Basketball in Africa

By Onesmo Kapinga

Kigoma and Rukwa regions` basketball teams have withdrawn from the national basketball championship set to kick off at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam next week.

According to Tanzania Basketball Federation Chairman, Richard Kasesela, the two regions failed to meet the participation confirmation deadline and said they won�t take part.
Kasesela also said that at last, Mtwara had confirmed participation though they had earlier complained of lack of sports equipment, as well as some players having said that they had opted to participate in the forthcoming Bandari Cup.
``I discussed the issue with Mtwara officials and we will decide how to proceed then the players arrive, `` he said.
Kasesela said that they are still awaiting word from Manyara, Singida, Mara and Lindi on whether or not they will participate in the tournament.
He said confirmations had been received from the two constituents of Zanzibar - Unguja and Pemba, adding that Mainland regions that had also submitted confirmations in both men`s and women`s leagues were reigning champs Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mwanza, Coast, Ruvuma, Shinyanga and Tanga.
Kasesela said that the tournament was scheduled to start today but the main sponsors had asked for a postponement to next week while sorting out some logistical issues.