Basketball in Africa

AT last Arusha was confirmed as the host city for the 11th edition of the Inter Cities basketball championships of zone 5.

Fears were abounding that the Tanzanian city was not ready to host the tournament that is slated to throw off from March 24-28 but Inter Cities executive officer Agina Wesonga told Fiba Afrique that the event is on.
"We can confirm to you that the event will be played in Arusha as per the said dates and will be not moved elsewhere. We talked to the local organising committee and everything has been put in place." said Agina.

Agina who was in Arusha together with chairman Simon Msoffe and treasurer Joy Olinga, said they were well received by the host city and even had talks an made venue visits accompanied by Lowrence Heddi, His Worship the Lord Mayor.
"Arusha are working hard to renovate the match venues. His Worship the Mayor showed a lot of interest and will personally be involved in many things including inviting all the mayors for the championships." said Agina.

The team, together with the Mayor visited match venues which will be ready in time for the championships. The main one being Soweto and another one which will have its back boards fixed.
He said that the team also visited few hotels where the players and officials will be accomodated and the rates are affordable. The LOC will write to teams who will then chose the places they want going by their allocations before reservations are done.
There will a two day referees clinic to be done by a Fiba Africa instructor that will gauge the referees who will officiate in the five day event that will draw teams from Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Agina also said that this time round other cities from South Africa, Mozambique, Somali and Zambia have also shown interest and for the first time ever, could grace the show.
The LOC will provide internal transport, water and will ensure security is put in place for all the teams taking part in the tournament. The team will return to Arusha next month to see the gains made.
"Other than the Arusha Municipal Council, other members of the LOC are area business men while the East Africa Community secretariat will also play a key role in making this event a success.
Dar es salaam man end Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards are the defending champions. Nairobi which missed last year's show in Dar due to financial constraints, will take part.
"We will sure take teams to the Arusha tournament and reclaim our crowns." said Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) chairman Ronny Owino who over the weekend told his office to start preparations.