Basketball in Africa

By Patrick Omorodion

After five years of dominating the country’s basketball scene, First Bank Basketball Club were Sunday night handed their first defeat in the last game of the 2009 Zenith Bank Female Basketball League decided at the National Stadium Lagos Indoor Sports Hall.

Two phases of the round robin league had earlier in the year been concluded in Kaduna and Asaba with the First Bank girls emerging winners but new entrants into the league, First Deepwater of Lagos were determined not to fall to them a third time.

Before the encounter, Deepwater coach, Lateef Erinfolami had told Sports Vanguard that they were ready to battle the Elephant girls as his girls have overcome the stage fright they earlier.

When the game started on Sunday, the two teams battled each other toe to toe and after two minutes none was able to score a point but after the first quarter ended, Deepwater which had a sprinkle of national team players, were 11 points better at 24-13.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA (Game One)
Saturday
Heaters v St Michael 3pm
A-1 Challenge v Canons 4pm
Falcons v Warriors 6pm

If Warriors are to make a maiden appearance in the MTN-Fuba League finals, they must leave no room for error when they engage record champions Falcons at YMCA today in Game One of the best-of-five semi-final play-off series.

Warriors remain one of Uganda’s best sides but have nothing to show for their vast talent. The Kyambogo-based team broke their fans’ hearts in 2007 when they surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose the best of five semi finals 2-3 to Falcons. “It was a learning experience and we now know what to do,” Warriors assistant coach Peter Wandukwa remarked even as his team failed to edge DMark Power to the regular season championship. “We won’t commit the same cheap errors because the boys are now more experienced.”

The foreign pair of Tanzanian Abdullahi Ramadhan and Kenyan Martin Okwako has added to Warriors’ avalanche of skill but they still looked vulnerable in that 74-81 loss to Power last week.

Henry Malinga, who has been out for over a month with injury and Francis Tumusime (family problems) are returning for Falcons, which gives them the much-needed depth. “We want to take it a game at a time and see what happens. Warriors are an equally decent side and am sure fans will enjoy our clashes,” Falcons patron John Ssimbwa stressed.

With Falcons’ Shs72million signing Stephen Omony coming head to head with Ramadhan, a man he ‘enjoyed’ playing against in Seychelles, neutrals should brace themselves for intriguing battles.

In the women’s category Lady Canons will be minus their high-scoring Frances Nabulobi who is out injured as they face A-1 Challenge.

BY TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

IF league form is anything to go by, then there is a very big chance that new league champions APR could meet Marines in this year’s play off final.

The indomitable lions begin their play-off campaign today with a clash against Cercle Sportif (CSK) while Espoir encounter 2007 champions Marines tomorrow at Amahoro indoor stadium.

After the best of three contests, the winning teams will progress to the final which will also be a best of three gala.

Cliff Owuor’s side will hope to build on their 100 per cent record that saw them clinch a fourth league title in five years. APR amassed 28 points while Marines finished second, four points adrift.

On the other hand, APR’s former players Aboubacar Barame and Bunene Kajeguhakwa are desperate to guide Marines to their first title since 2007.

The play-offs will help APR prepare for the upcoming Fiba-Africa Club Championship. The December event will be staged at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

MALI has been presented with a perfect opportunity to reclaim the Fiba Women Afrobasket crown after being named hosts of the 2011 edition.

The 2007 champions ran out of smoke in this year’s edition (Madagascar) when they lost to Senegal in the final.

Senegal’s 72-57 victory handed the country a record tenth title and further asserted them as Africa’s basketball queens.

Similar to this year, Rwanda will have to qualify through their Zone ‘5’. Early this year, the team shocked many when they dethroned their Kenyan counterparts after hosting the Zone 5 championships.

It was the first time Kenya had failed to qualify for the biannual event since 1993 when they lost to Senegal in the final.

Rwanda had a rough welcome in the Afrobasket event after losing all their group games. However, the team saved their face with two classification victories over South Africa and Tunisia to finish 9th in the twelve-nation tournament.

Senegal and Mali will now represent Africa in next year’s Fiba World Championships in Czech Republic.

(by Sherif Soliman)
Round 4: Itthad and Gezira , jumps to the top with 4 consecutive wins, Itthad crushed Mist insur. while gezira had a hard win over Zamalek,However, it seems that itthad and Gezira will fight for the champion chip togther this season each team holds the best players of the Egyptian league .On the other hand, a chess game will took place every game between the head coaches Amr Abo Elkier Vs Ahmed Mariee , the winner who could lead his team to the top form after 3 month from now when the play-offs starts, anyways both of them are capable to reach the top , we should wait and see...

from africabasket.com

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA
KCC Leopards v Rangers 4pm
KIU v DMark Power 6pm
Wednesday results
Vegetarian 78-71 Rhino
Ndejje Angels 64-80 KIU

Coach Nimrod Kaboha leads his KIU team against champions DMark Power in the best-of-five series starting with Game One at YMCA tonight.

“I know it’s not going to be easy but I have asked my players to give it 100% of teamwork,” Koboha said after his boys dispatched Ndejje University Angels 80-64 on Wednesday to complete the second round unbeaten.

KIU is the only team to have beaten Power in the regular season. However, Power technical director Peter Mubanda, is giving KIU no chance in the series. “If the boys come right, I am sure we can record a clean sweep,” Mubanda said. “I can’t say KIU beat us in regular season.

We just gave away the game cheaply. We never took them serious,” Mubanda noted. anda.
In the women’s game, KCC Leopards will face KIU Rangers in the early game.

Defending champion of the Nigeria Men league, Kano Pillars basketball club Thursday began its title defense on good note with a 98-86 points win over 2008 runner-up, Union Bank basketball club at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos .

Pillars coached by Nigeria senior men national team, D'Tigers, Coach Sanni Ahmed went up in the first and second quarters 25-17 and 22-21 points to go into the break with a 47-38 points lead.

Union Bank to stage a big come-back into the game at the resumption of play in the third quarter only gave them a slim 24-23 point"s win as the Pillars players stood their ground.

Spurred on by the duo of Abubakar Usman - 36 points, 8 assists and 3 steals and Stanley Gumut 26 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Pillars gave the fans that defied the down-pour to catch a glimpse of basketball action in the play-offs of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF organized DSTV Basketball League to further punish their opponent with a 28-24 points last quarter win for a cumulative score-line of 98-86 points.

Pillars will take on fellow Savannah conference side Kadda Stars at 16.00 hours while the Stallion boys as Union Bank is also known will have its hands full when it confront Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt at 12.00Hours Friday.

….. Aguara power Islanders past Potters 70-60

Atlantic conference league leader of the Nigeria premier league, Islanders basketball club of Lagos continue its regular season good run in the Day-1 of the DSTV Basketball League final-8 playoffs Thursday with a resounding victory over Savannah conference side, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos .

Islanders’ basketball club forward, Kingsley Aguara recorded 19 points and 7 rebounds to power his side to victory over the Potters.

Islanders’ first and second quarters win of 11-09 and 21-10 was enough to seal victory for them as Potters fought back gallantly in the third and fourth quarters with narrow wins by 22-21 and 19-17 points could not save them from defeat.

Sheu Muhammed led the Potters in scoring with 18 points and 9 rebounds, old war-horse, Chigozie Nwoye added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist while former Nigeria U-18 men national team small forward, Farouk Musa Oyalade contributed 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steal with Gabriel Sabo grabbing 10 rebounds for his side.

Potters will on Friday (today) take to the floor against former Nigeria league champion, Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos at 14.00hours while Islanders quest to win a silverware this season under a new management will be further put to test as Coach Ogoh Odaudu lead his ward out against Dodan Warriors basketball club in what fans have dub battle of the Atlantic at 18.00hours.

…… Peaks succumbed to Warriors 76-81, as Hoopers edge Kadda 79-71

Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos gave a blister of hope that it is prepared to fight for a semi-final ticket in the DSTV Basketball League playoffs when it shoved off challenges from Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos with an 81-76 point’s victory.

Warriors with consortium of coaches led by Club Coordinator, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) decision the former champion in the first and second quarters with a 21-17 and 18-17 points win to take a halftime lead of 39-34 points.

Peaks fought back in the third quarter to win by 29-24 points to even scores at 63 points apiece to go into the last quarter but it was a resilient Warriors side who were determined to begin its campaign on winning note that had the last laugh winning the last quarter by 18-13 points to recreate the five points margin of 81-76 points.

And in the last game of the opening day of the playoffs which dragged into the night Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt had the better of the battle of debutants beating Kadda Stars basketball club of Kaduna by 79-71 points.

Day-1 Results:

Islanders 70-60 Niger Potters
Kano Pillars 98-86 Union Bank
Plateau Peaks 76-81 Dodan Warriors
Royal Hoopers 79-71 Kadda Stars

Day-2 Pairing:

Union Bank Vs Royal Hoopers (B) – 12.00HRS
Niger Potters Vs Plateau Peaks (A) – 14.00HRS
Kadda Stars Vs Kano Pillars (B) – 16.00HRS
Dodan Warriors Vs Islanders (A) – 18.00HRS

By: Olusegun Ikuesan

FIBA Africa

AS RA Herons players celebrated their entry into the men’s division one league last Friday at Victoria Gymnasium, their counterparts from Beau Vallon Heat were crestfallen.


They had been swept in the best-of-three playoff series to lose their top-flight status.

After going down 57-62 in game one, the Heat started strongly against Men’s division two runners-up RA Herons, coached by Grégoire Scholastique.

Ninth finishers in the top flight this season, the Heat led by one at half-time – 26-25 – and were up by four – 42-38 – after 30 minutes of play. But they fell apart in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter during which they were outclassed 7-15 to lose the game 49-52.

The Heat had avoided the drop last year after winning the playoffs. They trailed Anse Etoile in the series after going down 67-74 in game one, but stayed alive by tying it at 1-1 with a 63-62 game-two win.

They then scorched Anse Etoile in the third match on a 64-59 score to continue playing with the big guns.
RA Herons and second division winners Razors will join the 10-team top flight next season.

G. G.

Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Saturday at YMCA
Heaters v St Michael 3pm
Falcons v Warriors 4pm
A-1 Challenge v Canons 6pm
Sunday
Diamond v Kings 12pm
Berkley v Rhino 2pm
Rangers v Leopards 4pm
Power v KIU 6pm

MTN-Fuba League record champions Falcons are well aware of the role fans play in the game. Especially at this stage of the season (play-offs), every team needs a weighty fans’ backing to have a sniff on the trophy.

The Mountain Dew-sponsored Falcons, chasing their seventh trophy, take on Warriors in the best-of-five semifinals starting Saturday. Before that however, John Ssimbwa’s side, have started a project to promote the game in universities.

In collaboration with Crown Beverages, Falcons have organissed a one-day tournament due Saturday at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono. Makerere, Kyambogo, UCU, Ndejje and Mubs will take part in the inaugural tournament before it is expanded to the countryside in the years to come.

World Marketing Services Limited are spearheading the organisation of the project, which will also see the participating universities get basketball equipment and have their facilities rehabilitated.

“Since Falcons are playing on Saturday evening, most of the participants will converge at YMCA to give them support after the tournament in Mukono,” Dennis Mbidde, the World Wide Marketing Limited Services managing director, said yesterday.

Having won their third championship last year, DMark Power have found their way in many fans’ hearts. They have an organised fan base while Warriors’ recent performances have also earned them sympathy support.
Falcons are now doing everything to keep pace with their opponents.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA League
Today at YMCA
Men's division 1: KIU v Ndejje

KIU Rangers take on D’Mark Power in the first playoff semifinals of the MTN-FUBA men’s division one on Friday, but Nimrod Kaboha’s side still has unfinished business in the regular season.

The Kasanga-based university team take on the Ndejje Angels today at YMCA in a contest that will give them the chance to put some final touches on any plans for Game One of their best of five series against Power.

Yet KIU boss Kaboha may not want to give away much because it is likely that a certain section of the stands will have Power ‘spies’.

Power aside, Kaboha will be wary of exposing his players to injury at such a critical time because having a star hurt in a game of no big significance may reduce their chances of getting past the defending champions.

For Ndejje, this will be the final game of a season that has been largely successful. Even if Walker Obedi’s side have not made the playoffs, to win six games in their maiden season in the first division was impressive.

Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA
Rhino v Vegetarian 6pm
KIU v Ndejje 8pm
Friday (Best of five semis)
KCC Leopards v Rangers 6pm
DMark Power v KIU 8pm

Kampala International University (KIU) are certain of making a maiden MTN-Fuba League semi-final play-offs appearance as long as they honour today’s regular season ending fixture against Ndejje University Angels.

After a run of seven wins, Nimrod Kaboha’s charges need one point from today’s game to dethrone Nkumba Marines from fourth position and book a semi-final date with reigning champions DMark Power on Friday.

KIU’s fairytale this season is as intriguing as is puzzling for other opponents. After only three wins in the first round, KIU looked like they were destined for relegation but shockingly turned tables. Besides being the only team to defeat Power this season, KIU upset Falcons and title hopefuls Warriors and could wrap up the second round unbeaten with victory today.

Nkumba Marines, Miracle and Ndejje all had hopes of piping KIU to the fourth and last play-offs slot but couldn’t produce as much steely performances at the most critical stage. Miracles’ hopes were dashed by back-to-back defeats against Knight Riders and Marines.

Timothy Odeke’s Marines, now on 28 points, can only make the play-offs if KIU fail to turn up for today’s clash. Having finished second behind Power, Warriors will face record champions Falcons in the best-of-five semi-final play-offs starting with Game One on Saturday.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s rescheduled match tie between UCU Canons and KCC Lions couldn’t take place after the latter opted to skip the replay. KCC Lions are keen to take Fuba to court. Fuba, however, wants to settle the matter amicably.

BY TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

IT could be four years since Espoir last won a major trophy but the club is not backing out. With the league trophy already in APR’s grip, Espoir have now switched their focus to the play-offs top prize.

In the regular season, Espoir amassed 20 points to finish third, behind reigning champions APR and 2007 champions Marines but the club head coach Ernest Niyonsenga remains poised that the team can end their trophy drought.

“We finished third in the regular season behind the top two sides. It was a spirited effort from the team so our task now is to try and build on it when the playoffs get underway,” Niyonsenga said.

The play-off contest will attract APR, Marines, Espoir and National University of Rwanda (UNR).

This year, the national basketball federation (Ferwaba) is treating the regular season and play-offs distinctively.

“From this year, the play-offs will be an independent tournament. We shall crown the winner of the regular season but still have the playoffs as a follow up event,” the federation’s technical advisor Innocent Karuhije said.

APR coasted to the regular league title in style after going the whole season unbeaten. It was a replica of last season and clearly asserted the Indomitable lions as Rwanda’s basketball power house.

Cliff Owuor’s side amassed 28 points, four clear of Marines and a further eight clear of Espoir, who last won the title in 2004.

National champions KCB Lions and challengers Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are locked at the top of the tighest race since the league got underway in 1987.

Following tough weekend matches, Lions and KPA are all on 26 points though the porters have played a game less than the bankers. Pundits tip KPA to take pole position ahead of the play offs starting next month. KCB beat USIUn 78-72 while KPA sailed past Posta 70-59.

International Christian Center (ICC) who won 53-47 over UoN are third with 25 points. Strathmore University who have completed their matches are on 23 points and are tied with Posta who will move ahead win or lose their remaining ties.

Eastern Queens tops in the ladies table with 27 points while reigning champions who whipped Storms 94-7 in Mombasa are on 25 having played two games less.

Eagle Wing, who have yet to lose a game save for two walkovers the gave earlier on beat Yana 72-29 and have 24 points. Strathmore University Swords were awarded their game against Mennonites on a 20-0 basis. They are still second from last.

In a Division One Masinde Muliro University of Agricultuire and Technology (MMUST) are tops on 30 points. Kenya College of Accountancy KCA) University are second on 26 after beating Nakuru Club 60-37.

Dann OWERRE

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
Eight teams that made it to the final-8 play-offs of the Nigeria DSTV Basketball League will begin their title chase from Thursday at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

The eight teams four each from the Atlantic and the Savannah conference have been divided into two groups of four teams each.

Leading the challenge in group-A is Atlantic conference league leader, Islanders basketball club of Lagos, other clubs in the group includes Savannah conference runner-up, Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos and Niger Potters basketball club of Minna.

Group-B has Savannah conference leader, Kano Pillars basketball club, Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt, Kadda Stars basketball club of Kaduna and Union Bank basketball club of Lagos.

Each of the teams will play three games each in the preliminary round with the two top teams from each group making it to the semi-finals, as hostilities starts on Thursday.

In the opening game of the Day-1, Islanders basketball club will take on Savannah conference fourth placed team, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna at 12.00 hours; Kano Pillars will do battle against Atlantic conference fourth placed team, Union Bank basketball club at 14.00 hours; Savannah conbference second placed team, Plateau Peaks will slug it out against Atlantic conferecen third placed team, Dodan Warriors at 16.00 hours while Royal Hoopers basketball club who finished the regular season behind Islanders in the Atlantic conference will engage Kadda Stars of Kaduna at 18.00 hours.

Full Schedule:

Day-1 29/10/2009
Game No 1: Islanders Vs Niger Potters (A) 12.00hours
Game No 2: Kano Pillars Vs Union Bank (B) 14.00hours
Game No 3: Plateau Peaks Vs Dodan Warriors (A) 16.oohours
Game No 4: Royal Hoopers Vs Kadda Stars (B) 18.00hours

Day-2 30/10/2009
Game No 5: Union Bank Vs Royal Hoopers (B) 12.00hours
Game No 6: Niger Potters Vs Plateau Peaks (A) 14.00hours
Game No 7: Kadda Stars Vs Kano Pillars (B) 16.00hours
Game No 8: Dodan Warriors Vs Islanders (A) 18.00 hours

Day-3 31/10/2009
Game No 9: Islanders Vs Plateau Peaks (A) 12.00hours
Game No 10: Kano Pillars Vs Royal Hoopers (B) 14.00hours
Game No 11: Niger Potters Vs Dodan Warriors (A) 16.00hours
Game No 12: Union Bank Vs Kadda Stars (B) 18.00hours

Day-4 01/11/2009 R E S T

Day-5 02/11/2009 SEMI-FINALS
Game No 13: 1st (A) Vs 2nd (B) 14.00hours
Game No 14: 1st (B) Vs 2nd (A) 16.00hours

Day-6 03/11/2009 3rd Place and Final
Game No 15: Loser (13) Vs Loser (14) 14.00hours
Game No 16: Winner (13) Vs Winner (14) 16.00hours

By Charles Mutebi

D’MARK Power became the first men’s side to win 17 games in a regular season of the MTN-FUBA first division after seeing off the Ndejje Angels 67-60 at YCMA courts Sunday night.

It wasn’t as authoritative a victory as had been expected but it was still good enough to take the reigning national champions past the UCU Canons, with whom they were tied for the previous record of 16 victories.

It is a great feat yet it could have even been greater if it had not been for Power’s 89-78 loss to KIU early this month.

That result robbed Power of the glorious feat of winning all their regular season games, something they managed 10 years ago when the men’s first division comprised of eight teams.
By defeating Ndejje, Power also reaffirmed their status as the number one seed going into the playoffs, which start on Friday.
Power spent heavily in the pre-season, bringing in the Blick brothers Norman and Donald as well as Michael Kojo and setting the record will be seen as the first fruits of their investment.

The next and ultimately more important test is to see whether Andrew Bazira’s men can defend their crown.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today
KCC Lions v UCU Canons 6pm

Kampala City Council (KCC) Lions are pondering skipping today’s MTN-Fuba League rescheduled match against Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono.

They are instead planning to take their relegation battle to courts of law, accusing the sport’s governing body, Fuba, of violating the rules of the game. KCC earned four points by forfeiture last Tuesday after UCU Canons reported late for the game and were already assured of surviving the drop for the second season running. But UCU Canons filed a successful petition arguing that a member of the Fuba technical committee had informed them of a different tip off time.

“We wrote to them and informed them that we can’t replay the game,” KCC Lions official Dennis Karugaba told Daily Monitor yesterday.
“As far as I know there is no rule that allows a game that has been played to be replayed.”

Whereas Fuba admitted that they blundered by informing UCU that the game was to start at 8pm instead of 6pm, they feel that a replay suits the spirit of fair play. “The game is very important to both teams so we think a replay would do them lots of justice,” Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano said.

If Canons win or earn a walkover today, they will be assured of playing in the topflight. But KCC Lions, who also survived getting relegated by a whisker last season, seem to be having a strong ground to argue their case.

“A match can only be terminated by the referee. The referee awarded us the points and we have the score sheet in our files,” Karugaba argued. Fuba held a meeting with KCC Lions officials last night to try and sort out the matter before it gets out of hand.

Baya win on Biko’s big night THEY let him roam around the arc unguarded and he caused them all sorts of problems with his accurate shooting for a game-leading 27 points, including three treys, as Baya celebrated a 63-49 game-three win for their first Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup triumph.

On-fire captain Steve ‘Biko’ Denis led by example on Sunday at the Palais des Sports, Cobras’ James Beier loses the aerial battle as Baya’s Hendricks Denis and Michael Cupidon soar higher for the SBF Cupsticking up the threes, rallying his crew early when trailing and putting the clamps on Premium Cobras’ Nigerian forward Alao Solomon, who finished with a paltry 11 points – his team’s highest.

Cobras’ coach Guy Hall, who had boasted about getting his predictions right when his team tied the series by winning game two 72-66 to then forecast a game-three victory, was crestfallen after Sunday’s poor display.
“It was a bad day at the office for us,” coach Hall told Sports Nation.

“Baya really killed us with their fast game. This is because their players are fitter than ours. We were beaten by a better team today (Sunday),” added coach Hall who, along with assistant Lenny ‘Bad’ Aglaé, could not find a way to stop Baya, especially in the fourth quarter.

After jumping to a 10-2 lead on a Robert Léon fourth-minute lay-up, Baya, who won game one 80-76, were outscored 15-5 over the next six minutes to trail by two – 15-17 – at the end of the first quarter.

The two teams traded baskets in the second quarter, and the last time the score was tied was at 26-26 two minutes from the break. But Baya took the initiative with a Hendricks Denis trey followed by a Timmy Adam lay-up to go for the breather up by five – 31-26.

It was almost one-way traffic in the third quarter as Baya outlasted Cobras 15-10 to build a comfortable 10-point advantage – 46-36 – which they carried into the fourth.

As Cobras gave away their best opportunities by shooting air balls on open shots and missing free-throws, Baya – who were missing player of the year and sharpshooter Jean-Paul ‘P’ Camille – were all over them. They committed too many fouls and were over the limit with just 2 minutes 20 seconds (2:20) played in the fourth.

When small forward Dave Roseline made a trip to the foul line and banked both shots, Baya’s lead had shot to 14 points – 53-39. Then ‘Biko’ went to work, netting nine consecutive points out of the 14 he got in the fourth quarter, helping Baya mesmerise the demoralised and out-of-sorts Cobras, who got just 10 points in almost seven minutes of action.

The 27-13 fourth-quarter win put the icing on the cake for Baya, who also got 12 points from centre Robert Léon and 10 from Roseline.

“We wanted the win,” said ‘Biko’.
“So we came out with all guns blazing, especially after losing the league title to PLS Hawks through a very bad mistake on our part. We came to play and we delivered today.

“Our next mission is to win the Top-of-the-table tournament,” he said.

G. G.

Nigerian women champions First Bank Basketball Club late Sunday retained the Zenith Bank League – a title they have won back-to-back since the competition took the first jump ball five years ago. But unlike the past seasons where they won all 27 matches including the final match of the league, they were beaten on the final day of the 2009 season by new comers First Deepwater Club. The match ended 80-72 at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. The loss, however, did not change the top position as the Bankers had won their first two meets in Kaduna and Asaba this year when the first and second phases of the league was played.

Deepwater scored the first point, won the first quarter 24-13 and led all through the match. Ijeoma Uchendu of Deepwater who was cut from the Madagascar 2009 team was the highest scorer with 20 points while her team mate Magdalene Ukato hit 19 points. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition Funmi Ojelabi of First Bank shot 16 points with 4 assists.

Both teams got the two tickets to the 2009 African Club championship with the first stage qualifiers starting this week in Cote d’Ivoire. First Bank got the sum of N750, 000 for their efforts while Deepwater got N500, 000. Dolphins left the National Stadium in Lagos as the third best team of the competition. The Dolphins were followed by Sunshine Angels of Akure. Plateau Rocks of Jos were named winners of the Fair Play award and were rewarded with the sum of N100, 000.

The Managing Director of Zenith Bank was represented at the closing events by the AGM/Head Corporate Communications Mr. Timeyin Ejoor who told the players that the bank will continue to stand by them.

“We are always happy to see you perform like this. Our goal is to ensure that young girls like you make the best out of life especially in your youthful days. When we look around this place and from what has taken place at the different stages we know it is Zenith Bank money well spent,” Ejoor said.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) President Mr. Tijjani Umar appealed to Zenith Bank and other partners of the Federation to identify fully with them.

“We appreciate your support but we would like all of you on the table (sponsors and friends of basketball) to ride fully on board with us. That is the only way we can get perfection,” Umar said.

The Managing Director of Multichoice Nigeria Mr. Joseph Hunda whose company sponsors the men’s Dstv League was the Special Guest of Honour. The Lagos Liaisons Officer of the Sports Ministry Mrs Tayo Oreweme represented the Sports Minister.
AWARDS
*First Bank –Champions – (N750, 000, Trophy and continental ticket)
*Deepwater – Runners-up (N500, 000, and continental ticket)
*Dolphins – Third – (N350, 000)
*Fair Play Trophy – Plateau Rocks (N100, 000)
*NBBF Award – Zenith Bank
*MVP – Funmilayo Ojelabi (First Bank) – N15, 000 and trophy
*Highest Rebounder – Esther Igben (Delta Force) – N15, 000 and trophy
*Best Three-pointer – Ogor Bolum (Delta Force) – N15, 000 and trophy
*Highest Scorer – Blessing Emmanuel (AHIP) – N15, 000 and trophy

-By Pius Ayinor, FIBA Africa

By Brown Msyani

Spain-backed under 17 players basketball camp climaxed yesterday at the International School of Tanganyika with big success.

Vijana and the national basketball team coach Bahati Mgunda, said over 25 players took part in the course organised by Tanzania Basketball Federation under the sponsorship of U-5 Sports from Spain.

The camp opened on October 14, the young players learned fundamental skills of basketball starting with physical and technical to ball handling, dribbling, shooting, lay up, jump shot, set shot, passing and receiving, pivoting and shot fake.

Mgunda named other skills obtained at the camp as sliding and shuffling, rebounding, box out, communication skills, developing philosophy for young players, zone, man to man, shell drill traps and later gave the players lessons on rights of young athletes, HIV and doping.

Spain�s Anicet Lavodrama and Evarist Mapunda joined Mgunda to facilitate the training.

''Lavodrama is the former NBA player who also toured Tanzania last year for similar training. We thank him and his firm for their effective support,'' said Mgunda.

Mgunda named the youth who attended the camp as Andrew Sikalengo (Dar es Salaam), Edward Ndung'u(Dodoma), Joseph Lyimo, Albert Chale, Winjonnes Mbwambo, Alphaeus Kisusi, Baraka Elias and Kisoro Hashimu, all from Dar es salaam

The list of Dar es salaam players also includes David Bakalemwa, Abdulrazak Wajid, Sunday Elias, Alpha Mwakipesile, Nickson Charles, Charles Victor, Abdallah Hussein, Dominic Alcard and Gabriel Pius while Loderick Kiwia came from Dodoma.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Tomorrow at YMCA
UCU Canons v KCC 6pm

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons have done everything in their powers to survive relegation. Although their first round performances were far from convincing, the Canons seem to have taken relegation as a reality and know that any simple error can condemn them to the MTN-Fuba League Second Division.

That’s why when they came up against Kampala International University (KIU) on Friday, they played like their lives depended on that game. It took sheer luck for KIU to win in overtime 89-86 after UCU Canons had recovered a seven-point deficit in the last one minute.

Even with the loss, UCU Canons still have a chance to survive after the basketball governing body, Fuba, ordered for a replay of their game against KCC Lions. The Mukono-based side turned up late for the fixture last Tuesday but filed a successful petition to have a replay after KCC were awarded a walkover.

The Fuba technical committee admitted there was a miscommunication over tip-off time. “One of our members told UCU on phone that the game would start at 8pm yet the earlier formal communication indicated 6pm,” Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano said.

APR Basketball club has stepped up their preparations for the African Club Championship which will be held in Kigali in December.

The 24th edition of the continental championship will be held in Rwanda for the first time and APR Kenyan born coach Cliff Owuor hopes his team will ride of home advantage to do a lot better than they have done better.

"We are starting training on Monday [today]," said Owuor, head coach of the local league champions.

"By the fact that we shall come against the best teams on the continent, we need to our preparations early enough so that we're in a good position to challenge for the title in front of our home crowd," he noted.

APR will be appearing in the championships for the third time. They finished eighth in the 2008 in Tunisia and ninth a year before in Angola.

The Indomitable Lions have are also favourites to defend their national league title having qualified for the final playoffs.

Meanwhile, Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) technical adviser, Jean Pierre Karuhije has confirmed that preparations to upgrade the Amahoro indoor stadium courts are already underway.

National champions KCB Lions over the weekend roared to the top of the premier league after a hard fought 78-72 win over United States International University (USIU) in a match played at the World Hope Center.

Lions took a close 37-32 advantage at the break and were one point better in the last half in a game that saw Tobias Onyango torch the students with game high 34 points. The Tigers Abel Nson managed to bag his side's 23 points. KCB have 26 points.

Ealy pace setters International Christian Center (ICC) went to the break trailing 21-25 but recovered in time to beat University of Nairobi "Terrorists" 53-47 in another closely pitted tie. Live wire Griffin Ligare topped with 17 points while Ken Kithinji shot UoN's 14.

In Mombasa. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) beat Posta 70-59 to tie with Lions at the top of the table with 26 points, but the porters have played a game less and will most likely complete their fixtures at the top with two more wins. Posta took the fight to KPA.

At the same venue, reigning women champions KPA on the other hand were on a roll thrashing the visiting Sprite Storms 94-7 in a one sided demolition that saw the Nairobi side, led by national team captain Angela Luchivya offered little resistance.

Eagle Wings remained the only side yet to lose a game save for the two walkovers they gave earlier on. They were a team on fire as they tormented Yana winning 72-29 after taking a 38-17 advantage at the end of the first half. The tire makers were hit in all quarters.

In the lower division match , Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University succumbed to a shock 70-71 loss to Blazers who are third from the bottom of the table. Despite this harsh lesson, the students will make it to the play offs not lower than in the third place.

Eastern Queens beat United States International University (USIU) 46-28 in a premier league clash at Kenya Methodist Universiuty in Meru to remain top of the women's nine team table.

Queens were pepped by national eam star Hilda Indasi who posted 13 points. Mitchelle Otinda also managed 13. For the losers, Linda Mfuchi was the main players providing 10 with Linda Sirma hitting seven.

At the World Hope Centere, Nairobi, Strathmore University Swords were awarded their game against Mennonites on a 20-0 basis. Bottom placed Mennonites failed to show up for this crucial fixtures.

In a Division One tie played at the same venue, Nakuru Club lead 24-17 at the break but could not finish the job as they allowed Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University to ride back in the last half to win 60-37.Victor Okello hit 11 points, Jeremy Kwando added 12 for the students. Joseph Ngochi led the visitors with 17.

Blazers crushed host World Hope 70-59 in another lower division show. Joel Atebe hit 12 points while John Gicheru and Mutwiri Kiogora had 11 each for the winners. Hope had 18 from Daniel Omondi, 14 from Moses Musele and 11 from Eric Khayere.

Kenya Poytechnic University teams were shut out of the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) play off finals when they lost to Nairobi Aviation College and Predators respectively in Game Five of the men and women semi finals played at Railways Club.

Brandon Ouma nailed 17 points to lead NAC to a 63-46 win and a 3-2 series victory. Poly had 10 from Hillary Kirubi. Predators also claimed a 3-2 come from behind series win with a 63-43 win as Winnie Kanani posted 15 and Diana Sari added 13.

Kenya Polytechnic University had crashed 32-49 to Predators in Game Four match played a day earlier to tie the series 2-2 . Sophie Mohamnmed and Pamella Ikonga had 12 points each while Poly had 12 from Euphrasia Kageha.

In Game Four, Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) also forced game five with an easy 75-52 thumping of Kenya Poly. Geoffrey Ssozi had 19 points and Alvin Mbaluka hit 13. Poly had 12 from Edgar Giliani.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

The qualifiiers for Women champions cup zone3 will take place in Abidjan from October 30th to November 7th 2009. Six teams confirmed their participation,those teams are; First Bank and Deep Water of Nigeria, CSA and ABC of Côte d'Ivoire and CBC of Togo.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Friday results
UCU Canons 86-89 KIU
DMarkPower 81-74 Warriors
Women
Lady Canons 54-76 Leopards
Today at YMCA
Ndejje v DMark Power
Sparks v Lady Canons

Even without their most expensive signings this season – the Blick brothers Norman and Donald – Dmark Power found little trouble in defeating Warriors 81-74 in an MTN-Fuba League encounter at YMCA Wandegeya on Friday night.

Power signed the Blick brothers at a combined Shs30m in pre-season but the duo were away for an upcountry working trip and their absence was hardly felt as Isaac Afidra’s game high 23 points and Joseph Ikong’s 22 ensured Power emerged regular season champions with one game to spare. Buoyed by a huge expectant crowd, Warriors needed to win by more than two points to earn regular season bragging rights and avenge their bitter 88-90 first round loss to reigning champions Power.

However, without their head coach Gad Eteu, who is attending refresher course in America , Warriors looked beaten after only two minutes of the game. They turned over the ball like a high school team and their defence was calamitous. No surprise that Power led the first quarter 16-19 and were in control 38-26 at halftime.

With a constant 15-point comfortable lead in the third quarter, Power coach Andrew Bazira made substitutions at will and gave all his fringe players a chance to contribute. Abdullahi Ramadhan helped Warriors reduce the deficit late on, finishing with a team high 19 points. Ronnie Kasewu, Joshua Etalu and Kenyan Martin Okwako scored a paltry nine points each as Warriors completed their regular season with three losses. They will now face record champions Falcons for a place in the final.

Earlier, KIU held their nerves to defeat UCU Canons 89-86 in overtime and kept their play-off pursuit on track. They now need victory against Ndejje Angels on Wednesday to book a semi-final date with defending champions DMark Power.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Wednesday results
Riders 88-84 Miracle
Sunday at YMCA
Ndejje v DMark Power
Sparks v Lady Canons

The wait for a maiden play-offs slot continues for Miracle Eagles. After coming so close, the Rubaga-based Eagles blew their opportunity on Wednesday when they lost to the already relegated Knight Riders.

Losing against a lowly Riders side was something they least expected and as coach Barnes Ankunda put it, Eagles’ fate could as well have been sealed then. “We came out to play but had it on mind that other factors are not in our favour,” Ankunda said after the 84-88 loss at YMCA. Ankunda was particularly concerned that Kampala International University (KIU), a team they are vying with for the last play-offs slot, were getting results with ease.

“The situation is now complicated after KIU defeated Power and Warriors. It’s basically out of our hands,” he noted. With a wealth of talent following a massive pre-season recruitment, Eagles were tipped to finish among the top four, but the team struggled to gel especially in the first round.

However, going into Wednesday’s game, they still had a big chance of piping KIU and Nkumba Marines to the last play-offs slot. A good 48-43 first half lead seemed to lift the Eagles but they somehow folded against a Riders side, playing under no pressure.

“I can’t tell what happened,” Miracle centre player Robert Mubiru, said after the match. “It’s so disappointing.” Going into the final session, Miracle still had a five-point advantage but a couple of turnovers put paid to their efforts. The situation is now out of their hands.

If KIU can win their final two games, Eagles will officially be out of contention. “I still believe we can qualify,” Boniface Okello, who managed 17 points against Riders, noted. Rogers Odiama was the hero for Riders, scoring a game high 25 points, while Colin Mukiza and Jimmy Enabu kept Eagles’ defence on its toes.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA
KIU v UCU Canons 5:30pm
Lady Canons v Leopards 7pm
Power v Warriors 8:30pm
Wednesday results
Riders 88-84 Miracle Eagles
Vegetarian 7-93 St Michael
Women
KCC Leopards 107- 48 Bucks
Nabisunsa 46-42 Sparks

Much of the off-court talk this season has been centered on who is better between DMark Power and Kyambogo Warriors.

Fans have gone as far as betting money on who will win the title when the MTN-Fuba League season comes to a climax in December. Yet, the first round clash that ended 90-88 in favour of Power didn’t help matters – it proved little in as far as the teams’ strength is concerned.

Warriors, who took an early control of that game, complained that the lengthy halftime music break affected their rhythm. Today, all that talk will be laid to rest. Power and Warriors clash in a highly-anticipated game at YMCA Wandegeya, to decide who wins the regular season championship.

“I don’t think they have a chance against us,” DMark Power centre player David Kiberu noted. “They just can’t beat us.” Prior to this season, Warriors were famed for chocking on the big stage, but they shed off the tag by emerging Uganda’s best performers in the Africa Zone 5 Sprite Championship held August in Kampala.

They finished second to Kenya Cooperative Bank after a 47-53 loss in the final. Power were by far pretenders in that tournament but still managed to defeat Warriors 98-96 in the group stage.

It’s this kind of jinx that Warriors will be trying to overcome in tonight’s game. Both teams have one loss courtesy of the rejuvenated Kampala International University (KIU) and victory could put either side in line to face their conquerors in the semi-finals.
Finishing second may be unwelcome as it would ensure a semi-final clash with record champions Falcons, who have secured third place.

Meanwhile, after seven straight wins, KIU could put one foot in the play-offs with victory against the troubled UCU Canons in the day’s first game. After Miracle Eagles suffered an 84-88 shock loss to Knight Riders on Wednesday night, KIU and Nkumba Marines remain favourites to land the only remaining play-offs slot.

MYRA Solin played like a real power forward and Jenita Toussaint rediscovered her shooting prowess from beyond 3-point range with three treys in Wednesday’s game two to help HotShots sweep Mont Fleuri in the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup best-of-three final series.

With the 63-49 game-two victory, captain and centre Tina Agathine’s team have completedCentre Agathine (right) rejects Dubois’ shot a first league and cup double.

Losers of game one by a 21-point margin – 72-51 – the Mont Fleurians did a good job of keeping Tina Agathine away from the basket on Wednesday as she killed them in Sunday’s game one with the many second-chance shots she got from under the board for 24 points. But they completely forgot about Solin, who did a lot of damage in the paint with her game-leading 28 points, including a 3-pointer off the glass, despite playing with four fouls for 14 minutes 44 seconds (14:44).

Compared to game one when they trailed throughout, Mont Fleuri led 5-3, 7-5, 9-8 and 11-10 in the first quarter, which they still lost 15-17.

HotShots, giving a rare start to young Sherifah Agathine, who promises to become a good player if she stays focused on what she has to do to improve her game, used an 11-2 run two minutes into the second quarter to take an 11-point lead as Marlene Toussaint came off the bench to bank a 3-pointer with 7:19 to play.

But their lead was cut to seven – 36-29 – at half-time as Mont Fleuri enjoyed a good spell which pleased coach Tony Juliette.
In the opening minute of the third quarter, Mont Fleuri made it a three-point game (36-33) after veteran Patricia Samynadin hit 2-of-2 from the charity stripe and scored with a short jumper.

This was the closest they could come to levelling the game. After Solin drained a 3-pointer off the glass with 3 minutes gone in the third spell, HotShots worked Mont Fleuri to the tune of a 17-9 lead to open a 53-38 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter.

As their dancing young fans, sporting colourful wigs, chanted “we are the champs”, HotShots traded baskets with Mont Fleuri in the fourth 10-minute spell which they lost 10-11 for a 63-49 victory.
“We are the champs,” power forward Solin told Sports Nation.
“It’s the team’s first league and cup double. Sheer determination brought us success this season. Now we will let the triumph sink in. We know we must come prepared next year to defend the two titles.
“We dedicate this victory to our coach (Philip Arissol), who is attending an overseas training,” she added.

Skipper Lindy Aglaé and veteran Williana Dubois scored 15 points apiece for Mont Fleuri, who also got 10 from Bernadette Songor.

Jenita Toussaint finished with 16 points for HotShots, who banked six treys. Their bench also outscored that of Mont Fleuri 5-4.

G. G.

After the last Women Afrobasket at Madagascar where they lost the title to Senegal, Mali will host the 2011 women Afrobasket at Bamako where the former champion will try to win back the African nations women championship. For the occasion they will build a new arena and fix the old pavillon des sports. His excellency Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure promise Dr. Alphonse Bile during the feminine U16 Afrobasket at Bamako that he will make sure everything will be ready on time to host that event.

The qualifiiers for Women champions cup zone3 will take place in Abidjan from October 30th to November 7th 2009. Six teams confirmed their participation,those teams are; First Bank and Deep Water of Nigeria, CSA and ABC of Côte d'Ivoire and CBC of Togo.

Sunshine Angels Basketball Club of Akure may compound the problem of the Nigeria Immigration Services Basketball Club of Kano this evening when both sides clash in the ongoing Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF)/Zenith Bank Women’s Premier League.

Wale Joseph reports that while Sunshine Angels are yet to drop a point since dunking off of the final phase of the league, Immigration Services are yet to win any match.

First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos, the champions, will confront Delta Force Basketball Club of Asaba in the last match of the day. First Bank, who have won all their matches since the commencement of the league, are also set for another victory, not minding the absence of five of their top players who are away to Madagascar on national duty in the Nations Cup.

Peter Odia is a member of the bronze winning National Under-16 team to the maiden edition of the FIBA-Africa Championship in Maputo, Mozambique. The Ebun Comets Basketball Club young point guard, on their return from the tourney, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, spoke with WALE JOSEPH on how Nigeria narrowly missed the sole ticket to FIBA World Under 16 Championship in Germany. Peter, who won bronze medal for Lagos at the last Sports Festival in Kaduna spoke on a number of issues affecting the game

Q: What went wrong in your match against Egypt in the semi final of the U-16 tourney in Maputo?
A: Nothing actually went wrong. I can only attribute their beating us to ill-luck. We did all we could to win the game, but the truth is the Egyptians were just lucky to have won the game by 3 points. The game ended 74-71points, but I think if we had had more time together ahead of the championship, maybe we would have done better.

Q: Can you throw more light on your preparations before the championship?
A: Our preparations weren’t good at all. You won’t believe that only two players were together for two days at the Abuja camp. We were able to adjust after playing a couple of games in the qualifiers. But I still believe that if we had had more time together we would have won the championship.

Q: How did you see the tourney as a player?
A: It was a very good championship and it gave us the opportunity to play against the best in our category. We were able to show what we can do. The sad thing is that we could not win the championship and qualify Nigeria to play at the World Championship coming up in Germany.

Q: On a personal note, how did you feel coming very close and yet unable to win?
A: I feel very bad and sad, because I strongly believe if we had had a better preparation, we would have won the championship. I only want to beg the authorities to help us, because I know we have the talents here, all we need is good preparations ahead of championships like this, so that we can show what we can do.

Q: How do you see the future of the game in Nigeria?
A: I said earlier that we have the talents here because I was at this year’s Basketball Without Border (BWB) in South Africa and I saw players from other countries in Africa. My belief is that if we get enough exposure we will be unstoppable.

Q: What was the experience like in South Africa during the BWB?
A: It was a sweet experience. I felt great working with some of the best in the game, mostly from the NBA and training and competing with some of the best among my mates from across the continent.

Q: What advice do you have for the administrators of the game in the country?
A: My advice is very simple. We need encouragement from them. They should pay more attention to basketball because it can also bring glory to the country. It should not be only football. They should put money into the game, other sports should be supported too, to bring glory to the country.

Q: So what next for you now?
A: I want to keep working hard on my game and also help my club in its effort to win the league and with God’s blessing, I will be among the best point-guards in the world. I’m also looking forward to playing for the senior national team, D’Tigers someday. This a dream that I belief will come to pass in no distant future. I also want to play among the best in the world.

First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos continued its domination of basketball in Nigeria by retaining the trophy which they have won since the past five years.

The coach Aderemi ‘Owolo’ Adewunmi tutored side have won all their matches so far making it impossible for their closest rival, First Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos or any team in the league to overturn them even with the ongoing third phase yet to be concluded.

The Elephant Girls, as they are known, won the first two phases in Kaduna and Asaba respectively without dropping a point or losing a match thus confirming their superiority on the local scene.

Adewunmi, told Basketball Timeout at the beginning of the season that it was the Continent that they were preparing for and not the league, adding that he is sure of retaining their crown.

Adewunmi, who is also the head coach of the National Under-16 said their next target is to first pick one of the tickets for the FIBA-Africa Club Championship for Women when the FIBA-Africa Zone III qualifiers dunks-off at the end of the month in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire and then go on to fight for the championship they once won .

However, debutant, First Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos have secured the second ticket available for the Continental slot by coming second behind First Bank, the only clubside that they have lost to since joining the elite league.

First Deepwater, coached by former international, Lateef Erinfolami, also made good their promise of picking one of the slots for the continental ticket, pushing regular second place finishers, Dolphins Basketball Club down the ladder.

Erinfolami told Basketball Timeout that he was satisfied with his team’s outing in their first season together as a team, stating that they will work harder next season to upstage the champions, First Bank but revealed that they are worthy champions.

(by Isaac Kwapong) from africabasket.com
The Security Services Sports Association Basketball Championship 2009 tips off on friday 23rd October at the El-wak Sports Stadium with all the security services competing for the number one spot as the top security service basketball team. The SESSA basketball championship has been the nations most competitive and exciting seniors basketball competition since the history of Ghana basketball.

With great level of competition displayed in each year's competitions yet one team has dorminated the competition since it's inception. CEPS Braves of the Customs and Preventive Service protectors of the borders and ports of Ghana have been the winners of the SESSA basketball championship since the first year of the competition. Basketball is amongst the numeral's games to be played from the 23rd of October to the 24th of October. Some of the competing security services include Police Service, Fire Service,Military Service, and the Prison's Service, Will the CEPS BRAVES add to their shelf of trophies and accomplishments?The battle field has been set out for the security services on the basketball court come friday 23rd October 2009 at the El-wak sports stadium.May the best security service team win.

Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Tuesday result
KCC Lions 20-00 Canons (w/o)
Tomorrow at YMCA
KIU v UCU Canons 5:30pm
Lady Canons v Leopards 7pm
DMark Power v Warriors 8:30pm

Kampala City Council (KCC) Lions could survive relegation and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons suffer the drop instead. Only a week ago, former two-time MTN-Fuba League semi-finalists Canons seemed to have staved off relegation but the situation has changed, suddenly.

The Mukono-based side turned up late for their rescheduled game against KCC Lions on Tuesday, losing four points by forfeiture. According to the local governing body, Fuba, an official communication was sent to both teams last week indicating that the game would start at 6pm.

“A reminder was sent to the teams few hours before the game but I understand UCU talked to one of the technical committee members and were informed of a different tip-off time,” Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano told Daily Monitor yesterday.

UCU Canons, one of the most feared league teams in the past two years, came to YMCA Wandegeya knowing that the game was to start at 8:30pm only to reach there after KCC Lions had been awarded points. If the decision stands, UCU Canons (18 points) will be relegated to Second Division alongside Knight Riders, even if they win their season-ending fixture against KIU tomorrow.

KCC Lions (22) will survive for the second consecutive season even if they lose to Falcons in their final game this weekend. However, there is hope that the game can be replayed. “We realise there was a small communication lapse and the technical committee is sitting to discuss the issue. The game is very important for both teams and we are trying to be as fair as possible,” Manano noted.

LIKE last year, Beau Vallon trail in the Men’s division one best-of-three playoff series. On Monday at Victoria Gymnasium, coach Valli Ismaël’s Heat went down 57-62 in game one against Men’s division two runners-up RA Herons.

Herons’ Kenny Moustache scored three consecutive treys in the fourth quarter to open up the game for his team as he finished with 14 points, including four 3-pointers.

Ryan Volcère connected six times from downtown to finish with 23 points and, boasting a one-game lead, the Herons will go into tomorrow’s game two brimming with confidence.

After Heat’s centre Tony ‘General’ Barbé fouled out with only nine points, Pascal Bibi picked up the slack with a game-high 26 points in a lost cause.

Ninth finishers in the top flight this season, the Heat, who won the first and third quarters 12-11 and 21-18, dropped the second and fourth 14-20 and 10-13.

If the Heat tie the series in tomorrow’s game two, game three will be played on Saturday at 3pm at Victoria Gymnasium.
In last year’s playoff, the Heat trailed Anse Etoile in the series after going down 67-74 in game one, but they stayed alive by tying it at 1-1 with a 63-62 game-two win.

They then scorched Anse Etoile in the third match on a 64-59 score to continue playing with the big guns.

G. G.

By Brown Msyani http://www.thecitizen.co.tz

The Dar es Salaam Basketball Charity Tournament continued yesterday with Savio edging out Pazi 28-26 at the National Indoor Stadium.

Mohamed Yusuf and Lusajo Samuel guided their team to the victory with 13 and 8 points respectively.
Yusuf, who was a constant source of trouble to Pazi, emerged the match's top scorer followed by his teammate Samuel.
Savio, who fielded all their prominent players, had to come from behind to win the match in a dramatic style.
Gritty young Pazi's players started the match with a clear intent of humbling Savio and finished the first half with a 19-17 lead.
Little known Francis Kapama, Dennis Kibua and Elias Kelvin outclassed Savio's veterans in the first half, but ran out of steam in the final minutes of the second half.
Savio played heroically in the last six minutes and managed to level the score and add two more points that saved face.
Savio relied on the likes of Mohamed Yusuf and Okare Emesu to teach the budding players the basketball lesson.
Eddy Mayeye of Pazi fought hard throughout the match and notched up 10 points, but they were not enough to make their side victorious.
Savio's Okare Emesu and Samuel came to dictate the centre of the court, but had work hard to subdue Iku Mseu and Ally Himid of Pazi.

Today, bitter rivals JKT and Savio play at the same venue before Chang'ombe Boys and Prisons lock horns in the second match.
JKT, who defeated Chui 74-30 on Monday, are buoyed up by their brilliant players; Charles Makene, Frank Simkoko and Himid Choka.

The tournament, which started on Saturday, has attracted all Dar es Salaam premiership teams.

(by Sherif Soliman) from africabasket.com
Round 2: Held last night with no surprises, all big teams got thier 2 points, Zamalek new team made a magnifisent come back to win over Shorta in the last 30 sec. by 5 points, While, Somouha made a hard win over sporting 70-69, Itthad crushed Intaj the new visitor to the super league 102-82, On the other hand Gezira killed Geish by 20 points 68-48 in the 3rd qarter when all Geish players got tired and couldnt face the speed of Gezira players,However, next round should be held next satureday.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA League
Today at YMCA
Men’s division 1:
Riders v Eagles (8pm)
Men’s division 2:
Veg. v St. Michael (5.30pm)
Women: Bucks v Leopards

THE Miracle Eagles look likely to lose out to KIU Rangers in the race for the last MTN-FUBA league men’s first division playoff ticket but until then they are still in contention and will be expected to take today’s encounter with the Knight Riders seriously.

It is the Eagles penultimate game of the regular season and Bernice Ankunda’s men have to win it to ensure they push KIU to the final round next week. KIU, who played the Ndejje Angels last night, simply have to win their last two games to make the playoffs.

However, if KIU lost to Ndejje or lose their final match against the UCU Canons, then Miracle will take the playoff berth by defeating the Riders and the Nkumba Marines. Those are too many ‘ifs’ but that is what it has come to for Eagles, who began the season with very high hopes.

But if it is any consolation, at least Eagles are assured of league survival, which cannot be said about their opponents for the YMCA contest. The Riders have been relegated from the men’s top-flight for the second consecutive time.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA
Vegetarian v St Michael 5:30pm
Riders v Miracle Eagles 8:30pm
Women
Lady Bucks v Leopards 7pm
Friday
KIU v UCU Canons
Lady Canons v Leopards
DMark Power v Falcons

Miracle Eagles resume their quest for a maiden play-offs slot in the MTN-Fuba League when they take on Knight Riders at YMCA Wandegeya tonight.

There is only one slot up for grabs and the Rubaga-based Eagles must hold off Kampala International University (KIU) and Nkumba Marines to make the postseason. Champions DMark Power, Warriors and Falcons have already taken the top three positions.

Some Miracle players, including Robert Mubiru, who returned to the side recently after a short stint in United Kingdom, watched helplessly as KIU upstaged title hopefuls Warriors at YMCA on Saturday night.

They knew victory for KIU would leave them in a precarious position and that’s why they openly supported Warriors. KIU’s victory took them to 25 points, one ahead of Eagles and both teams have two games left. Despite a massive recruitment in pre-season, Miracle Eagles have failed to perform to their potential. Yet, facing the already relegated Riders is a big challenge in itself. Whereas Riders won’t be under any pressure to perform, Eagles are aware that a loss tonight could mark the end of their campaign.

Having defeated Ndejje Angels on Saturday, Nkumba Marines are also waiting to pounce on the play-offs berth. Marines are on 26 points with one game left but still have a mathematical chance of finishing fourth.

In the women’s category, KCC Leopards have an easy fixture against Lady Bucks.

By Erick Ochieng’

Safe Spaces have become the first club to qualify for the Kenya Basketball Federation women’s premier league.

But Kenya Polytechnic University, who were poised to join Safe Spaces, were disappointed on Tuesday when Predators hammered them 49-25.

This prompted Poly to protest the Game Three match playoffs accusing Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) officials of bias.
"This is what they wanted, they do not want us to continue to the Premier League because they want Poly to stay in NBA League forever," Poly player, Faith Wanyoike, protested.

Poly said they were not satisfied with Tuesday’s results saying the match was officiated to suit Predators.

Many quarters

Postponement of Poly versus Predators Game Three match drew protestations from many quarters and Poly’s coach Fred Omondi said NBA had a hidden agenda.

Contacted, NBA chairman, Ronny Owino, said the match that was due to be played on Tuesday at Kawangware’s Hope Centre was postponed because one of Predators players lost her husband.

Poly needs to win one of the remaining two playoff matches to advance to the premiership.

Safe Spaces who have won all the matches beat World Hope 52-40 in Game Three to make it to the Premier League.

Poly men beat Nairobi Aviation 60-55 in their Game Four playoff.

Moses Musosi and Mandela Otieno scored for Aviation and Poly 13 and 15 points.

Poly won the first quarter 14-11 and lost the second 29-14. On resumption after the break, Poly improved play and won 17-7 and 15-8 in third and fourth quarters.

In another Game Four playoff Trail Blazers edged out Emyba 70-60 at the venue.

6′ 8″ Atsu Atakpa has decided to leave Casper College and play for Coach Marco Borne at Paul Quinn. Atakpa is the second Runhouse-Hoops player to transfer from Casper College joining Daniel Armah out.Coach Borne is counting on “Big Jake” to bring some inside scoring punch to his revamped team. Paul Quinn plays in the very tough Red River Conference of NAIA Div 1

Chris Angsomwine, 6′ 9″ Forward, verbally commits to Oral Roberts University.Kilgore, Texas - 6 October 2009 - Angsomwine has made the verbal commitment to become a student athlete at Oral Roberts University next season after completion of his Associates Degree at Kilgore Junior College. Angsomwine was one of the first players to come through our Runhouse-Hoops Project that we run in conjuction with Claudius Thompson of Cape Coast Hoops.Sources close to the ORU staff think Chris Angsomwine has a chance to be a outstanding player in their system. He’s an athletic big guy that can run, has a good skill level and a strong body to defend and block shots. Chris has a tremendous upside. He is a great student and will be a great fit for the ORU campus & the Tulsa community

Cape Coast Hoops is in the history book by receiving itsTeam Blue Cape Coast Hoops first sponsorship package. Sportspave.com a website gear towards discovering talents in all sports discipline sign a one year sponsorship package with Cape Coast Hoops. Hoops received two sets of basketball jerseys with their logo and that of Sportspave printed on it. An event was organize which officially launched Sportspave in Ghana. The Chairperson of the occasion, Mr. Edward Pappoe, Coach of the Prisons Athletic Team, lauded Sportspave for their gesture. He call on those in the private sectors to support/sponsor lesser sports. In his remarks,Team Yellow Cape Coast Hoops the special guest, Hon. Gershun Gbediame, MP of NKwanta South, officially launched Sportspave in Ghana and also ask all youth in sports to make use of the opportunity by going online and register their profile at www.sportspave.com in order to have similar opportunity as Hoops. He also told the Hoops team to live by leadership being the first to receive sponsorship from Sportspave. He than presented the sets of jerseys to the CEO of Cape Coast Hoops, Mr. Claudius Thompson. In his remarks, the CEO thanked Sportspave and encourage players in the team to see this as the beginning of greater things to come their way. He also encourage youth in and outside Ghana to have their profile on Sportspave as it is a medium of getting recruited by teams in and outside the country. A special basketball showcase was held between players of the team showing their skills to the guests. MC for the occasion was Kwesi Amoak

By Brown Msyani

Himid Choka's terrific performance inspired JKT ease past Chui 74-30 in a Charity Basketball match held yesterday at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Choka, who teamed up well with veteran Charles Makene posed constant threats to Chui throughout the encounter.
The budding player chalked up 20 points to emerge the match's top scorer while his striking partner Makene managed 17 points.
JKT, who looked too strong and experienced to their opponents, finished the first half with a commanding 44-10 lead.
Chui scored most of their points through Benedicto Mwakangale who notched up 12 points and Joseph Mbozu scored nine points.
JKT, one of the basketball giants in the country, fielded several young players, but Jimmy Brown who starred at the centre of the court caught the eyes of many spectators.

Another match saw ABC edge out Chang'ombe Boys 77-72 in a fiercely contested match at the same venue.
ABC showed grit to win right from the start whistle and managed a11-8 lead at the end of the first quarter before Chang'ombe responded strongly to lead 35-34 in the second half.
Rejuvenated ABC extended their lead to 52-44 in the third quarter and added 25 points in the final quarter, which were enough to guarantee them the victory.

Stephen Charles of ABC was the match's top scorer after notching up 28 points while his teammate Joseph Mbozu scored 12.

The tournament, which started on October 17 will reach its climax on October 24.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA LEAGUE

Weekend Round up

Men Division 1
KIU 69 Warriors 53
Marines 107 Angels 90
Women
Rangers 65 Cubs 62
Stormers 71 Rhinos 56

Men’s 1st div. standings
Teams P W L Pts
Power 16 15 1 31
Warriors 16 14 2 30
Falcons 17 11 6 28
Marines 17 9 8 26
KIU 16 9 7 25

KIU Rangers defeated the Kyambogo Warriors 69-59 at YMCA over the weekend to complete a second-round sweep of the three giants in the MTN-FUBA men’s first division.

The victory kept Nimrod Kaboha’s team on course for the playoffs and confirmed they will be a tough nut to crack if they make it there. All they have to do now is defeat the UCU Canons and Ndejje University Angels.

The win against Warriors follows KIU’s 89-78 victory over table-leaders and defending champions D’Mark Power and a 58-45 triumph over the Mountain Dew Falcons.

KIU are the only side to defeat Power, Warriors and the Falcons this season. They have also beaten fourth placed Nkumba Marines.

All the victories have come in the second round, in which KIU have won six of their seven matches. KIU won only three of their nine first round matches.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Sunday results
Mak Cubs 52-65 Rangers
Rangers 81-74 Sparks
Men
Crane High 78-99 Rhino
Ndejje 90-107 Marines

Former women champions Makerere Sparks will have to wait for yet another year before they can play in the MTN-Fuba League play-offs.

Winners in 2003, Sparks have not made the postseason since 2006. Under Sam Obol’s watchful eye, Sparks looked rejuvenated and hopes were high in their camp that finally, they would rub shoulders with the big three.

That hope was washed away over the weekend when they failed to beat KIU Rangers at YMCA Wandegeya. Victory would have kept Obol’s side in line to finish fourth but a big crowd watched helplessly as they went down 74-81.

Their fighting spirit, however, didn’t go unnoticed. Outplayed 41-21 in the first half, Sparks rallied to cut Rangers’ lead to one point (62-63) at some stage but a couple of errors curtailed their efforts. Sparks will thus be relegated to a cheering role as KCC Leopards, A-1 Challenge, Rangers and champions UCU Canons battle it out for the championship.

Same with men’s side Ndejje Angels, whose pursuit for a play-offs slot was shattered by a 107-90 loss to Marines. “Its disappointing but since its our first season in the topflight, there is hope that we can do better next year,” Angels coach Walker Obedi said.

HOTSHOTS and Baya are a game away from sweeping the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup best-of-three final series after taking game one on Sunday at the Palais des Sports.

While HotShots steamrollered Mont Fleuri 72-51, Baya rose from their deathbed to earn an 80-76 victory over Premium Cobras.

HotShots, who lost Beguitta Fontaine with an ankle injury in the second minute, never trailed in a match they dominated from start to finish, winning all four quarters – 18-11, 13-9, 22-14 and 19-17 – for a 21-point margin victory that has put them in the right frame of mind for tomorrow’s game two.

HotShots’ international power forward Myra Solin led all scores with 30 individual points, captain and centre Tina Agathine added 24, while young playmaker Zerah Fontaine finished with 11, including two 3-pointers.

After the match, skipper Agathine told Sports Nation that her team will finish off Mont Fleuri tomorrow.
“We are determined to come and play hard to get a second win on Wednesday. We will do it,” she said.

With captain and centre Lindy Aglaé and veteran Tracey Hétimier getting into foul trouble early in the first quarter – while evergreen Williana Dubois did not play her best coming off the bench – it was left to another veteran, Patricia Samynadin, to carry Mont Fleuri’s scoring load with 16 points.
Coach Tony Juliette still has hope for his team and said: “We will bounce back in game two.”

Baya rise from deathbed

Cobras were not happy with some of the decisions taken by the trio of referees, saying they cost them the match, but in the end they have themselves to blame for the game-one defeat as they blew a 15-point lead and hurried their shots during crunch time.

Against a disorganised Baya, Cobras won the first two quarters 19-14 and 21-17 for a nine-point – 40-31 – half-time lead.
Coach Guy Hall’s team looked to be cruising to victory as their biggest lead grew to 15 points – 55-40 – on a James Beier drive with 3 minutes 33 seconds (3:33) left in the third quarter, but Baya used a 12-3 run to reduce the gap to six points – 58-52 – after 30 minutes of play.

Although Cobras pulled away at 63-52, Baya used another good spell to tie the match at 63-63 on skipper Steve Denis’s free throws with 5:30 left on the clock, but they just could not take the lead.

Nigerian Alao Solomon went coast-to-coast with 1:30 to go to put Cobras up by six (74-68), but Dave Roseline came out of his lethargy to bury a trey to put Baya back into contention at 74-71.

After Amadou Sylla – who had slammed the basketball on a nice alley-oop pass from Solomon midway through the second quarter – saw his drive drop to bring the score to 76-71, Baya’s sharp shooter Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Camille went to work. He buried two consecutive shots from downtown and was fouled on the second by Solomon to complete a four-point play, giving Baya the lead for the first time in the match at 78-76 with 15.3 seconds left on the clock.

Back into the game following a time-out called by coach Hall, Cobras had to attack Baya to try to equalise and force extra-time. But Solomon made the wrong decision of going for a trey to win the match and Baya caught the air-ball which Roseline turned into a basket on an easy lay-up to close the game at 80-76.

It was a heart-breaking loss for Cobras, who had looked like taking victory, and coach Hall said his team will come into Thursday’s game two more prepared.
“We have no choice but to win game two to force a decider,” he said.
Hall’s counterpart Michel Malbrook is confident his team will close the series on Thursday.
“It (the series) will be over by Thursday. We will up the tempo to give a better performance than we did on Sunday,” he said.

Sunday’s finals were watched by Italian Gianluca Tucci, who is here in search of the national team coach job.

G. G.

Rwanda Patriotic Army(APR) men and Eastern Queens women basketball teams are the new Kenyatta Day Basketball tournament champions after defeating Kenya Ports Authority teams in the finals at Jomo Kenyatta Sports grounds in Kisumu over the weekend.

APR defeated KPA men 43-30 in the finals while Eastern Queens beat Kenya champions KPA 40-38 in the finals.

Eastern Queen, who defeated KPA in a league match in Nairobi a fortnight ago, prevailed again over their coastal foes with a spirited fight against the dockers who used the championships as part of the preparations for the Africa Club championships to held in Benin next month.

Queens were without diminutive but inspirational point guard Irene Makori who was left behind in Nairobi with work commitments but were well respresented by Linda Alando,Emma Nyakweba , Hilda Indasi, Emily Ongoro and Mitchell Otinda and led 12-08 in the first quarter,21-19 at the break and 33-30 in the third.
Hilda Indasi led the scores for Queens with 10 points and Emily Ongoro had eight while KPA were propelled by Yvonne Akinyi who had 13 points.
In the semi finals, Eastern Queens hammered Uganda Christian University 46-27 while Kenya Ports Authority beat Mombasa Sports Club 41-19 in the other semi finals.

The men’s encounter was another cracker with APR, coached by Kenyan Cliff Owuor, dominant right from the onset.

Too good

The combination of Bienvenue Ngandu,Presta Malemba, Karim Nkusi and Nikobahoze Blaise was the too good for the KPA first team of the Odari brothers Francis and Musa, Dan Okwiri, Javan Odhiambo and Patrick Kirui.

Ngandu led the scores with 17 points, Malemba had 10 points while Nkusi managed nine. Okwiri scored 10 points for KPA while and Francis Odari had eight. In the semi finals, APR beat Uganda Christian University 64-30 while KPA beat Sprite 54-46.

Earlier, both APR and KPA were giving difficult moments by school teams Maseno school and Upper hill School from Nairobi.

While Maseno who were the darling of the crowd restricted APR to a 45- 28 scores, Upper hill worked overtime to stretch KPA to 61-43 in another encounter.

Overall standings
1. Senegal
2. Mali
3. Angola
4. Ivory Coast
5. Nigeria
6. Mozambique
7. Cameroon
8. Madagascar
9. Rwanda
10. Tunisia
11. Mauritius
12. South Africa

Senegal’s Traore takes MVP award Senegalese inspirational player, Aya Traore has emerged as the new Africa Best Player in women basketball.

Traore who inspired her side to victory over former champions Mali will now wear the crown of Most Valuable Player for the next two years.

The 25-year-old was also named on the tournament’s all-star team.Other players on the honour list included fellow teammates Fatou Dieng and Aminata Diop, Nassecela Mauricio of Angola and Nagouma Coulibaly of Mali.

19-year-old Ivory Coast guard, Kani Kouyate topped the scoring charts with 125 points, Mali forward Djene Diawara won the best rebounder with 72 rebounds while Madagascar’s Prisca Razananira was the championship best three-point-shooter.

Maiwenn Andriamilandy of Madagascar was the championship revelation; Mauritius team was given an honorary fair-play award while hosts Madagascar won the fair-play award.

Senegal and Mali will fly Africa’s flag at next year’s FIBA World Championship in Czech Republic.

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Friday at YMCA
DMark Power v Warriors 8:30pm

Even after surviving a late scare to defeat Falcons on Friday, DMark Power utility player Isaac Afidra doesn’t see any team stopping them from defending their MTN-Fuba League title.

Power have lost only once and are on course to emerge regular season champions but their lackluster display in the dying minutes of Friday’s 79-78 victory over Falcons, exposed a few loopholes in the team.

“We lost concentration in the third quarter and gave them too much space,” Afidra, arguably the best player in the league so far, told Scoreline after the game. “You shouldn’t forget that Falcons are also a decent side. They have always given us a hard time although we some how get to beat them.”

The game between the two sides lived up to its billing in every sense of the word.
Down by 10 points going into the last minute, record champions Falcons mounted a comeback that nearly sent the game into overtime had Sam Obol not missed a free throw with four seconds on the clock.

The YMCA arena was packed to capacity and the atmosphere so overwhelming but some ‘impatient’ Falcons fans missed out on the drama. For they had walked out, resigned to the fact that Power had recorded a comfortable victory. The influential Henry Malinga opted to sit out despite his recovery from a knee injury and Falcons were banking on Shs72m signing Stephen Omony and the experienced Obol to inflict a second loss on Power. The duo didn’t disappoint. They combined for 23 points but were unlucky that their late heroics didn’t turn the game in their team’s favour.

Obol hit a three-pointer with 27 seconds to play before Omony made a steal and added another to close the gap on Power (77-79).

With four seconds left, Obol stepped on the charity line but missed one of the two free throws and Omony’s three-point attempt moments later went astray, much to the relief of Power and their nervous fans.

“I think I should have made a drive instead of shooting. May be I would have picked a foul,” Omony said of his final attempt that would have won the game for Falcons.

Sleeping mode
Power won the first quarter 22-18, surrendered the second 14-15 but stepped up gear to dominate the third 24-17. But when it mattered most in the last session, Power switched to sleeping mode, falling 19-28.

Nonetheless, having already qualified for the play-offs, Afidra reckons performances in the regular season count for too little. “We are ready to take on any team,” he stated.

Peter Mubanda’s team will be delighted with the display of their new recruit Michael Kojjo (18 points), who earlier in the game made a mockery of the Falcons’ defense every time he ventured into their paint. Former MVP Norman Blick top scored for Power with 21 points and is steadily returning to the form that saw him win two championships with Nkumba Marines in 2005 and 2006.

The addition of the sleek Ben Komakech and the evergreen Ken Balyejusa makes Power look like the team to beat. However, Falcons remain unpredictable as usual while Kyambogo Warriors, too, have the depth.

“Although we lost tonight, I think we have demonstrated our character,” Falcons’ star Omony revealed. “I believe we are good enough to contend for the title,” Omony who returned to Falcons this year from Sychelles, added.

Malinga is set to return for the semifinals and this has raised Falcons’ hopes of capturing a seventh trophy this year. Yet youngsters Geoffrey Soro and Edwin Kateregga have also stepped up their game. “Henry’s return will be a very big boost,” Omony noted.

There is a possibility of Falcons facing Warriors in the best-of-five semifinal play-off series but Omony and company are not yet drawing strategies for the encounter. “We are taking it one game at time,” he said. “Whichever team we are drawn against, we shall do our best.” Warriors face Power in the regular season’s final game on Friday and must beat the champions by more than four points to finish top of the standings.

However, defeat would condemn them to second position and draw them against third-placed Falcons, a team they rarely defeat at the big stage.

Rwanda 70-65 Tunisia

RWANDA lived up to the phrase ‘a bad beginning makes a good ending’ when they trounced Tunisia on Saturday to finish 9th at the 2009 Fiba Championship for Women.

It was their second win of the tournament and to some extent erased memories of their rugged group B display where they lost all their five games.

The win was also sweet revenge for Rwanda who had lost to Tunisia at the group stage.

Rwanda’s center Tatum Brown was the architect of the win after scoring a game high 25 points. It was also living proof that Rwanda’s run could have been different had the 31-year-old played at the group stage.

Meanwhile, Senegal proved that they are still Africa’s basketball queens after crashing 2007 champions Mali in the final.

Senegal came off 72-57 winners to claim a tenth African title. Despite their final misery, Mali will find solace in the fact that they will still represent Africa alongside Senegal at next year’s Fiba world championships in Czech Republic.

Antananarivo (21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women) – Senegalese inspirational player, Aya Traore has emerged as the new Africa Best Player in women basketball.

Traore who inspired her side to victory over former champion, Mali win now wear the crown of Most Valuable Player for the next two years.
The 25-year-old also earns a role call into Africa Top-5 players of the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women inAntananarivo , Madagascar .

Other players on the honour list include, Fatou Dieng and Aminata Diop both of Senegal , Nassecela Mauricio ofAngola and Nagouma Coulibaly of Mali .

19-year-old Cote d’Ivoire guard, Kani Kouyate was the championship leading scorer with 125 points, Mali forward, Djene Diawara won the best rebounder with 72 rebounds; Madagascar Prisca Razananira was the championship best three-point-shooter.

Maiwenn Andriamilandy of Madagascar was the championship revelation; Mauritius team was given an honorary fair-play award while host Madagascar won the fair-play award.

Champion Senegal and runner-up Mali will fly Africa flag at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Czech Republic .

Antananarivo (21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women) – Africa top-seeded women basketball team, Senegal Sunday proved book makers right with a five-star performance in the final of the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women at the Palais Des Sport in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Powered on by Aya Traore the Senegalese took the second quarter by 19-14 points for a half-time break of 47-23 points taking a big 24 points lead.
The Malian not wanting to give easily tries to fight back their effort was simply not enough, though they won in the third quarter by 14-09 points and also took the fourth quarter by 20-16 points but the damage has already being done as the Senegalese frustrated all attempt by the Malian to come back into the game as time thick away.
Senegal eventually won the battle of the champions by 72-57 points to be crowned Africa champion for the tenth time.
Aya Traore led the floor with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Fatou Dieng added 17 points while the duo of Mame Diouf and Mame Sy contributed 11 and 10 points respectively.

Mali and former Africa most valuable player, Hamchetou Maiga led her team with 17 points and 6 rebounds, Djene Diawara had a double double figure of 13 points and 12 rebounds just as Djene Sissoko added 11 points.

Both finalists will represent Africa at the 2010 FIBA Championship in Czech Republic.

Antananarivo (21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women) – Nigeria senior women national team, D’Tigress, Sunday defeated Mozambique by 67-57 points to finish fifth best team in the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women at the Palais Des Sports, Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Nigeria former two-time champion of Africa biggest women basketball competition won the first quarter against her 2007 championship quarter-final conqueror by 13-05 points.

The Mozambican rose up to the challenge to rattle the Nigerian in the second and third quarters with 16-12 and 21-19 points victories to trail by just two points going into the last quarter but the Nigerian who are determine not to slip further on the finished-line of the championship rose to the occasion to pick the last quarter by 23-15 points for a cumulative score-line of 67-57 to push down the Mozambican who were semi-finalist in 2007.

Nigeria forward, Charity Egenti led the floor with a double double figure of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 block-shots, centre, Adeola Olanrewaju also had a brilliant finish with yet another double double of 15 points and 12 rebounds while Funmilayo Ojelabi consistency continued as she recorded the highest points scored with 21 points and 3 rebounds..

Mozambique trio, Filomena Micato, Anabela Cossa and Ana Azinheira had their names on the list of top scorer in the game with 15 points; 14 points, 4 assists and 14 points respectively.

Antananarivo (21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women) – Lioness of Cameroon Sunday defeated host of the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women by 66-61 points to finish the championship as the seventh best team in Africa women basketball.

The Cameroon rallied to a 16-09 points win in the first quarter while the Madagascans determined not to let their teeming fans down fought back to pick the second quarter with a 21-15 points victory to reduce the margin to just one point of 31-30 at the break.

But more determination on the part of the Cameroonian saw them through the third quarter which they won by 22-17 points, the points margin created in the third quarter was enough to give them victory as the the Madagascan could only manage a 14-13 points slim victory in the last quarter.

Cameroon Alina Senken led the floor with double double scores of 22 points and 16 rebounds while her compatriot Vivianne Noah added 12 points and 10 rebounds to secure victory for their side.

Only delegates from eight Mainland regions have been cleared to vote in the general election of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) to be held in Dar es Salaam on October 31.

The National Sport Council (NSC) official, Mohamed Kiganja, said the delegates are those whose regions have conducted elections to install new office bearers as per the council’s directive.

Kiganja said any other region which is yet to conduct elections is allowed to do so as long as it submits a line-up of its elected leaders before October 27.

He named the regions that complied with the NSC directive to hold regional leaders as Arusha, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Ruvuma, Mara, Morogoro, Iringa and Kilimanjaro.

Only delegates from those named regions will be admitted to vote in the scheduled general election that suffered two postponements in the past.

So far 18 aspirants have shown interest to contest for various posts in the basketball federation.

Four candidates have submitted forms to vie for the body’s presidential post that also include incumbent Richard Kasesera, Musa Mziya, who holds the vice presidency post, Faras Magesa and Jackson Kalikumtima.

Those aspiring for the vice-presidential post are Ahmed Babura and Alijua Mwakalinga while Salehe Zangu is the only aspirant who has submitted form to contest for the post of secretary general.

Two other contestants are for the assistant secretary general post and these are Robert Manyerere and John Nashi as Mary Mbanga vies for the post of a treasurer.

Candidates who are aspiring for various committee membership are Zulfikar Karim (planning and development), Julius Mkoji and Gosbert Boniface (technical), Moradi Hamis (disabled), Specioza Budodi (women), Adam Upunda (medical), Wanne Mkisi and Angnera Semwaiko (children).

The deadline for submitting duly filled election forms is set on October 28, three days ahead of the elections.

For the fourth time Ittihad wins El Hariry championship 2009 after beating champville 79/53 in a game 100% for the Egyptian champion, Itthad has lost this tropghy for more than 11 years were the team last won at 1996 beside two others titles at 1992 and 1994.

Ittihad players fliyed directly to Egypt to start the league on Sunday with an easy game against Tanta , the game will be held on Shatby arenaat Alexandria

FROM AFRICABASKET.COM

One of the coaches of first division basketball club Wild cats Oliver Mayonga has made several recommendations for what he claimed would help improve the game of basketball in the country.

He recommended the need for a basketball conference to be conducted in order to seek out some major shortcomings in the game of basketball.

Mr. Mayonga said if such conference is held, it will help take basketball to another level.

Coach Mayonga said basketball has taken serious down ward trend in the country and needs reawakening.

Making several points to support his claim, the basketball technician said the attendance of games in recent time at the sports commission has been disappointing.

According to the Young Coach, at the conference the officials would find a way to attract fans to the game and solve many short comings that have the propensity to derail the progress of basketball.

Meanwhile, Mr.Mayonga has called for the resignation of the administrators of basketball in the country.

He said his long time advocacy for such action needs to also affect the executive committee members of the LBF. 'Fresh minds are actually needed at the the LBF'Mr.Mayongar stressed.

The LBF coach said another issue of bad leadership is the double closure recently experienced in the federation.

He said the 2008 and 2009 basketball season was just recently closed jointly which is never a good precedence.

Mr.Mayongar has for the past few months being strongly advocating for the resignation of officials at the LBF but there has been no adherence or official response at from authorities at the local basketball house.

The Liberia Basketball Federation recently held it 2009 closing program at the Sports Commission on Broad Street. During the program several players and individuals were awarded for their outstanding performances.

Samuel Davidson of First division Pythons won the MVP while Ziamah Kollie of Wiloria Patriot lifted the second division Most Valuable Player Award.
The Highest Three points in the first division went to Raphael Quaye of NPA Pythons while Ziamah Kollie grabbed it in the second division. The Highest scorer in the first division is Daysely Zulu of Mighty Barrolle with 260 points and Ziamah Kollie again won it in the second division with 200 points..

NPA Pythons won the Championship for the third times in role in the First division and Wiloria Patriot won it in the Second division

Fadama vikings basketball academy continue its chase for a comfortable placement in the greater Accra conference of the storm the yard sponsored Ghanaian junior Premier League when it engage conference leader, Achimota young lions basketball club.
The Game number-3 earlier schedule for Wednesday was moved to Saturday at instance of the sponsors which has promised to be present at the game venue.
Dunk-off time is 15.00 hours local time at the sports complex of the international Central gospel Church, Accra.
Fadama vikings coached by the duo of Coaches Mark igoche Agbo and Sam Tego with great support from, the Central youths has vowed to take their pound of flesh from the Lions who was the better side when both team clashed last month with the pious Sam and Alamode Barkre both former players of the Fadama Vikings basketball academy tutored Achimota Lions basketball club gaining the upper hand by 75-63 points and end the conference leader unbeaten run of the season
by Fadama Vikings Basketball Academy News

BY Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA
TLC v Biston Planets 11:30am
Bushcourt v Gulu Hawks 2pm
St Michael v Heaters 5pm
Women
Stormers v Amazon Rhino 1pm
Nabisunsa v Crane High 3:30pm

How does it feel to get relegated every season? Knight Riders have the most appropriate answer.

Promoted to the MTN-Fuba League men’s topflight, Riders, were relegated to Second Division after one season but made an immediate comeback. Unlike other local teams, relegation after the 2007 season didn’t disintegrated Riders.

They stayed together and mounted a challenge in the second tier, eventually emerging champions last year after defeating Ndejje University Angels 3-2 in the best of five finals. That guaranteed both teams slots in the topflight. But after recording only two wins in 15 games, the Entebbe-based Riders have suffered the drop again. “I think we are just unlucky. We get everything right in training but it’s hard to explain what goes wrong during matches,” senior player Rogers Odiama said after Riders suffered a 92-62 loss to Kyambogo Warriors at YMCA Wandegeya on Wednesday night.

They needed victory against Warriors to survive and their start gave them a glimmer of hope, but failed to match-up with the Warriors. “We played good defence in the first quarter but somehow guys lost the focus,” Odiama noted. Surprisingly, Ndejje Angels, second to Riders in the lower tier last year, are now pushing for a play-offs slot.