Basketball in Africa

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Today (men)
Uganda v Burundi 3pm
Kenya v Rwanda 6pm

Uganda’s campaign at the Africa Championship Zone 5 qualifiers in Kigali got from bad to worse when professional Stephen Omony got injured on Thursday evening.

The utility player lasted only two minutes on the court as Uganda suffered their third straight defeat to Kenya (83-96) and will miss the team’s last game against Burundi today. “It’s not good for me as we talk. I have internal chest pain and will know my fate today after a scan,” Omony said yesterday.

Omony got a bad chest knock from Kenyan William Otiende as they fought for possession on a rebound.
“He hit me with an elbow in the chest and rolled over me. I heard a loud crack in the chest and my tournament ended there,” the Seychelles-based Omony, added. Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) organizing secretary Peter Kirabo castigated Kenyans for dangerous play.
“They targeted Omony and wanted him out of the game. It was a very bad foul that scared all of us,” Kirabo said. Omony was rushed to hospital shortly after the incident but only received pain-relieving tablets.

Despite Omony’s absence, team coach Timothy Odeke has promised victory against Burundi.

Rwanda's women side is on course for a place at the final round of the Africa Nations Championship to be played in Madagascar after an impressive 81- 44 win over Burundi last evening in the day 3 of the ongoing zone 5 both men and women Africa Nations Champions hip qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
For the third consecutive game, Rwanda were in dominant mood much to the delight of the partisan crowd inside Amahoro indoor courts.
Mireille Karangwa led Rwanda's assault with a game high 21 points and three assists.
She, along with Laetitia (18) and Honore Ayebare (12) were three Rwandan players, who finished the game in double figures.
Ayebare finished with a game high five assists. Only Sifa scored in double digits for the Burundians, who were condemned to their third consecutive defeat after earlier losses against Kenya and Uganda.

Burundi drew first blood through Sifa, who has been their best players so far but the hosts rallied to take the first quarter 24-04. The second (20-12) and fourth (27-11) also belonged Rwanda, though Burundi enjoyed their best spell of the game by winning the third quarter (10-17).
A win against Kenya this afternoon will further boost Kavedzija Vaceslave girls' hopes for qualifying for the African Nations Championship.

Meanwhile, the much anticipated clash between Rwanda and Egypt which had been scheduled for today has been postponed to Sunday.

Both sides are unbeaten and one of them is favourite to qualify from Zone five for the Africa Basketball Championship in Libya.
"The reason for postponing the game to Sunday was to give the fans the best entertainment on the last day of the championship," Lucien Mugabo, an official on the tournament organizing committee told.

Yesterday

Men
Burundi vs Egypt: 50-95
Kenya vs Uganda: 96-83

Women
Uganda vs Kenya: 57-53
Rwanda vs Burundi: 81-44

The final matches in all categories of the AKOFA Ivy Basketball League will hold Friday, February 27th at the Avicenna College, located in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos – the commercial headquarters of Nigeria. The basketball competition organised specially for private secondary schools in Lagos State and environs took the jump ball last month at various schools grounds with 26 schools participating. The closing ceremony begins at 2.00pm prompt.

In the first of the final games Holy Child College will face Indian Community School in the Junior Girls category. The Junior Boy’s final will be settled between Avicenna and International School University of Lagos. After them the seniors will take to the court with Holy Child College and Atlantic Hall playing in the female category. The last match of the day and indeed the star feature also has the University of Lagos School with ISL boys battling Dansol in the final match for senior boys. The ISL boys were runners up to Ronik School, Ejigbo last year.

On the road to the final Atlantic Hall defeated today’s hosts school Avicenna 12-7 while Holy Child College cut Vivian Fowler Memorial College by 17-14. Dansol defeated the Lebanese Community School 43-40 to reach the final game. The Lebanese girls were runners up in female senior category last year.

The Chief Executive Officer of AKOFA Sports Mr. John Bimbo Faniran told reporters after the semi final games on Wednesday that he was looking forward to an exciting final event. “The competition is getting more interesting every year with more schools striving to get registered. And the same way, the competition on the courts are now more interesting with the standard a lot higher than when we started.

“The league has been 10 years on and has grown in every way. Every team in the final played hard and tough to get there and so we expect super competition,” Faniran said.

By Pius Ayinor fiba.com

By Erick Ochieng’

National women’s basketball team was edged 57-53 by Uganda at the ongoing Zone Five Africa Nations championships qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
This came after the team succumbed 61-52 to hosts Rwanda on Wednesday. Rwanda are yet to concede defeat. Coach Phillip Onyango attributed the losses to injuries.

Uganda won the first quarter 17-15, but lost second and third which Kenya won 20-15 and 15-10.

The Ugandans found a soft landing in the last quarter which they easily won 15-7, following absence of Carolyn Achieng (forward), Helen Aketch (centre) and Samba Mjomba (forward) due to injuries.
" We played a brilliant game but we could not keep up with the Ugandan’s pace as they were physical," Onyango said.
Uganda’s Miriam Hamala scored 15 points followed by Achieng, who netted 11 points before withdrawing from the game.

Egypt’s men registered their third victory yesterday by hammering Burundi 95-50 in a one-sided duel. Kenya meets Burundi today as the rest take a break to resume action tomorrow.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

National Basketball League side Power have sealed a one-year sponsorship deal in the range of Shs50m with DMark Mobile, a top technology company in Uganda. The champions will now be called DMark Power.
“It has not been easy to get sponsorship but finally we have secured a good deal,” Power’s technical director Peter Mubanda, told the press at Steak out Restaurant in Wandegeya yesterday.
“Power came to us looking for a fund raising platform but we took it up upon ourselves to sponsor them,” Stella Rugarambe, DMark’s business development manager, said at the press conference.

Power also unveiled rugby star Allan Musoke as their new signing for the next two years. Early this year they signed star Norman Blick.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Results (women)
Kenya 53-57 Uganda
Men
Uganda 83-96 Kenya

Today (women)
Burundi v Kenya 12pm
Rwanda v Uganda 2pm
Men
Kenya v Burundi 4pm
Rwanda v Egypt 6pm

Uganda squeezed past rivals Kenya in the Zone 5 qualifiers yesterday but are still not sure of making the Africa Championship.

Miriam Hamala and Frances Nabulobi maintained their impressive tournament form, scoring 16 and 13 points as Uganda recorded a 57-53 victory at Amahoro indoor gymnasium, Kigali.

“The girls had the desire to win the game. It was very physical but they worked as a team,” coach Mande Juruni, said.

It was Uganda’s second straight win after they defeated Burundi 77-57 on Wednesday to keep on line their pursuit for the sole slot available at the continental showpiece due September in Madagascar.

After a balanced first quarter that ended 17-16 in favour of Uganda, the Kenyans resorted to a physical game that saw experienced point guard Olivia Mulwana limp-off the court injured.

Juruni’s team was however fired up to snatch victory, doing the necessary damage in second quarter with a 15-9 rally. Kenya got the better of the third quarter 15-10 but Uganda hit back to win the final session 15-13.

Caroline Achieng scored 11 points for Kenya while Hellen Okecho added nine.
Following a change in fixtures, Uganda will play hosts Rwanda today but must win to stand any realistic chance of qualifying.

Rwanda won the first meeting of the round robin tournament 95-70 on Tuesday and will seal their slot with victory today. “The players lacked confidence in that opening game but I believe they can defeat Rwanda,” Juruni said.

Omony injured
Ugandan men were however not as lucky. Professional Stephen Omony got injured in the first two minutes of the game as Uganda lost to Kenya 83-96 yesterday evening.
Isaac Lugudde scored a game high 21 points, Norman Blick added 17 and Henry Malinga 15 but the team suffered its third straight loss.
Uganda’s loss means Egypt and hosts Rwanda will qualify for the Africa Men’s Championship due August in Libya.

BY HAMZA NKUUTU

Yesterday

Men
Burundi 50-95 Egypt
Kenya 96-83 Uganda

Women
Uganda 57-53 Kenya
Rwanda 81-44 Burundi

Today

Men
Kenya v Burundi 4pm

Women
Burundi v Kenya
Rwanda v Uganda

Rwanda’s women basketball side is on course for a place at the finals of the African Nations Championship in Madagascar after an impressive 81-44 win over Burundi last evening.

For the third consecutive game, the host nation were in dominant mood much to the delight of the partisan crowd inside Amahoro indoor courts.
Mireille Karangwa led Rwanda’s assault with a game high 21 points and three assists.
She, along with Laetitia (18) and Honore Ayebare (12) were three Rwandan players, who finished the game in double figures.
Ayebare finished with a game high five assists. Only Sifa F scored in double digits for the Burundians, who were condemned to their third consecutive defeat after earlier losses against Kenya and Uganda.

Burundi drew first blood through Sifa, who has been their best players so far but the hosts rallied to take the first quarter 24-04. The second (20-12) and fourth (27-11) also belonged Rwanda, though Burundi enjoyed their best spell of the game by winning the third quarter (10-17).

A win against Kenya this afternoon will further boost Kavedzija Vaceslave girls’ hopes of qualifying for the African Nations Championship.

Meanwhile, the much anticipated clash between Rwanda and Egypt which had been scheduled for today has been postponed to Sunday.

Both sides are unbeaten and one of them is favourite to qualify from Zone five for the Africa Basketball Championship in Libya.
“The reason for postponing the game to Sunday was to give the fans the best entertainment on the last day of the championship,” Lucien Mugabo, an official on the tournament organizing committee told Times Sport

This year's national basketball league has been regarded as the toughest and superb chase owing to the recruitment of both local and foreign dexterous basketball players, who are making an impressive impact on the league, with 44 male and female basketball teams battling for the silver platter.

Day 3 results (26/02/09)

Men
Burundi vs Egypt: 50 - 95
Kenya vs Uganda : 96 - 83
Exempt: Rwanda

Ranking

1. Egypt : 6 pts
2. Rwanda 4 pts
3. Kenya : 3 pts
4. Uganda : 3 pts
5. Burundi : 2 pts

Women

Kenya vs Uganda : 53 - 57
18:00. Rwanda vs Burundi

Sande Bashaija

Kampala

Results
Results (men)
Rwanda 93-68 Uganda
Egypt 101-39 Kenya
Uganda 53-95 Egypt
Women
Burundi 52-68 Kenya
Uganda 77-57 Burundi
Today (men)
Burundi v Egypt (1pm)
Kenya v Uganda (5pm)
Women
Kenya v Uganda (3pm)
Rwanda v Burundi (7pm)

An outstanding display from Frances Nabulobi and Miriam Hamala helped Ugandan women record a 77-57 victory over Burundi yesterday, leaving the team with slight hope of qualifying for the Africa Championship.

Nabulobi scored 20 points and Hamala added 14 as Uganda recovered from their opening day 70-95 loss to hosts Rwanda to win the Zone 5 qualifying game played at Amahoro indoor gymnasium.
“We were mentally and physically prepared to play as a team. That’s what gave us the cutting edge,” coach Mande Juruni, said.

Captain Ali Mavita and Kassim Hatima, who missed the opener due to lack of valid birth certificates returned to the side and made a huge contribution defensively.

Brenda Mugisha was the only Burundian player in double figures with 15 points.

Uganda square up with Kenya today and must win to stand a chance of grabbing the lone slot at the continental championship due September in Madagascar.

“We are very aware that its one team assured of qualification and must work towards that. I have seen Kenya in action and must say that we can beat them,” Juruni noted.

He added; “I believe we have a chance of even beating Rwanda when we meet again.”

Men face exit
The men’s team was however reduced to tears yesterday, when they lost 53-95 to favourites Egypt.

Egypt had a slim 45-35 lead at halftime but turned on the style to win their second straight encounter.

Uganda lost their opening encounter 68-93 to Rwanda and will be eliminated if they fail to beat Kenya today.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Results
Men
Rwanda 95 Uganda 68
Egypt 101 Kenya 39
Women
Rwanda 95 Uganda 70
Burundi 52 Kenya 68
Today
Men
Burundi v Egypt
Kenya v Uganda
Women
Kenya v Uganda
Rwanda v Burundi

Uganda’s chances of qualifying for the Africa Championship due August in Libya now hang by the thread after the men’s team lost their opening game of the Zone 5 qualifiers 68-93 to hosts Rwanda on Tuesday night.

The team suffered an off-court setback when the influential Henry Malinga and Francis Tumusime were blocked from playing due to lack of valid birth certificates as per the regulations.

“I believe if Henry played, the result would have been different. He is a very smart and intelligent player,” Timothy Odeke, the team’s assistant coach, said.

Without Malinga, the 2007 league most valuable player, Uganda relied on youngster Brian Ssentongo to control the post play.

Ssentongo managed eight points but couldn’t contain the marauding Rwandans who had Robert Thompson, Rutayisire Amandin and Ntumba Buzanga in double figures with 20, 19 and 13 points respectively.
Skipper Norman Blick was the highest scorer for Uganda with 21 points, Boniface Okello garnered 10 while professional Stephen Omony managed nine.
The team returns to action against Kenya this evening hoping to record their first win of the round robin tournament.
Kenya were humiliated 39-101 by favourites Egypt on Tuesday and Uganda’s head coach Tom Ocamringa believes his charges can add to their misery.
“We are equally matched with Kenya,” Ocamringa said. Adding; “We are sorting out the birth certificates issue and hopefully Malinga and Tumusime can be allowed to play.”

Only the top two teams will qualify for the Africa Championship. Egypt and Rwanda look favourites to take the two slots

BY BONNIE MUGABE

Zone five Basketball Championship
Yesterday results

Men
Burundi 55-100 Rwanda
Egypt 95-53 Uganda

Women
Rwanda 61-52 Kenya
Uganda 77-57 Burundi

TODAY
Kenya v Uganda (Ladies) 12:00
Kenya v Uganda (Men) 2pm
Burundi v Egypt (Men) 4pm
Rwanda v Burundi (Ladies) 6pm

(by Sherif Soliman)
Egypt crushed Kenya 101-39 on the first day of the zone 5 african qua., the score shows no ressitance from the Kenyan who couldnt compeete with the Egyptian players,on the other hand Ramy Guneidy and Mostafa mashal was injured and will not play most probably the next 3 games,However,Egypt killed the ughandain 95-53 but sadlly wael badr & El hosey Samir got injured to.It is very strange that four players got injured in tow games and the coach must deal with the setuation to finish on the top of zone 5 to reach the finals held on Augest in lebya.

The Rwanda men team got a validating victory yesterday to keep their hopes alive of making to the African Nations championships due in Libya.

Rwanda men team gave a second perfect showing in the ongoing FIBA- Africa Zone V both men and women Africa Nations Championships qualifiers by thumping Burundi 100-55 yesterday at Amahoro stadium's Petit Stade.
Mathiew Miller led on Rwanda's scoreboard as he recorded team's highest 15 points while Buzane Mike added 14 points before Robert Thompson hit 10 points as the hosts took Burundi through a basketball lesson.
Dieudonne Habiyambere top scored for Burundi with 15 points
Rwanda's guard Karim Aime Nkusi also put up an impressive showing in the fourth quarter as his nine points sealed Burundi's fate with three minute to go to the end of the game.

Earlier in the day, defending champions Egypt piled more misery on whipping Uganda's with a 95-53 win.
Karim Haytham top scored 21 points for Egypt as Norman Blick made his mark on the game with 15 points for Uganda.

In the women's category, Rwanda defeated Kenya 61-52 in her second game of the championship while Uganda recorded her first victory in any category with a 77-57 win over Burundi.
Rwanda's female team returns to action today when they face Burundi at 6pm while Kenya will take on Uganda at 2pm.

In the men's category, Burundi will face champions Egypt at noon while Kenya face Uganda at 4pm.

by Bonnie Mugabe

Kenya women team yesterday lost to Rwanda 52 – 61 in day 2 of the ongoing Zone 5 both men and women Africa Nations Championships Qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kenyans edged out Burundi 68-66 in the day 1 but failed against the hosts.
Kenya’s Hilda Indasi scored a game-high 23 points while Samba Mjomba contributed 11 to the tally as Mahoro Mentika and Iyabera Komore scored 18 and 17 points for Rwanda.

Cheered on by a capacity crowd, Rwanda took a commanding 17-7 lead at the end of the first period but Kenya took charge in the next quarter before the home team led 25-22 at half time.
Kenya fought gallantly to win the third quarter 18-12. However, Rwanda bounced back with quick points from Mentika and Komore to take the last quarter 24-12 and seal the match for their second victory.
Mjomba, who had contributed most points (20) for Kenya in the match they won 68-52 against Burundi, and Indasi displayed purposeful play, but were kept at bay by the Rwandese.

According to coach Anthony Ojukwu, the duo’s partnership forward saw Kenya rake in points but their efforts fizzled out in the last quarter.
"We won the second and third quarters. Our girls failed to keep up with the pace of the Rwandese in the last session, which we lost by 12 points," said Ojukwu, who handles the men’s team.
"We were poised to win the match but laxity among our guards cost us the victory," he told on telephone from Kigali yesterday.

Kenya face Uganda in both the men’s and women’s encounters today in the event being played on a round robin basis. The men’s team needs to win the match to harbour hopes of going for the Africa Nations Championship to be staged in Libya in August.

The top two men’s sides will travel to Libya in August while women’s winner will win the sole ticket for the same tournament in Madagascar one month later.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Results
Rwanda 95 Uganda 70
Today
Women
Uganda v Burundi 2pm
Men
Uganda v Egypt 4pm

Uganda’s campaign got off to a disastrous note when the women’s side was drubbed 95-70 by hosts Rwanda at Amahoro stadium in Kigali yesterday.

With several professional players on the team and a heavy backing from the home crowd including President Paul Kagame, Rwanda romped to a 25-17 first quarter lead, won the second 27-13 and the third 27-19. “We played well but Rwanda’s defence was so tight. They also got many shots outside the arc,” Uganda’s assistant coach Mande Juruni, said.

The Ugandans got their rhythm in the final session, winning 22-16 but couldn’t save the game. The Rwandan team has played together for long, which gave them the upper hand. They have also had more international exposure,”? Juruni added.

Frances Nabulobi and Mariam Birungi scored 14 points apiece while league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Flavia Oketcho added 12 for Uganda. The usually high scoring post players Elizabeth Kiiza and Miriam Hamala were limited to 11 and seven points respectively.

The US-based pair of Mireille Karangwa and Honoree Ayebare had a field day, scoring 37 and 34 points respectively for Rwanda.

The men’s team was meanwhile also trailing Rwanda 39-69 with one quarter left by press time. Action resumes today with Uganda (women) playing Burundi.

By Erick Ochieng’

The national women’s basketball team lost 61-52 to Rwanda in Africa Zone Five qualifiers match in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kenyans edged out Burundi 68-66 in their opening match but had trouble against the hosts.
Kenya’s Hilda Indasi scored a game-high 23 points while Samba Mjomba contributed 11 to the tally as Mahoro Mentika and Iyabera Komore scored 18 and 17 points for the hosts.

Cheered on by a capacity crowd, Rwanda took a commanding 17-7 lead at the end of the first period but Kenya took charge in the next quarter before the home team led 25-22 at half time.
Kenya fought gallantly to win the third quarter 18-12. However, Rwanda bounced back with quick points from Mentika and Komore to take the last quarter 24-12 and seal the match for their second victory.

Most Points

Mjomba, who had contributed most points (20) for Kenya in the match they won 68-66 against Burundi, and Indasi displayed purposeful play, but were kept at bay by the Rwandese.

According to coach Anthony Ojukwu, the duo’s partnership forward saw Kenya rake in points but their efforts fizzled out in the last quarter.
"We won the second and third quarters. Our girls failed to keep up with the pace of the Rwandese in the last session, which we lost by 12 points," said Ojukwu, who handles the men’s team.
"We were poised to win the match but laxity among our guards cost us the victory," he told FeverPitch on telephone from Kigali yesterday.

Kenya face Uganda in both the men’s and women’s encounters today in the event being played on a round robin basis. The men’s team need to win the match to harbour hopes of going for the Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Libya in August.

The top two men’s sides travel to Libya in August, with women’s finalists going for the same tournament in Mauritius one month later.

President Kagame shakes hands with National Basketball Team skipper, Hamza Ruhezamihigo, at Rwanda men’s opening game of the Fiba Africa Zone V qualifiers that got underway yesterday. Rwanda beat Uganda 93-68. (Photo/ G. Barya).

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Feb. 24-March 2, Kigali
Men: Uganda, Egypt, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya
Women: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi

Schedule:

Today
Rwanda v Kenya (Ladies) 12:00
Egypt v Uganda (Men) 2pm
Uganda v Burundi (Ladies) 4pm
Burundi v Rwanda (Men) 6pm

Thursday
Kenya v Uganda (Ladies) 12:00
Kenya v Uganda (Men) 2pm
Burundi v Egypt (Men) 4pm
Rwanda v Burundi (Ladies) 6pm

Friday
Kenya v Burundi (Men) 4pm
Rwanda v Egypt (Men) 6pm

Saturday
Burundi v Kenya (Ladies) 12:00
Uganda v Burundi (Men) 2pm
Rwanda v Uganda (Ladies) 4pm
Rwanda v Kenya (Men) 6pm

Sunday
Uganda v Burundi (Ladies) 4pm
Rwanda v Kenya (Ladies) 6pm

Monday
Rwanda v Burundi (Ladies) 8am
Kenya v Uganda (Ladies) 10am

Team’s Chances (MEN)

Egypt

The fact that they are ranked 4th on the continent and 35th in the world speaks volumes about them. They are also the defending champions and technically, hot favourites.

They could be playing away from home but they have plenty of experience and talent in the side to coup with the unfamiliar crowd. The team is also being handled by a different coach (Zeljko Zecevic) so the odds are high that their game will change.

Rwanda

AFTER their impressive performance back in 2007, expectations from the home crowd are sky high. In fact, some fanatics are tipping Rwanda to upset Egypt. It is not impossible considering the quality in the side but they would have to dig deep.

Rwanda are ranked 12th on the continent and are second favourites to win.

Uganda

The team has been away from international competitions for some time so this is a massive test for them. On top of that, they did not have ample preparations for the tournament due to financial constraints. I don’t know about other continents but in Africa, for a team to perform to its best, it must be well motivated.

Kenya

Just like Uganda, Kenya has been off the shelf on the international scene which explains why she is not ranked by FIBA. The team is also said to have fielded a number of inexperienced players for the competition yet history has it that for a team to perform well in a tournament of this magnitude, experience comes in very handy.

Burundi

Burundi has been dubbed the weakling of the tournament but I’m tipping them to pull off a few shocks. During the 2007 Zone 5 qualifiers, Rwanda and Burundi played the most entertaining basketball. So should they balance their slick game with good defensive play, they will certainly be a handful for the likes of Kenya and Uganda.

Rwanda got their Zone V qualifiers campaign off to a flyer after yesterday's convincing 93-70 victory over Uganda at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

It was a perfect start for the hosts, who are gunning for their second successive appearance at this year's Afrobasket competition due in Libya.
Amandin Rutayisire led Rwanda's assault with a game high 25 points while Robert Thomson added 20 points and 8 rebounds.
Stephen Omony top scored for Uganda with 20 points.

Earlier in the day, defending champions Egypt punished Kenya for fielding an inexperienced side with a towering 101-39 victory. This means that Rwanda and Egypt are now jointly tied at the top of the table with two points each.
In the ladies' category, Rwanda gave defending champions Kenya plenty to think about after their 95-70 win over Uganda.
Kenya also registered their first victory of the tournament after a 68-52 over Burundi.
Rwanda's male team returns to court action this evening with another test against Burundi while their female counterparts battle Kenya in the first game of the day (12:00).

While two slots are at stake in the men's category, only one slot is up for garbs in the ladies' category. The African Women's basketball championships will be held in Madagascar.

Julius Mbaraga

The women's national team of Rwanda ruled Uganda’s team 95 – 69 at the opening game of the Zone 5 both men and women Africa Nations Championship qualifiers running in Kigali, Rwanda.
"Rwanda was a lot more organised than us," said Uganda women's coach Mande Juruni after watching his side succumb to a 95-69 defeat in the Amahoro Indoor stadium.
The difference was their three-point shooting, added Juruni, for whom Frances Nabulobi and Mariam Birungi tried to make a difference with a team-high 14 points each.
Uganda was always going to struggle against a Rwandan team which, like all tournament hosts, has invested much in preparations.
"You could see they have played together for a long time," explained Juruni before adding that Rwanda, "had four players who play professional basketball."
However, Juruni promised his side would exact revenge on Rwanda when they meet later in the second leg of the round robin.
"I believe we can beat them when we meet again, I believe we can."

In the second women tie, Kenya beat Burundi 68 – 52.

Ethiopia on Friday sent a basketball team to Bujumbura, the Burundi capital to represent the country at the Nile Day basketball championships taking place there, APA learns here on Saturday

Before I even start writing about this game I need to declare my interests so that you know where the bias is coming from.

With the off-season acquisitions that Varsity Leopards men have done in getting Melvin Chitiyo 'I can fly' from Golden Spurs, Hamilton Mudawarima back home from JBC, Costa Chairman of the Boards Dinha who is off-season from rugby and Uri Maphosa back from a short stint in Gweru, I do not believe there is a team out there that can match them in terms of depth and versatility. Now they add that on Gideon Chikopa, Clement Chitura, Tafadzwa Bully Mudzimu, Xavier X-man Bwanya, Tendai Tindo Chiyangwa, my one and only favourite, that silly boy Tinashe Muchenje aka Voltron.

My worst fears were founded when I saw ultimate balance defeat ultimate skill and so convincingly.

That Voltron boy sent me a note and says 30 points if we are feeling generous otherwise 40 points.. and he was talking about the point margin. Varsity Leopards beat Kingdom Cavaliers 71-46. Tell that silly boy Voltron thats only 26 points. People we are talking about a 26 point margin against a team that came to play. Cavaliers duo of Tafi The Magician Soko and Thabani Matikiti came to play. Its just a shame the rest of the team especially the youngsters choked. But on recognising they were not playing well the Cavaliers youngsters deferred to The Magician and gave him the ball to do his thing. And did the Magician spin his web dropping 26 points on Varsity Leopards. 26 points people! No this is not 26 points against Stanchart or some team like that. This is 26 points on the most dreaded Varsity Leopards of all time. I put this Varsity team at the same level of dominance as the Kalyeish inspired team back in 96-97. Kalyeish a Kenyan player once joined the ranks of the Leopards team and caused mayhem in the then MBA now HBA. Total balance is the Leopards forte. The score between their guards and post players of the 71 points was 36-35. The guards are scoring half the points! Who do you guard when a team has so much balance?

Just to let you know why I really hate that Voltron boy. He sent me another note that said watchout Sigauke and suddenly I was very afraid!

In other games played over the weekend South Central almost brewed a shocker when they held their own to their more fancied opponents Sigauke narrowly losing 42-58. South C matched Sigauke in the first half but fatigue got the better of them and lost in the 2nd half. Sigaukes best man on show was none other than Sadrick Superman Kurambakuwa who top scored with 18 points. Sigaukes 7ft giant Simba Thimba Mhukahuru and 3 massive dunks on South C. Ephrage Ngorimba top-scored for South C with 14 points

In the battle of the minnows UZ Stars beat Gentlemens Association 74-69 to move out of the relegation zone. South Central and GA remained rooted to the bottom and maybe in the playoffs come end of season.
JBC overran an undermanned Golden Spurs 117-57 to stay top of the league. Pross beat Pistons 51-48 at Richwood. Pistons had beaten Pross twice in the league and cup but this time round Pross in the absence of Tonde Murimwa and the big boys Steve Mudawarima (-C) and Francis Muvevi did it with a solid post defence. Pistons coach Forward Mandizadza charges got it wrong as they elected to play at the more heavier slow pace of Pross. With their size in the post Pross overwhelmed Pistons. Nuggets beat Faith Wear Jammers 70-60 with Nuggets pulling away in OverTime (OT) as they were tied at 55-55 at the end of regulation time. The Raiderz-Stormers game was abandoned with Raiderz leading 28-19 due loss of electricity at Richwood.

by Roderick Takawira africabasket.com

By Charles Mutebi

AFRICA ZONE 5 QUALIFIER
Feb. 23-March 1, Kigali
Men: Uganda, Egypt, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya
Women: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi

ONE would say a team with limited expectations in a competition can afford to ignore gruelling preparations –– it has little prospects of success anyway. Yet looking past the plain humour of that argument, it can actually act as a consolation for a team which finds itself unable to have a perfect tournament build-up.

This is a position Uganda’s basketball teams may have to seriously consider if their assignment at the Africa Championship qualifiers does not go quite to plan. What with the kind of preparations they had!

On paper, their chances of securing one of the two qualification berths for the men or the one ticket to the women’s Africa Championship already appeared limited. But then to forego adequate arrangements, probably due to a lack of funds, could have simply wiped out Uganda’s chances.

Heck, boarding a bus for Kigali, Rwanda, about 550km away, at 2am is not exactly the ideal scenario for a team set to be in action a day later.

All that after the original budget of sh84m had to be trimmed to just under sh16m, which, further more, would be raised in the course of the event. That is without mentioning the few number of training sessions which the teams coaches left bemoaning.

Those are the kind of details Uganda will be hoping were not exclusive to their build-up. After all, that might be the only thing that could justify any faith in Uganda’s chances.

For, to put it plainly, Uganda’s men would need a miracle to secure the all-important top-two finish in the five-team event which also includes Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya, and Burundi.
Egypt are ranked fourth in Africa and 35th in the world, while Rwanda are 16th on the continent and 71st on the globe. Uganda along with Kenya and Burundi have no place in FIBA’s world rankings as they have not qualified for any of its tournaments in the last eight years.

Only countries which play at FIBA tournaments, which doesn’t include regional qualifiers like the event in question, get ranked. Even then if they miss out for eight years, they get thrown out of the rankings.
Uganda has to deny an Egyptian side which finished fourth at the 2007 Africa Championship or a Rwandese team that ended 11th out of 16 competitors at the same event.

If Egypt are the more untouchable of the two, then Rwanda’s status as hosts makes them that much harder to face.

That is not to say Kenya and Burundi will be push-overs. Uganda beat Kenya in their last encounter four years ago in Kampala but the Kenyans have the superior head-to-head record. They will likely be harder to beat now especially on neutral ground.

On paper, Burundi poses the least danger but such a conclusion could prove to be nothing more than poor pre-tournament intelligence about the tiny state’s team.

Basically, Uganda could emerge as the tournament whipping boys, which would leave only one place to start with any resultant inquiry. That place would be the nature of the preparations the teams had, or to put it more accurately, the lack thereof.

Then again, may be not, for as the aforesaid comic would argue, what difference would perfect preparations have made for a team which had next-to-no chance of success in the first place?

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Men
Rwanda, Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Burundi
Women
Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya

Five men’s teams are taking part in the zone 5 qualifiers tipping off this morning in Kigali but only the top two are assured of slots at the Africa Championship due August in Libya.

Uganda checked in yesterday morning (11am) and have to battle hosts Rwanda, favourites Egypt, Kenya and Burundi for one of the two slots.
“We have trained so hard and I believe we can qualify,” coach Timothy Odeke said on phone from Kigali yesterday.

Egypt are clear favourites and Odeke is looking to get the better of the other opponents and qualify as number two. “My boys can compete favourably against the rest of the teams apart from Egypt,” he added.

The women’s team has Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya to contend with.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Rwanda dates Uganda in opener
Opening ceremony 5:30pm

Men
Rwanda v Uganda 6pm

Women
Rwanda v Uganda 8pm

Host nation Rwanda opens her Zone 5 qualifiers campaign this afternoon with a tense clash against rivals Uganda at Amahoro’s newly refurbished Indoor Stadium.

The game will start shortly after the grand opening ceremony which is expected to be graced by Rwanda’s Sports Minister Joseph Habineza amongst other high level government officials.

Both teams have a lot to play for as the top two sides in the round-robin tournament are guaranteed automatic slots in this year’s African Nations basketball championships in Libya.

However, two games are on schedule this morning although the teams involved were not yet known by press time. Meanwhile, after leaving many guessing, the national men’s coach Kavedzija Vaceslave finally named his final squads for the qualifiers.

The Croat coach made five changes from the side that took part in the 2007 Zone 5 qualifiers and believes that the team has enough grit to qualify for the African championships.

The new faces in the side are Mathew Miller, Mike Buzangu, Kami Kabange, Amandin Rutayisire and Serge Kabangu. The qualifiers expected to run from April 24-March 1 have attracted nine teams.

In the ladies fray, Rwanda will contend with defending champions Kenya, Uganda and Burundi. On the other hand, the men category pits Rwanda with defending champions Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Burundi.

Men’s team: Mathew Miller, Mike Buzangu, Fiston Muhire, Karim Aime Nkusi, Gaylord Ndugu, Aboubacar Barame, Kami Kabange, Robert Thomson, Bunene Gedeka Kajeguhakwa, Hamza Ruhezamihigo, Amandin Rutayisire, Serge Kabangu.

Women’s team: Clementine Matungano, Alice Muhongerwa, Jovite Kabarebe, Shaban Rehema, Joselyne Munyaneza, Claudette Imanishimwe, Francine Karigirwa, Sandra Uwase, Mireille Karangwa, Honoree Ayebare, Laetitia Mahoro, Sabine Mugeni.

Veteran guard Eunice Ouma was dropped from the national women's team that will do duty for the country in the Africa Nations Cup, Zone Five qualifiers in Rwanda next week.

Ouma, who has been a regular in the side for over ten years was axed alongside youngster Everlyne Adhiambo as the final team was named yesterday.

Coach Philip Onyango said Anastasia Njeri, earlier dropped, was included as the 13th player. He promised the team would make it to the Africa championships latter in the year.

"After some hectic consultations, we have decided to drop Ouma who has lost form completely and Adhiambo. There was also varied views on who between Njeri and Bridgit Nanzala deserved to make it but the coaches opted for the latter." he said.

However, he said that, Njeri will travel as an extra player and the coaches would assess who between the two will be included in the final roster for the games that start tomorrow at the Amahoro Petit Stadium, in Kigali.

Men's coach Anthony Ojukwu had little problem identifying his final line up. He dropped Mike Opinya, Tiberious Menya and Desomond Owili.

"I have settled for the final 12 and trust that the boys would do the nation proud by beating the hosts Rwanda and perennial power house Egypt to book their continental ticket." noted Ojukwu.

Ojukwu named Paraguay based professional Peter Kiganya to captain the side to be assisted by Tobias Onyango. The team has eight new caps with only three who were in Kigali in 2007 for the All Africa Games Qualifiers.

The teams departed by road on Sunday to Kigali for the tournament that will attract regional nations like host Rwanda, Uganda, Egypt and Burundi in men category and Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.

The teams have been training at the Coca Cola National Stadium for over a week under coaches Gitau Waringo, Onyango, Ojukwu, Abel Nson and Samuel Oyoo.

Women: Bridgit Naznala, Eleanor Musundi, Caroline Achieng, Hellen Oketch, Yvonne Akinyi, Everly Akoth, Everlyne Sande, Purity Adhiambo, Emma Nyakweba, Brenda Odula and Anastasia Njeri.

Men: Peter Kiganya, Tobias Onyango, Alan Ouma, Victor Odendo, Griffin Ligare, Ben Ogolla, Franklin Delano, Yoni Wanambiro, William Otieno, Dan Okwirri, Patrick Kirui and John Paul Nyadaro.

Zone 5 both men and women Africa Nations Championships qualifiers will be run from today to March 1 as planned. The technical meeting has been held yesterday in presence of participating teams.

The event calendar has been set and the opening game is scheduled at 5:30 pm and will oppose Rwanda (host) to Uganda. But before, three games counting for the Day 1 will be played.

Day 1 programme
9 :00: Rwanda vs Uganda (women)
11 :00: Egypt vs Kenya (men)
13 :00: Burundi vs Kenya (women)

Opening ceremony

17 :30: Rwanda vs Uganda (men)

You can receive updating news for the vent on our web site www.fiba-afrique.org with all the results.

FIBA Africa

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

On his return to the national team last week, Stephen Omony looked somewhat ordinary you would mistake him for an average local-based player.

He struggled to fit into the team during its trial match against a select side at Lugogo last Wednesday, scoring a paltry four points and left many a basketball fan wondering whether he could be of any impact in the Zone 5 Africa Championship qualifiers tipping off today in Kigali. “I think I need some time to gel with the guys,” Omony admitted after the trial match which the national team won 77-63.
score1_4.jpg
Omony goes for the hoop during national team training. Photo by Ismail Kezaala

Come the second tune-up game against UCU Canons, Omony showed what attracted Seychelles side PSL Hawks to sign him and proved to all that he is Uganda’s best basketball player. He scored a game high 25 points and dished as many assists for the national team to outlast the university side 93-68.

As the Ugandan team embarks on its campaign in Kigali, Omony, more than any other player, knows that there is a lot at stake. “Hawks scouts contacted me when we were in Kigali during the 2002 East and Central Club Championships,” Omony recalls.

He was a Falcons player at the time but his career took a turn for the better after that tournament. He signed for Hawks and has since plied his trade in Seychelles.
“At first it was difficult. The language, the people and the weather were all different. I became homesick but later realised that I had to do my job,” Omony says.

As the only professional, Omony faced a burden of expectations. He had to make an immediate impact. That he did perfectly well. Hawks won the league and Omony was voted the second best most valuable player in his maiden season.

Honour in foreign country
With Omony, Hawks now have four league championships in their cabinet and three Seychelles federation cups.

And in the six years, the Ugandan has also bagged the Most Valuable Player’s (MVP) award twice. “It feels nice being honoured in a foreign country. It’s a big achievement,” Omony notes.

He is now out of contract with Hawks but he hopes its renewed. “My contract is renewed after every year. We are in discussions and maybe something will be worked out when I go back next month.”

Whereas Omony leaves the option of playing for a Ugandan team open, he asserts that a lot has to be done to improve the game.

“The talent is in abundance, the league is improving but national team players have to be given more exposure. That’s how some of them will get chances to join professional ranks,” he adds.

Watching Omony training with the national team at Lugogo, it’s easy to realise that he is not as comfortable. “The surface is too poor. Something has to be done about our facilities,” he says as he draws comparisons with facilities back in Seychelles.

At 29, Omony is as mobile on court as a 15-year-old and his talent stands out although he never expected to be a basketball player.

“Football was my number one sport while growing up. Right from primary, I played soccer until high school,” Omony reveals.

He went to Mwiri Primary School and later St. Leo’s Kyegobe where he pushed for a first team place in vain. “I was good but very tiny yet there were very many big guys in school at the time,” he says. Omony recalls how he went for trials at Uganda’s most successful football club - SC Villa but gave up on football weeks later.

In 1997, he joined Kitante for his advanced level education and it was then that he fell in love with basketball. “I joined Blue Jackets Basketball Club [in 1997]. Guys there made me believe that I could play.” Within just a short time, Omony was on the Kitante first team, which he helped win the 1999 and 2000 Sprite School championships.

Life at Falcons
After one year at Blue Jackets, he crossed to the then newly-formed Falcons, a club that would later become the most successful in Ugandan basketball. “I feel proud to be a pioneer member of Falcons. I had moments of success with them, which will forever remain in my memory,” he reminisces.

In 1999, Omony travelled to Zambia for his first international tournament although the team never performed well. “We didn’t do well in Zambia but the experience helped us win the East and Central Club Championships the following year.”

As he matured and grew in confidence, Omony emerged MVP in 1999 and 2000 as Falcons won back-to-back national league titles. That was the launch pad for an international career that has now spanned six years.

Born to Mr and Mrs Maxwell Lajul Olanyo of Kitgum District, Omony hopes to use the Africa Zone 5 tournament for another opening. And he is confident the Ugandan team can negotiate the hurdles and earn a slot at the Africa Championship due August in Libya.
“Our team is good. We just have to capitalise on our strengths and minimise the weaknesses.

The players must also believe that everything is possible.”
From Kitgum through Kampala to Seychelles, Omony has become a role model to many budding Ugandan players but his challenge remains using his individual skills to take the national team to another level.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

National Basketball League champions Power have added experienced player Donald Blick to their ranks.

The former Nkumba Marines star signed a two-year deal worth Shs12m over the weekend with Power, who are determined to retain their championship.
“After winning last year’s title, we agreed to reinforce the team,”? Power official Peter Mubanda, said while unveiling Blick alongside another youngster Michael Kojo, signed from second division side Youth Heaters.

Blick joins his brother Norman, who signed for the three-time league champions early this month.
“Although my brother inspired me to join Power, there are other factors that made the deal possible,”
Blick who returned from United Kingdom recently, revealed. “Power are the team of the moment.”

By Suleiman Jongo

Failure to participate in international tournaments undermines ambitions of basketball players to become professionals, the national basketball coach said yesterday.

Saleh Zonga, a veteran basketball player who shone in the African Cup of Nations in 1974, said Tanzania has many talented players, but they cannot develop because of lack of international exposure.

He said: "The current trend of pulling out from international tournaments will kill basketball and youngsters� ambitions to become international players."

The remarks come a few days after Tanzania pulled out of Africa Zone-5 tournament, which kicks-off today in Kigali, Rwanda.It is the third consecutive year for Tanzania to pull out of international tournaments due to shortage of funds."It's very discouraging.

We selected the players and they set their minds for the event. But Tanzania withdrew eleven hours before departure," Zonga said.The coach pointed out that it would be impossible for youngsters to admire basketball or become professional players if they are not given chances to show their prowess at international events.

As Tanzania shies away, Kenya and Uganda will contend for title in the tournament.Zonga called on officials to emulate the Kenya Basketball Federation which organised fundraising events to get funds for the team."It is possible to emulate Kenya. I think our officials should learn from our neighbours," said Zonga.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

THE late arrival of Ugandan, Kenyan and Burundian teams has forced the highly-billed Africa Nations Championship qualifiers (Zone-5 championship) in Kigali to be delayed by an extra day.

The show piece, whose grand opening was initially scheduled for this afternoon at Amahoro’s newly refurbished indoor stadium, will now be held tomorrow.
“We have been forced to delay the competition by an extra day because most of the teams arrive tomorrow (today),” the secretary general of the local basketball governing body (Ferwaba) Jean Lucien Mugabo revealed to Times Sport yesterday.

The five-day championship is expected to attract nine teams. Apart from Egypt that is only fielding one team (men), Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi will field two teams (men and women).

Meanwhile, Ferwaba also reports that Lycée de Kigali’s Gymnasium, NPC-Gymnasium, Kimisagara, Premature and Kigali Institution of Education (KIE) basketball courts will be used as training grounds for the teams during the championship.

Ahead of the championship, Uganda’s men’s basketball coach, Timothy Odeke is optimistic his team is capable of qualifying for the Africa Cup.
“I’m confident that we shall qualify. Apart from Egypt, the other teams are just like us and we are out to take the second slot,” Odeke said.

by Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

Power Basketball Club centre player David Kiberu has failed to make the final men’s team of 12 set to compete in the Africa Championship Zone 5 qualifiers that gets underway tomorrow at Amahoro stadium, Kigali.

Kiberu, who won last year’s league championship with Power, was dropped in favour of the inexperienced seven-foot tall Sam Gombya.

“The coach told me I have no place on the team, it’s disappointing,” Kiberu said after watching the team record an impressive 93-68 victory over Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons in their last warm-up match at Lugogo on Friday night.

Also dropped are Moses Olobo (Kampala International University) and Miracles’ Moses Otem.

The trio’s absence was though hardly felt as the team displayed a classy performance with professional Stephen Omony sinking in a game high 25 points for his team to subdue UCU Canons, who had Geofrrey Omondi lead the team’s charts with 15 points.

National team skipper Norman Blick had 13 points and Joseph Ikong added 12, but Henry Malinga managed only seven. Ivan Enabu and Ken Roti were the other high scorers for UCU Canons with 13 and 10 points respectively.

The women’s team also recorded an 80-45 win against a select side. The teams are set to leave by road this morning but two more players from each team could be dropped due to financial constraints.
“We’ve told the coaches to cut the number of players to 10 because of the financial situation. We have also requested the hosts to allow us arrange private accommodation and transport as a way of cutting costs,”
Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) president Ambrose Tashobya, said.

Men’s team: Ben Komakech, Francis Tumusime, Norman Blick (captain), Ronnie Kasewu, Stephen Omony, Joseph Ikong, Isaac Lugudde, Boniface Okello, Phillip Wakimwero, Henry Malinga, Brian Ssentongo and Sam Gombya.

Women’s team: Flavia Oketcho, Angela Namirimu, Becky Akullo, Olivia Mulwana, Sima Monica, Kassim Hatima, Vicky Nassolo, Mariam Birungi, Ali Mavita (captain), Frances Nabulobi, Miriam Hamala and Kiiza Elizabeth.

The National men and women basketball teams leave the country on Sunday by road to participate in the Zone Five Africa Nations Cup championships which kick off in Kigali Rwanda on Monday through to Saturday.

The teams, which have been training at the Coca Cola National Stadium basketball gymnasium for the past three weeks concluded their training yesterday afternoon and expressed confidence they would win the championships.

The final contingent of players for the trip was named on Friday with Peter Kiganya who plays his professional basketball in Chile captaining the men and will be assisted by KCB Lions Tobias Onyango while Caroline Achieng Majeng of Eagle Wings was named the women’s captain and will be assisted by USIU’s Samba Mjomba.

Fundraiser

Kenya Basketball Federation officials have organised a fund raiser scheduled for Saturday at the Railway Club from 4.30 pm to raise funds for the teams travel.

KBF chairman Paul Otula has therefore sent a passionate appeal to well wishers and friends of basketball to turn up in large numbers and donate generously to enable the teams to travel.

Otula has praised International Basketball instructor and KBF Nairobi branch chairman Ronnie Owino for showing his love for the game by contributing sh.10,000 on behalf of the KBF Nairobi branch towards the Rwanda trip.

“We as KBF are very impressed by Owino’s kind gesture and is appealing to others well wishers to emulate him”, Otula said.

According to Vitalis Gode, KBF and Zone Five secretary General, the championship has attracted four women and five women teams who will play their matches on round robin basis on home and away format.

The women’s teams are Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi while the men’s teams are Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda,Uganda, and Burundi.

Kenya Teams:

Women: Caroline Achieng (Captain), Samba Mjomba (vice captain), Brenda Odula, Anastasia Njeri, Bridgid Nanzala, Hilda Indasi, Purity Odhiambo, Helen Oketch, Everlyne Akoth, Yvonne Akinyi, Elenor Musundi, Emma Nyakweba, and Everlyne Sande Norah.

Men: Peter Kiganya, Tobias Onyango, Dan Okwiri, Patrick Kirui, Victor Odendo, Yoni Wanambiro,Frankline Delano, John Paul Nyadaro, William Odhiambo, Gifffin Ligare, Allan Ouma, Ben Ogola and Tiberius Menya.

National men's basketball coach Timothy Odeke is confident the offensive play of Norman Blick and Henry Malinga will yield results in the Africa Cup Zone 5 Nations qualifiers in Rwanda that tips off February 23.

In an interview after the national team's trial matches on Wednesday night at Lugogo, Odeke said, "Our strength is in offence and I'm sure Blick and Malinga will give us results."
"Today they have scored below standard because we had to change them from time to time to test other players but in the tournament they will deliever," he added.

Blick and Malinga scored 13 points each while Ben Komakech scored 9 in a 77-63 victory against Team select.

He further defended Steven Omony who registered only four points, that he plays a big role in the team.
"Omony is an asset to the team; basketball is not only on scoring but also defence and others. He puts the game in order, he can scare the opponents and he switches so quickly to areas of concern but such game heroes are not seen by fans that focus on scorers alone," Odeke said.

Norman Blick, Isaac Lugudde, Moses Otem, Francis Tumusiime, Ben Komakech, Philip Wakimwero, Moses Olobo, David Kiberu, Steven Omony, Brian Sentongo, Joseph Ikong, Sam Gombia, Boniface Okello and Ronnie Kasewu formed the Uganda team.

FUFA has issued an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) for Simba striker Godfrey Wakaza to join Majees FC of Oman.
Wakaza, two weeks ago, passed professional trials at the club and was cleared by Simba. URA have also acquired an ITC for Rogers Wandwasi from Rwandan club Attraco. The club finally succeeded in getting the player after a failed attempt last year.
Wandwasi is already with URA.

from fiba.com

The national men’s and women’s basketball teams registered emphatic wins in their final training matches ahead of the Africa zone five basketball championships to be staged in Rwanda next week.

The men’s team defeated Strathmore University 99-54 while the women’s team beat the university’s women outfit 60-12 in matches which were used to trim down the teams to 15 players.

In the men’s games, professional Peter Kiganya led from in front scoring a game high 32 points and was ably supported by Yoni Wanambiro, Frank Delano, Griff Ligare and John Paul Nyadaro among others in this match which Mike Otula was outstanding with the three point shots.

The women’s match had Brenda Odula, Everlyne Akoth,Rebecca Serange and Samba Mjomba nail three pointers at will while Caroline Majeng, Purity Adhiambo, Elanor Musundi, Sunday Norah and Yvonne Akinyi played great on the front court.

The Kenya Basketball Federation treasurer, Peter Orero, said the teams have put up everything in training and has predicted a clean sweep in Rwanda.
“We have very young and enthusiastic players in both teams who have vowed to do their best in Rwanda to qualify for the final face of the Africa championships to be staged in Madagascar for women and Libya for men in September and the sky will be the limit”, he said.

Orero praised the government for promising to fully support the teams for the final face of the championships to be held in September.
“We had a fruitful deliberations with the Ministry of Sports secretary professor Wilson Langat who said the government could not fully sponsor the teams for the Rwanda game after exhausting the funds but promised to fully carter for the teams should they qualify for the face,” Orero who is also the Principal of UpperHill school said.

Vitalis Gode, KBF and Fiba Zone five secretary said the games start on Monday with Kenya , Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi expected to battle for top honors in the women category while Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi will battle it out in the men’s category.

The KBF has in the meantime arranged a meeting at Railway Club from 4.30 pm to help raise funds for the teams travel.

Saturday brings a special rivalry to the fold as Varsity Leopards square up against Kingdom Cavaliers. Leopards roster is looking ominous and on paper Cavaliers have a mountain to climb. But Cavaliers must not be deterred as much as the Leopards offence is deadly their defence leaves a lot to be desired. Leopards gave up 76 points against youngsters Stormers a fortnight ago enroute to a 96-76 victory. For a defence that spent the whole game trying to pressure Stormers 76 points is a lot of points to give up. Cavaliers have to watch out for the superior board power of Leopards who boast a very big frontcourt. In Costa Dinha, Tendai Chiyangwa, Tinashe Muchenje, Hamilton Mudawarima, Desmond Njanike and Ezra 'Jones' Chiimba , Leopards has some very bigmen. Their backcourt is not the the strongest but has silver quick guards in Tafadzwa Mudzimu, Xavier Bwanya, Tawanda Masaiti. In Hamilton Mudawarima, Leopards has a versatile 3 guard who can play up or down and has great slasher abilities. But the key to Leopards has to be their enigmatic star shooting guard and captain Gideon Chikopa. Chikopa and Clement Chituro have formed one of the deadliest shooting duo in the HBA league averaging 10 made 3 pointers per game, these two can really turn it on. But Cavaliers did not get this far by accident and have their own talisman in Tafirenyika Soko.. Soko has veterans Mathe Mduduzi and Sam Parirayi (-G) to back him but its in the youngsters that Cavaliers has turned to. Prince Edward schoolboy Agrippa Masvisvi is turning heads with his standout play. Should Cavaliers big men George Run'ganga and Young Gusha decide to be 'available' then with Fungai '2-Foots' Sakatira, Cavs should present formidable manpower to match the Leopards Shaquile-like size. Cavaliers coach Tafara Makayi has brought the craftiness of a seasoned veteran which was clearly lacking on the coaching side and turned Cavaliers from an 'also-ran' to a championship contender. Should Cavaliers not win the league, they will most definitely have a say on who does.

In other games to be played over the weekend, JBC men should maintain their reign at the top as they date lowly Golden Spurs. Spurs now fully on a building mission will be no match to the reigning national champions. Sigauke take on South Central and need to watch out for Tapiwa Chirenda and sharp shooter Blessing Chidimu.

UZ Stars and Gentlemen's Association will feature in a battle of the relegation candidates. GA's Nigel Muponda knows he needs the points and Stars' Arthur Mbasera does not want to be bottom of the log come Monday. Its Raiderz turn to take on stubborn Stormers at Richwood on Sunday. Nuggets-Faith Wear Jammers and Pross-Pistons are the under cards of that game.

by Roderick Takawira africabasket.com

By Julius Mbarga (New Times)

Besides Mathieu Millers steady recovery from a shock in his left elbow, Rwandas national basketball coach Veceslav Kavedzija had more reason to smile after the arrival of Rob Thomson (208-C-82, college: Fairfield), another key figure in Rwandas impressive run during the 2007 Zone-5 qualifiers.

Thomson, who plays his basketball in Romania, jetted in on Tuesday together with Wilfred Nyandwi from the USA and the duo instantly joined the team for the days final training session at Amahoros newly refurbished indoor stadium.
The duos arrival coupled with good form from the home-based players is expected to present the Croat-born tactician with a selection dilemma.
The 18-man provisional team is set to be trimmed down to 12 and sources from the local basketball governing body (Ferwaba) yesterday said that the final team could be named today.
Meanwhile, Ugandas men and women basketball sides have intensified their preparations with a series of warm-up matches as they chase for their first ever Africa basketball Championships (Afrobasket) appearance.

The men teams assistant coach Timothy Odeke says that the warm-up games are providing an insight into the state of their readiness.
He said: You can never know how good you really are before you get there but I would say we have covered most of the things we set out to achieve although there are still a few technicalities to look at.

The tactician also revealed that besides the teams speed, Stephen Omony (198-G/F) will be the other weapon at Ugandas disposal.
Hes in good condition and his arrival has lifted the spirits of the team and you can see that the other players look up to him, which is a good thing because hes a great player.

Kenya dealt a sever jolt

Kenyas hopes of making an impression in Kigali have been dealt a severe jolt. The ladies side is set to miss three valuable players.

For Beryl Amayo (center) and Faith Owich (forward), the qualifiers coincide with their examinations while Kenyas team captain Angela Luchivya has pulled out due to a tight work schedule.

Its a blow that Luchivya, Beryl and Owich are out but I have called two more players to give us the numbers. I am optimistic that they will fit into the system well and be of help to the team, the teams coach Anthony Ojukwu said.
The mens side will also miss two key players. Richard Osano (198-F/C-80) and Cliff Ochieng (188-G-79) are said to be out of the country.

Its sad that Cliff and Richie are not around as well but we will work with the ones at our disposal and see how it goes, Ojukwu was quoted on the Fiba-Afrique.org website.

Kenya's professional star Peter Kiganya believes the national men's team have a strong chance of winning the Africa Nations ChampionshipZone Five qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda next week.

Kiganya who turns out for Paraguay side, Sol de America told Fiba Afrique in an exclusive interview at the Coca Cola Stadium where the teams are training that Kenya can make it to the continents top tournament latter in the year.

He said the players in the team have the desire to play and have proved they can work hard towards achieving this goal. He admitted though that they lack the necessary experience which might prove costly during the championships.
"We will need to fight hard and play smart if we are to book the sole ticket for the games. Egypt and Rwanda, the main favourites, will not be easy matches at all for us." said Kiganya on the event that throws off on February 23- March 1 at the Amahro Petit Stadium.

He is concerned about the many inexperienced players in the side saying the team does not have much of a chance in the show with so many new players in the line up.

"For any team to win a tournament of this magnitude there must be experienced players on board. You can not inject many new players and get results immediately. There must be seven or eight old players for continuity." he observed.

Kiganya who was voted the best foreign player in both the regular season and the finals in the South American league where he plays, says he was not bothered about the opponents size saying he can operate both inside and outside.
"I do not care who they will put in to guard me. I will take them on as they come. I can play as a three man, a four man or a five man depending on what the coach wants. I will not have any problems adjusting." he said.

But Kiganya who last turned out for the national team during the Africa Nations Championship for men in Nairobi in 1993 before he flew to USA for further studies four years latter, want Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) to address some issues.
"I am booked on a flight back on February 28. If I have to travel to Kigali, KBF must change my ticket. Because I will be doing duty for the nation, my club will not have a problem if I reported for the pre-season a few days late.

He also says, he will have problems traveling by road to Kigali and KBF should look at means of putting him in a flight instead.

Meanwhile, the number of women in the team was reduced yesterday to allow for more intense training. There are 15 players now with three facing the axe tomorrow.

Those dropped included, Rebecca Sarange, who was in the team that did duty in 2007 at the same venue. The others are Mitchell Otinda, Linda Nyikuli, Debra Obunga, Maureen Atieno and Irene Makori.

Two former basketball champions are expected to battle today in continuation of the Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) national league. Mighty Barrolle will host LPRC Oilers in a match many basketball pundits predict to be tension packed. Barrolle has played one match and lost it, while Oilers have played two, lost one and won one.

Also in the female category today, Rockers Angels Shooters will face defending champion K-Deltas in another encounter. Before that match, Star1 will hustle Dixville Dragons in the first division.

Supreme Brothers will sort things out with Sacbase in a second division encounter on Thursday and on Friday, defending champions NPA Pythons will meet Dream Team II and Deviers will face Harbel Pointers. In the opening match on Friday, Stephen Tolbert based Heats will draw daggers with Star 1.

Last Saturday, Dream Team 1 whipped Flames 83-38 points in a match the Dreamers dominated while Destiny Queens pipped Survivors 55-54 points in the female division. Earlier during the day, Island Calves sliced Deviers 70-56 points.

On Sunday, LPRC Oilers put up a brilliant performance to dragged Uhuru Kings 88-67 points in Division one, while Desert Ladies fell to Supreme Sisters and in the Third Division Supreme Brothers nil FUBBA 44-42.

By Suleiman Jongo

Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) general secretary Lawrence Cheyo will not seek re-election during the federation's general elections set for October this year.

Cheyo said that he had decided not to run to give chances to other interested basketballers to take the chance.
"The decision has been influenced by my personal wishes, I think it's time to stay aside", said Cheyo.

TBF, which was transformed four years ago after it�s first polls held in Tanga in 2005, has been facing financial crisis, which forced the national teams from pulling out in various international events.
The events include the Zone Five Championship, which is due to take place at the end of this month in Kigali, Rwanda.

Cheyo said that the reason for him to step aside was not due to failure by TBF to send teams to Kigali and other previous events. TBF's 2005 general election saw Richard Kasesela elected as the federation�s president.
The federation was initially known as the Tanzania Amateur Basketball Association (BATA) and was patroned by the sports loving President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete before he become the head of state.
The elections will go along with the Taifa Cup to be held in October in Dar es Salaam with several regional teams taking part.
Meanwhile preparations for the National Basketball League (NBL) to be held from April 12 to 18 in Mwanza are in full swing, according to Cheyo.
Cheyo said Dar es Salaam will be represented by four top teams in the ongoing RBA Kili League. For women, according to him the event will be open to all the teams wishing to compete.
Some of the teams expected are ABC, JKT, Savio, oilers, magereza, Polisi Dar, Vijana, Dodoma Spurs, Mbeya Flames, Kilimanjaro Boys, Mwanza Planet, Bees and Young Warriors.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Rwanda’s basketball Federation (Ferwaba) is counting on Hamza Ruhezamihigo to help the national team make an impact at the Africa-Zone V basketball Championship qualifiers slated for February 23 – March 1 in Kigali.

Ruhezamihigo, who plays for Concordia in Canada jetted in last Saturday and immediately linked up with the 16-man provisional team at Amahoro Indoor Stadium; the venue for the qualifiers.
“Having him here is a big boost to the team. His potential can’t be questioned. He is very talented and his experience adds plenty to the team,” Ferwaba’s technical advisor Innocent Karuhije said yesterday.

After Manix Aurianthal (Canada) pulling out of the qualifiers, Ferwaba is also counting on Robert Thomson (Romania) and Wilfred Nyandwi (USA) to further boost the team’s chances in the zonal event.
“We are really counting on Thomson and Nyandwi because Manix is not coming,” Karuhije continued.

Ruhezamihigo became a crowd favourite during the 2007 CAN qualifiers which were staged in Kigali.
The shooting guard played a pivotal role in helping Rwanda qualify for her first ever Afro-basket competition. After his impressive performances, he was voted as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Just like in 2007, this year’s edition pits Rwanda will teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt and Burundi.

After the week-long event, the winner will automatically qualify for this year’s Afro-basket event in Libya. The Afro-basket competition is the most coveted basketball event in Africa.

The Cape Verdean Basketball Federation is in the process of hiring a foreign coach to lead the Senior Men National team (NT). The president of the Federation, Kitana Cabral, is currently in the United States making contacts with the coach, which in his view has some knowledge of Cape Verdean basketball. 'We have been in contact, for some time with a coach in the USA, who knows well some Cape Verdean players, including Ryan Gomes, of the NBA. We have had previous contact with this coach when we were in the Pre-Olympic tournament in Athens, and during this weekend we will have conversations to analyze in details the proposed contract, 'said the President of the Federation, and advancing that the Federation already has a sponsor that will guarantee the presence of the coach in Cape Verde.

However, if the negotiation fails, Kitana Cabral said that they would proceed with plan B, which would be the return of Emanuel Trovoada, or if need be to a plan C, which would be the hiring of a national resident coach.

Cape Verde has already qualified for the AFROBASKET, this August in Libya, due to their third place finish in Angola, and therefore the Federation is already mapping out the plan for participation in the competition. 'We sent the budget to the Secretariat of Sports (DGD), which has confirmed that there is money in the State Budget for this activity, and also to our traditional partners who have expressed interest in being with us once again, for a tournament such as the AFROBASKET. With all of this, I think we are in a good path, 'said the President of the Federation.

To defend the bronze medal won in AFROBASKET 'Angola 2007', the Federation will either hire a foreign coach, or return to call the coach, Emanuel Travoada, who lead the team to the third place finish in Angola, he is currently coaching a team in Angola.

from africabasket.com

Libyan league week 10 results were :

Madina-Ittihad 63-69
Ahli B-Moroj 72-55
Ahli T-Shabab 70-66
Naser-Hilal 86-65

Nine cities including Nairobi and Mombasa have confirmed participation to the 11th Zone Five Inter Cities championships slated for Arusha latter next month.

Agina Wesonga, the Inter Cities committee executive officer told FIBA Africa upon arrival from the Tanzanian city where he had gone to inspect the facilities and see the progress that things were moving in the right direction.

He said that renovation of the three venues has already started and is expected to be complete by the time the event throws off on March 24-28.
"We had a two days meeting where we even met the Mayor of Arusha and the contractors. The re-carpeting of the three courts has started and things are expected to move fast." said Agina who was accompanied by Chairman Simon Msoffe and Treasurer Joy Olinga.
He said that “chama cha mapinduzi “courts which will be used for the opening ceremony needed a major face lift while the other two will only have minor repairs done on the surface.

He revealed that apart from Nairobi, Mombasa and the host Arusha, others headed for the tournament are Kampala, Jinja (Uganda) Dar es Salaam, Mbeya Tanga, Mwanza (Tanzania) and Zanzibar will be there.

The other cities that have received invitation are whose confirmations are being awaited are Johannesburg (South Africa), Lusaka (Zambia), Mogadishu (Somalia) and Harare (Zimbabwe).

International referee Vitalis Gode who is also the Zone Five secretary general, said Agina, will conduct a two day clinic for the officiating officials.
"We have been impressed by the commitment of Arusha organising committee and with a close supervision by his lordship the mayor himself, we are sure this will be a worthy tournament." said Agina.

Nairobi, who did not send a team to the last championships in Dar have vowed to reclaim their titles in Arusha. Chairman Ronny Owino said the teams will go to Arusha for one purpose, "to bring back the titles."

The men and women teams have been named and will go for strict training after the Zone Five qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda latter this month. They will Kampala (women) and Dar (men) are the defending champions.

Seychelles-based basketball ace Steven Omony arrived in the country on Sunday to join preparations for the Zone 5 Africa Championship qualifiers due March 23 -April 1.

One of Uganda's greatest basketball players, Omony will add grit to the team's front-court, which also boasts of another great in team captain Norman Blick.
Two-time former national MVP Omony expressed delight over the pending mission. "It's an honour to come back and represent my country," he said before making a promissory addition; "I think we can make it to the final, all we need is self belief."

from fiba.com

By Suleiman Jongo

Tanzanian duo of Gosbert Boniface and Zulfikar Karim will be among the referees to officiate at the Zone Five Basketball Championship to be held in Kigali, Rwanda on February 23rd to March 1.
The nomination by the continental governing body, AIBA, came after the country withdrew from the event that serves as a qualifier for Cup of Nations for Afrobasket 2009 competition.

Lawrence Cheyo, who is the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) secretary general said that the duo would join other umpires from various countries for the event.
Others with their respective countries in brackets are Elwan Adel (Egypt), Kelvin Mulenga, Munatamba Muwezhi (Zambia) and Gebre Ayele (Ethiopia).

Assistant referees are Habonimana Audace (Burundi), Galal Mohammed, Abdel Latif (Egypt), Omolo Amoko, Wakaba Kamau (Kenya), Shema Didier (Rwanda), Kirabo Fredrick, Manano Sunday (Uganda)
Participating teams (both men and women) are from Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Tanzania has missed the competition for the past three years due to financial constraints.

The Regional Basketball Association of Santo Antao island prepares to initiate, this month, official games for the local championship, with the participation of at least three teams.
A source from the Regional Association told Inforpress that the clubs have been informed, and that the competitions will begin in February with the OPEN tournament
The tournament will serve as preparation for the regional championship, which in addition to Fiorentina, last year champion, and Maritimo (both from the South) should count on the presence of one or two teams from the north of the island.
According to the source, only Fiorentina and Maritimo has confirmed their presence in the championship, , however, he ensures that the regional association will work hard to get clubs from the North to join championship, so that the island can have a represent ant for the national championship.

By Suleiman Jongo

The Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball (RBA Kili) League enters quarterfinal stage today at the National Indoor Stadium in the city with four matches on the card.
According to the Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) officials, reigning champions, Vijana (City Bulls) will take on Army Basketball Club (ABC) in one of the matches, billed to be tough.
Vijana, who are the former East and Central African champions, will depend on the services of their key players such as Abdallah Ramadhani 'Dulla' and Mohammed Ally 'Dibo'. Dulla, who once played for Seychelles' Cobra club, is one of the skilled basketballers with his ability to bribble.
The ABC on their part will be led by a three-point wizard, Haleluya Kavalambi, who is also an inspirational netball player. JKT will also be in action against Chui while Pazi will battle it out against the Western Conference leaders, Savio. The Tanzania Prisons will meet Oilers in another match of the day.

The national women's team preparations for the Zone Five qualifiers in Rwanda have suffered a severe jolt when two players pulled out of team because of examinations.

National team and Strathmore University center Beryl Amayo together with enterprising forward Faith Owich will not be available for the Kigali showcase as the event dates coincides with their examinations.

Coach Anthony Ojukwu confirmed the unavailability of the duo for the event slated to throw off at the Amahoro Petit Gymnasium in Kigali from February 24-28 but at the same time said he has injected two more players into the team before the deadline.
"I talked to them today and they said they will not travel with the Kigali. Its a blow that Beryl and Owich are out but I have called two more players to give us the numbers. I am optimistic that they will fit into the system well and be of help to the team. "said Ojukwu.

The two players called by Ojukwu are Sprite Storms Emma Nyakweba and Irene Makori. They reported at the Coca Cola Stadium yesterday where they trained with the rest of the team that also received Yana's much improved forward Mitchel Otinda.
Amayo was a member of the team that travelled to, Senegal for the Africa Feminine championships in 2007 and finished last in the 12 team event that was won by Mali. The other players who were in Dakar but have not reported are Eunice Ouma and Caroline Achieng of Eagle Wings.

Team captian Angela Luchivya have pulled out as well due to pressure of work and last year's league MVP as is Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) forward Caroline Arato who is reported to have been unhappy after being called as after thought.

Ojukwu told Fiba Africa yesterday that the men will also miss two key players Richard Osano and Cliff Ochieng whom he said are out of the country. UoN's hard running Mike Opinya and Posta's Franklin Delano who was Division One MVP reported for training.
"I have confirmed that Cliff and Richie are not around as well. This is also bad news for the team but we will work with the ones at our disposal and see how it goes." said Ojukwu who was set to submit his final list to Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) after yesterday's sessions.

As the national men and women's team struggle to put their feet down to serious training, their opponents Egypt and Rwanda, both handled by foreign coaches, are finalising their trainings in Cairo and Kigali respectively.

Dann O. Were from fiba-africa

Week 7's game results were :

Naser - Madina 86-56
Hilal - Ittihad 53-61
Shabab - Ahli B 54-63
Ahli T - Moroj 74-63

Week 8's game results were :

Shabab - Hilal 76-61
Ahli B - Ittihad 79-67
Moroj - Madina 50-53
Ahli T - Naser 73-79

Week 9's game results were :

Naser - Shabab 60-42
Hilal - Ahli T 48-67
Ittihad - Moroj 67- 58

Madina - Ahli B 50-70

with these results Naser continues to share the top spot with Ittihad , the two teams must wait until week 11 to decide wich team is going to win the top spot.

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) is counting on professional Stephen Omony to help the national team make an impact at the Africa Championship Zone 5 qualifiers due February 23 – March 1 in Kigali. The tournament brings together teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, Djibouti and hosts Rwanda.

The Seychelles-based Omony is expected in the country on Sunday and will have about five days to train with the team before they depart for Rwanda on February 21. “We have finalised his travel arrangements and are just waiting for him,” Fuba assistant general secretary, Joseph Manano said yesterday.
Omony, a former national league two-time most valuable player, is the only one to have been selected on the 12-man team without undergoing trials.

Some players, including Ivan Enabu and Eric Malinga were dropped despite training with the team for over a month. “Omony’s potential can’t be questioned. He is very talented and his experience will be vital for the team,” Manano added.

The former Falcons star has been given a shooting guard’s role and is expected to compete for a place with team captain Norman Blick. This is what prompted the technical committee to drop the dazzling Enabu. “We could only accommodate Enabu as a shooting guard. But then he can’t replace Blick or Omony,” Manano noted.

The Regional Championship of Basketball for Santiago South in the senior division started yesterday Sports Pavilion 'Vava Duarte, with two games. ABC vs. Lenfer, and Seven vs. Bairro. This season will count on with the participation of seven teams, with the highlight going to the return of Bairro, and exit of Predio, which disagrees with the way the Regional Association is structured for running the competition. The Santiago South regional Association is being managed by a management committee formed by referees, with the support of the Cape Verdean Basketball Federation
The championship in the under 20 category for men will start on Saturday, Feb. 14, with the games between Seven Stars x Sao Domingo, followed by ABC x Assomada, in the Senior division.

The scores from yesterdays games: The ABC won 86 to 39, and Seven Stars beat Lenfer 76 to 66.

The basketball season officially started on Sunday, Feb. 8, with games in the U14 division male. The championship will count on the participation of eight teams divided into two groups. The scores from last Saturday games were: Amor de Deus beat Lenfer 84-69, Seven Stars B lost 04-29 to Orgaos, and ABC defeated Bairro 30-17.

The Vice-President of the Management committee for the Santiago South Regional basketball association, Domingos Tavares, ensured that there will be games this season, in the U14, U18, U20, and senior division. 'So that the games may have a good organization, we want to establish a partnership with the Federation to ensure a good competitive level the leagues, and with the greatest possible transparency, The vice-president underlined that they will do everything to try to decentralize the competition, taking some games to the various municipalities in the interior of Santiago Island.

from africabasket.com

By Renatha Msungu

Union basketball club championship gets underway at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam on April 26, the Tanzania Basketball Federation`s secretary general, Lawrence Cheyo, confirmed yesterday.

The championship would involve Mainland and Isles teams that have excelled in their respective leagues.

The league would be preceded by Mainland championship that takes off on April 12 in Dar es Salaam.

The Union league will be staged to determine club champions for international representation, so says Cheyo.
``It`s important for the teams wishing to compete to embark on training sessions ahead of the showdown,`` said Cheyo.
Cheyo mentioned teams expected to compete in the Mainland league as ABC, JKT, Savio, Oilers, Magereza, Polisi Dar, Vijana, Dodoma Spurs, Mbeya Flames, Kilimanjaro Boys, Mwanza Planet, Bees and Young Warriors.

The TBF secretary responded with disappointment as a result of Tanzania failing to send a team in the Africa zonal championship that gets under way in Kigali on February 25 for lack of funds.

This is the third time Tanzania are no show to the continental tourney.

JBC men go into the weekend with facing two tricky teams in Kingdom Cavaliers on Saturday at Richwood and Pross on Sunday at the University of Zimbabwe. JBC has the manpower to win both games but may need to pace themselves as both Cavaliers and Pross do have their different strengths that need to be matched. Cavs has youthful ability and grit from veterans like Fungai '2-Foots' Sakatira, Sam Parirayi and Mdu Mathe. Pross bring a whole load of power but no running and in Steve Mudawarima (-C) and Francis Muvevi had 2 of the strongest players in the league. JBC has to run against Pross but will be coming off a nightmare assignment against a very speedy Cavaliers. Look to JBC's Eric Banda and Simba Mungomezi to set the tone for the weekend.

Sigauke have 2 tricky fixtures in Stormers on Saturday and the Comeback Boys, Nuggets on Sunday both games at Richwood. Stormers will be out to atone for the whipping by Varsity Leopards which they believe was caused by the referees. But then again Stormers have always blamed the referees for ALL their defeats. A very youthful side under the mentorship of Linos 'Ninja' Mushonga Stormers can beat anyone. Nuggets a similarly built team who play a little more physical than most of their opponents would want also run and can shot the 3. Sigauke are a dangerous team led by the Chitsinde brothers Taurayi and Tawanda. Consistency has been an issue for Sigauke and their numbers do not inspire confidence. But on any given day they are probably the best defensive team in the league and only JBC have conceded less points. In 18 games Sigauke has conceded 629 points whilst JBC have given up 596 in 17 games. Cavaliers have given up 662 points in 18 games whilst the average points given up by the top 8 teams in 913 points.

Game to watch will be the 'There can only be one...' clash between Medusa South Central and Gentelmen's Association at Richwood on Saturday. Truly there can only be one team at the bottom of the league. There is a lot of bad blood between these 'giant minors' and the team that loses is for all intense purposes relegated. GA's Nigel Muponda fired the first volley at South C promising a 'no turnover' game but 'spicy dishes' galore. He needs his shooters Godfrey Chakurangeyi, Cogan Maboreke and Spencer Nyamadzawo to be 'ready for war'. South C have not been sitting on their laurels and went on a recruitment drive netting Jammers swingmen Tapiwa Chirenda. Chirenda teams up very well with the evergreen Blessing 'Slab' Chidimu who can still shoot the 'J'. Bet a beer that one of these teams will lose....sic!


from africabasket.com

By Suleiman Jongo

Basketball players who had been selected to the national teams ahead of the African Zone Five tournament in Rwanda have rejoined their clubs to prepare for the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball (RBA) league quarter-finals.

Tanzania aborted the Kigali trip after the cash-strapped Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) failed to raise about Sh45 million needed to prepare men and women teams for the tournament.
The Kigali event will be held at the end of this month. It will feature teams from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Burundi, Somalia and hosts Rwanda.

A Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) official, Manaseh Zablon said the local quarter finals will now be held this Saturday after they were postponed last week to allow players prepare for the Kigali tournament.

Former East and Central African champions Vijana 'City Bulls' take on the Army Basketball Club (ABC) in the first quarter-final match.

Vijana, the league's reigning champions, will now use its two key players- Abdallah Ramadhani, alias Dulla and Mohammed Ally, alias Dibo- who had joined the national team.

Dulla, a professional basketball player who once played for Seychelles' Cobra, is a key front player.
JKT- who top the Eastern Conference group with 12 points- will play against Chui in another Super eight match while Tanzania Prisons date Oilers.
Pazi- a seasoned team in the country- will face Savio who missed the championship last season.
The teams qualified for the quarter-finals after performing impressively in the preliminary rounds.
Tanzania Prisons are second placed in the Eastern Conference group with 10 points while ABC are third with nine points. Pazi are the last in the group with eight points.
The Western Conference group is led by Savio with 12 points and Oilers with 11 points. Vijana have 10 points while Chui have nine.
BD organised the league under a Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL)- Kilimanjaro brand- sponsorship.