Basketball in Africa

With barely a month left for the second season of the prestigious Junior Basketball Championship (JBC) the customary bated breath and apprehension that usually typify the competition has already reared its head.

School authoritities and students have begun the taugh-talk ahead of the big –Day. Some will be out for revenge, others will rekindle old age rivalry and the rest will be eager to settle old scores next month in an expected charged game.

The second season of the competition among students of the Junior High Schools in the Greater Accra region takes centre stage on the 27th of February, 2010 at the Aviation Social Centre.

Already the jitters have hit high among the junior high school students ahead of the one-day cliff hanger at the Aviation Social Centre and the expectation will be huge.

Defending champions Great Lamptey Mills have promised to repeat their heroics achievement but will face unbendable competition from equally great schools like Association International School, Alpha Beta School, St Theresah’s, Seven Great Princes Academy, SOS, Akosombo International School and Datus among others.

What makes the junior ball excessive thrilling is the fact that it is interspersed with music and dance competition where winners stand the chance of winning individual awards from sponsors at the same venue.

Young and burgeoning talents are expected to be exposed at a platform where they will get the opportunity to nuture their dream.

Junior Ball is one of the major brands of Rite Multimedia, leaders in basketball development and promotion in Ghana.

source : http://basketballghana.com

Dozens of international basketball scouts are expected to flock the Aviation Social Centre on the 27th of February,2010 for the second campaign of the Junior Basketball Championship.

Scouts from some high schools in America and Europe and local scouts will shift their attention to basketball players from the junior high schools in the West African region.

Some of these scouts who are billed to arrive in the country next month for the championship were in Accra last year for the 2009 grand finale of the Sprite Ball Championship.

Basketballghana.com sources say some of the players who excelled individually at the Sprite Ball Championship last year at the El-Wak stadium are believed to be on the radar of top American and European clubs for a possible trial and could be handed a long term sponsorship deal by some schools in the States if they impresses.

Details remain sketchy but reports suggest they could leave when the transfer window opens later in the year.

Ghana has now become a haven for international scouts since Rite Multimedia began the development and promotion of the sport in the country some few years ago.

Later in August this year, the company is expected to be rewarded by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for their immense contribution to the development and promotion of the game among communities and schools in the country.

Over fifteen Junior high schools are expected to showcase their mushrooming talents at the one-day tournament at the Aviation Social Centre where they would have equal opportunity of being assesed by top notch scouts from abroad – and that will be a massive motivation for them to go all out.

Junior Ball is one of the major brands of Rite Multimedia, leaders in basketball development and promotion in Ghana.

Small Forward for Association International School, Joshua Larbi, has been talking up his team’s chances ahead of this year’s Junior Ball Competition (JBC) after a disappointing season last term.

The airport – residential based school has declared their readiness to stage a huge claim for title in their second appearance as the players set their sight on winning the ultimate. Led by Coach Lawrence Offei, the airport city boys have put their preparations into full gear with an intensive and rigirious training session. The U-14 boys have vowed not to suffer a second defeat.

A clear case of inexperience and naivety robbed the team in 2007 from lifting the ultimate diadem at the Aviation Social Center but the young lads are poised to come back this year as a much improved side. Association International is one of the finest basic schools in Accra endowed with huge potentials and if carefully nurtured could be a force to reckon with in juvenile basketball in Ghana.

Larbi who also doubles as the captain is a form one student of the school but his exploits has earned him rave reviews and the subsequent captain’s armband.

He has been touted as the key to the school’s quest to unseat defending champions Great Lamptey Mills on Saturday 27th February, 2010 at the Aviation Social Centre.

According to the 12-year-old, his colleagues are ready for the challenge and enthusiastic to write their names in gold plate.

‘‘We have been training very hard for the Junior Ball Championship this year and I am convinced we will do our best to win the competition’’ Larbi told basketballghana.com on Wednesday.

‘We are very serious with our training and our coach has been teaching us new techniques and tactics that will help us to improve this time around and win the ultimate’

‘This is the first time that I will be playing in this important competition and I am really looking forward to it with high hope’

Over fifteen (15) schools are expected to vie for honours in the second season of the Junior Ball Championship which will attract thousands of crazy basketball fans to the Aviation Social Centre on February 27th, 2010.

Alshabab and Ahli Benghazi remain on top as the teams won the latest games of the leagues. Shabab overcame Ahli Tripoli 60:55 to take 7-2 record. Ahli Benghazi is with the same record after the victory over Madina 69:60. Hilal and Nasr won also in the round for 6-3 records. Hilal rolled over Al-ittihad 99:84 and Nasr beat Wahda 69:55. Wahda and Madina are on the bottom with 1-8 records.
The next round will be on January 30-31.

LAGOS (Schools basketball) - International School, Akoka, Lagos opened their campaign this year with double wins as the annual AKOFA Ivy Basketball League took the jump ball across Lagos on Wednesday. The University of Lagos, Akoka secondary school boys drilled Mayday Secondary School, Iponri 66-24 in one of the starters played at the university grounds. The Akoka boys were good but it was their ladies who were even more business like and merciless as they thrashed visiting Mayday girls 37-2 in the other categories. The result of the female match should easily make a good read in the Guinness Book World Records.

While the Yaba Zone of the league produced so many wide-margin wins, the actual contests were done in other zones as Honeyland College who were guests of Doregos Private Academy won the match by 33-32 score line. Doregos as hosts had more of the fans but they were let down as the last quarter efforts of the visitors paid off. It was in the boy’s category as the Doregos girls whitewashed the Honeyland girls 24-1 in the first match of the centre.

“We had to admit quite some very new schools into the league this term and many of them are still far behind in standard and that has resulted in some of the funny results recorded on Day One of the competition,” John Bimbo Faniran, the CEO of AKOFA Sports explained.
“By the time we enter the next stage we should be able to see the usual standard and exciting games we have seen over the years. And we believe in short time these new schools just developing their skills and playing arenas will close up the gap a bit. We just had to encourage them.”

The league meant open to all private secondary schools in Lagos began about a decade ago with less than 10 schools. A total 29 schools are competing in the league this season. The competition which began January 27th will play through March just before the schools vacate for the Easter break. The teams have been divided into four zones with the top two each group making it straight into the quarter finals of the league.

By Pius Ayinor, FIBA Africa

BY TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

THIS year’s basketball league has been pushed forward by an extra week. The decision was made after clubs’ failure to adhere to the registration deadline. The league will now throw off on February 22 as opposed to February 15.

“We have been forced to postpone the start-off date because of delays in registration. They now have until February 2 to register,” said Innocent Karuhije, technical director of the national basketball federation (Ferwaba).

By Brown Msyani

Up to Sunday, Vijana were on top of the league chart, brandishing 9 points garnered from four wins. They have lost once to their traditional rivals Savio.

The team has chalked 288 total points in their five-match onslaught, while conceding 224 points. Second with 8 points were Army Basketball Club (ABC), so far victorious in all the four matches they have played.

ABC have converted 269 goals while conceding 212 goals in their four outings. Third overall until Sunday were Pazi, who have claimed three victories in five matches.

One of the oldest basketball clubs in the country, Pazi have carded 7 points, and conceded 196 goals against 235 goals for their kit.
Savio are number four with 7 points fished out of a three-win, one-loss stint. They have notched 232 goals and conceded 168.
Title holders JKT were pushed to the fifth position after winning three matches and losing once to Oilers.
They have packed 332 goals while conceding 228, ahead of Oilers who have played five matches and won three. Oilers have so far penned 282 goals and conceded 275.

In the seventh position were Chang�ombe United with 6 points, having played four times and won twice. They have posted 260 goals and conceded 271.
Ends.

By PHILIP ONYANGO

The national women’s basketball team has automatically qualified for the 2011 All Africa Games thanks to a new rule.

Fiba has said it will henceforth be allowing the top five teams in the tournament automatic qualification to the next championships.
Kenya Basketball Federation secretary-general Vitalis Gode said Kenya finished in position five in the last games in Algeria and will not need to compete at the Zone Five qualifications in Uganda in September.

Other women’s teams that have automatically qualified for event are defending champions Mozambique, runners-up Senegal, second runners-up Nigeria and Angola, who finished fourth in the last tournament.

Gode, also the Zone Five secretary, said Kenya will however have to play at the Zone Five to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup.

The Kenya men’s team only needs to beat Rwanda in Uganda to qualify for the games in the absence of Egypt, second at the last event in Algeria, who have automatically qualified under the new rule.

Host championships

Other men’s automatic qualifiers are Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria and Mali, who finished in that order at the last games. Gode also said Kenya will host the Under-18 championships in August.

The final rounds for the girls’ event will be in Egypt and the hosts, Mali, Tunisia, Mozambique and Nigeria have automatically qualified. The men’s final rounds will be held in Rwanda with the hosts, Egypt, Angola, Nigeria and Senegal having also automatically qualified.

(by Enoma Ugheghe)
the eight edition of the warriors basketball academy classics and elite championship (ilupeju classic)which was billed to hold between 15-20 february has been moved forward and will now hold between 8-13 february 2010
the change in the date was sequel to the basketball clinic designed by the NBBF for coaches,match commissioners and match officilas of this year nigeria basketball federation premier league season which is slated for february 18-21 in ilorin,kwara state,simon obosa eubuamwan,the deputy director of the academy revealed that the classics had to be postponed for the basketball clinic since they are part of the league stakeholders

Don BOSCO lionesses put spirited performance to beat CMTU by 80-48 points in the women category of the Dar es Salaam regional basketball league match played at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Don Bosco reigned supreme throughout the four quarters as the team’s regulars Nina Mliga, Amina Ahmed, Esther Nelson, Zakia Kondo and Hadija Kalambo combining well to tame the inexperienced CMTU players.

The Don Bosco’s superiority in the game was unrivaled as their five dependable players finished with double digit number of points on the score sheet.

The defeat has crippled CMTU side which is languishing at the bottom of the league while Don Bosco are among the hottest title contenders.

Don Bosco led by 22-14 points at the end of the first quarter though CMTU tried their best to fight back but they still trailed by 38-24 points at the half time mark.

Don Bosco’s all round player Mliga spearheaded most of the onslaughts as she was almost everywhere on the field, blocking and attempting three-pointers upfront.

The winners enjoyed the game for most of the playing duration as Ahmed combined well with Hadija Kalambo and Nelson to score more points for their side to upset CMTU.

CMTU tried their best to respond to Don Bosco’s onslaughts but profligate finish crippled their efforts.

Veteran Greda Peter pressed hard to keep her side back into the game but the tide was too high to meet desired expectations.

With the game well into the last quarter, CMTU’s desire to narrow the margin never waned as Peter and team mates Msalila Said, Jane Kashmir and Rebecca Masatu kept attacking only to be frustrated by tight marking of Don Bosco defenders.

Zakia scored 19 points, Amina had 18 while Esther and Nina finished with 13 and 11 points for Don Bosco as Peter scored 16 points, Msalila and Jane added nine and six points, respectively for CMTU.

In men’s category ABC maintain their impressive run of form to defeat Oilers by 71-61points in an exciting match at the same venue later in the evening.

Stephen Charles had 23 points and team mates Haleluya Kavalambi and Dogoblez Nyambaya scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, for ABC while Kady Joseph scored 12 points and Mtwa Mwandemane added 11 for Oilers.

By Japheth Kazenga

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Mr. Tijjani Umar left Nigeria Friday night for Cairo, Egypt where he is defending the country’s bid to host the 2011 edition of the African Nations Cup for Men.

Nigeria which is in competition with Cote d’Ivoire and Madagascar for the 2011 Afrobasket hosting will do presentations to the Central Board of FIBA Africa which is meeting Friday and Saturday at Sonesta Hotel in Cairo. The Central Board’s meeting will choose the hosting country of the Afrobasket Men 2011 and three countries and announce the winner before the close of the continental gathering in Cairo.

Umar is leading a delegation of four members of his team. His First Vice President Mukthar Malone Khaleh who is also the President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 went ahead of Umar, Tagwai Yusuf and Mustapha Suleiman. Mukthar is also attending the continental meetings as a member of the Central Working Committee.

“We have the full support of the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Government of Nigeria to host. We have prepared well and we have all the facility needed for this level of championship and so we are very optimistic to emerge as the host country for the 2011 event,” Umar said before boarding the flight out of Abuja.

Apart from the power point presentation, Nigeria is also presentation a DVD showcasing the venues spanning from the sporting facilities to the hotels and all other requirements for high class competition. The Nigerian Sports Minister who is currently in Angola for the African football competition speaks of the government backing in a clip in the DVD.

The Nigerian team is expected back in the country by Wednesday. Nigeria is the only African basketball power house that is yet to host or win the championship. Angola, Egypt and Senegal have played as host at least twice each Angola hosting twice within 10years. Nigeria stepped down for Libya as host for the 2009 edition won by Angola.

By Pius Ayinor
FIBA Africa

Pazi narrowly edged Oilers by 62-61 points in a nerve-jangling match of the ongoing Dar es Salaam regional basketball league played at the National Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

The winners had to wait for last minutes heroics from their dependable player Mohamed Mshale, who expertly slotted in the last-gasp free throw to hand his side the crucial league victory.

Oilers, who fielded most of their experienced players including Pius Seni, Gerard Baru, Lusajo Samwel and Mtwa Mwandemane, trailed Pazi for most of the first and second quarters of the game.
However, they re-discovered their rhythm to take control of the game thereafter and set up a pulsating encounter that kept fans spellbound throughout.
Oilers looked to have downplayed their opponents’ prowess early on, eventually paid a heavy price as Pazi pressed hard for points to take a giant lead of 16-9 points at the end of the quarter.
Pazi were inspired by their diminutive guards Ladislaus Ikungula and Dismas Charles who easily dribble past Oilers defense to score more points in the second quarter before leading by 32-25 points.
Oilers woke from slumber to bounce back into the game as the third quarter got underway as they worked hard to reduce the margin.
Baru proved more productive when Oilers needed him the most particularly in the third quarter in which the agile play maker orchestrated a series of clever moves that won his team points. At times he made captivating solo moves to score much to the delight of his team’s fans.
Oilers were aggressive in the third quarter while taking control of the game as Baru combined well with Seni and Samwel who played skillfully to take a 45-39 points lead.
Pazi mounted constant pressure on Oilers’ hoop in the last quarter as Mshale synchronised well with Ikungula and Dennis Chibula to pounce on defensive mistakes committed by their opponents.
The scoreboard was in deuce of 61 points as the game came close to the end but two free throws won by Mshale made all the difference to separate the teams.
Mshale scored 23 points during the match while team mates Chibula and Ikungula finished with 13 and 11 points respectively for Pazi. Oilers’ Samwel had 20 points and teammate Naftael Msogoti added 12 points.

In another match played at the same venue earlier on the day, Tanzania Prisons maintained their winning streak with a convincing 61-51 victory over JKT Mgulani.
Prisons’ skipper John Damas scored 15 points and team mates Samwel Sige and Albert Kasigara added 11 and nine points, respectively.
Joas Maheta and Vincent Kagosi finished with 14 points apiece and Omari Mohamed added ten points for the losing side, JKT Mgulani.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

DON BOSCO’s Lady Lions smashed CMTU 80-48 in the ongoing RBA league, at the Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam today.

The victors were irresistible from the word go as, dominating the proceeding almost at will. Lions pace and strength gave their opponent no tangible answer. They took a 22-14 lead at the break.

Lady Lion’s Zakia Kondo scored 19 points, while team mate Amina Ahmed managed 18 points. For CMTU top scorers were Greda Peter and Masalila Said, who netted 19 and 10 points respectively.

Other matches playedyesterday, Pazi laboured to beat in form Oilers 62-61 in the closely contested men’s category match at the same venue. At the breather the scoreboard read 32-25 in favour of Pazi.

The victors’ top scorers were Mohamed Mshale, who posted 23 points, while Lady Ikingula scored 11 points. Lusajo Samuel and Rafael Msongali of Oilers scored 20 and 12 points respectively.

Other men’s match yesterday saw defending champions Savio defeating PT Stars 76-56. Savio started the game slowly, but gained momentum as time went by.

They took a commanding 41-24 lead at the break. George Tarimo was the Savios’ top scorer with 19 points, followed by Sihaka Masudi who scored 13 and Jije Makani with 12 points.

On PT Stars’ side Gwakise Mwasyakyeni broke the record by scoring 20 points, 18 of which he scored from the tree points and Daniel Singano became second with 8 points.

BY TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

APR’s indomitable lions have started pre-season training as they plot to do what they do best-win the national basketball league.

And with Marines seemingly out of the equation, APR know that the door is wide open for them to exert their dominance.

Cliff Owuor’s side has stepped up training at Nyarugenge courts ahead of the league which is expected to throw off mid-next month.
“We have started training. We intend to bring in two new players to boost the squad and like always, we expect the same thing- to win the league,” the former Kenyan international said.

Away from the local scene, APR also have their eyes on the forth coming Zone V Games in Kampala, Uganda.

Last year, APR made a name for themselves after a third spot finish in the prestigious Fiba-Africa Club Championship which was staged in Kigali.
Primeiro de Agosto won the tournament after trouncing their Angolan rivals Petro Atletico in the final.

The 4-1 series defeat to Warriors in last season’s MTN-Fuba League finals has prompted a shake-up in DMark Power’s technical department.
And predictably, head coach Andrew Bazira has paid the price for that huge loss to Kyambogo Warriors.

Bazira has been asked to step aside and will be replaced by a foreign coach, according to club technical director Peter Mubanda. “Honestly, Bazira’s performance in the championship final wasn’t good enough,” Mubanda revealed yesterday. “It was clear that after such a performance some changes were needed in the team.”

With Bazira in charge, Power won their third championship in 2008 and had a good regular season last year, losing only one game.
They convincingly defeated Kampala International University (KIU) 3-1 in the best-of-five semi-final series but found Warriors a very hard nut to crack despite winning the opening game of the finals.

New coach
Champions Warriors and record winners Falcons are looking to strengthen their sides with new signings and Mubanda reckons there is need to re-organise. “We are unveiling a new coach soon but he won’t be from Uganda. We are also bringing on board other sponsors,” he said. “Bazira remains a member of Power but will be moved to another department.”

Mubanda, who once coached Power, also revealed that the club would sign at least four players going into the new season starting March. “We might have to off-load some of our old players to create space,” he said. “But it will be the new coach to decide who leaves.”

The Executive Committee of FIBA Africa held its 7th session of 2006 – 2010 term-office on Wednesday 20th January 2010 at the meeting room of the headquarters of FIBA Africa in Cairo, Egypt.

The meeting directed by the President, Pr Alain Ekra and the Secretary General, Dr Alphonse Bilé, approved the reports of these previous meetings (Libya, August 2009 and Madagascar, October 2009) and scan the entire agenda of the Central Board’s meeting to be held the 22nd and 23rd January 2010 at Sonesta Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

The Central Borad’s meeting will generally take decisions concerning the competitions, the training programme, the rules, the budget, the Congress and the commemoration of the half century (50 years) of FIBA Africa on 14th June 2011. About the competitions, the Central Board will choose the hosting country of the Afrobasket men 2011 and three countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Madagascar) are candidates.

FIBA Africa

After ending the first stage of the Egyptian league which was connected to the U16 teams in each club and Itthad had got the title for the third time and also six clubs where qualified to the super league which will start middle of the next month (Itthad . Gezira, Zamalek, Geish, Smouha and Sporting).

The Egyptian cup will start the end of this month with a new system 16 clubs will participate and are divided into four groups each group will play a small league among them and the top two teams in each group will qualify to play knock out stage with the other groups qualified clubs.

Oliver Albert
Dar es Salaam Basketball (BD) has relegated Bias of Mbagala for not fielding the team in their last three RBA League matches.

Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, BD technical advisor Manase Zabloni said the Mbagala-based team did not give reasons for their no show.

The RBA League, which got underway last month, has seen Bias play only one match against Magereza. Despite demonstrating their fighting spirit, Magereza reduced them to novices after posting a convincing 94- 40 victory. After the big margin defeat,
the Mbagala-based team decided not to field the team against Tanblacks, Savio and Pazi.

"We have no option but to relegate them because they haven't played three matches and haven't given us concrete reasons for their no show," Manase said.

He said: "We aren't gaining anything from their participation since fans want to watch games and their opponents don't want walkover victories, thus I believe we are right to expel them."

According to the official, Bias will have to compete in the Mini Basketball League in order to win promotion to the RBA League.

With Henry Malinga in fine shape it’s always easy to bet on Falcons beating any opponent in Uganda. Arguably the best centre player in the MTN-Fuba League, Malinga has struggled with knee problems for the past two seasons.
During this troublesome time for Malinga, Falcons have also failed to win a championship.

Last term they came close but with Malinga limping, Warriors edged them at the semifinal stage. Malinga now feels he is ready to comeback and recharge Falcons’ batteries in the season starting March.
“I have been working out for sometime,” Malinga said. “I think I will be in shape to play better this time round because I don’t feel any pain at the moment,” he added.

By Brown Msyani

Gilbert Batungi notched 15 points to guide ABC to a convincing 70-40 victory over Mgulani in a thrilling Regional Basketball League match held at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The ABC star was simply phenomenal and posed a constant threat to Mgulani shot blockers.
The winners started the game with real intent of killing off the game early on, but until the end of the first half, they had a slim 26-20 lead.
Mgulani, who fought relentlessly to close the point gap in the first two quarters, run out of steam to allow ABC add 44 more points.
Looking tired, Mgulani managed to score 20 points only in the final quarters, making them walk off the court heads down after the final whistle.
Batungi emerged the top scorer for the winners followed by his marauding teammate Frank Augustino with 14 points.
Mgulani's tireless pointer Joas Maheta buried 16 points that, however, were not enough to save his team from an embarrassing defeat.
Christians Jacob teamed up well with Maheta, but his efforts earned him nine points only.

In another match, holders JKT played brilliantly to post a 105-33 point victory over Cargo at the same venue.
JKT, who lost 67-64 to Oilers last weekend, bounced back in style to register the highest score since the season started.
Captained by Frank Simkoko, JKT were leading 51-18 until the end of the first half.They went on to score 21 more points in the third quarter restricting clueless Cargo to four points.
The fourth quarter proved too harsh to Cargo after scoring 11 points unlike 33 notched by rampant JKT.
JKT playmakers Francis Mlewa and Mkumbo Mgendi scored 19 and 18 points respectively.

Tanzania Prisons defeated newly-promoted Tanblacks 56-47 in a closely fought encounter held at the same venue late on Saturday.

Liberian-American guard Sheiku Kabba (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Providence) is back on the court after being away for a year from the pro-hoops circuit. The experienced New Yorker signed to play for Al Ahli Tripoli in Libya where basketball is booming after the country hosted the African Championships in 2009. Sheiku played lastly for EclipseJet-MyGuide Amsterdam in 2008 where he won the Dutch championship with the team.

The Central Board of FIBA Africa will hold its 5th Session the 22nd and 23rd January 2010 at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The meeting directed by the President, Pr Alain Ekra and the secretary General, Dr Alphonse Bilé, will take major decisions for the development of the Basketball in Africa among them the choice of the hosting country for the Afrobasket men 2011.
For that, the three countries who bid for the hosting have been invited to defend their application. The three countries are Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and Nigeria.

The 3rd meeting of 2006 – 2010 term office of zonal Presidents and Secretaries General will be held on 21st January 2010 at the headquarers of FIBA Africa in Cairo, Egypt.

The meeting presided by Pr Alain Ekra (President of FIBA Africa) and Dr Alphonse Bilé (Secretary General of FIBA Africa), will make a report about the zonal activities during 2009 and find solutions to develop basketball within the zone.

The presidents of zone: Mohamed Abdulrahman (zone I), Henry Gomes (Zone II), Mukthar Adamu Khaled (zone III), Mabusa Eseka Dieudonné (zone IV), Morris Aluanga ( zone V), Anibal Manave (zone VI) and Louis Abel Ntsay (zone VII).

FIBA Africa will hold on Tuesday 19th January 2010 the 7th session for 2006 – 2010 Term – office of Executive Committee at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The Executive Committee is composed by 7 members included Pr Alain, Ekra (President), Dr Alphonse Bile (Secretary General), Adel Tooma (Assistant Secretary General), Abdel Hamid Massoud (General Treasurer), Boujemaa Larguet Jdaini (President of Technical Commission), Raouf Menjour (President of Competitions’ Commission) and Fodé Amara Condé (President of Youth and women Commission).

The meeting will make the report about the 2009 activities and make proposals for the Central Board.

eshi stars thrashed Vijana Queens 79-14 in a one-sided encounter of the ongoing Dar es Salaam regional basketball league at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Jeshi Stars almost dominated the game and could have won by a bigger margin had they fully exploited all chances that came their way.

Experienced Jeshi Stars players Jabu Shaaban, Lucy Augustine, Annomisiata Anthony, Faraja Malaki and Joyce Midodi made the most of their chances and scored points almost at will to maintain a wide margin throughout the four quarters.

Faraja scored game-high 19 points; Jabu had 14 points while Joyce added nine for Jeshi Stars who commanded 16-6 lead in the first quarter.

Tukusubira David was Vijana Queens’ highest scorer with six points followed by Mariam Kiwelo who scored five points and Yasmin Delaware with three.

Despite enjoying a strong backing from a sizeable crowd, young Vijana Queens players were the culprits of a series of missed opportunities contributed by poor shooting and had to opt for a defensive game for the better part of the match.

Vijana, who were led by the lively Mariam, however managed to put pressure on their opponents at times in the first quarter and scored points through their dependable scorer Tukusubira.

Vijana could hardly catch up with their opponents in the next two quarters as Jeshi Stars solidified their defense by bringing on the likes of Joyce and Veronica Kubilu who easily thwarted Vijana moves.

Vijana’s coach John Mcharo threw in towering Yasmin, Margreth Nicholaus and Johari Kiseko in an attempt to counter Jeshi Stars’ onslaught in the last two quarters but energetic Jeshi Stars players’ determination never waned.

Jeshi Stars’ Jabu was a constant threat to Vijana Queens in the last quarter in which she finished her team mates’ moves by expertly slotting in a series of three-pointers to put the game beyond Vijana’s reach.

Not even last minutes free-throws slotted in by Yasmin could help Vijana Queens change the course of the game and Jeshi Stars eventually came out smiling as the win gave them a perfect start to their title chase.

By Brown Msyani

Faraja Malaki steered Jeshi Stars to defeat MCTU 77-20 in the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball (RBA) match held yesterday at the National Indoor Stadium.

Malaki who formed a deadly partnership with experienced Jabu Shaaban upfront posted her career record 21 points with Shaaban adding 11 more points for the rejuvenated.
Playing with determination to win, Jeshi Stars finished the first half with impressive 40-10 lead.
They added 37 more points in the remaining two quarters while restricting their opponents to 10-point gain at the period.
Newly promoted CMTU played well especially Masalila Juma and Sophia Ngosha at the centre of the court. Juma managed to score 6 points while Ngosha converted 4 points.
Pazi beat Bias on walkover in the aborted second match of the league. The organisers decided to give Pazi the win after Bias failed to turn up for the encounter.

The third match between Chango�mbe Boys and Chui was the most thrilling encounter of the day.
Chang'ombe United fought bravely to register a slim 70-67 victory over their opponents.Chang'ombe United finished the first half leading 33-29 and maintained their 3-point lead to the final quarter.
Mohamed Makani scored 18 points for the winner while his brother Zaro added 16 points more.
Chui who died bravely scored their points through Doto Charles (24) and Joseph Mbozu who penned 18 points.

FELEN MANOCHI

THE ongoing Dar es Salaam Region Basketball League popularly known as RBA has proved a tough challenge to the ‘big guns’.

Always dominant side such as defending champions Savio, JKT, Vijana ‘City Bulls’ and Pazi are all facing stiff challenge from the likes of promising Oilers, Tanzania Prisons and Chui.
The league is taking place every weekend at the National indoor Stadium in the city. Oilers, who have so shown their intent to win the league this season, are currently top of the table with 12 points ahead of the most fancied sides in the league.

Oilers have so far played four matches, winning them all. Behind the league leaders are JKT with eight points followed by title holders Savio who have so far collected six points.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ today in Dar es Salaam the Director of Basketball Dar es salaam (BD) Mbaga Mwambona attributed the turn around to good preparations made by the underdogs.

He said that the league is hot due to the fact that many teams have registered young players from secondary schools.
“We are pleased to see that the league is becoming more competitive as more teams are now providing stiff challenge to the dominant sides in the league. We believe this new trend will help our region to have a large pool of players,” he said.

The league started five weeks ago, continues tomorrow where four matches are on the menu. The first match will pit Jeshi Stars and CMTU, while Chui will have a date with Chang’ombe United.

The day will also see Tanzania Prisons taking on Tanblacks. In the ladies category Pazi will lock horns with BIAS.

By Sande Bashaija

Local basketball coaches will next week form an association in a bid to have a say in running the game.
“We plan to form an executive and get going immediately,” Kyambogo Warriors head coach Gad Eteu told Daily Monitor yesterday.
The coaches will converge at Victory Christian Church in Ntinda for a refresher course starting on Monday.
“The course will last three days. After that we shall have examinations and thereafter hold elections for our association,” Eteu, the Kyambogo Warriors coach, revealed.
Coaches have for long complained that the local governing body, Fuba, doesn’t involve them in administrative affairs of the sport.
Formation of an association seems to be one of the measures the coaches are taking to change the situation. “It’s necessary that we come together and share our views about development of basketball in the country,” Eteu noted.

Barring any upsets, Ronnie Kasewu will be crowned the 2009 Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the fraternity’s awards ceremony tomorrow.
The event will be held at Imperial Royale Hotel. Basketball governing body, Fuba was by press time scrutinizing a shortlist of nominees for different awards but there is no denying the fact that Kasewu is the favourite to pick the men’s overall award.
Kasewu, who emerged top scorer in the Zone 5 tournament and spurred Warriors to their first league title, was on Monday named the country’s best basketball player for 2009 by the Uganda Sports Press Association (Uspa). “The shortlist has already been drawn by the technical committee but we want to scrutinize it as the executive,” Fuba general secretary Tom Ocamringa told Daily Monitor yesterday evening.
“We’ve got to make sure there are no surprise winners,” he added. MTN are sponsoring the awards.

This year’s national basketball league is expected to start without any delays after Kenya Basketball Federation scheduled the team managers’ meeting to take place in Nairobi on March 20.

According to the 2010 calendar of events released on Wednesday by fixtures secretary, Joseph Amoko, the meeting will pave way for the league to start on April 17. All the 32 clubs that will participate in the 2010 competition are expected to be represented.

Kakamega-based Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Blazers and Kenya College of Accountancy are the newcomers in the men’s Premier League while Nairobi’s Kenya Polytechnic will also make their debut in the women’s category.

Amoko said that it will be important to hold the meeting to review last year’s competition before the new season gets under way in April.

Last year’s national league had to be delayed for a month after the teams boycotted the opening fixtures demanding for the federation to call the team managers’ meeting to review the previous season, formation of the league committee and the competition rules, among other grievances.

Managers, led by veteran George Namake of World Hope, George “Nyundo’’ Omondi (KCB Lions), Dennis Chutte (Lomboritz) and Bosire Bogonko (Co-op Bank) were in the forefront demanding the review of the KBF constitution before the start of the 2009 national league.

As stakeholders, the teams wanted to have a say in the running of the game in the country because they felt some of the KBF branches that represented them, such as the Armed Forces, Nyanza and North Eastern, had no teams in the league yet they had three votes in the executive committee. The competition had to start late in May after the clubs were given a vote and fresh league competition rules drawn.

Amoko said after the managers’ meeting, there will be a pre-season tournament in Nairobi to which all the teams will be invited. He said the tournament will the give the teams an opportunity to gauge their strength in preparation for the national league’s first leg fixtures.

MARINE’s chances of making a comeback at this year’s national basketball league remain blurry, reports Timothy Muvunyi.

The Rubavu-based side is still locked in financial hardship, the same reason that forced them to withdraw from last year’s play-offs.
“We have approached several companies but none has gotten back to us yet. For now, we are still waiting,” the team’s head coach Prosper Mihigo said. Marine became a force to reckon with in 2007 when they lifted the league title after beating CSK A in the play-offs final.

Dar Es Salaam — VIJANA 'City Bulls' whitewashed Cargo 75-24, in a one-sided encounter of the ongoing RBA league at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The victory saw the 'City Bulls' go top of the table with eight points ahead of pre-league favourites and defending champions Savio, who have bagged six points so far. It was Vijana's fourth straight victory in the league out of four matches they have so far played.
Savio, who were on the sideline yesterday, have played three matches, winning them all.
In yesterday’s match, the victors started strongly and snatched a 17-6 lead in the first quarter. They continued to stretch their muscle that saw them extending their lead to 33-15 at the breather.
On resumption, Vijana started from where they had left in the first two quarters. They pinned their opponents at their own domain, scoring points almost at will. Cargo could not match Vijana's vigour, flexibility and speed as they were completely outplayed in the third and quarter, which saw Vijana recording massive 42 points, while Cargo managed seven.
Vijana's Emma Mwikalo was the top scorer for his team with 12 points, followed by Mwalim Heri, who also notched 12 points. Andrew Sam of Cargo posted 14 points, while his team mate Mbaraka Nassoro scored four points.

(by Sherif Soliman)

Gezira flys to dubai with the assistance of (Bank of Alexandria) , Gezira players will try to pass their last defeat from Itthad in the fianl game in dubai,Coach Ahmed Marie said (we are in dubai to prove that we are still on the right track & to prepare our team for the Egyptian super league,we are getting better every day and we hope to well repersent the Egyptian Basketball there).However, Omar tarek will not join the team according to his comitment with a colledge for a schocolarship in the USA, Naim Dhifallah the tunisian power forward and the misr insurance current player will replace Omar tarek.

# Group A:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut 'Lebanon' - Title holders
Mahram 'Iran'
Al Gezira 'Egypt'
UAE National Team
Al Wehda Damascus 'Syria'

# Group B:
Zain 'Jordan' - Runner ups
Al Jalaa Aleppo 'Syria'
Smart Gilas 'Philippines'
An Nasr 'UAE'
Champville 'Lebanon'

# Tournament system:
1st round: round robin
2nd round: diagonals from 1st to 4th (1st X 4th & 2nd X 3rd)
Semi Finals
Final

from africabasket.com

by Sherif Soliman
Final league game was held last night in cairi stadium hall 3 to detrmine the champion of the 1st competion this season between Itthad & Gezira. However , Itthad made it as usual and won 78-70 to make it 3 -0 in the games against gezira this season.All itthad players were very confident that they can win it any time, moemem Abu Alaynayn scored tow 3 points in the killing time before Amir Elfanan killed the game with a 3 pointer in the last 50 seconds.On the other hand, gezira players kept chasing itthad all the game untill they gave up in the last 3 mintes. Amr Aou Ekhier proving every day that he is the best coach in Egypt leading his team this season to most probably to defend the title for the 2nd year.

from africabasket.com

The pain of going two seasons without a championship is certain to motivate Falcons to dig deeper this year.
“We are determined to work a little bit harder this time round,” Falcons patron John Ssimbwa said yesterday.
Falcons came close to winning a record seventh championship last season but were edged by Warriors at the semi-final stage. Many pointed to their thin squad as being Falcons’ biggest undoing last term and Ssimbwa insists the problem will be ironed out. “I believe we shall not be as thin as we were last season,” he said. It is understood that Falcons have signed Kenya Cooperative Bank’s Richard Osano in a bid to bolster their squad and are looking to add more players before the season gets underway in March.

“I can’t tell you who we are signing at the moment but our squad will have new faces,” Ssimbwa noted. With all the pressure now on Warriors to defend the championship, Ssimbwa reckons Falcons will be the team to beat as usual.
“It will be exciting to see how Warriors deal with the pressure,” he said. “I believe we have the potential to topple them.”

Falcons will be boosted by the return of Henry Malinga, who struggled through last season’s play-offs with knee problems. “I now feel better and ready to play,” Malinga, arguably the best centre player in Uganda, said on Saturday. Warriors, though, are not sitting back. “We want to start pre-season training before the end of this month,” Warriors coach Gad Eteu said. “I know all teams will be plotting against us but we are not scared.” “We respect all our opponents but will take it a game at a time.”

Eteu, voted coach of the year 2009, said he plans to recruit at least five players and lay-off some.

The number of teams in the MTN-Fuba League is set to increase after Kampala University confirmed they would be fielding at least one team this season.

The ever-expanding league now has three men’s divisions and one for women.

In total, there are 38 teams, with 11 of them playing in the women’s division. “We are planning to field one men’s team and another in the women’s category,” Kampala University official Ronald Kamoga said recently.

Kampala University won football and handball at last month’s inter-university games held at Nkumba but couldn’t contend for the overall trophy because of their failure to field teams in sports disciplines like basketball and other indoor games.
“Since we have consolidated our position in football, our next target is now basketball. There is no way we can compete with other universities, which play in the league,” Kamoga said.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono, Kampala International University (KIU) and Ndejje all have teams in the league.
Being new entrants, however, Kampala University men’s team will have to start in Third Division, the lowest tier in the league.
Third Division has only seven teams while the topflight and Second Division have 10 teams each. The league begins in March.

By CAXTON APOLLO

Nairobi’s Kenya Polytechnic women’s basketball team has been promoted to this year’s Premier League that starts in Nairobi on April 17.
Joseph Amoko, the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary, said on Tuesday that the number of teams in the 2010 competition has been increased from nine to 10.
He said Kenya Polytechnic had finished third in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league but had to be promoted on grounds that both the league winners, Predators, and runner-up, Safe Space, had opted out of the Premier League.

NBA fixtures secretary, Caleb Osewe, confirmed they had given the promotion slot to Kenya Polytechnic since Predators and Safe Space were not willing to join the top competition. Osewe said Predators comprised former national team players who cannot cope with the high demands of the Premier League.

More competitive

They include Wilkister Akinyi, Winnie Kanani, Valentine Apondi and Sophie Mohammed. Amoko said increasing the teams from nine to 10 will make the women’s championship more competitive compared to last year. He said eight top teams will qualify for the play-offs’ quarter-finals after their regular season matches played on home and away basis.

The 10 teams in this year’s women’s league are KPA, Eagle Wings, Eastern Queens, Kenya College of Accountancy, Flames of the USIU, Yana, Sprite Storms, Strathmore University, Mennonites and Kenya Polytechnic.

United States of America-based Nigeria senior women national team D’Tigress forward, Rashidat Sadiq, in a recent interview with Bunmi Ogunyale declared among other issues that the former African Champions will shock the world if the team is given adequate preparation ahead of major international competitions. Excerpts;

The dwindling fortunes Nigeria national teams in recent time?

To me, the dwindling fortunes can be associated to the relatively young players in the team and I believe that with a little exposure, the young ones would mature. I also believe that poor preparation ahead major championships are also a big problem for us because we don't get to prepare for any tournament well ahead of time. It's surprising that we have always got the job done in spite of constant poor preparations. But it is better to improve especially as it concern preparation, so that we can avoid embarrassment in the future.

What are your gains as a basketball player so far?

Basketball has done a lot for me. It has taken me to places where I never thought that I would ever visit when I was coming up in the game. The game gave me exposure because I was fortunate to travel overseas to play basketball professionally after my college years. Above all, the game has really enlightened me.

Your greatest moment in the national team player?

Yes, one of my greatest moments was when we played against Mozambique in the Olympic qualifiers in Maputo in 2003 and I was able to make some vital points which assisted our team to pick the Olympic ticket ahead of other teams at the Africa Championship. I believe that remained my most memorable moment in the national team.

Regrets as a player?

No, I don't have any because basketball has been good to me and nothing at all can separate me from the game. I don't have any regret playing basketball. And I don't think my friends have any too.

Your sojourn abroad?

It was really easy for me because I am a hardworking player and I have the desire to take my career to the next level. So, it was very easy for me when I got to the States. I was able to create an impression and they all knew there was a Nigerian in the Central Arizona College team. I was able to set records with the team and they still remember my exploits in the US up till this moment.

Target as a player?

I still dream of playing for a Women National Basketball Association (WNBA) team in the US and also taking my country to the World Cup.

Would you have chosen to play for another country instead of Nigeria?

In basketball, it is a win or lose situation and I don't regret playing for my country because it’s an honour to be called-up by your national team, it shows your effort is being appreciated and that you are recognize by your fatherland.

Who is Rashidat Sadiq?

Rashidat Sadiq is an easy going and hard working young lady born in Ibadan South-west Nigeria I had my high school education at Ibadan Methodist Girls (IMG), also known as Sharp Corner.

I was a former tennis and soccer player. It was at that time that the school authority constructed a basketball court and they invited other schools for a competition. So, I decided to join the school team and I enjoyed every moment of it. It was fun. So, they got a basketball coach to train us the basics of the game.

In the first week, I was able to learn few tricks and I started training with the boys. I got so acquainted with the game and I always go to train at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan whenever the school is not on session. I was able to develop my work ethics to the extent that the Police team saw me practicing and they asked me to join their team. And when I told my mum about it, she was initially skeptical about me joining the Police team, but after mush persuasion she gave that was how it all started.

I then traveled with the Police team to Kano and Bauchi for a national competition where I was spotted by officials of First Bank basketball club of Lagos.

I later joined the First Bank team where I remained until I left for the UAS to further my studies and today I play professional basketball.

I would say First Bank basketball club gave me the break in my career because I won the Nigeria domestic league for a number of times and represented the country with the club winning the African title twice in 2003 and 2009


About marriage?
Oh! Marriage, for now, I reserve my comment about marriage, (laughs).

By: Olusegun Ikuesan & Bunmi Ogunyale

Nairobi will send the men and women teams to this year's Zone Five inter cities championships slated for Mombasa in march, a top official has announced.

Ronnie Owino, the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) chairman told FIBA Africa after an executive meeting held at the Railways Club over the weekend that his office will solicit for funds to enable the two teams to participate in the tournament.

He said that the NBA account was exhausted during last year's provincial league and as a result, the executive will work hard if the teams are to make the trip a reality.
"We do not have any money right now. But we are determined to send our teams to Mombasa for the championships. If the worst comes to the worst, we will send the women's side as they are the defending champions." said Owino.

Owino at the same time made a passionate appeal for funds from both corporate and individuals to come forward with whatever donation so that the team's can travel to Mombasa for the event.
"We will send letters to corporate and individuals to support us. Last year we did the same despite starting late, and managed to travel to Arusha for the games. This time we have started a little earlier. " he said.

Apart from Nairobi other cities who have confirmed participation in this annual showcase are Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mwanza, Arusha, Jinja, Harare, Mogadishu. More teams are expected to show up this month.

Inter cities executive officer Agina Wesonga said that preparations were at an advanced stage in Mombasa. Nairobi women and Mombasa men are the reigning championships.

"We are in constant touch with Coats Basketball Association chairman Hilmi Ali and from what has been done so far, the preparation is on the right course. " said Agina.


Meanwhile, top Kenyan teams have been invited to Uganda to take part in the 5th edition of Falcons Invitational Tournament from August 3–7 in Kampala.

Falcons basketball club was formed in 1999

The last four editions have been blessed by attendance of teams from; Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Seychelles.
"We have invited clubs from all the 7 Fiba Afrique Zones to give the event a more continental appeal, and a fairly good number have given tentative confirmation." said club president John Ssimbwa.

The venue tournament is the Lugogo Indoor Stadium and the organisers shall provide inland transport.


By Dann Owere

FIBA Africa

The saying that ‘All that starts well ends well’ could best describe the fortunes of Nigerian basketball in the outgoing year.

Although the game in the country had its own fair share of misfortunes in 2009, if this is placed side by side with the success recorded, it is very clear that the sport made many remarkable progress in the year.

A major breakthrough for the sport in the last quarter of 2009 was the beaming of Nigeria Men’s Premier League on satellite television across the world, with some of the games televised live.

Even at the continental level, such success was not recorded. The satellite telecast of Nigerian basketball matches was made possible through a four-year sponsorship of the league by Multi-choice Limited, owners of DSTV, to the tune of N64million.

At the end of the league, Kano Pillars Basketball Club were declared winners after they beat Lagos Islanders Basketball Club of Lagos in the final of the Top 8 Play-Off.

Apart from the sponsorship of the Men’s League by Multi-choice, the Women’s League, which has Zenith Bank Plc., as title sponsor in the last five years, was also held in Kaduna and Asaba. Lagos hosted the three phases of the league, which the defending champions, First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos, successfully defended. The team’s record was tainted after they lost one of their matches to a local side for the first time in the last seven years.

The new-kids on the block, First Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos, who were making their debut on the league, beat the defending champions, First Bank, on the final day of the league. Despite this loss, the First Bank ladies retained their title.

First Deepwater also made their debut on the continent. They qualified for the finals of the FIBA-Africa Club Champions Cup for Women, which Nigeria’s First Bank Basketball Club won.

In the development programme at the grassroots, the 11th edition of the Police Rookies Basketball Tournament was held. ipNX Rookies won the tournament, coordinated by Coach Mark Balogun.

The two senior national teams, D’Tigers and D’Tigress, could not qualify for their respective FIBA-World Cups. Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, also failed to get a wild card for D’Tigers to play in the world tourney in Turkey. The board of the federation, however, held its Annual General Meeting, AGM in Abuja. A lot of decisions on how to move the game forward were taken. A stakeholders’ forum was also held during the AGM.

On the international scene, former NBA star and Chief Coach of Cameroon national team, Joseph Touomou, slammed Africa’s officials for the slow pace of the game on the continent. He said basketball officials are the problem of the game.

A top level coaching course was held in the last quarter under review with top FIBA-Africa instructor, Samuel Wanjohi, taking the country’s top coaches through the latest techniques in the game. The Level-1 course was held in Kaduna.

By Brown Msyani

Oilers edged out holders JKT 67-64 in a thrilling Regional Basketball League (RBA) match held at the National Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
Gerald Baru was instrumental in his team's sterling display to down JKT who boasted an impressive winning streak, handing them the first defeat of the season.
Baru, who scored 14 points, dictated the centre field distributing marvellous passes to his teammates.
Despite his brilliance, it was Lusajo Samuel of Oilers who emerged the top scorer having chalked 21 points followed by Pius Seni with 17.
JKT scored their points through Frank Kusiga who penned 22 points while Himid Choka notched 20.
Spirited Oilers led the first quarter 16-13 and went on to post 36-23 in the half time. Third quarter saw the winners lead by 51-46.
JKT fought hard and managed to level the score at the start of the final quarter before Baru's last minute pointer earned his team a narrow three point win.

Play-offs MVP (m)
Ronnie Kasewu (Warriors)
Women: Miriam Hamala
Regular season MVP (m)
Norman Blick (Power)
Women: Kassim Hatima
Top scorers
Isaac Afidra (Power)
Loraine Akinyi (UCU)
Division 2
Top scorer
Tobias Ebolias
Regular season MVP
William Odong
Play-offs MVP
Roma Anania
Division 3
Top scorer
Frank Ikabat
Regular season MVP
Sam Akuddo
Play-offs MVP
Abdul Dimisto

Ronnie Kasewu was Saturday night crowned MTN-Fuba League play-offs Most Valuable Player (MVP) and his team Kyambogo Warriors given Shs3m for emerging 2009 champions.

Kasewu beat teammates Martin Okwako and Abdullahi Ramathan to the award while Norman Blick edged his compatriot Isaac Afidra enroute to winning the regular season gong, much to the surprise of the crowd at Imperial Royale Hotel. “Much as it is an individual award, I want to thank my teammates who got me up there,” Kasewu said in his acceptance speech at the glamorous awards ceremony sponsored by MTN.

“You guys (teammates) helped me improve my game and hope we can do this again next year.” Afidra picked up the First Division top scorer’s award but justifiably left Imperial Royale an unhappy man for being denied the regular season MVP title.

“This is Ox’s award,” Afidra said while dedicating the award to former teammate Wilbrod Oketcho, who died in 2008. Fuba technical committee chairman William Musaazi defended Blick’s selection, saying he was the deserving winner. “We considered discipline and contribution to the team and Norman stood out,” said Musaazi. KCC Leopards skipper Miriam Hamala took the women’s play-offs MVP award while A-1 Challenge’s Kassim Hatima was voted the best in the regular season.

For outwitting top sides like Falcons and DMark Power, Warriors’ Gad Eteu was named coach of the year, taking home a fully-connected mobile phone and Shs0.2m worth of airtime.

By Brown Msyani

Vijana City Bulls came from behind to post 63-50 victory over high-spirited PTW Stars in a thrilling Regional Basketball League (RBA) encounter held yesterday at the National Indoor Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

Vijana blew off their opponent's lead in the third quarter to claim the hard-earned victory. Playing impressively in all sections, PT Stars managed to seal a slim 8-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and went to maintain their lead to 13-12 at half time.

The third quarter saw Vijana posting hefty 20 points as opposed to 8 points garnered by their opponents.

PT Stars regained composure in the final quarter to register 29 points while restricting Vijana to 24-point gain.
Saidi Hamisi who slammed home 14 points was the match�s most impressive player followed by his team mate Doto Zephania who chalked 12 points.
"My youthful team has slowly begun find the winning rhythm after a poor start. We have sorted out all problems that constituted our loss to Savio last week," said Vijana head coach Bahati Mgunda.

Vijana, who fielded many new faces, had to come from behind to win the match in a dramatic style.
Abdallah Hamisi of PT Stars penned 14 points and his team mate Osea Balaigwa ending with 8 points.
Vijana, one of the toughest basketball teams in Tanzania is trying to re-build up after losing their prominent players.
Their key players Mohamed Ally Dibo and Abdullah Ramadhan Dulla moved to Uganda last year where they have been playing impressively in the better paying Uganda MTN League.

Meanwhile, Savio won a walkover after their opponents Bias from Mbagala failed to report at the venue. The league organisers awarded Savio two points and 20 points.

The tournament, which started a fortnight ago, has attracted all Dar es Salaam prominent teams.

round 22: Itthad crushed Ahly killing the last hope for ahly to stay in the best six. However , this is the first time in Ahly basketball history the team will play in the 2nd six...what a pitty for Ahly mangment......On the other hand Sporting & somuha survived and jioned the best six with Ihttha , Gezira,Zamalek & Army. finally , a final game will be held monday 6 pm in cairo stadium to determine the champion of (under 16+ men results) for the current season 2009/2010.

from africabasket.com

BY TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

RWANDA has started preparations to assemble a formidable Under-18 team for the upcoming Fiba-Africa Zone 5 championship set to be staged in Kampala, Uganda.

According to the technical advisor of the local basketball federation (Ferwaba), Innocent Karuhije, the team will be mainly built around clubs who took part in the inaugural junior basketball championship last year.

APR swept the inaugural league after ousting Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) in the boy’s category and Nyamirambo’s St. Andrew in the girls’ fray.
Karuhije added that negotiations are also underway with Fiba-Africa to have Rwanda host the 2011 Zone 5 Under 18 Championship.
“We did a good job with the recent FIBA Africa Club Championship and believe we can do the same with the Under-18s,” the official noted.

Ferwaba has meanwhile promised to provide some financial support to top division clubs.
“We think funding the clubs will make the league more competitive and as such avoid cases where clubs have to drop out because of lack of funds.”

He also feared that the departure of 2007 league champions Marines will have a far reaching impact on the competitiveness and thrill of this year’s league.

Marines ceased league action days before their playoff tie against Espoir citing financial failures.

The players are now seeking sponsorship to make a comeback as a new team.

The American forward Raheim Brown (208-F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Atlantic) arrived last wednesday to Cairo to add forces to Gasco's roster for the reminder of the season.

Raheim was the last cut of Miami Heat (NBA) last October in addition of his eperience in playing in Italy, Argentina, China, Portugal and Kazakhstan.

Even with some delay, we are now able to supply the Final Standings of the 'Greater Accra Men's Basketball League 2009', ended some months ago with the win of Braves of CEPS, that ended the season unbeaten. The table is as follows:
club record points
1. CEPS 11-0 22
2. CC Hoops 10-1 21
3. Police 9-2 20
4. Tema Youth 8-3 19
5. Reformers 7-4 17
6. Yotive 5-6 15
7. Holy Family 4-7 15
8. Panthers 6-5 14
9. Wizards 3-8 14
10. Fire Service 1-10 11
11. Dynamics 1-10 11
12. St.Joseph's 0-11 10

Tanta added to their roster 28-year old American forward Kevin Jolley (197-F-82, college: Quinnipiac, agency: Prossin Sports Management). Jolley played most recently at Hottur (Iceland). While playing 15 games for Sampaense/Tec.Coimbra his stats were: 6.4ppg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 76.0%, left team in Jan.'09
in his 2007-2008 season he spend it moving from Europe to Lebanon to Jordan where he played 10 games at Cv.Aliana Sangalhos (Proliga) and averaged 23.0ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 73.0%, then Dec.07 moved to Champville (Lebanon-Div.A) where he played 11 games and averaged 15.2ppg, 10.4rpg, FG: 52.0%, 3pts: 10.0%, FT: 68.0%, released in March'08 but he was awarded: Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Honorable Mention, the same month signed at Arena Amman (Jordan-Excellent League) where he managed to collect: Jordanian League Semifinals -08 and Jordanian Cup Semifinals -08
By Eurobasket Data Center

TROOPERS
Name Pos Nationality
Ratanang Tsayang G Botswana
Mothusi Phokoje F Botswana
Michael Banda G/F Zimbabwe
David Gaborone F Botswana
Mbaki Pitso G Botswana
Raymond Madzudzo F Zimbabwe
Mufaro Moyo G Zimbabwe
Philani Ncube F Zimbabwe
Basimane Tau G Botswana
M. Moilwa F Botswana
M. Linda G Zimbabwe
Percy G Botswana
Gaamangwe G Botswana
Gift Nyamana F Zimbabwe
Sechaba Sechaba G Botswana

SPARTANS

Name Pos Nationality
Mothusi Thipe G Bot
Sylvester Noke G Bot
Clive Phiri F Zim
Peter Ubakar F Nig
Pavle G
Robert G Bot
Kealeboga G Bot
Roy Sikwila G Zim
Tom Sikwila G Zim
M. Sikwila F Zim

BDF V

Name Pos Nationality
Bashe J G Botswana
Thapisa B G Botswana
Machibe G G Botswana
Sedumedi S G Botswana
Makwate O F Botswana
Mododo G F Botswana
Masasa O F Botswana
Mbise T F Botswana
Baekwe B.M G Botswana
Mphato I F Botswana
Mbulawa F G Botswana

Coach Pifelo P.S

This week Voice Star shone the spotlight on basketball and found a young up and coming star in Spartans' and University of Botswana player, Robert Bendo Mosalakatane who hails from Kanye in the Southern district. He will also captain the Gaborone district team in the Gaborone games starting on 14 December. He was born into a sporting family as his brother and sister played tennis. Mosalakatane is just 18 years old and already doing his first year at university in Architecture. He spoke to MOJAKI MONNAKGOTLA while still celebrating a gold medal he clinched with his UB team in the just ended BOTESSA college games.

How did your career in basketball begin?
I was introduced to the sport while doing standard six by my teacher, Mr Sibanda. I then went to Delta Waters where there was no basketball until when doing form two and a new court was built. That is back in 2006 when I played forward and led the school team to a silver medal in the BISA games. In 2007 I moved to Legae Academy where I was part of the school team and this time played as a guard, a position that everyone has to play in the basketball field. We got a silver medal at the ISSA competitions held in Francistown and I was also chosen the Most Valuable Player. I have also played for the national under 17, 18 and 20 and have a bronze medal from the COSSASA games. Last year I tasted my first sport allowance from Botswana National Sports Council. I have also been part of Spartans team from 2007 where I have played as a point guard. Gym Active sponsors us, so we train in a semi indoor facility.

Some people associate basketball with a certain class of the society, how can you best describe it?
I think African Americans started it but the whites can also play it nowadays. Everyone can play the sport even the so-called 'Manyora'. People always speak slang and greet us in an American accent but I normally respond in good Setswana like 'Dumela rra'.

What is your dream as an individual and part of Spartans team?
I honestly want to play professional ball and probably overseas. I also have an architectural career to think about. I will dedicate my entire playing career to the Spartans team. Mostly Franklin Johnson from Cuba has coached me among many. At Legae Academy James Kalebwe was the man; at Spartans the likes of Hubert Bhebhe, Roy Sikwila and in the Gaborone team Bruce Nkala coaches me where I am also the teams captain.

Has anybody from the national team talked to you about your future with the sport?
I have been part of the junior teams. I guess that is a statement on its own but the Technical Director, Mothusi Thipe sees potential in us as youth so I just have to be patient and I will get there.

What will you say your role at Spartans is and are you happy with it?
I am like a playmaker, my role is to control the tempo of the game. That however depends on how we want to play our game and our opponents. If we play a vulnerable team we play quick and hard; we become just too fast. If we play a good team we change the strategy and that's where I come in.

Are you happy with the quality of courts in the country and how do you think they can be improved?
I enjoy playing at the University of Botswana courts, the SSKB courts are also not bad but I have to admit that there are many courts in South Africa, which give one a good choice. I can say we still need to improve our courts though and there is need to also cater for the spectators.

How does one become a superstar and or a good player in this game?
I am not yet there but from what I have learnt one has to really train hard as they say practice makes perfect. If I am not at school I normally do 200 shots per day alone and if you get an opportunity as a player you must utilise it fully.

Do you think players in Botswana are giving their all in basketball?
In Botswana football is the most popular sport and people tend not to enjoy basketball mainly because the media has neglected it. There is need to sensitize fans and drum support for the sport. I however have to point out that this sport is very entertaining, the problem is people don't understand it and there is reluctance to support us in turn.

What really motivates you to get up and go to training every day without complaining?
The thought of wanting to play at professional level keeps me going. My friends also push me to go all the way. I have a training partner Gentleman Fisher and we are also team-mates so we always push each other and it has so far helped us.

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor facilities and explain why?
I would have to go with indoor because there are no weather disruptions. This past Saturday we had games postponed because of weather. I also like the wood surface that is in a lot of indoor facilities. I think it is the best as it is also used in professional courts.

How do you prepare for crucial games as an individual?
If we play in the evening I go and do my shooting in the morning. An hour before the game I like listening to music and relaxing but I have to point out that to me every game is important and I play like it is the last game giving my best.

Lastly who do you think is the best basketball player?
Personally I have had my games against a lot of players around and I will go for Mothusi Thipe. He also happens to be one of my role models in the game. I love this game and want to be one of the best.

from africabasket.com

Troopers retained the national basketball title over the weekend after garnering an unassailable 30 to top the league standings ahead of Spartans and Police V.
Spartans finished second 28 points, two better than Police V. It was not easy sailing for Troopers as Police V held the top spot for the better part of the season, only to falter during the last games. The policemen finished the first round unbeaten but stumbled towards the end of the campaign as Troopers gained momentum to clinch the title.
Troopers have been in fine form since winning the mid-season basketball tournament losing only once in the second round. The champions have been the dominant force in local basketball. They went into the final two games against Thebe Eagles and BDF V needing at least three points to clinch the title. They got what they wanted in a narrow 69-64 win over Eagles. By the time they lost 76-95 to BDF V, their first defeat in the second round, they had already wrapped up the title. Spartans finished their games the previous weekend and they hoped to clinch the title if Troopers lose to Eagles and BDF V.
The top four teams will now play in the championship this coming weekend. Troopers will play fourth-placed BDF V while second-placed Spartans will lock horns with Police V in a 'best of three' games format.
Story courtesy of Mmegi newspaper

By Brown Msyani

Don Bosco Lioness and ABC played brilliantly to claim massive wins in the Regional Basketball League (RBA) matches held over the weekend at the National Indoor Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
Experienced DB Lioness defeated league debutants Vijana Queens 88-28while ABC had to sweat to beat newly promoted Chang�ombe United 62-54 in the second match held at the same venue.
Lioness determination to win the encounter began to yield fruits right from the start, claiming 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The winners extended their lead to 34-5 at the half time.
The winners added 30 points in the third quarter while restricting Vijana to 15- point gain at the stage.
Lioness finished their victory campaign with 24 points at the final quarter compared to 8 points penned by their opponents.
Jasmin Babla who fired 23 points was the match's top scorer followed by her team mate Orlyn Titus who carded 20 points .
Vijana's Yasmin Nagib who played impressively in all quarters scored 9 points while her team mate Johari Kaseko posted 6 points.

ABC outshined Chang'ombe United with hard-earned 62-54 win in a thrilling encounter held at the same venue on Sunday.
Chang'ombe United who finished the first quarter leading 19-15, lost steam in the second quarter to allow ABC claim 29-27 lead at the end of the first half.
Gilbert Batungi who fired home 21 points for the winner, was the top scorer of the match followed by Zwalo Makani of Chang'ombe United who penned 19 points.

Holders JKT also won impressively on Sunday by beating Mgulani JKT 78-59.
JKT were leading 46-23 until the breather. Juma Kissocky Himid Choka and Frank Simkoko were the stars of the match.

By Erick Ochieng’

After narrowly missing out in the men’s National Basketball Classic League last year, International Christian Centre (ICC) hope to bounce back to the limelight and carry the country’s flag at the regional basketball tournament.

Though the team ruled the men’s Premier League standings for the better part of last year, they were surprisingly relegated to the third and fourth place play-offs.

ICC coach Fred Omondi is a man on a mission of to wrestling the devil that has stood between them and the coveted trophy they used to easily win earlier.
The team boasts of five players; Bernard Ogolla, Moses Shida, Mike Tanui, Janelson Njau and Griffin Ligare, all who play in the national basketball team.
Most players who turn out for the men and women’s clubs under ICC left for other clubs in 2001 when the club was still known as National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The men and women’s clubs were therefore disbanded following a change of management at NSSF.
"We unsuccessfully sought support from across the board and players left for other teams. It was only at the last minute when the church came to our rescue, but they only supported the men’s team," said Omondi.

Team died

The women’s team died a natural death, while the men’s team changed names from NSSF to ICC.
ICC emerged runners-up in the African Championships in Kigali later in 2001.
In 2004, they were relegated to the men’s Division One League, which they eventually won in 2005 and returned to the Men’s Premier League in 2006.
In 2007, ICC emerged fifth in the Premier League after narrowly missing out in the final play-offs. The team suffered another blow in 2008 when players made another exodus, prompting the coach to recruit afresh, mainly from universities and colleges.

The team enjoyed top form last year until the last minute in the play-offs, which were won by champions Kenya Commercial Bank.

Omondi insists ICC will bounce back to win the Premier League and represent Kenya at the regional championship.

NAIROBI (Africa championships) - Africa championshipsLike Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Co-operative Bank of Kenya went to the Fiba Africa club championships as Zone Five winners but they will never cherish those memories at all now and in the future.

KPA women's team traveled to Cotonou, Benin for the 15th FIBA Africa club championships while Co-op went to Kigali, Rwanda for the 24th edition. They learnt the hard way that these championships are not for the ill prepared.

The results from these two tournaments were more or less the same which poses some hard questions about the performance of Kenyan teams at the continental podium.
Both teams got off to a flying start winning their opening matches. KPA with a huge 74-34 thumping of home girls Energie while Co-op squeezed a narrow 71-70 against Warriors of Uganda.

After that the mountain then became too steep to climb for the two Kenyan representatives.KPA and Co-op then played meek losing all their their preliminary round matches.
KPA got off their campaign to a fine start whipping home girls Energie 72-32. Co-op had to squeeze a narrow 71-70 win over Warriors of Uganda, a team they easily handled in the Kampala qualifiers.
KPA were downed 51-66 by Desportivo (Mozambique), 84-29 by eventual winners First Bank (Nigeria), 40-63 to ABC (Ivory Coast), 47-54 to Apolitecnica (Mozambique), 43-48 to CSA (Ivory Coast) and 50-65 to Deepwater (Nigeria).

Back to Co-op who did their best but still lost 75-83 to Inter of Congo, went down hard 79-49 to Aspac of Benin and were whipped 110-54 by reigning champions Primiero d'Agosto.
The similarity did not end there. The two teams sneaked to the quarter finals by wining one game, thanks mainly to the teams that failed to show up in Cotonu and Kigali event respectively.

That dubious distinction of reaching the last eight was quickly rendered useless as the two giants fell like nine pins bringing their club championship ambitions to a sad end.
KPA suffered a 51-66 loss at the hands of then champions Desportivo while Co-op were handed a thorough beating as Agosto showed them who were kings in that humiliating 106-56 loss.
From there it was the classification- the losers finals- and here they did not perform any better. KPA wound up eighth in a ten team show while Co-op were also number seven in a nine team event. Nothing to be proud of really.
The KPA and Co-op club championship outings raised some of the hardest questions that fans keep asking without ever really getting an answer. When will there ever be a podium finish for Kenya ?

So what ails Kenyan basketball at the continental scene ? Is it aged players ? Lack of foresight and planning by the coaches, lack of talented players to perform at that level? physique ?

Why does the Kenyan teams go out the Africa championships it is always predictably what position they wound finish. Co-op had a suspect preparations going into this event.

In their first outing in Luanda in 2007, APR finished sixth, they were eighth in Tunisia in 2008 and won bronze medal at home. Aren't there some lessons for Kenyans. ?

Angolans dominate Africa. Nearly all players are local based and the fact that they have maintained their sterling run in the continent both at the club and national level is admirable really.

Co-op have hugely gifted athletes, they have the height and the body and some of the most talented players in the country. So what happened ? Anything coach Carey Oketch and Bogonko Bosire ?

Pundits talk about team selection. They are asking why two of the most experienced players in local basketball and who would have given immense contributions were not put on the plane to Kigali ?
If you want to compare your standards in African basketball then there is no better barometer than the Angolans- both at the club and national team level.They will teach you a few lessons- softly or violently.
And this time round, Co-op saw a lot of the Angolans and they were hit hard losing by over 100 points to two of Africa's most clinical sides in eventual winners Primeiro d'Agosto and Petro Atletico.

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) first vice chairman and the man who is with the team in Rwanda - Henry Shihemi said that the Kenyans learnt a lot in the championships. If only they will let all and sundry see what gains are being made.

KBF must now come in and make Kenya basketball look good in the eyes of everyone in the continent. The question is not when, the sooner the better.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

Rwanda minister of Sports and Culture, Joseph Habineza gave a thumb-up to the Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA and hosting club APR Lions basketball club of Kigali for the smooth hosting of the final round of the just concluded 24th FIBA Africa Champions Club for Men held between December 13 and 22.

The minister who was over joy with the organization and the performance of the APR lions side in the competition declared the government support for future basketball championship.
Habineza gave an indication during a reception put together by the Basketball Federation that the Rwandan Government will assist the federation to achieve its aim of bidding and hosting the 2013 Africa biggest basketball competition - The FIBA Africa Championship for Men (CAN) by building an ultra modern basketball gymnasium to compliment the existing sports hall at the Amahoro stadium.
"I am delighted that FIBA Africa gave the hosting of this competition to the Rwanda Basketball Federation and the Rwanda people and I want to say a big thank you to the continental body for entrusting with the organization of the competition.
“I also want to thanked the basketball federation under the leadership of Eric Kalisa for a job well-done and the APR Lions team for representing us well in the competition by finishing third best club-side in Africa.

“I want to assure FIBA Africa that the people and government of Rwanda is solidly behind the Rwanda Federation in hosting future tournament and we are set to build a bigger gymnasium that will be dedicated to basketball alone, the minister concluded.

….. As Rwanda bid for 2010 FIBA Africa U18 for Men

And with the success in hosting the 24th FIBA Africa Champions Club for Men Rwanda through its Basketball Federation is bidding to stage the next edition of the FIBA Africa Championship for U18 Men in 2010.
This disclosure was made by the East Africa country Sports and Culture Minister, Joseph Habineza who charged the Rwanda Basketball Federation president, Eric Kalisa and his members to forward a bid for the championship to FIBA Africa for consideration.

The minister says he is confident the Rwanda federation will not disappoint in the organization of the cadet tournament.
According to the minister, “staging more continental and regional championship will help to boost our basketball and prepared us to stage the biggest event in 2013.
FERWABA president, Kalisa who expresses joy at the minister statement and the Rwandan government backing of it activities promise FIBA Africa that his federation will not let down the confidence repose in his federation in staging a befitting U18 championship if considered.

Kalisa says the hosting of the 2009 FIBA Africa biggest club competition has served as an eye opener to the federation and they are prepared to keep learning and improving so as to get the stage of perfection.

By Brown Msyani

Dar es Salaam basketball body (DB) has announced new dates for the four league matches, which were to be held yesterday at the National Indoor Stadium.
BD official and the tournament chief coordinator Manase Zablon said DB halted the matches to give sportsmen and women time to mourn the former premier Rashid Mfaume Kawawa who died on Thursday at the Muhimbili National Hospital.
"The matches will be held later in January, February and March at the same venue," he said.

The RBA fixture showed that Oilers were to meet Mgulani JKT in the league's opening match before the Chui-Cargo encounter takes place.
Also postponed was the third match between PTW Stars and Tanzania Prisons before the epic match between holders JKT and Pazi.

Zablon said the match between JKT and Mgulani would now be held on January 31, at the same venue while PTW Stars and Tanzania Prisons would meet on February 7.
He said that Oilers would face Mgulani on March 7, and Chui are to play Cargo on March 21.

Zablon said there is no change in today�s matches in which Vijana Queen will play Lady Lioness in the opening match.
Police Ladies and Tanzania Prisons will meet in the second match before JKT and Mgulani play in the first men�s encounter.

The final match of today's fixture will see ABC locking horns with their neigbours Chang'ombe United.

JKT, Vijana City Bulls and Savio are the top seeded teams in the tournament.

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
History was made on Saturday when the basketball court in the newly renovated Campos Square mini stadium hosted the first edition of Eko-Akete 6-A-Side Basketball Jamz.

The court came alive with top players from the league and some young players battle for the top prize of N100, 000.

At the end of the one-day tournament, it was Stallion Blazers that won the top prize after beating Favored Men by 12-11 points in the keenly contested match. Homes United beat Assurances Babes 33-20 points for the third position and the sum of N50, 000.

Dignitaries who graced the event were Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Prince Ademola Adeniji Adele, Lagos State Sports Councils board member, Tayo Popoola, Peter Nelson, the Coordinator for the South West Zone of the National Sports Commission, NSC as well as other personalities in Nigerian sports.

Speaking at the event, Honourable Kunle Kadiri, Supervisor for Health, who represented the Chairman of Lagos Island Local government, Honourable Wasiu Eshinlokun expressed happiness over the turnout and the standard display by players in the tournament.

He stated that the local government is committed to giving hope to the youths by creating avenue where they can excel in their choosing career.

In his own remark, Honourable Kamai Salau-Bashua, Secretary of Lagos Island East Local Development Area, who represented the chairman of the council, Honourable Mufutau Kadiku said that with what he saw at the one-day event, there is a bright future for the talented youths of the state. He noted that all they need is support and encouragement. He, however, promised that the tournament will be an annual event.

Tayo Popoola praised the organizers for putting together a good tournament that will be a platform to discover talents that will not only be useful to the state but the country.

She charged the organisers not to rest on their oars but take such grassroots development programme to other parts of the state so that more hidden talents can be identified and groom for the state.

She called on other local governments in the state to emulate the Lagos Island and Lagos Island East councils by sponsoring tourneys for the betterment of the state and the youths.

There was no better way of Dynasty starting 2010 than to release it's first newsletter D-Hoops which will become one of the many information platforms of Dynasty Basketball Association.
Reviewing 2009 is one of the captions for the January edition of the 2010 D-Hoops Newsletter. In it, all past and highlighting moments of Dynasty Basketball is captured from september 2008 to December 2009. Dynasty hopes to build D-Hoops Newsletter into a yearly magazine to capture not only Dynasty moments but Ghanaian and african basketball moments. 2009 was good by God's grace but 2010 will be greater with a greater grace from God to accomplish all we set to achieve to help develop Ghana Basketball.

from africabasket.com

BY TIMOTHY MUVUNYI

ESPOIR president Pierre Munyengabe has urged the local basketball governing body, Ferwaba to come to the rescue of poor clubs.

Munyengabe reasoned that lack of sufficient funds is affecting the competitiveness of the league.
“Recently, Marine pulled out of the league because of financial issues and other clubs may follow suit if the federation does not intervene,” he urged.
“Marine was one of the top clubs in the country and their exit is without doubt a blow to the sport.”

Munyengabe also asked Ferwaba to get on with the league as soon as possible to give clubs ample time to train in-between games.
“We need ample time to train in-between games so it is important that the league starts early.”

Last year, Espoir finished third after Marine and eventual champions APR.

Espoir has now set their sight at winning the title in 2011. “We have been working with some youngsters and we are sure they will be ready to challenge for the title in 2011,” he continued.
After lifting the title in 2004, the Rafiki-based club went off the radar at the expense of APR who have been unbending since.

By PHILIP ONYANGO

Despite a sizeable number of its top players having landed basketball scholarships abroad in the past ten years and efforts by the Kenya Basketball Federation to improve the local sport, Kenya is losing its regional stature.

Of late, Kenya, a powerhouse in the game just a few years ago, has seen its clubs lose matches to Rwandan and Ugandan sides. That the Rwanda national men’s team is gradually taking a commanding lead in the region talks volumes about the stagnant level of the local sport.

Lack of government attention, withdrawal of corporate support and failure by the former KBF officials to put in place proper structures has seriously hurt Kenya’s basketball and the country might soon be playing second fiddle in the region.

Replacement for former greats such as Ronnie Owino, George Nyundo, George Namake, Smarts Olumbo, George Ogola, Big Sam Omole, Isaac Omole, Vincent Mbulushe and Lawis Odera have not been made in the men’s team.

Slots previously occupied by the likes of Queen Olumbo, Nasila Achieng’, Susan Kariuki, Caroline Omamo, Salome Etenyi, Berther Akuno, Wilkister Oduor and the late Betty Murunga and Pheobe Orimba in the women’s side are yet to be filled after their would-be replacements went abroad on basketball schorlaships.

Some of the top Kenyan women players in the diaspora who can easily conquer Africa include Rose Ouma of Wayland Baptist University, as well as Gladys Wanyama, Mildred Olumasi and Beatrice Awino Oyenje, all of Union University.

Lorraine Achieng’, Maureen Obudho, Lillian Atieno, Lorraine Atieno, Jacky Wasuda, Maureen Wasuda and Brenda Wasuda, are all in Texas. In New York are Judith Lulu Obiero and Marion Githengi, while Miriam Wandanda is in Seattle and Josephine Achieng’ Owino in Turkey.

Fundraiser for air tickets

The players’ impact was witnessed when only three players – Josephine Owino, then at Union, Rose Ouma (then at Lewis and Clerk) and Lorraine Achieng’ were called up for the All Africa Games in Algeria and gave giants like Angola, Senegal, Nigeria and Mali a run for their money before finishing a respectable fourth.

International instructor Ronnie Owino and long-serving national head coach Thomas “Smarts” Olumbo are in agreement that no African country would beat Kenya if these women were in the team.

“Whether it will mean organising a major fundraiser for air tickets, we must start calling up these players for international assignments at both club and national team level, like Rwanda and other countries are doing, for us to make an impression,” Owino said in an interview.

There is, however, a flicker of hope. The new KBF leadership entered the teams in all international assignments last year.

For the first time, the Under-18 national team took part in both the zonal championships in Uganda and the Afro Basket Championships in Tunisia (girls) and Egypt (boys).

The women’s team performed pretty well, beating big names like Nigeria, DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Benin before losing narrowly to the hosts in the quarter-finals to finish a worthy fifth.

Since at least six of the girls in the championships last year will still be in the same age brackets next year, with proper preparations Kenya can easily make it to the World Junior Championships.
The players include Purity Auma and Susan Akinyi, who are headed for US colleges on basketball schorlaships, Helen Oketch, who was voted Kenya’s best defensive player in the league this year, Virginia Awino, Olumasi and Shimba Hills guards Fatma Mohamed and Lucy Ohanga.

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Even though the boys got a hammering, losing all their matches to finish last, the experience the players and the technical bench gained in Egypt will come in handy when Kenya takes another shot at the championships in August.

Lack of structures has however seen such talent go to waste as some of the women’s coaches prefer recruiting established players who have retired from clubs to nurturing talent straight from school.

Sadly, no Kenyan club made a podium finish in the past decade. Neither has the national team. Local clubs finished either last or second last in the Africa Club Championships.

Latest casualties

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women and Co-operative Bank of Kenya men were the latest casualties at the continental event as both wound eighth with single wins in the edition held in Benin (women) and Rwanda (men).
Ironically, five-year-old Rwandan Patriotic Army (APR) were third after losing by only 12 points to defending champions and eventual winners Primero de Agosto of Angola.

KBF’s recent decision to organise high level coaching courses in Nairobi could help develop standards, but only if coaches will respect players from schools.

And as Olumbo, who is also the Eagle Wings coach, puts it, KBF ought to compel clubs to form youth teams which would feed the clubs when their players leave for whatever reason.

Permanent Under-12, Under-15, Under-18 and Under-20 teams would beef up the national team, he said.
“We should be knowing who will be a replacement for which player instantly, without looking around, which is only possible through youth programmes,” Olumbo said.