Basketball in Africa

THERE remains just one unbeaten team in the Men’s division 1A league. And they are PLS Hawks.

Thursday’s loss on a 57-73 score against defending champions Premium Cobras was Baya’s first in the league and they now have to pull themselves together to avoid a second defeat on the trot when they meet the Hawks tomorrow at the Palais des Sports.

The Roche Caïman venue also played host to Thursday’s game in which Baya fell apart in the third quarter when Premium Cobras seemed lost as they committed four team fouls and were over the foul limit with just one minute gone.

Unable to take control of the game despite closing the gap each time the Cobras tried to pull away, Baya forgot about Amadou Sylla and he punished them with three 3-pointers in a row to help his team outscore their opponents 25-18 after they had already won the first two quarters 22-19 and 11-10.

Heading into the fourth quarter with an 11-point (58-47) advantage, the Cobras did not lose their head like in their first round match-up against Baya which they lost 58-70. This time, although Biko Biong, Francis ‘Toy’ Herminie and Amadou Sylla fouled out, they remained concentrated on what they had to do and Steve Allisop came off the substitutes’ bench to complete the job with seven individual points as Premium Cobras again won the fourth quarter 15-10 to wrap up the match at 73-57.
Nigerian power forward Reuben Kolawole was Premium Cobras’ and the game’s top scorer with 20 points and he was helped on the offensive end by Tanzania international Abdallah ‘Dulla’ Ramadhan and Amadou Sylla who got 17 points apiece.

Baya’s skipper and Seychelles international Robert Léon finished the game with 13 points although he looked lost in crunch time just like coach Michel Malbrook who sat at the end of the bench and watched his players slump to their first defeat.

Hendrick Denis and Seychelles playmaker Giovanni Laval got 12 points each, but it was Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Camille who failed to come to life for Baya, getting a paltry six points compared to his usual high-scoring games of 20+ points.

G. G.

Story by CAXTON APOLLO Publication Date: 9/30/2007

Kenya lost 69-58 to Madagascar in the Africa women’s basketball championships’ classification match in Dakar, Senegal on Friday night. As a result, Kenya were due to play Tunisia last night in their last match to determine the 11th and 12 positions of the 19th edition of the African tournament. If they fall to Tunisia, Kenya will finish bottom in the 10-day championships. Tunisia crashed 79-72 to Cape Verde to book a date with the Kenyans. Kenya played without purpose against Madagascar and trailed 38-19 at half-time. Miriam Awuor, who plays for Kenya Ports Authority, contributed 13 points for Kenya, while Joyce Makungu had eight and Brenda Odula six. Agina Wesonga, the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, who is leading the delegation said: “The girls played badly against Madagascar due to fatigue and made little effort to win.’’ Kenya had finished fourth in the five-team Pool “B” which was based in Thies by virtue of having won the solitary (59-47) match against Cape Verde who finished bottom. Champions Nigeria and Angola advanced to the semi-finals. In Pool “A” that was based in Dakar, hosts Senegal and Mozambique were expected to scoop the top two positions to advance to yesterday’s semi-finals. On the local scene, Brenda Angeshi scored 16 points while Irene Makori added 15 as Sprite Storms boosted their chances of making the play-offs when they beat Catholic Dream Team 76-36 yesterday. The return leg tie was played at the Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium. Storms, who had an upper hand in all the four quarters, connected 11 points through Makori to lead 19-11 in the first quarter. Sprite torms led 36-20 at half-time.Ann Njeri shot 11 points for the losers. In the men’s Division One league tie, Kenya Ports Authority harvested maximum two points when they defeated African Nazarene University 77-56. The dockmen, took charge from the word go to lead 33-20 at half-time. It was only in the last quarter that the varsity lads scared the visitors to race a 20-19 lead. Kenneth Otieno scored 11 points, Java Odhiambo and Samuel Ochola each managed 10 for the winners. Telkom remained to course to finishing the pre-season in the top four when they whitewashed Nairobi Pentecostal Church 92-43. Ancette Wafula fired 23 points which included four three-pointers to help Telkom take a 49-20 half-time lead. Godfrey Abuya shot 16 points while Maxwell Kaunda added 11 for Telkom. Victor Makosewe had 15 points while Alvin Kimani replied with 13 points for NPC.

Backed by vociferous home fans Senegal Saturday night fought a big battle to get pass Mozambique in the second semi-finals of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women running away with a 63-48 point’s victory. Inspired by the superb form of Polish-based forward, Aya Traore who was a torn in the flesh of the Mozambican whose best moment in the game was a 19-18 points lose in the third quarter. The home side won in all four quarters with 15-12, 16-10, 19-18 and 13-08 to advance to her second straight finals. 24 year-old Traore poured in 12 points grabbing 7 rebounds for the Lioness, her team-mates Ndeye Ndiaye grabbed 10 rebounds and 2 blocks while Mame Diodio Diouf had 6 assists to put the 2005 runner-up to set-up a final against Mali. The duo of Clarisse Machanguana and Aleia Rachide grabbed 7 and 5 rebounds respectively for the Mozambicans. With the victory, Senegal and Mali will light up the 6,000 capacity Marius Ndiaye gymnasium, Dakar for the grand finale of the championship while Angola and Mozambique fights for the third place.

Cape Verde Saturday in Thiès recorded another win in the Africa Nations Championship for Women beating Madagascar 60-57 points to finish 9^th on the final standing.

In another match played also in Thies, Tunisia defeated Kenya 72-60 for the 11-12 placement while Nigeria handed down a 72-61 points defeat to DR Congo to set up a 5-6 placement battle against Cameroon who rallied back to subdue young Ivorian team by 50-47 points.

Partial Standing:

12. Kenya

11. Tunisia

10. Madagascar

9. Cap Vert

Mali is through to the grand finale of the 20^th Africa Nations Championship for women with a 69-60 point’s victory over hard fighting Angola in a keenly contested match at the Marius Ndiaye gymnasium, Dakar, Senegal.

The enterprising Malian with WNBA star, Hamchetou Maiga playing a leading role her side hard won battle over the Angolan won in three of the four 17-16, 16-13, 23-10 and 13-21 with the Angolans staging a late fight in the exciting match which got fans cheering both sides.

Mali centre, Nagnoumba Coulibaly for the second day running led her team in scoring with a double double of 18 points and 15 rebounds, Nare Diawara poured in 12 points, 7 rebounds and one block while her younger sister Djene Diawara added 11 points and 9 rebounds to lift their side into the finals of the match.

Angolan Nacessela Mauricio led the floor with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, Domitila Ventura contributed 12 points and 6 assists.

	Ajagbe	Adeyemi Samson	8 May 1981	Nigeria
	Hamulenge	Paulus	11 Oct 1981	Namibia
	Hango	Ankama	4 Nov 1981	Namibia
	Iyambo	Ruben	22 March 1983	Namibia
	Mabuku	Jack	31 Jan 1984	Namibia
	Maimbolwa	Nawa	2 Aug 1981	Zambia
	Nahum	Izak Mekondjo	25 July 1980	Namibia
	Petrus	Gabriael	13 Feb 1984	Namibia
	Prinzonsky	Corbin Ebenezer	23 Aug 1982	Namibia
	Ramakhutla	Vivian	19 March 1981	Namibia
	Sisetto	Chrestonette	8 Feb 1985	Namibia
	Tshibango-Fwamba	Francis	12 April 1983	D.R.C

Coach: Goria Hikumwa

	Cassanga	Paolo	14 May 1981	Angola
	Chambara	Elisha	17 Dec 1979	Zimbabwe
	Hainghumbi	Haitange	5 Nov 1987	Namibia
	Hamukoto	Hans	18 Feb 1982	Namibia
	Hangula	Abraham	12 Sep 1979	Namibia
	Hore	Brian	26 Apr 1983	Zimbabwe
	Ipinge	David	8 Dec 1978	Namibia
	Jacobs	Danilo	19 Oct 1976	Namibia
	Katjire	Junior	27 Nov 1978	Namibia
	Kapolo	Fox	21 March 1983	Namibia
	Lyando	Murere	8 Mar 1982	Namibia
	Mbanga	Robson	15 Oct 1985	Namibia
	Muhongo	John	24 Jan 1984	Namibia
	Nghixulifwa	Allan	28 Sept 1985	Namibia
	Shikongo	Elias	5 Nov 1988	Namibia
	Shwayu	George	15 May 1981	Namibia

Coach: Chris Chipadza

Manager: Wolfgang Kleine

Standing regular season

Club	Points
Tomahawks	25
Titans	25
P Warriors	23
Civics	22
Tunacor W/B	18
Oceans Swakop	15
NDF	15
Polytech	9

BY JULIUS MBARAGA AND TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

Men

CSK A vs. Kist
Rusizi vs. UNR

Women

Fawe vs. KIST
ISAE vs. APR

After a thrilling first round of the 2007 National Basketball league, CSKA hopes to extend its supremacy at the top of Pool A when it entertains struggling Kigali Institute of Education (KIST) at Amahoro indoor stadium tomorrow.

The league debutants (CSKA) had a superb first round show after edging out reigning league champions APR and Marines, the other league contenders to keep their hopes of a play-off spot intact.

With players like Robert Thomson, Crispin Gishoma and Gerol Ndugu, CSK A was too much for even APR but after Cliff Owuor beefing up his squad with players like Issa Ngoga shortly before the just concluded Zone V club championships, we are destined for an intriguing second round.

In Pool B, one game is on cards today when league debutants Rusizi take on Rwanda National University in a Butare derby.
Rusizi had a fascinating first round campaign when it finished second and could stun UNR this afternoon.

UNR have looked a weary side since the 2006 play-offs when they were knocked out by Espoir. The top two clubs from either Pool automatically proceed into this year’s play-offs.

In the ladies’ category, Fawe Girls School face a major test against Kigali Institute of Science and Technology at Primature courts in the morning while ISAE and APR face off at the same ground later in the afternoon.

The league was called off by the local basketball federation to pave way for the men’s national preparations ahead of the Afro-basket competition that was staged in Angola back in August.

By SANDE BASHAIJA
LUGOGO

Today
Rhino v Marines
Sharing v St Michael
Bushcourt v Najja High
Jammers v Liv’stone
Gulu Hawks v Vegetarian
KIU Rangers v Nabisunsa
KCC Lions v MBC Rocks

NATIONAL Basketball League two-time defending champions Nkumba University Marines have no one else but themselves to blame for their pathetic season, team skipper Boniface Okello reckons.

“Had we not forfeited points to Youth Heaters, we would be comfortably warming up for play-offs. But many administrative decisions also didn't go our way and that's how we ended up in this situation,” Okello told Daily Monitor.

Marines didn't honour their season opening game against Heaters and were barred from playing the corresponding second round fixture. The Entebbe side is lying 6th on the 10-team table with 25 points and need more than victory to make the play-offs with two other teams Kampala International University (KIU) and Sadolin Power all eyeing the last play-offs berth.

Marines face relegation threatened Charging Rhino today at YMCA Wandegeya in a game both teams need to win. Rhino can survive the drop with victory today.
Vegetarian travelled to Gulu yesterday seeking victory against the northern giants.

If Vegetarian win the clash, they will finish the regular season second and avoid meeting the Gulu Hawks in play-offs. Relegated Sky Jammers are unlikely to honour their fixture against Livingstone.

The Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) league is coming to an end and will hold its playoffs tomorrow.

Civics Suns will be defending their title, playing in the semi-finals against the Katutura Mighty Titans. In other matches, the Tomahawks women's side will take on Civics Starz, while the Tomahawks men's side will take on Plaza Warriors.

In the other big game of the day, the Titans will go up against Civics Suns. This match promises to be a thriller, as Civics Suns will go all out to keep their title, while the challengers will take the fight to the defending champions.

All the matches will be held at the University of Namibia (Unam).

Nigeria women team, the defending champion failed to advance to the semi-final round of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women bowing out in the quarter-final to Mozambique by 69-61 points.

The more determined Mozambican side inspired by former Academica basketball club of Maputo point guard, Ngulela Deolinda showed that they mean business from the blast of the referees’ whistle winning the first quarter 17-14 points.

Down with injury Nigeria captain, Mfon Udoka who played only 12 minutes at the second half time, watched as her team-mates bundled a third attempt at the African title, though the Kevin Cook coached Nigerian side fought back in the second quarter with a 16-15 points to end the first half at 32-30 points.

Deolinda and her colleagues put the match beyond the reach of the former champion in the third quarter with a big win of 22-14 points to go into the fourth quarter with a 10 points advantage of 54-44 points.

Efforts by the Nigerians to fight back in the last quarter proved abortive as they could only managed a 17-15 point’s win to kiss the dust 69-61 points.

Mozambique Carla Da Silva 28 points and 3 rebounds, Clarisse Machanguana 18 points, 7 rebounds, Deolinda had 8 assists, 4 rebounds to lift her side.

Olayinka Sanni proved a great player scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 block-shot; Chisaokwu Ononiwu contributed 13 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while Joyce Ekworomadu added 10 points and 3 rebounds

Mali guard, Hamchetou Maiga was the star-player in her side quarter-final victory over Cameroon Friday at the Ma!ruiss Ndiaye gymnasium, Dakar.

It was a determinate team of Mali led by the WNBA player, Hamchetou Maiga who crushed female team of Cameroon with 31 points margin and got their ticket for the semi final where, they will meet Angola on Saturday 29^th September in Dakar.

Mali won in all four quarters with 11-08, 20-10, 25-10 and 19-13 for a final score of 72-41 points win.

The Mali did not leave any one in doubt as to their readiness to carry the day with aggressive style of play as they subdue the Cameroonian in all department of the match.

Nagoumba Coulibaly scored 14 points; Maiga had 13 and 4 assists to her credit, while the duo of Djene Diawara and Fatoumata Bagayoko contributed 11 and 10 points for the enterprising Malian side.

Cameroon point guard, Priscilia Mbianga recorded 11 points; forward Alice Kebeumen had 9 rebounds.

In a near shock encounter Angola survives the fighting spirit of the young ladies from Cote d’Ivoire to become the first country to move into the semi-finals of the 20^th Africa Nations Championship for Women.

Angola was able to stamp their authority at the dying minutes of game winning by 44-42 points to set up a semi-final duel between the winners of the Cameroon versus Mali quarter-final match.

Though they lose the match but the young Ivorian girls received standing ovation from the fans for putting up a strong battle against the more experience Angolan side.

ONE of the main tasks of the newly appointed caretaker committee is to ensure that disciplinary actions are taken against officials who fail to turn up for duties on scheduled dates.

This is what many believe could bring order to the game of basketball after two matches on two consecutive days were postponed earlier this week because there were no referees.

On Tuesday, a women’s league match between RA Sisters and Mont Fleuri was not played and on Wednesday, the scheduled Men’s division 1A encounter between PLS Hawks and SMB Razorbacks did not take place.

It should be noted that in one of the cases, the referee in question is a senior member of the new caretaker basketball committee set up earlier this month.

Such incidents tend to affect teams in various ways, including financially and morally. Some teams make transportation arrangements for their matches only to learn upon arriving at the venues that the match won’t take place. Having already made an initial payment for transport, they have to once again look for money when matches are re-scheduled.

Some teams also ask for their players to be released from work, therefore postponement of matches create certain disadvantages.

We have seen in the past where actions have been taken against teams who fail to turn up on more than one occasion or against players whose behaviour is not in line with the sports code.

Disciplinary actions sure help improve the image of different sports when applied properly, and it will thus be interesting to see table officials and referees receive punishments when they are at fault.

It will be to the best advantage of everyone and the game of basketball in particular if all involved take their responsibility and play their assigned roles in order to keep the sport on straight course.

R. D.

Friday is the D-day for the eight team that made it to the quarter-finals of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women as they take their turn Thursday to plot one another fall in practice session.

Among the eight countries that made it to the knock-out stage only Cameroon did not have a feel of the Marius Ndiaye gymnasium, Dakar.
At noon local time Friday young Cote d’Ivoire team will file out against Angola with both sides eyeing a semi-finals ticket.

Cameroon and enterprising Mali will take their turn at 14.30 hours, while the battle between Nigeria and Mozambique hoist up at 17.00 hours.

Nigeria captain who missed most of the preliminary matches due to a kneel injury was seen practicing with her team-mates and declared that there is no cause for alarm.

“I am hundred percent ready for the match against Mozambique and I want to say the same of my team-mates, she told www.fiba-afrique.org.

The last quarter-finals pairing is between host Senegal and Mwadi Marie Mabika Democratic Republic of Congo with the last group-B win against Angola as motivation.

With eight teams making it into the knock-out stage of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women holding in Dakar and Thies, Senegal www.fiba-afrique.org bring you the profile of one player each from the eight countries that qualifies for the quarter-finals which dunks off Friday.

Mfon Sunday Udoka is the captain of the Nigerian side and has shown consistency since she makes her debut for the reigning African champion at the 8th All Africa Games hosted in Abuja, Nigeria in 2003.

The 6 feet, 3 inches tall player is a forward, a good leader on and off the court an attribute which has endeared her to basketball lovers both in Nigeria and the Africa continent.

Born in June 16, 1976 in Portland, Oregon in the United States of America, Udoka has seen her career takes her the nook and cranies of the world.

Full profiles of Mfon Sunday Udoka.

Height: 190cm / 6'3''
Position: Power Forward / Center
Born: June 16, 1976 in Portland, OR (USA
Team: Tarbes (France) (2007-07)
Nationality: Nigerian
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Outlook:
A hardworking and experienced player, Udoka brings leadership to any team.
Team Nigeria's captain, Udoka is a former WNBA player with Houston and a member of the Nigerian teams in 2003 and at the 2004 Olympics
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Career:
1997-1998: De Paul (NCAA): Finished as DePaul's No. 2 all-time leading rebounder with 1047 rebounds
2000-2001: Voa Viagem (POR): 26 points, 14 rebounds
2001: Birmingham (NWBL): 15 points, 9 rebounds
2001-2002: Ramat Hasharon (ISR), during the season she went to Beijing (CHN)
2003: Houston (WNBA): 10 minutes -3.2 points, 2 rebounds - Chicago Blaze (NWBL): 18.3 points, 8.7 rebounds
2003-2004: Cadi la Seu D'urgell (ESP): 33.1 minutes. 2.9 Points, 7.5 rebounds
2004-2005: Dynamo-Energia Novosybirsk (RUS-A Superleague,1T): 14 games: 10.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 47.0%; Europe Cup: 3 games: 12.7ppg, 11.7rpg, 2.0apg, 0.7spg, in Feb.'06 moved to Mersin BSH Bld (TUR-D1): 9 games: 20.1ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 53.0%, FT: 81.0%
2006 April: Chicago Sky (WNBA) summer camp
2006-2007: In Jan.'07 joined Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (FRA-LFB), left next month: EuroCup: 2 games: 13.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 75%; French League: 6 games: 6.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 2FGP: 54%, 3PT: 14.0%, FT: 50.0%
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Awards/Achievements:
First team All-Conference USA -97, 98
All-Africa Games -03 (Gold), ’07 (Silver)
Nigerian National Team -03-07
Olympic Games in Athens -04
African Championships -05 (Gold, MVP)
Africa Women Championship Best Scorer and Best Rebounder -05
Turkish Cup Semi-finals -06
World Championships in Sao Paulo (BRA) -06

Mozambican point guard and floor leader Ngulela Deolinda was first spotted at the final round of the Africa Champions Club Championship held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in 2001 where she stared for Academica basketball club of Maputo.

Born April 18, 1981, petit Deolinda has since matured into a full grown woman with great court vision, her run down the flank, three points shooting ability and passing skill made for her size.

Deolinda a product of Emporia State University where she play in the America NCAA second division has distinguished herself a visionary leader, she organises her team Mozambique well that her coach and teammate are at rest when she at her best.

Brief Profile of Ngulela Deolinda

Height: 168cm / 5'6''
Position: Guard
Born: Apr.18, 1981
Team: Emporia St. (USA) (2005-06)
Nationality: Mozambican

Career / Comments:
Full name: NGULELA DEOLINDA CARMEN
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Career:
Academica, Maputo ‘01
Maputo, Mozambique/Seward County CC
2005-2006: Emporia St. (NCAA2)
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Awards/Achievements:
Mozambique National Team -07
All-Africa Games -07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

Senegalese captain Anta Sy is one of the greatest players to have come out of the Africa continent in the last decade, a level headed player, Sy is the engine room of the Senegalese Lioness.

Though she sometime goes on noticed due to her gentle nature, but Sy is a dependable player a great fighter who never gives up.

She has won many laurels both in national team colour and at club level where she earn her living in the colour of Clube Universitário Dakar (DUC), Sy is a likeable fellow any day.

Born, May 14, 1975, Sy makes her national team debut for the national side in 1998 and has remained consistent ever since, at 32 years of age where players less her age have call it quit with the slamming and dunking, Sy is still waxing strong.

Brief profiles of these ‘Lioness’ Anta SY
Position: Power Forward / Center
Born: May 14, 1975
Team: DUC (Senegal) (2007-07)
Nationality: Senegalese

Career:
2007: Clube Universitário Dakar (D1)
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Awards/Achievements:
Senegalese National Team -98-07
World Championships in Germany -98
African Championships -05 (silver)
All-Africa Games –’03 (Silver), 07 (Gold)
Senegalese Cup Winner -07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

24 years old Malina Centre, Nare Diawara is coach’s delight any day.

France-base the elder of the Diawara sisters in the Malian national team is a treat to opponents especially inside the paint, a dominant player at the post, Nare rebounds and blocks well that players her age will green with envy.

Diawara’s skill caught the eagle eyes of scouts and coaches of San Antonio Silver Stars in the America Women National Basketball Association, WNBA league and was number-30 third round pick and sent to French division-one side USO MONDEVILLE basketball club where she to spend the next basketball season.

She has remained consistent so far in the games the coach Jose Ruiz tutored Malian side here in Dakar, Senegal.

Profile of Nare Diawara
Height: 198cm / 6'6''
Position: Center
Born: January 22, 1983 in Bamako, Mali
Team: Mondeville (France) (2007-08)
Nationality: Malian
College: Virginia Tech

Career / Comments:
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Career:
Bamako, Mali / Chesire Academy
2005-2006: Virginia Tech (NCAA): 30 games: 4.6ppg, 4.3rpg
2006-2007: Virginia Tech (NCAA,1T): 34 games: 12.3ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 72.3%
2007: Drafted by San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA,3rd(30))
2007-2008: USO Mondeville (FRA-LFB,1T)
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Awards/Achievements:
Mali National Team -07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

Legendary Mwadi Marie Mabaki has remained the focal points for aspiring young players in her native country – The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Africa continent.

A great patriot who defy her injury after going under the surgeon knife to be in Senegal for national duty and to act as source of inspiration to her team-mates.

Though sometime she allow her emotion to get the better of her but that has not been able to rob her of the skills she posses as a player.

Mabika, has also being a good ambassador of the Africa continent as she has constantly made the WNBA All-star team.

Details of this great daughter of Africa who can be regarded as a top-boy as she often found playing alongside boys in her early days in her native country.

Height: 180cm / 5'11''
Position: Forward
Born: July 27, 1976
Team: L.Angeles S. (USA) (2007-07)
Nationality: DR Congolese
Previous Teams: Elektra (Israel)
Dynamo M. (Russia)
CSKA (Russia)

Full name: Mabika, Mwadi Marie
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Outlook:
Mwadi is without a doubt the best female basketball player around. She has great passion for the game, similar to that of Magic Johnson. Not to mention her keen ability to shoot anywhere
on the court.
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Career:
2001-2002: Israel
2001: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA,1T)
2002: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA,1T): 16.8ppg
2002-2003: VBM-SGAU Samara (RUS-A Superleague)
2003: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
2003-2004: VBM-SGAU Samara (RUS-A Superleague)
2004: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
2004-2005: Dynamo Moscow (RUS-A Superleague): 21 games: 8.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3FGP: 33.0%; Euroleague: 11 games: 8.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.1apg, 0.9spg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3FGP: 36.7%, 3FGP: 85.7%
2005: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA,1T): Regular Season: 17 games: 5.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 32%, 3FG: 22.4%
2006 April: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) summer camp
2006: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA,1T): Regular Season: 32 games: 8.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 37.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 88.9%; Play-Offs: 5 games: 15.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4spg
2006-2007: Anda Ramat Hasharon (ISR-D1): EuroCup: 11 games: 12.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3FGP: 28%, FT: 78.4%; Israeli League: 17 games: 15.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT-1(93.3%)
2007: Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
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Awards/Achievements:
WNBA All-Star Game -00, 02, 04
WNBA Champion -01, 02
All-WNBA 1st Team -02
Israeli League MVP -02
Euroleague Quarterfinals -05
Russian Superleague Regular Season Runner-Up -05
Russian Superleague Finalist -05
WNBA Quarterfinals -05
Dem.Rep. of Congo National Team -05-07
African Championships -05 (semifinals)
WNBA Western Conference Regular Season Champion -06
WNBA Semifinals -06
Europe Cup Quarterfinals -07
Israeli League Finalist -07
Israeli League Regular Season Runner-Up -07
Israeli Cup Finalist -07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

This young Ivorien player, Kani Kouyate is one of the emerging women players in Africa.

Kani who plays for Club Sportif d’Abidjan is a player that is full of life when on the court, she posse a never-say-die attitude which had distinguished her among her peers.

Born in Treichville area of Abidjan on August 8, 1990, Kouyate played a major role in the Ivories U18 national team Africa Championship in 2006 where the Ivories team lost to eventual winner Mali in the finals.

Though still in her teens, Kouyate is already rubbing shoulder with much older players, a very dependable player that has contributed immensely to the success of the Ivories team here in Senegal.

Brief on this young but energetic player who is predicted to become one of the greatest player to have come out of Africa.

Team: Club Sportif d’Abidjan (CSA) (CIV) -07) Nationality: Ivorian

Career / Comments:
Born: Aug.8, 1990 in Treichville (CIV)
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Career:
2007: CSA (D1,1T)
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Awards/Achievements:
Ivory Coast U18 National Team -06 (Silver)
Ivory Coast National Team -07
Ivory Coast U19 National Team -07
FIBA U19 Championship -07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

Cameroon guard, Alvine Mendeng is the pilot of her team, 26 year old Mendeng play professional basketball in Israel with Elizur Belisima Holon basketball club and she is expected to bring her wealth of experience to bare when the cameronnian battle mali in the quarter-finals Friday in the 20th Africa Championship for Women.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, 6 foot, one inch tall Mendeng is a great shooter and can also play in the small forward position; she is an asset to any team and can deliver when the chips are down.

Brief profile of Mendeng

Height: 184cm / 6'1''
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Born: Nov.26, 1981 in Douala, CMR
Team: Elizur B.Hol. ELIZUR BELISIMA HOLON (Israel) (2007-08)
Nationality: Cameroonian
College: N.Carolina St.
Previous teams:
Jerusalem (Israel)
Cankaya (Turkey)
Current Stats

Career / Comments:
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Career:
1999-2000: Ohio HS
N.Carolina St. (NCAA)
2005: San Antonio Silver Stars (WNBA) training camp
2005-2006: Cankaya Universitesi (TUR-D1): 22 games: 13.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.9apg, 2.4spg, 2FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 57.0%
2006-2007: ASA Jerusalem (ISR-D1): 17 games: Score-3(21.2ppg), 9.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 15.0%, FT: 81.7%
2007-2008: Elizur Belisima Holon (ISR-D1,1T)
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Awards/Achievements:
Cameroon National Team -03-07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

Angola forward Irene Guerreiro stands at 5 feet, 7 inches tall but has a big heart which she has used to the disadvantage of any team that tries to underrate her and her teammates.

Guerreiro, is one of the oldest player in the championship her in Dakar, at 37 years she has kept tenaciously to her game and does not seems to be ready to call it quit with the game that is almost being worshipped in her native country, Angola.

A former player of angola’s famous clubside, Despotivo 1 De Agosto basketball club of Luanda was born on September 10, 1970.

Brief on this amazon of Africa basketball – Guerreiro

Height: 170cm / 5'7''
Position: Forward
Born: Sep.10, 1970
Team: Inter-Clube (Angola) (2007-07)
Nationality: Angolan
Previous teams:
1 De Agosto (Angola)
Career / Comments:
Full name: Guerreiro Irene Da Conceicao Inacio
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Career:
2006: Desportivo 1. De Agosto Luanda (D1,1T)
2007: Inter-Clube de Luanda (D1,1T)
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Awards/Achievements:
Angolan National Team -05-07
African Championships -05
Angolan League Finalist -07
African Championships in Dakar (SEN) -07

By Dann O’Werre

Kenya lost 60-73 to defending champions Nigeria in their last group B game of the Africa Feminine Championships game in Thies, Senegal, and bow out of the run for 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. They will now play pool A bottom-placed team, Madagascar, in a ninth/10th position on Friday.

The victory saw Nigeria book a quarter-finals berth against group A third place finisher, Mozambique.

As always Kenya started off poorly allowing Nigeria to easily dictate the tempo of the match, taking a 17 points margin in the first quarter and a 32-15 points lead.

The Africa representatives at the basketball event of the 2004 Olympics, also took control of the proceedings in the second with a close 11-08 points.

Efforts by the Kenyans to rally back in the third and fourth paid dividends as they took charge 13-11 and 24-19 but again it was not enough to secure a win.

Captain Caroline Achieng led the way with 18 points and 4 assists, Brenda Odula added 13 points and 3 assists Joyce Makungu made 12 points while Miriam Awuor had 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.

"We played well today," Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman Agina Wesonga told SportFest from Thies.

Nigeria’s Olayinka Sanni led her team-mates with 13 points, centre, Ugochukwu Oha added 12 points, while the duo of Sefi Mojidi and Chisaokwu Ononiwu each contributed 10. Spurred by WNBA player Mwadi Mabika, DR Congo found their rhythm beating leaders Angola 52-42 to finish fourth. They will play against favourites Senegal.

Cameroon booked a place in the quarters in her last group-B match match when they posted a 65-40 victory over winless Cape Verde. They will move to Dakar.

sande bashaija LUGOGO

Results
Bucks 59-35 Mak Cubs
KCC 61-49 Nabisunsa
Miracle 71-49 Riders
Today at YMCA
Amazon Rh. v Mak Cubs
Leopards v A-1 Challenge
KIU v UCU Canons 8:30pm

RECORD champions Mogas Falcons have sneaked into this year's play-offs after surviving a points-penalty.

Falcons were uncertain of their qualification after Knight Riders petitioned Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) accusing them of fielding Louis Habineza, who played for Rwanda's Espoir in the just concluded Africa Zone 5 Club Championships.
It violates Fuba rules to play for two teams in one season.

“We had a technical committee meeting on Tuesday night and decided that Falcons won't lose any points. Yes, the accused player took part in the said tournament but he is registered with us. Since Riders were questioning his legibility, they lose the case because he is registered,” Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano explained to Daily Monitor yesterday.

Falcons thus become the third team to qualify for the play-offs on 28 points after Warriors and table leaders Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons.
But in a desperate fight against relegation, Riders' captain Collin Mukiza has vowed to appeal. “We are yet to receive a communication but there is no way we can lose out. We have all the evidence and will appeal until the right decision is made,” Mukiza asserted.

Kampala International University (KIU) will claim the fourth and last play-offs slot if at all they defeat UCU tonight. Sadolin Power and defending champions Nkumba Marines will be watching from the sidelines hoping that KIU falters, for them to stand a chance.
Fuba recently suspended two Lady Bucks players Mariam Birungi and Sarah Namiro for taking part in the same tourney.

The senior males basketball team of Lusiada University of Angola will count next season with two foreign players from Senegal and DR Congo, with over two metres tall.

The information was made available to ANGOP by a source from basketball department of that academic institution.

Other athletes that will reinforce Lusiada are shooting guard Victor Santa (former Vila Clotilde) and power forward Jacy Paulo (former Sporting de Luanda).

In its debut match in the national 2006 season, Lusiada occupied the sixth position and was considered as the revelation team of the 2006/07 season.

The introduction of the team for this season is scheduled for Saturday, on the sidelines of the quadrangular tournament under the 8th anniversary celebration of Lusiada University.

Defending champion, Nigeria Wednesday handed Kenya a painful 73-60 points defeat to maintain her second spot in group-B of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women.

With this victory the Africa champion, will square up against group-A third place finisher, Mozambique in the quarter-finals Friday in Dakar.

Nigeria took an early lead in the first quarter with a 32-15 points thus creating a 17 points deficit, the second quarter also went the way of the Africa representative at the basketball event of the 2004 Olympics with 11-08 points, efforts by the Kenyan to rally back in the third and fourth which it won (13-11 and 24-19) was too late to save them from defeat and an early exit from contention for the continent’s sole Beijing 2008 Olympic Games ticket.

Nigeria’s Olayinka Sanni led her team-mates with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, centre, Ugochukwu Oha added 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 block-shots just as the duo of Sefi Mojidi and Chisaokwu Ononiwu contributed 10 points each.

Kenya Caroline Achieng led the floor with 18 points and 4 assists, Brenda Odula added 13 points and 3 assists Joyce Makungu had her name on the score sheet with 12 points while Miriam Awaccor had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Cote d’Ivoire second time lucky beat Madagascar 51-43

The young ladies from Cote d’Ivoire seat of the secretariat of the continent ruling body, FIBA Afrique displayed gut and resisted Madagascar who came into Wednesday last group-A game as if their lives depended on it with a 51-43 points win to move into the last eight.

The Ivories whose first win in the championship was against Tunisia Tuesday got back into the all important battle in the third and fourth quarters having trailed the bottom placed coach Hubert Manary tutored Malagasy ladies at half-time (23-16).

The Ivories won three of the four quarters with scores at 06-05, 10-18, 22-11 and 13-09 to finish fourth in group-A.

Kani kouyate led the floor with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while her compatriot Aichata Diomande contributed 11 points and 3 rebounds. Madagascar’s playmaker, Ange Rasoambolanoro was the player in her team that record a double figure of 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Mozambique ends Tunisia dream

Rampaging ladies from Maputo, Mozambique got the better of Tunisia in both sides last group-A game played inside the Marius Ndiaye gymnasium, Dakar with a 69-56 points’ victory that guaranteed them passage into the last eight of the continent’s flagship women championship.

The Mozambican whose rear was perfectly anchored by former Academica basketball club of Maputo points guard, 27 year-old Ngulela Deolinda won the first quarter by 22-17 points, slipped in the second by just one point of 11-12 points the Tunisian came back strongly in the third quarter tying score at 37 points apiece with 3 minutes 50 seconds left but failed to remain focus thereby allowing the quick Mozambican to escape with a 16-12 points win thus going into the last quarter with a 49-41 points advantage.

Deolinda who was the inspiration her team-mates relied on for victory had 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 9 points to her credit as the Mozambican win the quarter 20-15 for a final score-line of 69-56 points.

Carla Da Silva scored 15 points and 3 rebounds while Clarisse Machanguana added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists, Tunisian duo, Mariem Ouertani and Henda Chebli had 11 points each with Chebli grabbing 9 rebounds.

Cameroon compound Cape Verde woes

Cameroonian Lioness booked a place in the quarter-final of the Africa Nations Championship for Women in her last group-B match decided in Thies, Senegal Wednesday with 65-40 points win over Cape Verde.

Cameroon who were the clear favourite in the match won in all four quarters of 14-10, 15-12, 23-10 and 13-08 for a final score-line of 65-40 points.

With the win the Cameroonians who almost pulled out of the championship due to financial constraint will move over to Dakar for the quarter finals which began on Friday, while Cape Verde will stay back in Thies for the classification matches.

Nigeria Udoka injured missed Kenya game

Nigeria captain and reigning most valuable player of the Africa Nations Championship for Women, Mfon Udoka is down with a kneel injury which saw missing on the Nigeria line-up in Wednesday last group game against Kenya.

The former Tarbes Gespe Bigorre basketball club of France forward hurt her kneel why leading the Nigeria onslaught against Mwabi Mabika and her team in Nigeria third group-B game last Sunday in Thies.

Udoka who first dorn the Nigeria colour in 2003 8th All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria has been a major player with the Nigerian side ever since little wonder the coaches led by Kevin Cook decides to rest her against Kenya so to allow the injury to heal before the crucial quarter-final battle a against Mozambique on Friday.

Udoka a one time WNBA player with the Houston Comets is a hardworking and experienced player whose leadership is not doubt, should be back in action for the Africa champion on Friday.

Senegal stops Mali run

Host Senegal Wednesday stopped the smooth run of Mali in the last group-A of the 20th Africa nations Championship played in Dakar.

With maximum home support the Senegalese side narrowly won the first quarter 11-10 but added an extension in the second quarter for an halftime scores of 25-16, the Malian rallied back in the third quarter with a 14-12 points win but fell further in the last quarter which the home side picked by 11-09 points for a final scores of 48-37.

Fatou Ndiaye Balayara of Senegal and Malian Kadiatou Toure were the only player with double figure on the scorer sheet with 10 and 17 points respectively.

DR Congo beat Angola 52-42 to finish third

Die-hard Congo Democratic Republic found their rhythm beating Angola 52-42 points but still finish in the fourth position and a quarter-final duel against Senegal on Friday.

Spurred on by WNBA star, Mwabi Mabika, who did not feature in the match due to injury she sustain during the championship the Congolese side did not pretend to mean business winning the first quarter 16-07, but lost the second quarter by a narrow margin of 09-08 for a halftime scores of 24-16 points.

They went on to win the third quarter 17-15 points and tied the last quarter at 11 points apiece for a final score-line of 52-42 points.

Armelie Kalonda had a wonderful game pouring in 19 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds her team-mate Nelly Bopoli contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and one block-shot while duo of Angolan Ngieendula Filipe and Irene Guerreiro scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

A call has gone out to respective basketball federation in the continent to give women basketball equal opportunity as men.

Speaking in a brief chat with www.fiba-afrique.org in Dakar Wednesday during the 20th Africa Championship for Women is FIBA Afrique Zone-2 president, Henri Gomes from Cape Verde.

The one time Secretary General of Cape Verde Basketball Federation is bitter that in spite of the successes women basketball has brought to the continent the sector still get less attention than the men.

“The level of women basketball in the continent is low and this affects the standard and performance of national teams and club at major championship, even at that women basketball has brought lots of honour to Africa, a good example is the Nigeria women national becoming the first to win an Olympic Games match even when they qualifies for the first time and Nigeria and Senegal good showing at the last FIBA World Championship in Brazil.

“All hands must be on deck for the game to move out of its present stagnate position, federation should design and encourage competitions for women clubs whose players sometime form the bedrock of respective countries national team, competitions from cadets to senior level.

“Intra and Inter zone competitions should be encouraged not just the one-off club championship.

“I am happy on one hand that two of the three countries from my zone – Senegal and Mali are doing well at the 20th Africa Championship for Women but sad that my own country, Cape Verde have nothing to show for their efforts.

Jose Ruiz is the head coach of the women national team of Mali who are currently unbeaten in group-A of the 20th Africa Nations Championship for Women holding in Dakar and Thies, Senegal.

The Spanish-born tactician takes a hard look at the standard of the game in Africa and his team chances against host in her last group game tonight and the prospect of African players in a brief chat with www.fiba-afrique.org.

Ruiz who doubles as the head coach French division-one side Lattes Maurin Montpellier basketball club says Africa is the next basketball power house after Europe and the Americas.

On his team last group game against host, Senegal tonight, Coach Ruiz says the Malian will curtail the fast break style of play of the Senegalese and go on to top the group.

“I think the standard of play here is high, the followership is also great even greater than some European countries, the media have also been of tremendous support.

“There are a lots of quality players in this championship and to me it is a thing of joy as a coach, very athletic and skilful players that require just of polishing to become world class players.

“Africa might just be the next basketball power-house after the zones of Europe and the Americas judging by the avalanche of talents on display in this championship.

“Our last group game against the host tonight will be a tough duel but I think I have an answer to the foray of the Senegalese fast-break style of play, they a good defensive side but we hope to unleash our young team on them.

By Dann O’were

Kenya complicated their quarter-finals chances when they fell 42-62 to DR Congo in the on-going Africa Feminine Championships tie in Thies, Senegal, on Tuesday.

After a rest day on Monday in which pundits thought the team would emerge to turn around their chances of proceeding in the tournament, they went wrong from start with DR Congo dominating in every department.

Team officials told SportFest that Kenya got off to a shaky 8-16 start in the opening quarter. The second quarter was not any better as DR Congo widened the lead to 17-10.

After the breather, Kenya, who played better in the last two quarters, closed the gap 11-15 in the third and 13-14 in the last, but again it was too little too late.

This was their third defeat in four matches, having beaten Cape Verde 57-47 in the first match. With a game against reigning champions Nigeria last night, Kenya’s chances have as good as evaporated.

They must beat Nigeria and hope that Cape Verde, who have not won a match, upset Cameroon for the Kenyan girls to slip to the fourth place.

Mirriam Awuor shot 10 points to lead Kenya as none of the players managed to score double figures. Yvonne Akinyi made six and Joyce Makungu scored five points.

Hosts Senegal, Angola and Mali are setting the pace in their respective group matches. The three remained focused and have yet to lose a game after four ties.

In other Group B matches, All Africa Games bronze medalists, Angola, who are Group B leaders, hit Cameroon 63-38.Nigeria recovered to hammer Cape Verde 75-54.

In pool A matches played in Dakar, Senegal crushed Madagascar 100-32, Mali easily thrashed Mozambique 64-46. Tunisia were thumped 45-62 by Ivory Coast.

Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

2001 National Basketball League champions Sky Jammers have been demoted to the Third Division.

The Jinja-based side finished last out of 10 Second Division teams after failing to honour a couple of fixtures.

"We are looking at taking down one team and promoting another from Third Division," Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) assistant general secretary Joseph Manano revealed.

Sky Jammers notched four wins, suffered 14 losses and failed to honour an unbelievable nine fixtures.

But Jammers skipper Godwin Khisa has blamed Fuba for his team's demise.

"They (Fuba) told us they would fix some games in Jinja to no avail. Can you imagine we had to travel to Kampala for games every weekend? It became too costly and we couldn't afford at some stage," Khisa noted.

"They asked us to pay registration fees of Shs0.2m but all our savings were being directed towards transport. After failing to beat the registration deadline we were told we couldn't play anymore," the 2001 league top scorer added. He however vowed that the team would bounce back strongly next season.

"A good Samaritan in Eng. Jerome Ssengoba has promised to get us some funds. He has always been there for us but had problems this year."

Two topflight teams will also be dropped to Second Division.

The National Basketball League has reached the play-offs stage with Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons winning the regular season. The Kyambogo Warriors have also qualified for the play-offs.

Defending champions Nkumba Marines are meanwhile locked in a battle for a play-off slot with record champions Mogas Falcons, Power and KIU.

Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards, A-1 Challenge and UCU have filled the first three play-offs slots in the women's category.

Angola's female team of basketball will play against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the last round of the African championship of this sport, taking place in Senegal, ANGOP has learnt.
Angola are already winners of group B, with no defeat, having even beaten Nigeria by 53-42.In other games, Angola beat Kenya (62-44), Cape Verde (66-41) and Cameroon (63-38).

PLS HAWKS and Baya took another important step in their pursuit of the Men’s division 1A National league title by registering victories in their weekend matches, thus bringing more heat and excitement to the championship. PLS Hawks’ opponents were MBU Rockers while Baya entertained Cascade Bullets.

Still unbeaten in the league, the Hawks started their match on their usual high tempo approach, while the Rockers displayed a well-organized defence, thus concluding the first quarter on an 18-15 score.

It was during the second quarter that PLS Hawks stepped on the accelerator to score 28 points compared to only eight for the Rockers.

The Hawks confirmed their dominance in the third period which they won 30-12 and at this point it was clear that the boys of coach Tony Juliette had already achieved their objective.

The fourth quarter was just a matter of maintaining the lead for PLS Hawks as they drew level with the Rockers, scoring 20 points apiece. The final score was 93-58.

Rodney Lozé was PLS Hawks’ top scorer with 21 points while with 17 points, captain Nigel Sinon led the scoring for Rockers.
PLS Hawks will have the chance to polish up their game when they face SMB Razorbacks in their next league match today before they clash with their major rivals Baya on Sunday.

Last Friday, Baya collected another two points to help them stay level on points with PLS Hawks in the league campaign. Baya took the first quarter 17-7 but Cascade Bullets managed to re-organise their game and win the second quarter 19-16. Baya came out stronger in the third and fourth quarters which they won 26-16 and 19-17 respectively.

In-form Jean-Paul “JP” Camille netted 19 points to finish as Baya’ top scorer while Dan Come led the Bullets with 18 points.
In another Men’s division 1A league match played during the weekend, SMB Razorbacks edged out Pointe Larue Falcons 78-77.

Falcons took control of the first quarter which they won 19-11. In the second quarter, the match turned in favour of SMB Razorbacks as they fought back to win 22-12, thus concluding the first half with a two-point lead (33-31).

The two remaining quarters were tightly contested with SMB Razorbacks snatching the third 16-15 and the fourth 14-13 to closely win the match 78-77.

In the only Men’s division 1B match scheduled for last weekend, Praslin Warriors walked over Bel Air Blazers.
In a women’s league match played last Saturday, HotShots defeated RA Sisters 54-47. With 15 points each, Myra Solin of HotShots and Tessa Mathiot of RA Sisters were the match’s joint-top scorers.

In two other women’s matches, Cadettes walked over Juniors and Mont Fleuri defeated Cadettes 89-19.

R. D.

“We are happy to be at the biggest women championship in Africa and I want to use this opportunity to thank the hierarchy of FIBA Afrique and the Federation of Senegalaise Basket Ball (FSBB) for intervening when fund was going to stand between us and participating in the championship.

“For us in Madagascar it is a welcome development for our team to be in Dakar after 34 years absence, as you can see we are lodged at the residence of our country Embassy in Dakar because we could not afford the luxury of an hotel which is one of the reason we had wanted to pull out of the championship but the intervention of officials of FIBA Afrique and the FSBB official.

“Personally, I feel great that we are able to attend this competition barely four months that I came into office, the only championship we’ve always take part in is the Indian Ocean Championship which we always won and being in Dakar is a step forward for our basketball and we will consolidate on it for the overall growth of basketball in our country and region.

“We have learnt one or two things from some of the big teams in terms of organization and technically and we are going back to our country with this knowledge.

“I want to assure officials of FIBA Afrique that we shall endeavour to attend subsequent competitions in order to raise standard of the sport in our country.

Ramaroson Jean Michel – President of Madagascar Basketball Federation.

SANDE BASHAIJA

KAMPALA

Tonight at Lugogo
Lady Bucks v Mak Cubs
5:30pm
KCC v Nabisunsa
7:00pm
Miracle v Knight Riders 8:30pm
Friday
Rhino v Mak Cubs
KCC v A-1 Challenge
MBC Rocks v Vegetarian
KIU v UCU Canons

AFTER Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations’ (Fuba) decision to relegate two teams, bottom-placed Knight Riders will work tooth and nail to defeat Miracle to stay up.

Senegal 2007

As the Nigerian Lady Tigers had a very late match last night against Cape Verde, Congo DR and Mali, who were the first teams on the court in both Thies and Dakar centres, won their respective games over Kenya and Mozambique as the battle for the semi finals slots get to the very last stages.
Congo drilled Kenya 62-42 in a one-sided encounter while Mali defeated Mozambique 54-46 to keep hopes alive.
“I give all respect to our opponents but my ladies are picking up. They didn’t start the match too well but moved on well later. The problem has caused us a lot like what happened on Sunday,” Congolese coach
Mbuyi Kolela Sebastien said after the match in a veiled reference to the match against Nigeria, which they lost on Sunday.
The Kenyans who are not really a force in African basketball started the first five minutes well where they tied the scores at 5 but the end of the second quarter the gap had widened to 33-18. They scored only five points in the second quarter compared to the 13 points hit by the Congolese led by their celebrated WNBA guard Marie Mabika. In the last two quarters the Kenya performed no better with multiple turnovers and correct travelling calls against them.
The Kenyans will face further tests to their ability today as they face defending champions Nigeria in their last match of the preliminary round.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Dr. Amos Adamu was expected to join the national female basketball team in Dakar, Senegal today until he changed his programme and will now be at the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.

By Julu M. Johnson

The Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) has announced a change in date for its awards ceremony for the 2007 national league season.

The Secretary-General of the LBF, Fred JA Pratt had earlier disclosed that the ceremony was set for Friday, August 3. But it was later gathered from LBF authorities on Monday that a new date would be announced.

Pratt said the LoneStar cellular phone company has sponsored the ceremony with the provision of the laurels.

He named around 15 cartons that have arrived, containing trophies and medals that would be awarded to deserving winners.

In the first division category, NPA Pythons will be awarded as champions while LPRC Oilers will take the runners-up trophy.

The second division will see Edinah Panthers lifting the champions trophy, whereas the runners-up title will go to Commissioners.

K-Deltas will take the Female Division championship trophy as the runner-up title will go to Phoenix.

Apart from the team awards, there are over ten different individual awards that the LBF would give to those that performed exceptionally during the past season.

Among the individual awards available are Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Three Pointer, Best Defensive Player, High Scorer, Best Rebounder and Rookie of the year.

The LBF would give these awards in each of the three divisions, first, second and female.

The Referee of the year, Best Print and Electronic Sports Journalists and Best Spectator would be honored.

At the closing ceremony, the LBF would formally receive brand new glass boards from its sponsor, the LoneStar Cell. However, the glass boards are already in the possession of the LBF.

Actions resume Tuesday in Dakar and Thies, Senegal in the 20th African Nations Championship for Women after all the teams observed Monday as rest.

In Dakar venue for group-A teams, the top of the star-match of the group will be between group leader, Mali and third place team, Mozambique.

The Mozambican who lost to host Senegal Sunday night by 59-42 points their first lose since the championship commenced last Thursday will attempt to halt the unbeaten run of the Malian side who have displayed good basketball skill so far.

The Mozambique side will bank on sheer determination which almost saw them scaring the Senegalese side last Sunday before the latter falls back on experience and team-work for the maximum points, while the Malians who have shown a lot of promising so far will rely on the mixture of youthful and experience to further compound the woes of the Mozambicans whose last group game will be against Tunisia who seems to have rediscover themselves after suffering two quick defeats in the hands of Mali and Senegal.

The other group-A matches will see Tunisia gunning for a second win against Cote d’Ivoire in order to guarantee a quarter finals ticket after recording her first win against Madagascar Sunday, while home team Senegal who occupies the second spot in the group no thanks to the high scores recorded by Mali so far which shot them to the top of the group table take on hapless Madagascar at 20.30 hours.

In Thies the battle ground for group-B countries DR Congo and Kenya will take to the court at 14.30 hours.

This match looks interesting as the teams have only one win and two loses and a win either side could mean a quarter final berth and former WNBA most valuable player (MVP), Mwali Marie Mabika and her co-travellers from Congo knows this fact and will want to guide against an early exit from the championship, Kenya on the hand would want to give their largely home-base players the opportunity of making it to Dakar for the quarter finals and a further exposure.

Group-B leader, Angola will have her hands full when it filed out against rejuvenated Cameroon side at 17.00 hours.

While the Angolans will be searching for a win in order to consolidate on the top spot of the group’s table and extend her unbeaten run, Cameroon on their part would try to guide against any slip as both Kenya and DR Congo are waiting in the wings to pick a spot in the last eight.

The last match in Thies will be between back-to-life defending champions, Nigeria versus Cape Verde and one thing that will continue to reoccur in the mind of the coaches Kevin Cook, Scott Nnaji and Adewumi Aderemi tutored side is that there are no more minnows in this game any more especially the quarter finals defeat suffered by the Nigerian Men team in the hand of Cape Verde in Luanda, Angola during the men championship.

FIBA Afrique

By Dann O’were

Kenya lost 55-59 to Cameroon in their third game of the on going African Feminine Championships in Thies, Senegal, on Sunday.

That means Kenya must win their last two matches against DRC on Tuesday and defending champions Nigeria on Wednesday to make the quarter finals.

Kenya again got off to a slow start, allowing Cameroon to take a 19-15 lead in the first quarter. It was no different in the second as they trailed 10-17. On sensing danger, the young Kenyan side rallied to deadlock the scores 12-12 in the third. They emerged tops in the last with a 18-11 edge.

Joyce Makungu’s contribution continued as she led the side with 14 points. Captain Caroline ‘Majeng’Achieng scored 11, while Millicent Anyango posted another eight points.

After Monday’s rest day, the 12-team tournament, which will see the winners bag the continent’s sole ticket to the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, resumes today.

Angola and Mali are setting the pace in their respective group matches. Hosts Senegal and Mozambique were the other two with a clean run in the event.

All Africa Games bronze medalists, Angola group-B leader posted a 25 points margin victory of 66-41 points win over Cape Verde to be the team to watch. Resilient Mali on the other hand showed no mercy against Ivory Coast with a 40 points margin of 74-34 points in a one-sided game played in Dakar.

After a shaky start, Tunisia kept the hope alive with a 59-41 points win over Madagascar for the North African first win in the championships.

Reigning champions, Nigeria re-ignited their prospects when they raced back beat DR Congo by 69-56 to occupy the second spot in group-B behind Angola.

Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

NKUMBA University Marines recovered from a 10-point second quarter deficit to beat Warriors 73-61 on Sunday evening and remain in contention for the fourth and last National Basketball League play-offs berth.

The defending champions remained in 6th position on 25 points but can make the play-offs if Mogas Falcons are penalised for fielding Louis Habineza against Knight Riders last Saturday and table leaders UCU Canons defeat KIU on Friday.

But should the boardroom decision go in Falcons' favour and UCU loses to KIU, it will be all over for Marines. KIU will instead qualify in third place, joining Power (fourth), Warriors and UCU Canons.

"This is the tightest play-offs race I have ever witnessed. We just have to keep our fingers crossed," confessed Marines coach Timothy Odeke, after the Warriors game that almost slipped out of their hands.

Warriors took an early 17-13 first quarter lead, stretched it and were up 26-16 with three minutes played in second quarter.

But a resurgent Marines propelled by Danson Ngati's triple three-pointers won the quarter 16-13 and took control of the last two 19-13 and 25-11 respectively. Reigning MVP Boniface Okello was on rampage, scoring a game high 23 points while Salim Ali chipped in 13 for Marines. Warriors' Joshua Etalu and Ronnie Kasewu combined for 28 points.

Elsewhere Michael Oling garnered 24 points as Vegetarian sealed their place in second division play-offs with an 88-62 victory over MBC Rocks.

Results

Lugazi 00-20 Planets
Berkley 74-55 St Michael
Nkumba 73-61 Warriors
Lady Bucks 59-54 Nabisunsa
KCC 78-33 Crane

Tomorrow at Lugogo
Lady Bucks v Mak Cubs
KCC v Nabisunsa
Miracle v Knight Riders

By Caxton Apollo
Nairobi

Kenya recovered to beat Cape Verde 57-47 in their second match of the 19th Africa Women's Basketball Championship in Thies, Senegal, at the weekend before falling to Cameroon 59-53. The Kenyans, who had a made a false start in their Pool B opener, losing 62-44 to Angola, recovered against Cape Verde after going down 19-11 in first quarter.

Boosted by five internationals who featured at the recent All Africa Games in Algiers, the Kenyans were on fire in the second quarter in which they demolished Cape Verde 14-2. Kenya led 25-21 at half-time.

Coached by Kenya Ports Authority's Anthony Ojukwu, Kenya, led by Joyce Makungu and Millicent Anyango, gave their opponents a run for their money with a 10-11 and 18-17 advantage in the third and fourth quarters.

Miriam Awuor and Anyango each scored 10 points for Kenya while Makungu and Caroline "Majeng" Achieng each added nine. Against Cameroon, Kenya trailed by margins of 15-19 and 10-17 in the first and second quarters before levelling the third 12-12 and winning the fourth 16-11 but failed to overhaul the final scoreline that read 59-53 in favour of Cameroon.

Kenya now come up against Nigeria and the Democratic republic of Congo this week looking for wins to stay in touch.

Nigeria made a good start when they beat Cameroon 62-35.

In Pool A, in Dakar, hosts Senegal beat Cote d' Ivoire 62-37, Mali walloped Tunisia 93-49 while Mozambique whitewashed Madagascar 83-33.

Against Angola, Kenya, who are making their first appearance at the championship since 1997, failed to click from the first whistle as the Angolans led 14-8 in the first quarter. Kenya went down 19-16 in the second quarter as Angola went a head to outscore them 33-18 at half-time and had little opposition in racing to a 16-15 and 13-11 lead in the last two quarters. Caroline "Majeng" Achieng scored 11 points for Kenya.

On the local scene, Hilda Luvandwa scored 16 points while Linda Alando and Caroline Ouma each added 11 as Sprite Storms registered a 71-39 win over visiting Kisumu Cruisers in the national league at Nyayo Stadium at the weekend.

Wilkister Oduor, formerly of the disbanded Telkom, scored 14 points for Cruisers who were down 20-18 at half-time.