Basketball in Africa

by Julius Mbaraga
Kigali

The first ever junior basketball league is in the offing according to Innocent Karuhije, the technical advisor of the national basketball federation, Ferwaba.

The league which will feature both boys and girls has attracted 24 clubs most of which originate from secondary schools in and around Kigali.
The federation has promised to support the clubs in a number of ways.
"We (federation) shall provide them with transport and coaches; most of whom are certified level 1 and level 2 coaches," the official clarified.
Karuhije yesterday explained to Times Sport that the clubs are a product of the 'identification and development of talent' program which started last year.
The program, which was started by the federation and funded by the ministry of Culture and Sports, attracted over 300 students.
"The federation is very grateful to the sports ministry for their support to the project and we are confident that it will yield results in the near future," Karuhije stressed.
The women's national basketball league is also scheduled to kick off this Saturday.
APR is the defending champion after a late charge saw it oust Rwanda National University.