached advanced stage to have title sponsor for the league.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the organizer are yet to receive the sum of 1million Naira pledged by the Lagos State government for the organisation of the league.
"We are yet to get the money, but an approval has been given. What I can say is that we are getting the money soon," Ogunade disclosed.

from Daily Champion (Lagos)

By Sande Bashaija
Kampala

THE National Basketball League has taken a new twist with teams that started off on a dreadful note, finally stepping up their efforts with vital wins last weekend.
1997 champions Charging Rhino, who had been branded relegation candidates after winning only once in seven outings finally broke the jinx with a shock 57-50 victory over Kampala International University (KIU) on Saturday at YMCA Wandegeya while Makerere-based Youth Heaters rallied past last year's finalists Sadolin Power (60-59) on Sunday.

Second division outfit Crane High tamed an experienced Gulu Hawks side 61-42 while Livingstone also registered their second win over stubborn Najja High (72-66).

It was KIU's third consecutive loss, after a good start that saw them register four straight wins. Rhino's David Kiberu collected a season high 10 blocks and capped the excellent show with 14 points for his team's second win.
Experienced Rhino guards Mande Juruni and Ronnie Kalule killed off KIU's late charge with 19 points and made sure Afidra (14) fouled out with three minutes to play.
The losses to KIU and Power, give defending champions Nkumba Marines hope of staying in play-off contention despite losing to Warriors last Friday.
KIU, Power and Marines all have four losses but UCU Canons are still unbeaten.

Saturday results
Livingstone 72- 66 Najja
Crane High 61 - 42 Hawks
Amazon 37- 63 Leopards
Makerere 33- 61 UCU
Rhino 57 -50 KIU

Sunday
Lakers 22-74 A-1
KIU 57- 56 L. Bucks
Jammers 61- 52 MBC Rocks
Lubiri 51- 52 Bushcourts
Power 59-60 Heaters

Tomorrow at Lugogo
Mak Sparks v KIU Rangers 5:30p.m.
Miracle v UCU Canons 7:00p.m.

Written by KIM KAMASA

The men’s national basketball team is set to tour Tunisia for a series of build-up games in as part of its preparations for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations. According to the Rwanda Basketball Federation Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo, the team will leave Kigali on June 27.However, Mugabo could not reveal the names of clubs with which the Rwandan team would play against. He only said, “At the moment, we haven’t decided on the particular clubs we intend to play with.” “But once we reach [in Tunisia], we shall hold a technical meeting with the Tunisian Basketball authorities for talks about which teams would be available for the games,” he noted. From Tunisia, the team will connect to Cairo for three international build-up against the Egyptian national team and the country’s top two clubs. The last time the two sides met, the Egyptians came out on top during the finals of the Zone Five Championship held early this year in Kigali. Mugabo said the build-up games are being organized to help players gain more exposure playing at the highest level ahead of the Can championship scheduled for August 16-24 in the Angolan capital Luanda. In a related development, the Secretary General revealed that Canadian based professional Hamza Ruhezamihigo will link with the national team in Egypt. The arrival of the 21-year old who was voted Most Valuable Players for the Zone Five championship will be a major boost to the team.

ALMOST a week after the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) announced that it will be suspending the Men’s division 1A and Women’s leagues until after the forthcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) in Madagascar in August, representatives of seven of the eight top flight clubs have sent a petition to SBF chairman Paul Denis.

In the petition dated June 19, 2007 and which Sports Nation received a copy, the clubs expressed their “dissatisfaction in the manner the decision was made and announced”, adding that “we learned of the SBF decision in the Seychelles Nation newspaper and no official correspondence was sent to clubs.”

In the petition, the representatives of the clubs added that “we feel that the SBF should have consulted all registered basketball clubs prior to taking such a decision so that at least our views could have been taken into consideration.”

The clubs continue by saying that “whilst we do understand the need for the national team to be well-prepared for the IOIG, we are also of the opinion that it would be disadvantageous for the players not to be involved in competitive matches during this period.”

“We also believe that the SBF paid no regard to the fact that there are teams who employ foreign players at a cost of almost R10,000 per month. The teams will now find themselves in a situation whereby they will have to fork out allowances and pay for the accommodation of the foreign players without the latter playing any basketball for a period of three months,” the petition continued.

Before asking the SBF to reconsider its decision, the representatives of the clubs noted that suspending the league “will be detrimental to the well-being of basketball, a sport that usually attracts large crowds.”

The clubs have given the SBF a seven-day period to make a decision, failing to do so they will meet to decide on the next course of action.

The SBF decided to suspend the Men’s division 1A and Women’s leagues until after the IOIG to give the country’s two pre-selections ample time to train for these Games, slated for Madagascar from August 9 to 19.

The Seychelles men’s pre-selection neglected this part of the game and they too were swept by the mixed team in the two-game friendly test.

After a 66-68 game one loss, the men’s pre-selection, coached by Alix Allisop and assistant Clifford Joubert, won the tip-off of Sunday’s game two at Victoria Gymnasium but succumbed to a second defeat.

After an almost even first quarter which ended 16-15 in their favour, the Seychelles pre-selection outscored the mixed team 26-14 in the second quarter for a 13-point half-time lead (42-29).

Coaches Jude Talma and Gregoire Scholastique knew they had a good chance of turning the game into their advantage as they had on their mixed team roster some quality players in the likes of Tanzanian Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan, Ugandan Stephen Omony, Nigerian Reuben Kolawole, Seychellois Hendricks Denis, Michael Cupidon, Daniel Dodin and Abdel Sylla to name a few.

Getting a game-high 19 points from Kolawole, the mixed team made the pre-selection turn the ball over and with a weak and at times no defence at all to try and stop them, they converted their chances to outscore coach Allisop’s boys 22-19 and 23-12 for a 74-73 win.

Omony added 16 points, ‘Dulla’ 14 and Dodin scored eight straight in the fourth quarter for the mixed team.

As for the pre-selection, they got a team-leading 16 points from shooting guard Jefferson Nganga who fouled out along with centre Rodney Lozé.

The two defeats should prove to the coaching staff of the men’s pre-selection that there is still work to be done to get the Seychelles team in the right shape come the Seventh Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) in Madagascar from August 9 to 19.

Although a win would have been good for the pre-selection’s morale, a defeat can also be considered a good result in a friendly match, especially when a team are preparing for an international competition.
The main thing is for the pre-selection to play more of such matches against probably the same mixed team and even tougher foreign sides so that the players get to gel.
The coaching staff should be prepared to throw things out and add things, like most other systems.

The players have to show character which is a big part of the game. They have to find a way to answer when the opponents make a run, keep their composure and find a way to win, no matter what.
The decision by the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) to suspend the Men’s division 1A league until after the IOIG, could prove to be a big error because without any competitive matches, it will be difficult to imagine the players playing their best basketball.

Two other things the SBF probably did not think about before taking the decision are:
Who will replace the players on the pre-selection in the event of injury to some of them when all the best local players who are not on the squad aren’t involved in any competition?

What do clubs do with their foreign players during the three-month spell when the league has been suspended?

G. G.

Story by PHILIP ONYANGO

It is now official that reigning women national classic basketball league champions Telkom Kenya has been disbanded. Kenya Basketball Federation chairman Agina Wasonga in a press release said he had received an official communication from Telkom Kenya management that the team would not be participating in the league after all, bringing to an end earlier speculations that their could be a change of heart from the management after the women hockey team were given an okay to continue playing. Agina said the federation’s efforts to convince the management to allow the team to take part in the league failed after it realized that all the players from the women team were retrenched last year. “They have only allowed the Telkom men to continue playing in the league after all the women players were retrenched making it very expensive to start a new team altogether”, Wasonga said. Wasonga said it was sad that such a strong team, which has the entire first five in the national basketball team had to be disbanded and asked other teams in the league among them Sprite Storms and Yana Milele to take advantage and recruit the stars. “It has been a long struggle since we started negotiating with the Telkom management to consider sponsoring the team but all has been in vain, he said. In the absence of Telkom, the KBF have nominated Sprite Storms who finished third in last years league to represent the country in the Club championships set for September in Rwanda. “We have written to Sprite Storms and Cooperative Bank of Kenya to replace Telkom women and Ulinzi Warriors who were the national league champions at the regional championships to be held in Rwanda later in the year”, he said. Agina predicted that the National classic basketball league would be very competitive since players from Ulinzi and Telkom Kenya will beef up the already existing clubs. Meanwhile, Josephine Owino arrived in country at 8.45 pm Kenya time to link up with the national team in readiness for the ALL Africa games to be held in Algeria next month. Owino confirmed she had received a return air ticket from the KBF and was upbeat about Kenya’s possibility of winning the continental crown for the first time ever.

The club of the president NGALIBIKA JB has just had another national trophy; indeed after ladies the 27/05/2007, boys of SOMO B dominated STADE MANDJI yesterday (the holder of the retiring trophy), 17/06/2007, at the time of the final of the national cup named " trophy DAVID NZOUBOU "; MANDJI STADIUM having taken back the semi final the Saturday 16/06/07 against MANGA BASKET by forfeit, this last doesn't spread presented.
Gymnasium Omni-sport President BONGO was not full as at the time of the big derbies; but actors of this meeting presented us of a pleasant spectacle. The coach ALLOGHO Servais and her colts of SOMO B were extensively to the over of their adversary of the day.
The meeting was directed by the best referees of Gabon, the first referee nominee by the CFAMC was the referee FIBA MAVOUNGOU BAYONNE; the meeting was played without incidents; of the first period at fourth, STADE MANDJI never rejoined SOMO B, the MVP of the final Cedric BEKALE atomized six shootings to three points what destabilized the team of the city of Port-Gentil; The young Roland OWOULA, NYOUNDOU Edwin and Cedric BEKALE not marked more than 80% of the of the team of SOMO B; In spite of the offensive retorts and defensives of Francis KOBANGOYE and MASRABES, the MVP of the season last OTOMO OSOKONDA Doudou passed completely next to the meeting. The result during all quarters time explains the debacle of STADE MANDJI;
Score 1st quarter times SOMO B 18 STADE MANDJI 17; 2nd quarter times SOMO B 19 STADE MANDJI 18; 3rd quarter times SOMO B 32 STADE MANDJI 17 and 4th quarter times SOMO B 19 STADE MANDJI 24; SOMO B of Libreville takes back the meeting on the score of 88 to 76.

INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE DISTINCTIONS AT MEN
Better defender: CAMPAGNI (TOUNGUI BB) 28 rebounds; 5 counter
Better scorer : GANAZOUI Apollinaire (TOUNGUI BB) 21,25 pts /game
Better player: BEKALE Cedric (SOMO B) 24 Pts, 5 assists
The strength of SOMO B:
4-BEKALE Cedric; 5-MYTOULOU Dennis; 6-OWOULA Roland; 7-ADEMBA Stephane; 8-KWELLENG Samuel; 9-EYENET Davies; 10 - MBADINGA Ulrich; 11-MASSOUSSA Roland; 12-OBAME DIAWARA; 13-EYO'O ABESSOLO; 14-NYOUNDOU Edwin; 15 - MUTOMBO Bebina
Coach: ALLOGHO Servais; Associate Coach: ONIANE Jean Christophe
The strength of STADE MANDJI:
4-ENGONE NZET Rodrigue; 5 - OTOMO OSOKONDA Doudou; 6-OMBOULA J; 7-MBOUROU William; 8-IBANGO Daddy SAMBA; 9-ABESSOLO Silver; 10 - MOUANDZA Max; 11-MASRABE Johd; 12-KOBANGOYE Francis; 13-NZE NOMENGOYE Ulrich; 14-NGONTSI J; 15 - OLAGO OMBANGO Darlyse.
Coach: ONANGA MBOUROU Martial; Associate Coach: BOUANGA Thierry

Commissioner: TIM NDJIKI
1st referee: M. MAVOUNGOU BAYONNE Guy Roger
2nd referee: M. BANZOUZI
3rd referee: M. GONDJOUT Didier Michel
Scorer: Mrs ESSIA Sandra

East and Central Africa champions KCB Lions re-discovered their winning ways when they posted a 67-55 win over Strathmore University in a Premier
League tie at Nyayo National Stadiuium gymnasium.

The 2001 national champions, who have lost two matches, showed class from start roaring to a 39-30 at the breather. Abel Nson shot 20 points, David Otiso 14
and Tobias Onyango 12.

For the "Blades" who have yet to cut their opponents as their name suggests have now lost four games in a row and must rethink their strategy. They had 12 from
Ben Ogallo and 10 from Keith Oruko.

International Christian Center (ICC) took a 10 point lead in the first quarter but in the end fell 65-74 to United States International University (USIU).

Coming off a 34-39 margin at the break, ICC came back to tie the scores 56-56 before Djibril Laurent's two baskets gave the students the lead for keeps.

Dan Okwirri led "Tigers" with 21 points, Laurent bagged 20 while Papillon Odhiambo had 16. For ICC the sharp shooting Nelson Njau was the toast as he sunk
game high 33 points.

Former four time champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya also blanked sad Kenyatta University "Pirates" 69-62 in another close fight.

Co-op, who is so far the only team that has remained unbeaten, were ahead 19-13 in the first quarter and went on to command a 40-29 difference at the break.

After resumption, KU had proved the better side as dangerman Girffin Ligare's crisp perimeter shooting saw the students came out best with a 19-18 and 14-11
margin.

International Cliff Ochieng and Musa Odari scored 19 points each for the bankers. For KU, Ligare hit game high 25 that included five three pointers and Phil
Dinga added 16.

In the women's tie, Yana were on the driving seat from start but harshly lost the game in the dying seconds as international Samba Mjomba drove for the game
clinching lay up for a 53-51 victory.

With Judy Akoth leading the way, Yana led 27-20 at the break and were sure bet for two points until she fouled out late in the game. Angela Okoth led USIU
with 18 points while Caroline Achieng posted Yana's 24.

Dann O'WERE

THE Seychelles men’s basketball pre-selection narrowly lost their first friendly match on a 66-68 score on Thursday at the Palais des Sports against a mixed selection.

The second game is tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Victoria Gymnasium and it is expected that the boys of coach Alix Allisop will be all out to show local basketball fans their true worth as they prepare for the forthcoming Seventh Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) in Madagascar from August 9 to 19.

The mixed team, boasting quality players in the calibre of Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan, Stephen Omony, Reuben Kolawole and Alberto ‘Dydis’ Edwards as well as local players who have not been called to train with the pre-selection, snatched the first quarter 15-8 and then outscored the local pre-selection by five points – 18-13 – in the second to go for the break with a commanding 12-point - 33-21 – lead.

It was during the third quarter that players on the Seychelles pre-selection got their acts together to win 25-18 and they also took the fourth 20-17. But it was too little too late as the damage had already been done in the first 20-minute spell.

Centre Rodney Lozé led the pre-selection in scoring with 18 points, while the mixed selection, who were under the guidance of Grégoire Scholastique and Pascal Fostel, were paced by Daniel Dodin and Omony who got 16 points apiece.
Coach Allisop and his assistant Clifford Joubert will surely be plotting a win for the Seychelles pre-selection in the second match tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Victoria Gymnasium. Entrance is free of charge.

Meanwhile, the first match between the women’s pre-selection and the women’s mixed selection was not played on Tuesday as players not selected to train with the pre-selection failed to turn up. The second match scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled.

R. D.

The trio of United States of America based of Solomon Alabi, Joseph Katuka and Emmanuel Nedegu invited to join the Nigeria Junior National team currently in camp ahead the FIBA U19 World Championship are due in the country Wednesday.

Also due to the Junior Tigers camp is assistant coach and Denver Nugget Director of Scouting Masai Ujuri in final preparation of the African champion for the world championship expected to dunk-off on July 12 in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The players according to the team head coach Adeka Dauda levels of fitness will be ascertained by the coaching crew which comprises of the head coach, Emmanuel Ogah and Emmanuel Okolo while the final list of the twelve players who will carry the burden of the country and that of other Africa nations in Serbia will be made public.

Coach Dauda told our correspondent that he is satisfied with the performance of the home-based players since the team commences preparation over a month ago.

The former Bauchi Nets basketball coach, praised organizers of the Lagos City league for providing a competitive avenue for the players to stay in competition mood.

Coach Dauda is confident that the players will not disappoint Nigerian and indeed the Africa continent at the world championship despite the poor attention given to the team by the sports governing body, the National Sports Commission, NSC.

Fifteen home-based players are currently in camp and will be joined by the three foreign-based to bring the list to eighteen from where the final twelve-man list will be announced Friday.

“Honestly, I am pleased with the form of the players especially those playing for one club or the other in the on-going Lagos City league, I must confess, the league has helped put the players in competition mood and I have no doubt the this team will do Nigeria and Africa proud in Serbia”

By Seinde Ikuesan

The stage is set for the grand finale of the 3rd Lagos City league as organizers; Lagos State Basketball Association introduced a new concept of deciding winner of its competition – Best-of-three-games, version as the America National Basketball Association, NBA.

The series will start on Thursday with the two finalists, Union Bank basketball club engaging Dodan Warriors basketball club in Game-1 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium at 15.00 hours local time.

The clubs booked a grand finale ticket at the weekend at the expense of Ebun Comets basketball club and defending champion, Kennys’ Bullets basketball club who will now settle for the third place match slated for Saturday same day as Game-2 game of the series between the Stallion Boys as the Union Bank is known and the Warriors.

Ebun Comets basketball club coached by former Nigeria national teams handler, Ayodele Bakare won a face saving game against Union Bank on Sunday by 78-76 points but the win was not enough to stop the Gboyega Vidal tutored bankers from moving ahead as it has won its first two matches against Dodan Warriors Wednesday (91-88) and Kennys’ Bullets Friday (90-73) and Warriors winning a big match against the Bullets 78-67 points to set-up a final duel against Union Bank.

Louis Edem Ekpeyong led the floor in Union Bank lose to Comets with 24 points with contributions from the duo of Kingsley Aguara and William Ndoumbe with 19 and 10 points respectively while Comets points guard, Orseer Ikyaator was spectacular on the victory night with 23 points, forward and member of the Nigeria team to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia Dennis Ebikoro netted 20 points while Junior Tigers small forward George Ehiagwina added 12 points for the Comets.

In the game between the Warriors and the Bullets Junior Tigers invitee Mohammed Bukar led the Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) Warriors with 18 points as the trio of Ibrahim Adamu, Nosa Omorogbe and Michael Ani contributed 16, 11 and 10 points each, Bullets points guard Michael Ohiero netted 17 points for his side with contributions from Dare Borokini (16), Samson John (13) and Baba Jibril (12).

By Seinde Ikuesan

By Dann O’were

Co-operative Bank of Kenya blanked Kenyatta University (KU) Pirates 69-62 in a basketball Premier League game at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
The former four-time national champions, who so far remain unbeaten, went ahead 19-13 in the first quarter and increased their command to a 40-29 difference at the break.
After resumption, KU had proven to be the better side. Danger man Girffin Ligare’s crisp perimeter shooting saw the students come out best with 19-18 and 14-11 margins.
International Cliff Ochieng and Musa Odari scored 19 points each for the bankers. For KU, Ligare hit game high 25 that included five three-pointers and Phil Dinga added 16.

NPC 67 ANU 63

In the lower division, Radhi Ndalu was impressive with 24 points as he guided Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC) to a close 67-63 win over Africa Nazarene University (ANU). Allan Yongo made ANU’s 22.

Mennonites 99 Crusaders 36

Mennonites fell one point short of reaching a century mark when they whitewashed Langata Crusaders 99-36. Joshua Vuva posted 31 and William Ochieng hit 30 while Fidel Maithya managed 14 for Langata.

Jkuat 85 Blazers 58

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) crushed Blazers 85-58. Allan Ouma recored 18 points and Willy Mastermet 12 in that victory. Ken Keya of the losing team responded with 16 points.

Meanwhile, it is now official that national women’s champions, Telkom, have withdrawn from the Premier League.
The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, Agina Wesonga, confirmed the development at the Nyayo National Stadium at the weekend.
"We have received an official communication from the management of Telkom confirming that the women’s team will not feature in this year’s basketball programme," Wesonga told SportFest.
While the women’s team has been shown the door, their male counterparts will continue featuring in the league.

As the last day of the final-4 playoffs of the 3rd Lagos City league approaches, the minds of the coaching crew of Dodan Warriors basketball club and Kennys' Bullets basketball club will be pre-occupied in who carries the day Sunday as the two teams slug it out for a grand finale tickets in a winners take all situation.

The two sides have equal record of 1-1 having won and lost one game each in the final-4 against Ebun Comets and Union Bank, while Warriors backed by the trio of Col. Sam Ahmedu, Peter Ahmedu and recalled coach Adeka Dauda lost to Union Bank (91-88) last Wednesday the Bullets coached by two ex-internationals Lateef Erinfolami and Ogo Odaudu defeated Ebun Comets 79-72, with Warriors coming back to win an important game against Comets Friday by 59-55, just as the Bullets gun failed to fire when it went down to Union Bank 90-73 to set up Sunday's big match-up against Warriors at 16.00 hours at the Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium, Surulere.

The two sides have equal record of 1-1 having won and lost one game each in the final-4 against Ebun Comets and Union Bank, while Warriors backed by the trio of Col. Sam Ahmedu, Peter Ahmedu and recalled coach Adeka Dauda lost to Union Bank (91-88) last Wednesday the Bullets coached by two ex-internationals Lateef Erinfolami and Ogo Odaudu defeated Ebun Comets 79-72, with Warriors coming back to win an important game against Comets Friday by 59-55, just as the Bullets gun failed to fire any shot when it went down to Union Bank 90-73 to set up Sunday's big match-up at 16.00 hours.

The Warriors will bank on forward Michael Uma-Okoro who has been spectacular since the playoffs dunks off last Wednesday with support from Ibrahim Adamu, Mohammed Bukar, Daniel Daudu, Edwin Jerry, Friday Ujur Alexander and Nosa Omorogbe to confront Bullets' Baba Jibril, Michael Ohiero, Samson John, Dare Borokini, Godspower Igben and returnee off-guard, Abdulrahman Mohammed in a game of wit.

On Friday Orseer Ikyaator's 19 points could not save the Comets from defeat as it lost it second consecutive playoffs game to Dodan Warriors by 59-55 points of 14-15, 23-16, 08-14 and 10-08.

Other Comets players who made a double figure on the night includes centre Michael Udo with 14 points and off-guard and Junior Tigers invitee Ayodeji Egbeyemi with 10 points, Mohammed Bukar led the Warriors on the glorious night with 15 points in-form power forward Michael Uma-Okoro added 13 points while Friday Ujur Alexander contributed 10 points.

And in the second match between Union Bank and Bullets former Nigeria Junior national team captain Sola Alayande led his teammate with 17 points followed by Rasheed Bello with 16 points while the duo of Kingsley Aguara and Cameroon import William Ndoumbe added 13 points each with Lious Edem Ekpeyong registering his name on the score-sheet with 11 points, Bullets was led in scoring by forward Dare Borokini with 17 points while Baba Jibril and Samson John contributed 16 and 10 points respectively for a final scoreline of 90-73 of 21-08, 19-34, 24-11 and 26-20.

Friday Results:
Dodan Warriors 59-55 Ebun Comets
Union Bank 90-73 Kennys' Bullets

Sunday Pairing:
Union Bank Vs Ebun Comets - 14.00 hours
Dodan Warriors Vs Kennys' Bullets - 16.00 hours

By Seinde Ikuesan

BLOCKED: Powers’ Tawoda is blocked by Falcons’ Henry Malinga early this season. Photo by Eddie Chicco

Today at YMCA
Livingstone v Najja High
Crane High v Gulu Hawks
KCC Lions v Vegetarian
KIU v Charging Rhino
Women
UCU v Makerere Cubs
Amazon v KCC Leopards
Tomorrow
Lubiri v Bushcourts
Lakers v A-1 Challenge
MBC Rocks v Sky Jammers
KIU Rangers v Lady Bucks

Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards team manager Joy Olinga believes it’s their best chance to win a National Basketball League championship after two seasons of disappointment.

Formed in 2005, KCC Leopards finished 5th but with massive recruitment came second to Lady Bucks last year. Despite bagging silver, last year’s performance was however disappointing considering the fact that Leopards had finished the regular season unbeaten.

“The only way to forget last year is by winning the 2007 championship. And I think the players and coaches have changed their attitude and badly need the championship,” Olinga told Daily Monitor on Thursday ahead of their game against Amazon Rhino later today. Leopards take on Amazon at YMCA Wandegeya (4pm) before wrapping up their first round next weekend against Victoria Lakers. They will however be without stars Agatha Baliddawa and Becky Akullo, both nursing injuries.

Meanwhile, struggling giants Charging Rhino will be back in action against wounded Kampala International University (KIU) in the last game of the day.
The 1997 champions have only managed one win from seven games and must pray for a miracle against KIU, who on Wednesday suffered a tear-jerking 59-60 loss to UCU Cannons.

By Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

KAMPALA International University (KIU) star Isaac Afidra turned villain after missing two free throws on the charity line with six seconds to play, handing Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons their 8th successive win and a chance to complete the National Basketball League first round unbeaten.
UCU, took an early first quarter lead (10-8) and stretched it in the second (18-16) but KIU, recovered in the third session (17-15) and were in control within three minutes to the final whistle. But UCU surged to a one point lead that KIU had a chance to overturn only for Afidra to miss twice from the line with 6 seconds left.
UCU faces Miracle tonight in its last game of first round with hope of maintaining the unbeaten run.

Results
UCU Canons 60 KIU 59

Women
KIU Rangers 59 Lakers 35
Lady Bucks 64 Nabisunsa 31

Tonight at Lugogo
Mak Sparks v KIU Rangers 5:30pm
Miracle v UCU 7:00pm
Warriors v Marines 8:30pm

Luanda's Interclube basketball female team was defeated (59-67) on Wednesday, by Mozambique's ISPU, at the qualifier game for the African Champions Club Cup, taking place in Maputo.
After two victories, the Angolan ladies failed before opponents that were motivated due to the presence of their public that supported the team since the first minutes of the encounter.

With this defeat, Interclube put at risks their qualification for the final phase, once they still have two difficult games ahead, namely against 1º de Agosto of Angola, on Friday, and Desportivo de Maputo of Mozambique, on Saturday.

General Standings:

1. 1º de Agosto (six points)
2. Interclube (five points)
3. Ispu (Five points)
4. Desportivo de Maputo (Five points).

Written by JULIUS MBARAGA

The national basketball men’s team is set to play a series of international build-up matches ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations championships in the Angolan capital Luanda. Federation of Rwanda Basketball Association [Ferwaba] Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo said that the federation has lined up games with teams within and beyond the region. “The team will have a series of build-ups in Tunisia and Egypt before the Angola event,” Mugabo said adding that it was just a matter of time before the team embarked on these build-ups. He noted that, “The reason for these trips is to help the team get acquitted to the better court facilities similar to those in Angola, where the event is to be staged.” Though the dates for the team’s trip to Tunisia are yet to be confirmed, the tour of Egypt has been scheduled for July 5-10. Ahead of the Can championships, Rwanda believes that it has a genuine chance to progress past the pool stages despite being seeded alongside Angola, the continents’ power house and event hosts. “Angola could be too much for us but we fancy ourselves against Morocco and Cape Verde. If the team prepares well, it will get positive results out of these two games,” Mugabo confidently acknowledged. Since the team’s head new coach, Kavedzija Vaceslave arrived in the country last Wednesday; the 18-man team has upped its training to three sessions a day.

WINNING medals and preferably those of the gold hue at the forthcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) is the target set by the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) and chairman Paul Denis believes that the country’s teams can deliver the goods in Madagascar.

In a move to give the country’s two pre-selections ample time to train for these Games, slated for Madagascar from August 9 to 19, the SBF has decided to suspend the Men’s division 1A and Women’s leagues until after the IOIG.

Speaking to Sports Nation yesterday, chairman Denis said that “it is best for us to suspend both league championships to give the coaches to prepare the teams for the IOIG. Also, American coach Sterling Wright is expected here soon and if we want him to work with the team the way he wants, it is best that we suspend the two leagues.”

This means that Men’s division 1A and Women’s league action will resume a week after the IOIG.

Even though there have been certain delays in fixtures due to the number of training camps organised so far, the league will still be played over two rounds but the Top-of-the-table competition will be scrapped from the calendar.

The annual SBF Cup will still be played with the winners getting to represent Seychelles in a competition on the African continent, compared to the Men’s division 1A winners who will participate in the Indian Ocean Club Championship (IOCC).

The women’s pre-selection comprises 13 players, while 15 male players make up the men’s pre-selection.

The two sets of coaches – Steve Hoareau (women’s head coach), Pascal Fostel (women’s assistant coach), Alix Allisop (men’s head coach) and Clifford Joubert (men’s assistant coach) – will only make the final cut in late July after all players have done doping tests.

Other than the two friendlies against two local mixed teams, the two pre-selections are to play test matches against Kenyan and Greek sides if everything goes according to plan.

Meanwhile, there will still be matches in the Men’s division 1B and Men’s division 2 leagues.

G. G.

Lagos City league regular season leader, Union Bank basketball club Wednesday began its quest for a place in the grand finale ticket on a good note with a 91-88 points victory over Dodan Warriors basketball club at the Sports Hall of the Lagos National Stadium.

The match, watched by capacity crowd who defied the heavy rain saw the Stallion Boys as the bankers are known taking the first quarter with 27-23 points, but surrendered the second quarter to the enterprising Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) Warriors by 29-21 points for a 52-48 points scoreline at half-time.

The Bankers reduced the margin by one point in the third quarter (16-15) and came all out in the last and decisive quarter to win at 27-21 points for a cummulative scores of 91-88 points to set up a meeting between it and Kennys’ Bullets on Friday.

Union Bank Small forward Lious Edem Ekpeyong led the floor with 27 points while the duo of guards Sola Alayande and Moses Daudu added 18 and 11 points respectively, Warriors enterprising forward Michael Uma-Okoro led his teammates on the scorers chat with 26 points, Ibrahim Adamu and Nosa Omorogbe contributed 18 and 12 points each.

The seond match of Wednesday saw former Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, premier league champion, Ebun Comets basketball club going down to City league defending champion, Kennys’ Bullets basketball club 79-72 points in an over-time.

Bullets inspired by former captain Baba Jibril and guard Michael Ohiero took the first quarter by 23-15 points but surrendered the second and third quarters (20-11, 14-10) only to even scores in the fourth quarter winning the quarter by 23-18 points for a 67-67 points at regulation time thereby forcing the game into over-time of five minutes which it won by 12-05 points for a cummulative scoreline of 79-72 points.

Comets point guard, Orseer Ikyaator who was recently drafted to the Nigeria Senior Nationa Team, D’Tigers led the floor with 23 points with rookie off-guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi who had a great game adding 17 points while small forward Dennis Ebikoro contributed 14 points, Jibril’s 22 points, Samson John 18, Ohiero 14 and Dare Borokoni 10 points were all the Bullets needed to carry the day.

On Friday Comets and Warriors will take on each other at 14.00 hours while Bullets and Union Bank will take their turn at 16.00 hours while Saturday will be observed as rest day.
By Seinde Ikuesan

The Rwanda Basketball Federation, Ferwaba has scheduled an international friendly with DR Congo as part of the two team’s preparations for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The game is scheduled for June 24 at Amahoro stadium indoor courts, two weeks before the Rwandan team travels for the Can event in the Angolan capital Luanda.

News of the friendly was confirmed by Ferwaba Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo who also said that DR Congo was chosen because of its status as the regional powerhouse.

He said, “We decided to have this friendly with DR Congo because is the best side compared to other countries in the region, so we hope our team can learn much from them.”

While Rwanda qualified for this year event as first runners up in their zone [five], DR Congo qualified as champions of zone four.

“We have made a number of invitations to different countries and we are looking forward to playing more build-ups after the game with DRC in order to give the players enough competition exposure before the Angola event,” he added.
The biannual event, the 24th edition of starts on August 15 until 23 and will be staged in the country’s five main cities of Luanda, Huambo, Benguela, Cabinda and Lubango.

A total of 16 countries will take part in the event where Rwanda, making her debut has been pooled in the same group as Morocco, Cape Verde and the hosts Angola.

Story by PHILIP ONYANGO

Kenya has been placed in a tough pool ‘B’ for the Africa women’s basketball championships to be held in Senegal in September. According to the draws released by Fiba Afrique, the Kenya women, who are currently preparing for the Algiers All Africa Games, will battle with Nigeria, Congo DR, Angola, Cameroon and Cape Verde Islands for a ticket to the final four. Pool ‘A’ has Senegal, Mozambique, Tunisia, Cote D Ivoire, Mali and Madagascar. Kenya start their campaign with a tough match against Angola on September 21, the same day hosts Senegal will have a date with Cote d’Ivoire in the opening group ‘A’ match. Other group ‘A’ matches programmed for the day are Mali against Tunisia and Madagascar versus Mozambique while group B matches to be played on the day are Nigeria against Cameroon and Cape Verde v Congo DR. Arrival Kenya play their next game against Cape Verde on September 22, before taking on Cameroon on September 23, Congo DR on September 25 before winding up their preliminary rounds with a match against Nigeria on September 26. Meanwhile, US-based Kenya player Josephine Achieng Owino wil link up with the team preparing for the Algiers Games. The former Mombasa High School forward, a first team regulra at Union University in the US, arrives in the country on June 19. Speaking to the Daily Nation on telephone from Tennessee, Owino said she had decided to return and play for her country despite the busy schedule in the US and predicted. “It was a very difficult decision to make because we are quite busy at Union while our practices for the coming season are due in July,” she said.

2007-06-02
Faso Warriors # Celtics: 41-47
Kadiogo Bulls # AS-Sonabel: 47-36

2007-06-03
AS-Sonabhy # RCK: 49-57

2007-06-09
Faso Warriors # AS-Sonabhy: 48-84
AS-Sonabel # RCK: 62-67

2007-06-10
Celtics # Kadiogo Bulls: 29-55

AS-Sonabhy # RCK
The petroliers needed a victory to be sure to play the finals! But the falcons are today the best team in the capital! Coach Bagahouinisse Dah started faster with Aboubacar Sara (-F), Hamed Fabre (-G), Celestin Bagahouinisse Dah , Omar BILA and Hassane SAWADOGO; first foul and the first point for Celestin! But Ben Sada DABIRE (RCK) wanted a victory; his second shoot is in. With Telesphore SOME, Achille, Ismaël KONE and Namory Kone, he developed a collective game against petroliers as they can't defend! Score at half time: 14-34!
The third quarter started as the first; some substitutions (Cyrille Tapsoba , Emmanuelle PODA) for the petroliers and the game became more interested! AS-Sonabhy played better and was reducing the score!
At the fourth quarter, the game became very hard; face to face, Cyrille, Hamed, Emmanuel for the petroliers, and Ben Sada, Namory, Ismaël for the falcons! The level reise up! Namory have 4 fouls; Ismaël and Ben are out for injuries! Cyrille plays well; he reduce the score (6 points late); Ismaël is on the ground again. The falcons don't break down! Namory works for his team! 2mn 56! The petroliers take bad choices; Hassane is too individual! 41s, three points shoot for Cyrille; 49-55; time out! With a good defence, the petroliers steal balls but they lose too many seconds to take shoots! End of the game
The young player of the junior team Emmanuel PODA for his first match in senior league played very well!
Cyrille Tapsoba, after some problems is again on the playground; he can do the difference as point guard in his team;
Final Score: 49-57 FOR THE FALCONS. Best scorer: Namory Kone and Ismael KONE (falcons) with 17 points

2007-06-10
AS-Sonabel # RCK
After their defeat against Kadiogo Bulls, the electricians know that the way to the finals were closed for them; for this match, they work hard to show that they were able to win against all the teams; for the first time, the falcons after their big match against the petroliers, were not so good (or perhaps, the electricians are the big team as everybody think at the beginning of the championship)! For the first time (in this competition) the falcons lost the second and the third quarter. Norbert Parkouda (-G) (PG, electrician) drove his team very well in offence and defence! At the half time score was: 33-33! The third quarter: 51-49 for the electricians!
Namory Kone, Ismaël KONE, Telesphore SOME were the players who win the match for RCK at the fourth quarter. One time again, substitutions have been the big problem with these electricians. Roland Bassindja lost some important balls in the money time;
Some thing is sure: electricians will not play the finals; but, they can be a big problem if they play like that against AS-Sonabhy; a new defeat for the petroliers before their match Kadiogo Bulls and they also say goodbye to the finals!
Final score: 62-67 for the falcons; best scorer: Ismaël KONE: 24 pts (6 shoots at 3 points)

Cups of Gabon in masculine and feminine category that ignored the 22 to last May 27 ended in "tail of fish ".
Indeed the competition of men again called "cup David NZOUBOU" stopped at the time of the second half final between MANGA BASKET (local team) and STADIUM MANDJI (retiring champion). These last left of the land whereas it only remained one minute and twenty second; MANGA BASKET led three points;
Long before, to the seventh minute of the fourth quarter times, the public invaded the land, referees feeling in insecurity stopped the meeting during one hour and came three minutes, STADIUM MANDJI led six points.
The Ministry of sports and the Federation Gabonese of Basketball who spend enormous means for the transport of delegations and the convenient organization opted for an end happy of the competition, indeed the two teams are going to replay the half final on a neutral land (Libreville), then it tightened the final the following day; all transportation the restoration and the lodging are to the load of the sport Ministry, it is a decision that is going to save the Cup David NZOUBOU.
The winner of this second half final that is played this weekend (Saturday 16 June 2006), be going to dispute the final this Sunday 17 June with SOMO B that waits are impatiently adversary
But it is not going to pull up work in commission of the FEGABAB that promised to punish all what is guilty; reports of referees, the commissioner of the meeting and commissions concerned will be taken in account.
One expects heavy sanctions in months that follow.

The 3rd edition of the Lagos City league enter a crucial stage Wednesday as the four surviving teams (Union Bank, Dodan, Ebun Comets and Kennys' Bullets) battle for a grand finale tickets.

The four teams emerged after seeing off their quarter-finals opponents last weekend at the sports hall of the Lagos National Stadium with Union Bank beating Warriors Academy 100-63 of (24-23, 21-10, 29-20 and 26-10) with Union Bank versatile guard Cameroon-born William Ndoumbe leading the floor with 20 points while the trio of Kingsley Aguara, Azuoma Dike and Rasheed Bello contributed 14, 12 and 10 points respectively for the bankers. Warriors Academy's forward Olaide Adeogun netted 17 points for his side with guard Adeola Ajayi scoring 14 points.

The quarter-final match between Dodan Warriors and Chariot was a classics with Warriors coordinator Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) taking charge of affairs on the bench leading the Warriors to a 78-76 points win over the Chariot (18-21, 26-20, 14-21 and 20-14), Warriors trio of forward Michael Uma-Okoro, guards Ibrahim Adamu and Edwin Jerry contributed 15 points each with Nosa Omorogbe having his name on the scorers sheet with 12 points to set up the stage against Union Bank in the opening game of the final-4, while Chariot Okechukwu Anonye's 14 points was not enough to save his side from defeat.

Ebun Comets basketball club almost bite the dust in its quarter-final match against more determined Police Bombers basketball club who led from the blast of the referees' whistle only to give up in the dying minute of the action packed encounter with Comets forcing a tie on two ocassions in the fourth quarter (54-54) and (59-59) before Comets forward Dennis Ebikoro inflicted the most painful injury to the already open wound of the Bombers for a 60-59 points victory (08-15, 20-18, 13-16 and 19-10) with Bombers guard Kayode leading the floor with 22 points, Ebikro scored 20 points for the Comets while guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi whose repeated three-point shot brought Comets back into the game contributed 17 points.

The last quarter-final match between former Premier league champion, Islanders and City league defending champion Kennys' Bullets was a real battle as the Toyin Sonoiki Islanders did not want to give in to newly formed Bullets a third time having lost twice to the Ogoh Odaudu and Lateef Folami tutored Bullets during the regular season of the league.

It was a game the Bullets players playing without its inspirational off-guard Abdulrahman Mohammed, but relied on the experience of former Comets captain, Baba Jibril to see them through the difficult match which they won by 68-60 points of 20-11, 14-14, 15-14 and 19-21 to book a place in the final-4 with Jibril and Samson John scoring 19 points apiece for the Bullets while Nigeria U19 national team invitee point guard Michael Ohiero netting 13, Islanders Chiwendu Nwaigbo who was formerly with the Bullets led his teammates on the scorers chat with 15points with forward Azeez Oladimeji contributing 10 points for his side.

Comets and Bullets will take to the court in game-2 of the final-4 series at 4.00pm Wednesday with all four team observing Thursday as rest day while hostilities will resume on Friday with Comets battling Dodan Warriors at 2.00pm and Bullets taking on Union Bank at 4.00pm.

The final-4 series will climax on Sunday with Union Bank taking on Comets while Warriors and Bullets will lock horn at 4.00pm with the two top teams starting a Best-of-3-Game series from Thursday, June 21, a new innovation which has receive commendation from lovers of the game.


Final-4 Pairing:

Wednesday: 13/06/07
Union Bank Vs Dodan Warriors - 2.00pm
Ebun Comets Vs Kenneys' Bullets - 4.00pm

Friday: 15/06/07
Ebun Comets Vs Dodan Warriors - 2.00pm
Kennys' Bullets Vs Union Bank - 4.00pm

Sunday: 17/06/07
Union Bank Vs Ebun Comets - 2.00pm
Dodan Warriors Vs Kennys' Bullets - 4.00pm

by Olusegun Ikuesan

The coaching crew of the Nigeria's U-9 National Men team, Junior Tigers led by Adeka Dauda has released list of players for the team's final close camping exercise preparatory to the FIBA World Championship in Novi Sad, Serbia.
At the end of a ten-day open camp tryout concluded at the weekend at the Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos 15 players out of 25 have been selected for the second and final phase camp slated for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna this week.

The successful players are Prey Ayibakuro (Center forward), Yussuf Adamu (Small Forward), Asortse Ngusha (Power forward), Omorogbe Nicholas (Guide), Ugbede Oguchi (Small Forward), Ehiagwina George (Small Forward), Mbah Ifeanyi (Power Forward), Dauda Daniel (Guide), Baraya Ahiram (Power Forward), Bukar Biu (Guide) and Oladimeji Olakunle (Power Forward).
Others are Otiero Michael (Guide), Oyalade Tari (Small Forward), Egbeyemi Ayodeji (Small Forward) and Udoh Blessing (Guide).

According to the Junior Tigers boss, the players are expected to resume for close camp this week, to enable the technical crew put finishing touch to the teams' preparation, adding that three foreign-based players will join the team for the final camping.
"What we did during the open camping was to give kids who fall within the age bracket for the world championship an opportunity for a place in the national team," he said.
"At the end of the exercise, we have picked those that are good enough to progress to the final stage of close camping slated for Kaduna. These players will be joined by their 3 other foreign-based counterpart, who are expected to arrive soon"
"It is out of these 18 players that the technical crew will pick the final 12 that will make the trip to Serbia," he added.

Dauda is been assisted by coaches Emmanuel Okolo (UNILAG) and Emmanuel Ogah (FCT).