Basketball in Africa

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