Basketball in Africa

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo & Ruth Desire (email the author)

Posted Friday, April 30 2010 at 00:00

Results
Riders 80-104 Power
UCU 106-54 Berkeley
Women
Mak Cubs 36-92 Mak Sparks
Today at YMCA
Nkumba v KIU (8.30pm)
Warriors v Miracle (5.30pm)
Women
KCC v Sparks (7pm)

The sixth edition of the Falcons Invitational basketball tournament will attract 13 teams, 12 from Africa and one from Europe, according to organisers.
Teams from DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Seychelles, Kenya, Senegal, Angola, Nigeria, Egypt, Zambia and Ethiopia have been notified.

During a media launch at Lugogo Sports Complex, the venue of the August 23-29 tournament, Falcons basketball club revealed that they had sent out invitations to the federations of Spain, Italy, Greece, France and Sweden.

“This is a new chapter in Falcons history as the club turns 12. Right now, we are doing events starting next month to get the Shs150m needed to run the entire event,” Falcons publicist Dennis Mbidde told the media yesterday.

Uganda will be represented by Mountain Dew Falcons, UCU Canons, Nkumba Marines, Kyambogo Warriors and DMark Power in the men’s division. Women’s sides include Lady Bucks, A1 Challenge, Makerere Sparks and Amazon Rhino.

Elsewhere, the return of coach Andrew Baziira galvanized DMark Power to recover last week’s loss to UCU Canons as the 2008 champions decimated Knight Riders 104-80 in the MTN Fuba league men’s division I on Wednesday night.
Ben Komaketch (14) led Power’s onslaught as the returning Norman Blick only managed seven.
Sande Okot sunk 21 points as UCU’s brilliant start continued with a 106-54 demolition of newly-promoted Berkeley.

From www.liberianobserver.com
Download source here

Liberia has won the bid to host the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) Africa Champions of the Zone III qualifiers in June-2010, according to the secretariat of the Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF).

The Secretary General of the LBF told Observer Sports yesterday via mobile phone that the FIBA Africa Board, the highest executive body of the Continent, entrusted the organization and hosting of the Zone III Nation Championship qualifiers to the Liberia Basketball Federation, after Liberia eliminated Niger in the bidding process.

Some members of FIBA-Africa Zone III who are expected to participate in the basketball battle include Nigeria, Niger, Togo, Ivory Coast and host country Liberia.

The FIBA Africa Championship (alternatively the FIBA African Championship) is the men's basketball continental championship of Africa, played biennially under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de Basketball, the basketball sports governing body, and the African zone thereof. The tournament also serves to qualify teams for participation in the quadrennial FIBA World Championship and the Olympic basketball tournament.

Meanwhile, according to the Secretariat of the LBF, Liberia needs about US$53,000 to successfully host the Zone III Male African Basketball tournament.

Though the secretariat failed to give detail on the expenditure of the US$53,000, but reports have it that housing, stipends and transportation of international referees, statisticians, mass commissioners and other table officials top the expenditure list.

At least two countries are expected to qualify from each Zone and lock horns with one another for the Africa's number one title as well as the three slots to represent Africa in the 2014 edition of the FIBA World Championship in Spain.

Meanwhile, Africa's 2009 basketball champs Angola and other two reps, Tunisia and Cote d'Ivoire are the three African countries who will be at the 2010 FIBA world Championship in Turkey from August 28 to September 12, 2010.

“We are hoping to play the tournament at our newly constructed basketball champ at the SKD Sports Complex owing to the rain; we believe this event will be a unique event, but we need money to make it successful,” the LBF chief scribe averred.
0Copyright Liberian Observer - All Rights Reserved. This article cannot be re-published without the expressed, written consent of the Liberian Observer. Please contact us for more information or to request publishing permission.

(by Sherif Soliman)
Round 19: Itthad won everything this year , No one could ever stop the amaizing team, Itthad crushed Somouha 83-68 finishing the title before the final game Vs Gezira who came second. However, ITTHAD won 4 titles this season looking forward to win the Arab championship next month held in Alexandria. On the other Hand,Somouha came 3rd for the 1st time in Somouhas basketball history and i think they must be proud of that .While zamalek dropped to the 4th po. after a very difficult season for the team

La surprise n’a pas eu lieu lors de ce match, l'ABC qui avait remporté le match aller ne s'est pas laissé faire par l'UA, pourtant venu avec de réelles intentions de bousculer l'ordre établi.

On assiste à un premier quart pauvre en panier, l'ABC s’appuie sur le jeu intérieur avec Kalanga Betty (4 points dans ce quart) qui provoque des fautes et part à plusieurs reprises sur la ligne des lancers francs.
Les filles de l’UA sont visiblement genées par les tailles des intérieurs et n’arrivent pas à concretiser les actions.
L'ABC gagne le premier quart 9 à 5.
Au 2ème quart le coach Benga Lemou lance une "press tout terrain" pour éviter de se faire prendre par le jeu intérieur de l'ABC, mais les filles d'Igor Kovacevic sont très sereines, arrivent à casser cette défense, trouvent des positions sous le cercle et inscrivent des paniers importants.
L'ABC comme pour répondre reprend la défense haute et cause plus de problèmes aux filles de l’UA qui paniquent.

La mi-temps intervient sur le score de 21 à 13 pour l'ABC.

Au 3ème quart Berté Salimata continue le travail de sape (5 points ce quart) mais se blesse à la cheville et est obligée de sortir en cours de jeu.
Du coté de l’UA, Coulibaly Abibata sortie du banc (9 de ses 12 points dans ce quart) tente de sonner l’alarme mais elle est bien seule et l’ABC va dérouler sereinement jusqu’à la fin du match.

L’UA ne va inscrire que 2 points au dernier quart et s’incline sur le score de 47 à 27.

Betty Kalanga finit meilleure marqueuse du match avec 14 points et permet à ABC de s'imposer sereinement avant le choc de la prochaine journée face au CSA.


Les scoreuses

Pour l'ABC : Kalanga Betty (14), Berté Salimata (9), Abbadi Stéphanie (8), Camara Fatoumata (5), N’goy Louise (4), Ouattara Florence (3), N’goran Blandine (2), Kokou Reine (2).

Pour l'UA : Coulibaly Abibata (12), aboua edwige (4), Doumbia Maimouna (2), Dosso Djeneba (2), Diawara Korothoum (2), Tossou Pierrette (2), Camara Saran(2), Kuié Melissa (1).

Par Brown

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo (email the author)

Posted Wednesday, April 28 2010 at 00:00

Kampala

Today at YMCA
Riders v Power (8.30pm)
UCU v Berkeley (5.30pm)
Women
Mak Cubs v Mak Sparks (7pm)

On the surface, one win from the opening two games in the MTN-Fuba League does not paint such a bleak picture of DMark Power’s season. Every team, no matter the resources, is allowed to lose a game. Nonetheless, the manner of defeat must represent character.

In their 91-87 loss to UCU Canons, Power lacked character which won them the title two years ago and the chance to put a few wrongs right presents itself in facing struggling Knight Riders at YMCA court tonight.

Coach Andrew Baziira (sick daughter), Norman Blick (swollen hand) and Carrol Bisereko (illness), who missed the loss, could all return. “She’s much better and I should be able to sit on the bench. An early loss in the season isn’t as bad since we have time to rectify it with new strategies,” Baziira told Daily Monitor yesterday.

Without him, Power looked disorganised, often miss-timing substitutions and failed to pick rebounds. But Power’s Isaac Afidra, last year’s regular season MVP, is out with a calf injury.

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo & Ruth Desire
Kampala

Results – Sunday
Warriors 107-67 Riders
Kings 79-53 Shooters
Women: KIU 80-64 Nabisunsa

Much as Kyambogo Warriors signed an avalanche of talent, it’s the old guns aiding their cause in the MTN-Fuba League men’s Division One so far. Having lost to archrivals DMark Power on the opening day, Warriors needed a big response which they got promptly with a 107-57 demolition of Knight Riders at YMCA court, Wandegeya on Sunday.

Centre Sam Gombya scored 16 points to snatch a rare man-of-the-match award but it’s the return to form of Ronnie Kasewu that lifted Warriors to the ton. Kasewu, the reigning MVP, showed glimpses of his class which has him adoration from fans over the past three seasons with a game-high 30 points. “Blending with new teammates is always a task and I admit it’s been slow but there is improvement from the first game,” Eric Malinga, who joined the champions from Falcons, told Daily Monitor.

Eric had 11 points but the other recruits including his brother Henry, Michael Kariuki, Pascal Alule and Markmot Orom are yet to gel. Steven Mtemihonda sunk 26 points for Riders, who only survived relegation last season. Tanzanian guard Abdullah Ramadan returned to the side and this translated in controlling the ball much as they led three of the four quarters 31-17, 29-20, 16-19 and 29-11.

By Timothy Muvunyi

APR’s indomitable lions stormed the semi-final of this year’s Memorial tournament in style after an emphatic 106-58 win over Kigali Institute of Education (KIE). It was their second win at the tournament after Saturday’s 62-49 win against CSK.
“Despite using our string players, we still put on good show and hope to finish off the job next week,” APR’s Kenyan coach Cliff Owuor said.

CSK regrouped to pull off 61-55 and 72-58 wins over a select side and KIE while UNR crashed out after back to back defeats against debutants KBC 47-95 and UGB 56-70.

Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA Classic League
UCU 91 Power 87
Nkumba 74 Miracle 71
Women
Sparks 71 Stormers 69
Today
Riders v Warriors
Women
Rangers v Nabisunsa

THIS was the day Emmanuel Enabu arrived on the big stage. It was also the day the UCU Canons returned to the big stage.

Anyone who might not have known what to expect from a team that flirted with relegation from the MTN-FUBA men’s first division last season might be helped by this: UCU 91 D’Mark Power 87.

It is result that according to Ivan and Jimmy Enabu, proves the Canons”can win the championship”. Ivan and Jimmy played a great part in swinging the result into UCU’s favour, relentlessly attacking Power the Enabu way. Yet it was another Enabu who really captivated the crowd.

It was their little brother Emma who was making his Power debut. And it was some debut. Emma ended the game with 12 points which was impressive for someone coming off the bench.

But even more incredible, he picked boards, hassled, bagged a steal and kept on making the kind of hawk-eyed passes that should not be made by a 19 year-old who is playing his first league match for the most talented team in the league.

Then again, talent is the one thing Emma has always had in abundance. He led his high school team to the national championship in 2008, a feat that had been accomplished by Ivan a few years before. He captained the national Under 18 team in the 2008 African championship qualifiers and spent last year impressing with the Knight Riders.

“Emma is very hardworking and he is also willing to learn,” said Jimmy, who ended with 16 points.

By Johnson Were
and Aloysius Byamukama

THE 17th edition of the prestigious National Post Primary Schools Basketball Championship rolls off at St.Mary’s college Kisubi (SMACK) today with champions Nabisunsa Girls eyeing a 10th title.

Nine-time champions Nabisunsa will face a stiff challenge from traditional rivals Kibuli SS and Kibuli SS but academic rivals Mt.St.Mary’s Namagunga may pose a bigger threat.

Namagunga missed last year’s edition but bounced back in style, eliminating high riding St. Michael High School to lift the Mukono girls’ regional title in the qualifiers.

Hosts SMACK will rely on home advantage to stave off the challenge of Crane High, St Michael High school, Kibuli SS, Eagles Nest, Manjasi High and defending champions Ssaku SS.

Gulu Central and Lango College from Northern region, Ntare School, Muntuyera, Kigezi High, Mary Hill, Ngora High and St Leo’s Kyegombe from western together with Jinja SS and Jinja College are the other schools that could upset the favourites.

“New all-weather courts are in place for the championship and we are only waiting for the teams to begin action,” said Philip Katebulawo, the SMACK games teacher.

y erick ochieng’

Women’s basketball Premier League outfit Eastern Queens may not participate in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) National Classic League this season due to lack of funding.

Former Eastern Queens players insisted the team has been disbanded even as some joined outfits like Sprite Storms and Yana, while others have hung their boots due to lack of motivation.

Former Eastern Queens player, Carol Ouma, is one such player who has been forced to quit playing after being part of the team that had a good run in the league last season.

Ouma has opted to be a basketball whistler, hoping that refereeing would add value in her life as far as basketball is concerned.
"Eastern Queens no longer exists. They failed to play Sprite Storms in the opening match. I have decided to leave basketball because there is no motivation at all," she said.

When contacted, Eastern Queens’ management admitted they couldn’t honour matches because of lack of funds.

KBF Eastern Province Secretary Ambrose Kisoi and Chairman Mbithiwe Muriuki, who are in charge of the game in the region where the team has been based, clarified the team is in a financial turmoil that has brought all their operations to a halt.

"One sponsor is due to communicate by Wednesday, failure to which we would not honour this weekend’s match against Kenya Ports Authority in Mombasa," said Kisoi.

He admitted the team does not have players and they are in the process of recruiting school leavers in Eastern Province to constitute a team. KBF First Vice-Chairman Henry Shihemi confirmed the team is in the league but it would be difficult for them to honour their matches without sponsorship.

On Saturday, Eastern Queens failed to honour their match against Sprite Storms.

Ironically, Sprite Storms players had left en mass for Eastern Queens last year. This time round, some of the players opted to return to Storms, while others have reinforced Yana.

Meanwhile, Africa Nazarene University (ANU) again skipped their matches at the weekend. KBF awarded Kenya Polytechnic 20-0 walkover after ANU failed to show up for the men’s Division One match.

Mennonites edged out Predators 48-44 in the women’s Premier League on Sunday. Lynet Atieno and Esther Salano scored 16 points each to enable Mennonites win 13-9,10-6,15-13,11-16. Penina Wekesa and Winnie Kanani scored 15 and 14 points for newly-promoted Predators.

Former women’s national basketball league champions, Kenya Ports Authority, on Sunday harvested maximum four points from their two-match Nairobi tour when they beat Yana 47-36 in a low scoring tie at the Nyayo National Stadium.

In other matches at the same venue, Mennonites gave Predators a rude welcome when they beat the old guards 48-44, while Kenya Polytechnic were awarded a 20-0 walk-over against Africa Nazarane University, who skipped their second league fixture in a row without any reason.

Coach Fred Omondi’s International Christian Centre registered their first, hard-fought win when they defeated the stubborn University of Nairobi’s Terrorists 81-68. After opening their title campaign with a 72-23 win over Kenya Polytechnic on Saturday, KPA women’s team proved that they were out to regain back the league crown with the victory over Yana.

Yana, who fielded five former Eastern Queens players, led by Linda Alando and Mitchelle Otinda, were unable to stop the basket-hungry Vyonne Akinyi, Millicent Anyango and Hellen Oketch from the first whistle.

The trio did their thing as the dockwomen hit hard their experienced but shaky opponents to lead 12-4 in the first quarter.

Strathmore University stunned Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 68-54 in a top premier league match at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The students, whose coach Tony Ochieng had guaranteed a win just hours before tip off, swarmed the former champions, giving them no space to breathe. And the tactic paid off as the unrelenting Blades led 29-24 at the break.

And they picked up where they left off in the third quarter, with the backcourt of Paul 'Pablo' Nyakinda and Arthur Ameso setting the pace. Following an 84-54 defeat against Posta the previous week, Strath proved equal to the task this time.

KPA, who had hammered Blazers 72-39 the previous day behind a combined 23 points from Mike Opel and Joseph Ouma, found Strathmore a different proposition than what they expected.
Nyakinda had a game-high 20 in the winning cause. KPA had no player score in double-digits.

Meanwhile, International Christian Centre (ICC) came from behind to dismiss the University of Nairobi (UoN) 81-68.

ICC trailed 33-29 after two quarters but a strong second half saw them cruise to a relatively comfortable victory. James Omune went for 23 points while Griffin Ligare added 19. UoN got 17 from Sammy Kiria and 12 from Ken Kithinji.

In the women's top flight, KPA coasted to a 47-36 win over a rejuvenated Yana. The Ports' women, who lost their national title to Eagle Wings last year, went ahead 12-4 in the first quarter and never looked back.

Elsewhere, Mennonites edged out newly-promoted Predators 48-44 in a closely fought tie.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

The newly constituted league board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation had its inaugural meeting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Sunday and agreed among others to shift the dunk-off date of the 2009/ 2010 NBBF/ DSTV Premier League by one week.

According to chairman of the league board, Muktar Khaleh, “our first meeting was very fruitful and it was well attended as all the members turned up except the President of the Coach’s Association, Sani Ahmed who was represented by Coach Adamu Kuta of Niger Potters basketball club of Minna.
“The board unanimously agreed to shift the commencement date of the present season by one week, so the new date now will be May 8, 2010.
“The request was at the instance of the club representatives on the league board and you all know that the club owners are integral part of the Nigeria basketball family.
“We have mandated the person who helps the federation to carry out over sight function in the Lagos office to begin repair of works at the Lagos Sports Hall and we believe the league will start on that day as representative of the sponsor on the league board was also on ground.

“We want to categorically say we are working on the same page with the sponsor, the clubs and every stake-holder and we believe that with the new spirit exhibited by everybody at the Sunday inaugural meeting Nigeria basketball will be the greatest beneficiary.
“The other important agreement reached at the meeting was the cancellation of road trip for this season because of time limitation as we are mindful of our teams who will represent the country at both the FIBA Africa Zone-3 elimination and the FIBA Africa Champions Club competition
“We using this medium to thank the NBBF board especially our president, Tijjani Umar for setting up the league board and we promise not to disappoint in carrying out our duties.

By: Olusegun Ikuesan

FIBA Africa

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo (email the author)

Posted Sunday, April 25 2010 at 00:00

Results – Friday
Power 87-91 UCU
Marines 74-71 Miracle
Women
Stormers 69-71 Mak Sparks
Today at YMCA
Riders v Warriors (5.30pm)
Stone v Rhino (2.30pm)
Planets v Bush Court (1pm)
Kings v Shooters (11.30am)
Women
KIU v Nabisunsa (4pm)

Had it not been a National Council of Sports (NCS) resolution, UCU Canons, KCC Lions and Knight Riders would have been relegated from MTN-Fuba basketball league division I at the end of last season.
The stay of execution has given all three clubs a new lease of life and UCU made the most of it with a nerve-wrecking 91-87 victory over DMark Power in the former’s first game of the season at YMCA court on Friday night.

Momentum swung with every transition but UCU had the last laugh as the recovered from an 11-point deficit with less than four minutes of the fourth quarter which they outmuscled the 2008 champions 27-17.
Power, also finalists last year, looked uninspired in the absence of guard Norman Blick and coach Andrew Baziira.

The Enabu brothers, Ivan (6) and Jimmy (8) ran show for UCU but were eclipsed by Power’s Emmanuel (12), the youngest from the basketball family.
“It was the first time to play with Jimmy on the same team in a league game. Emma too had a good game,” Ivan, the more heralded of the three, told Sunday Monitor.

Joseph Ikong sunk an inconsequential game-high 24 while Kenyan twin brothers Geoffrey Omondi (19) and Robert Mugabe (13) combined for 32 of UCU’s points as Kennedy Mwambi blew hot and cold for his 14.
Earlier, Philip Wakimwero scored 24 points as Nkumba Marines edged Miracle Eagles 73-71.

Marines had lost their opening game to Ndejje Angels while Miracle beat Knight Riders last Wednesday.

Makerere Sparks win
Makerere Sparks picked a 71-69 win over Magic Stormers in the women’s game. In today’s action, champions Warriors will seek to forget an opening day loss to Power when they face Riders.

By Timothy Muvunyi

Saturday

Male

APR 62-49 CSK
UNR 68-56 Espoir
ISAE 66-69 St. Joseph
UNR 70-53 UGB
UNR 73-33 ISAE

Female

APR 71-14 E.FED
St.Aloys 20-55 E.FED
E.FED 62-59 KIE

The reigning league champions APR downed CSK by 62-49 points in the preliminary round of the inaugural FERWAB Genocide memorial tournament, which started yesterday and ends today at the NPC indoor courts.

The ‘Indomitable Lions’ will today play against KIE, ISAE, UGB and UNR on a round robin basis to decide which teams qualify for semifinals.

“To beat CSK you have to play well and that’s what we did. We are targeting to win all our preliminary games, starting with KIE (today),” said APR’s youthful Kenyan trainer Cliff Owuor.

By CAXTON APOLLO

Former women’s basketball league champions Kenya Ports Authority on Saturday made a good start in their campaign to regain the title, whitewashing a weak Kenya Polytechnic 70-23 atthe Nyayo National Stadium.

In other matches, Sprite Storms hit Eastern Queens 20-0, Parklands Baptist defeated Mennonites 79-51 and Trail Blazers beat Nairobi Aviation 67-45. KPA surrendered the title to the self-supporting Eagle Wings, who shocked them 2-1 in last year’s best-of- three series play-offs final.

Vyonne Akinyi set the ball rolling with three quick baskets and a three-pointer as Irene Murambi exhibited her long experience, KPA had it all easy in the first quarter. The dockwomen then raced to a huge 23-4 first quarter advantage, with Kenya Poly only managing two baskets – from Papa Viola and Hilda Kimemia – in an entire 10 minutes.

Miriam Awuor, Brenda Angeshi and Akinyi remained instrumental as KPA led 34-6 at half-time. Inexperience cost Poly the last two quarters as KPA punished them 17-11 and 19-16, respectively. Poly were making their debut in the competition following their promotion from the Nairobi provincial league.

Akinyi and Awuor each scored a game-high 12 points for KPA while Joyce Makungu added 10. None of the Poly players scored in double figures, with Frida Musyoki replying with five points.

Continued good record

KPA conclude their two-match tour of Nairobi against Yana at noon on Sunday. Baptist continued with their good record when they rocked Mennonites, who won their opener 84-49 against Nakuru Club, 79-51. The losers had taken a narrow 21-20 first-quarter lead over Baptist, who beat World Hope 87-65 in their opener last weekend.

Joseph Situma’s three-pointers saw Baptist bag a 28-15 second-quarter lead. Collins Ngira poured in a series of three-pointers as Baptist went up 48-36 at thebreather, and Mennonites trailed 17-7 and 14-8 in the third and fourth quarters. Situma and Derrick Walumbe each had 21 points for the winners while Collins Ouko and Collins Ochieng’ scored 15 and 13points, respectively, for the losers.

Ismael Nyamachie scored 11 points and Joshua Vuva 13 as Blazers celebrated a 67-45 win over fellow newcomers Nairobi Aviation. Blazers led 45-24 at half-time. Alvin Mbaluka scored 11 points while Brandon Ouma replied with nine.

Sunday’s fixtures
Mennonites v Predators (10.30am), Yana v KPA (noon), ICC v Terrorists (2pm), Strathmore University v KPA (4pm)

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA
Classic League
Division 1(men)
KIU v KCC
Women
Stormers v Bucks
UCU v Cubs

ANOTHER season, another battle to survive. That is the plight of the KCC Lions, who open their MTN-FUBA men’s top-flight campaign against KIU Titans at Wandegeya today.

The Titans are one of the strong teams in the league and are sure to give KCC an ominous signal of what lies ahead.

The Lions survived relegation in the last two seasons but not without help of off-the-court technicalities that bailed them out when they had already resigned to the drop.

It is unlikely the Lions can be as fortunate this season.

All the work will have to be done on court, starting with the Nimrod Kaboha’s Titans who were impressive in the pre-season programme.

Today at YMCA
Power v UCU Canons (8.30pm)
Miracle v Marines (5.30pm)
W: Stormers v Mak Sparks (7pm)
Results – Wednesday
Miracle 99-82 Riders
Amazon 34-99 A-1
UCU JV 91-53 Bush Court

Miracle Eagles recruited massively in the transfer window in a bid to reach the MTN-Fuba League Division I post-season for the first time. One game may not silence the critics but Wednesday night’s 99-82 win over Knight Riders at YMCA helped Miracle get rid of a few jitters.

Expectations are high but youthful coach Brian Rugyendo, in his first season, blamed nerves as his team trailed 29-19 at the end of the first quarter. “Many of the new players struggled to get going which made the game close but team defence got us the result,” Rugyendo, whose team were behind at 63-62 going into the final quarter, told Daily Monitor.

Former Riders’ skipper Collin Mukiza (12) scored two crucial three pointers in the fourth quarter to reach double figures. “My target is to get the team playing together and create an identity,” Rugyendo added. In the women’s division, A1 Challenge started their campaign with a 99-34 win over Amazon Rhino. Vicky Nassolo sunk in 32 points.

Barnesville Celtics Basketball Club on Tuesday improved their standing on the second division log with a colorful win over Flip Stars.

Barnesville Celtics excellently bashed Flip Stars 70-69 in a tension parked encounter.

The LBF National Championships continued on Monday evening with Destiny Kings collecting a solitary win against Road Runners.

The Kings over powered their opponents 51-36 in a less attractive outing.

The match was filled with excitement, and tactical ball moments.

There were also wins for Destiny Queens and Deviers on the night.

Destiny Queens convincingly out classed SOS Trotters 77-31 in a one sided showdown.

Deviers for their part over shadowed Georgia Blazers 76-71.

The LBF National Championships will continue this later today with more fire-burning matches taking place.

Week 3 saw Holy Family going up against Hoops in Game 21 of the Greater Accra Basketball League. Both teams coming out of a win the previous week but Holy Family already 1-1 for the season while Hoops 2-0. As expected Holy Family came with their top players knowing they needed a win to stay in contention for the championship or better still to be a part of the div 1 league next season as only the top eight teams will be allow to stay on while the reaming will be relegated to div2. The game was hard fought from the onset as both teams played good defense which lead to a low scoring first quarter. Holy Family lead for majority of the game until the fourth quarter when Hoops who were once down by nine points step on the gas in the last minutes taking the lead briefly. Holy Family fought back strongly sending the game into over time. It was déjà vu as last season the same happened and Hoops was victorious, therefore same this year and Hoops took the day in the end winning 46-47. Click here to see video highlights. Saykan Bestman for the second week, lead all scorers with 15pts and 5 assts.

Written by FELIX EUPAL

When UCU Canons came onto the basketball scene as a Dvision III side five years ago, few took note of the new entrants. All eyes were on Jason Mehl, the American who was coaching them.

The boys from Mukono went the entire season unbeaten – including the playoffs – as they progressed to Division II. They repeated the same feat in 2006 as they progressed to topflight basketball in 2007.

In their maiden season with the big boys, they won 16 of 18 regular season games before falling to Mountain Dew Falcons in the playoff semifinals. Given their rapid progress, many expected 2008 to be their year. It wasn’t to be as they once again fell at the semifinal stage, this time to Power.

Then all hell broke loose in 2009 when Mehl, the ‘sixth man,’ walked out on the team citing personal reasons. His departure triggered an exodus of several key players. As such, the team lacked a leader, depth and most of all inspiration.

That season, they managed only four wins and had it not been the fixture blunder by the technical committee, UCU would probably have been relegated. In an effort to put that behind them, the club hired former player Nick Natuhereza to replace Mehl in January.

They also wooed star point guard Ivan Enabu into staying. Former player Jeff Omondi also returned after a short stint at Kenya Ports Authority basketball club. UCU have also added the services of shooting guard Jimmy Enabu and he has already shown how explosive they can be at offense.

This Friday, they start their 2010 campaign against 2008 DMark Power, who are still basking in the glory of beating defending champions Warriors in the season opener.

Natuhereza says: “We might have lost to them [Power] at the semifinals at our invitational tournament but I’m sure that is not going to happen again. This is a very experienced side and they will know what to do.”

But having experience is one thing and turning it into a victory is another. Power boasts of a flawless offense but are short on picking rebounds. Last season’s top scorer Isaac Afidra is yet to recapture his top form after months on the sidelines serious injury.

Natuhereza has the opportunity of building his team’s morale and confidence by getting a victory tomorrow because despite being early days, a bad start will just make the equation harder for the rookie coach.

Written by FELIX EUPAL

When UCU Canons came onto the basketball scene as a Dvision III side five years ago, few took note of the new entrants. All eyes were on Jason Mehl, the American who was coaching them.

The boys from Mukono went the entire season unbeaten – including the playoffs – as they progressed to Division II. They repeated the same feat in 2006 as they progressed to topflight basketball in 2007.

In their maiden season with the big boys, they won 16 of 18 regular season games before falling to Mountain Dew Falcons in the playoff semifinals. Given their rapid progress, many expected 2008 to be their year. It wasn’t to be as they once again fell at the semifinal stage, this time to Power.

Then all hell broke loose in 2009 when Mehl, the ‘sixth man,’ walked out on the team citing personal reasons. His departure triggered an exodus of several key players. As such, the team lacked a leader, depth and most of all inspiration.

That season, they managed only four wins and had it not been the fixture blunder by the technical committee, UCU would probably have been relegated. In an effort to put that behind them, the club hired former player Nick Natuhereza to replace Mehl in January.

They also wooed star point guard Ivan Enabu into staying. Former player Jeff Omondi also returned after a short stint at Kenya Ports Authority basketball club. UCU have also added the services of shooting guard Jimmy Enabu and he has already shown how explosive they can be at offense.

This Friday, they start their 2010 campaign against 2008 DMark Power, who are still basking in the glory of beating defending champions Warriors in the season opener.

Natuhereza says: “We might have lost to them [Power] at the semifinals at our invitational tournament but I’m sure that is not going to happen again. This is a very experienced side and they will know what to do.”

But having experience is one thing and turning it into a victory is another. Power boasts of a flawless offense but are short on picking rebounds. Last season’s top scorer Isaac Afidra is yet to recapture his top form after months on the sidelines serious injury.

Natuhereza has the opportunity of building his team’s morale and confidence by getting a victory tomorrow because despite being early days, a bad start will just make the equation harder for the rookie coach.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA CLASSIC LEAGUE
Results
Men Div 1:
Miracle 99 Riders 82
Women: A1 99 Amazon 32
Today
Men Division 1:
Power v UCU

Marines v Miracle

Women: Sparks v Stormers

FOR the UCU Canons, today’s encounter with D’Mark Power will be more than a chance to get their season off to winning start. It will be an opportunity to gauge their prospects for the 2010 MTN-FUBA men’s top-flight season.

The Canons have high ambitions for this campaign having strengthened their squad with three key acquisitions, one of them on a return. Geoffrey Omondi was a key figure in UCU’s team between 2007 and 2008 before opting to return home to Kenya last year.

Now he is back to help fire-up a squad hoping to make the playoffs. Omondi is a feisty character but his attitude is the kind needed in a competitive environment.

Omondi aside, the Mukono-based team have signed Jimmy Enabu and Sunday Okot – two hugely talented guards who will add the much-needed depth to the Canons.
Along with the gifted trio of Ivan Enabu, Robert Mugabe and Steven Mwesigye, the new acquisitions can help UCU become a force. On the other hand, Power are leading contenders for the championship, boasting of a supremely endowed line-up.

They edged out defending champions Warriors in the season opener last week and will be fancied to defeat the Canons as well. The question is whether UCU can pull off an upset.

by Numennie Williams) africabasket.com
Mighty Barrolle on Sunday evening secured a magnificent win in the on going LBF first division championship.

The Rollers stole the show to dramatically defeat Sensational LPRC Oilers in a match that was too close to call at a lively looking Sports Commission.
The match was filled with so much excitement and trailing moments.
And it was the Oil boys who started it with zeal by convincingly wining the first quarter 17-9 against a Barrolle side that lacked coordination.

The Kanyan pepper boys soon burst the showdown into life by over turning the deficit and going on to win the second, third and fourth quarters in grand style.

Their accurate delivery of free throws had a huge impact on their performance in the match.

In all fairness, LRC Oilers lost concentration in the final one minute twenty seconds of the match and Barrolle who rejuvenated won the fray 60-58.

And their Captain Otis Nylneh said the result showed the strength of the team.

When the league started, we told the people that we were building a team and it is about time for us to reap the result he said.

Well LPRC Oilers player Peter Doe attributed his side loss on complacency.

We over looked the people thats what happened. We thought we could beat them at anytime and any hour he asserted.

Still with Sundays results, Phoenix scored an impressive 56-54 victory over Desert Ladies in a feline league match.

Uhuru Prince narrowly lost Heats 45-47 in third division outing.

The LBF National Championships continued on Saturday with wins for Destiny Kings and SOS Trotters.

Destiny Kings recorded a convincing 40-29 win against Dixville Dragons in a one sided third division showdown.

SOS Trotters for their part dumped Supreme Sisters 35-11in a less attractive female encounter.

By Aloysius Byamukama

LAST 5 YEARS’ WINNERS
Boys
2005--Kibuli SS
2006--Kabojja SS
2007--King’s Coll. Budo
2008--Greenhill
2009--Saaku

Girls
2005--Nabisunsa
2006--Kibuli SS
2007–-Kibuli SS
2008–-Nabisunsa
2009––Nabisunsa

THE 15th edition of the National Schools Basketball Association (NASBA) organised post primary schools tournament tips off next week at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK). More than 70 school teams from across the country are expected to take part.

It will be the first time a Wakiso or Kampala school hosts the rest in the basketball fraternity since the tournament was inaugurated in 1996.

However, this has not barred the Kampala giants from lifting the trophy away from home as they have dominated the 15-year old competition.

At this time, the schools that have made it to this final are gearing up for the Monday tip off.

Boys’ race is the tightest
The last two editions have seen ‘the old order of doing things’ for the traditional giants take a turn as newcomers have come in and won the championship.
Green Hill was playing at their first tournament in 2008 at Mary Hill, Mbarara, where they won the accolade, while Luwero’s Ssaku SS also playing at their maiden competition won last year at Manjasi.

It is most likely that the trend may ccontinue this year as other strong new comers like London College, Kalinaabiri SS, Namirembe Hill Side and St. Joseph’s Naggalama will surely pose a threat.

And like NASBA technical man Edmund Lumu said, “These make the camps of old timers like Buddo SS, Crane High, Kibuli, St. Mary’s Kitende and Eagles Nest shake as the race for boys in still tricky,”

Nabisunsa, the indomitables
Nabisunsa Girls has won nine of the 14 national titles. Although this does not guarantee them a 10th title this year, they still remain the strongest side to watch in the girls’ category.

Arguably the youngest team at every tournament, they have got players who have seen it all from their seniors, the reason they have kept in dominant position both in Kampala and at nationals.
The team’s FUBA league experience also takes them above others.

They will, however, face a challenge from Ndejje SS, Crane High, Kibuli SS, Buddo SS and Mary Hill.

Hosts ready
SMACK is finalising works on two other courts and their neighbours Savio, Kisubi Technical and Mapera SS will be standby for any assistance. The teams arrive at Kisubi this Sunday and the event that runs up to May 2.

D’Mark Power has added Robert Wanitho to their already star studded team after defeating reigning MTN FUBA league champions the Kyambogo Warriors last Friday. Wanitho joined the 2008 league champions from newly promoted Berkley. “I am happy to join Power and will definitely be looking at making my presence on the court felt,” the centre forward said after sealing the move.

THE men’s first division league is just two weeks old and already it is apparent that there is a big gap in play between the title hopefuls and the teams likely to linger in the danger zone.

Big guns Premium Cobras, Baya, PLS Hawks and MBU Rockers collected comfortable victories during the weekend at Victoria Gymnasium to prove that they remain a par above the rest of the field.

Defending champions Hawks started their title defence last Friday with a 106-24 drubbing of top-flight debutants RA Herons, who are already feeling the heat with a second heavy loss – the first coming against Premium Cobras who beat them 109-30.

With Nigerian playmaker Michael Ohiero proving to be a source of motivation with a game-high 33 points, including five of the 10 treys his team scored, Premium Cobras steamrollered Cascade Bullets 104-52.

Skipper and power forward Dominic Pillay added 22, Steven Servina came off the bench to bury four 3-pointers for 12 of his 14 points and Amadou Sylla scored 13.

Yannick Rose and playmaker Christopher ‘Toto’ Camille combined for 23 of the Bullets’ points with 12 and 11 respectively.
Coach Tony Juliette’s Bullets had won their first match against Mont Fleuri Dawgz on a 64-57 score.

Playmaker Giovanni Laval came off the bench to get a game-leading 22 points including two treys, centre Robert Léon added 21, captain Dave Roseline got 18 and shooting guard Steven Denis made a 13-point contribution in Baya’s 85-61 victory over RC Dynamics who had four players – Kenneth Domingue, Emmanuel Jupiter, Ronny Julius and Jean-Paul Desaubin – fouling out.

Like Premium Cobras, Baya have now won their first two games after getting a first win against last year’s division two champions Razors on 94-55 score.

Julius top-scored with 10 points for RC Dynamics who have two defeats after a first-game 48-57 loss against MBU Rockers who have brought to two their number of wins.

Coached by Alvin Alcindor, Rockers’ latest triumph on a 37-point margin came against Angels 87-50.
Playmaker and captain Nigel Sinon led all scores with 20, swingman Cyril Agrippine buried three treys for 12 of his 17, Brian Morel got 16 and Nigel ‘Jah’ Henriette added 10 in Rockers’ easy win.

Keiren Agathine and Garry Duprès scored 13 apiece and Eddy Armand added 10 in Angels’ loss.
In the women’s league, outgoing Top-of-the-table winners Mont Fleuri got off to a flying start with a 66-48 victory over the much-improved Juniors.

Meanwhile, in the men’s division two, Beau Vallon Heat walked over Cadet for their second win, Juniors beat AAP Brothers 77-40 before walking over LMS Youth and Pointe Larue Falcons defeated Anse Etoile 85-54 after losing their first match against Drifters by forfeit as their paperwork was not in order.

G. G.

NAIROBI (Premier League) – Former national champions Ulinzi Warriors will make their return in the Kenyan Basketball league by playing the 2010 season in Division One, the Kenyan Basketball Federation (KBF) announced.

KBF vice chairman Henry Shihemi said it was decided at a meeting held last week that the Warriors – the only team to win the Premier League five times in a row (2001-2005) – should be re-instated.
“We have decided to give them a chance to participate in the league once again after they requested it. But they will have to start from Division One and not at the provincial level,” he said.
Ulinzi had notified KBF of their intention to return to the fold after a three-year hiatus and requested to be reinstated back to the Premier League where they signed off five years ago.
The team have recalled their star players who have featured for other teams in the league since then. They are expected to dominate the league and make it back to the top flight within one year.
One of the team's top performers who should be the key to their revival again is guard Victors Odendo who helped KCB Lions to win their third title in a row last year.
Ulinzi’s other major players are forward John Apollo, who guided Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to a second place finish in the last campaign as well as Moses Shida, whose defense was instrumental in International Christian Center (ICC) claiming third place in the 2009 standings.

Reigning champions KCB Lions played poorly but still crushed newly-promoted Blazers 71-41 as the 2010 season got underway at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium over the weekend.

The Lions only showed their claws in the final frame after proving to be turnover prone over the course of the first three periods. They led 16-10 at the end of the first quarter and 34-25 at the break and gradually pulled away. They outscored their opponents 19-3 in the last 10 minutes.

Tobias Onyango and Luka Lukongo had 18 points each while the losers – whose only points in the last quarter came courtesy of John Gacheru’s three-pointer – got a team-high 15 from Joel Atebe.

Meanwhile, Co-operative Bank of Kenya showed five new faces including the much-travelled Peter Kiganya as they squeezed a narrow 68-63 win over International Christian Center (ICC).

The Bankers led 38-26 at half time before allowing ICC to take over the proceedings briefly in the third when they edged in front 49-48. They stretched their advantage to as many as seven points, but Co-op outscored them 18-10 in the last quarter to triumph.

Nelson Njau scoring 13 points, Kiganya and Mike Makiadi shot 10. ICC had 19 from Griffin Ligare and 13 from Phil Dinga.

Elsewhere, Posta thumped Strathmore University 84-58 in another top tie. The Mailmen, who have no major signing this year, sounded a stern warning to the Students from the outset by jumping out to a 20-7 first quarter lead. Strathmore were left to play catch-up the rest of the way and the task proved too big an ask.

Ben Oluoch celebrated his birthday with 19 points and Tony Abondo added 16.

In other results, University of Nairobi cruised past Lomboritz behind Sammy Kiria’s 21 points and he also made his mark at the other end of the court, anchoring the defense and swatting shots at will.

In the women’s only game, Faith Owich had 18 points in leading Strathmore University to an emphatic 51-36 win over Mennonites.

In the lower divisions, Mennonites thrashed Nakuru Club 84-49 while World Hope fell 87-65 to Parklands Baptist and Kenya Polytechnic University rallied back from an early deficit to edge out Friends of Basketball (FOB) 48-44.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

By Oliver Albert
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has slapped JKT pointer Francis Mlewa a one-year ban for misdemeanours during his team's NBL final match against Savio on Saturday.
Mlewa is alleged to have kicked Benard Mageni of Savio soon after the end of the third quarter.
The match turned into disputes when angry Savio players stormed the court in a protest for foul play.
In that match Savio managed to beat JKT 63-54 to claim the NBAL title.
The federation’s secretary general Alexander Msoffe said the decision to ban Mlewa from taking part in any basketball event in and outside the country took place on Saturday at the National Indoor Stadium after the end of the match.
"The tournament’s rules and regulation were clearly observed before deciding to ban him,” he said.
Msoffe said the disciplinary committee also found other JKT players, Charles Makene and Frank to be part of the skirmish, and strongly warned them.
Msoffe oreded JKT to foot all medical expenses for Savio player Jije Makani who was injured during the skirmish.

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA CLASSIC LEAGUE
Men Div 1
Falcons 89 St. Michael 51
Women
UCU 84 Nabisunsa 54

FROM the personnel to the style of play, the Mountain Dew Falcons are a club with a new identity. What has not changed – for now – is the winning habit.

The record men’s champions dispatched newly-promoted St. Michael 89-51 to get their MTN-FUBA season off to a winning start but it is not the result that fans who gathered at YMCA had necessarily come to witness.

There was little doubt about that anyway considering St. Michael are very inexperienced at this level. What the Falcons’ fans wanted to see is their set of new players and what they are can bring to the table.

They had to endure a long delay because of a miscommunication about the start of the match. Furthermore, they had to bear with a soft downpour that made the tarmac court unplayable.

But those factors notwithstanding, some observations were inescapable. First was the makeup of the line-up, which included four foreigners – with two still to come.
Secondly, it was clear that the new signings are set to turn the Falcons from a side reliant on post-plays to one that is loose behind the three-point arc. The Falcons netted eight three-pointers, seven of them through one man – Karim Mosi.

The Rwandan was relentless with the gun on the way to a game-high 31 points and he will be one to watch, as well as Gaddaffi Sinarizi, 13, and obviously Richard Omondi, 9. St. Michael’s Amin Mtambo led his young team-mates with 23 points in their losing but impressive top-flight debut.

Just as remarkable was the presence of Walker Obedi on the Falcons bench. Obedi is the Ndejje Angels’ coach, a team in the same division, but spent this game providing tactical advice to the Falcons.

FUBA officials said there was nothing wrong with Obedi’s actions because they have no rule forbidding his behaviour. That is FUBA.

It was only the first game of the season, so a potentially explosive situation as champions Warriors lost to main rivals DMark Power passed without ruckus.

Fuba however stand warned about not allowing a repeat of the confusion surrounding that game-tying play by Eric Malinga which never was.

The size of the crowd at the YMCA on Friday night, the amount of money Warriors and Power have spent to assemble all-star squads, and the emotions flowing as the two teams split the allegiance of the crowd, are all proof of a fast growing sport; the administrators have got to match that pace.

Here is the scenario: Malinga sinks what looks like a three pointer, only for it to be tallied as a two by the man in charge of the scoreboard, a long-time loyal servant of Ugandan basketball who is deaf, dumb and oblivious to the noisy protests.

The ‘table’ in charge lets the ‘mistake’ pass, apparently because the scoreboard man had earlier on given Warriors one more point than they deserved, so matters are evened out by two errors!

The ‘table’ needs to correct mistakes as soon as they happen, and generally do a better job of keeping stats.

Warriors and their fans, perhaps disappointed that they should have played better, let the issue go this time.

That will not happen in Game 6 of the playoffs, so Fuba beware.

Basketball Federation (KBF) National Classic League kicked off on a high note at the weekend.

Teams displayed a cautious approach on their quest for this season’s title since Eagle Wings and KCB clinched men’s and women’s Premier titles last season.

But, just like the start of last season’s league that ended in December, confusion marred this season’s kick-off as some of the participating teams failed to show up, claiming to have informed KBF on time.

Confusion arose when men’s Premier League champions Eagle Wings arrived at Nyayo National stadium ready to play Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U), who failed to show up at the venue as the players were sitting their exams.

Coach furious

A furious Eagle Wings coach Smatts Olumbo has since demanded that points be awarded to his team from the aborted fixture.

But newly-promoted sides like Kenya Polytechnic University, Emyba and Friends of Basketball gave a good account of themselves in men’s Division One League.

Emyba got a free ride when Africa Nazarene University failed to reach at the venue and KBF have a reason to be concerned, as some teams might just not turn up.

Champions KCB, Co-op Bank, Baptist and Mennonites posted positive results.KCB proved they are a force to reckon with when they fell newly-promoted Blazers 71-41 in a competitive match.

A see saw play was witnessed in the clash between Co-operative Bank and the International Christian Centre (ICC) won by the bankers 68-63.

ICC coach Fred Omondi expressed hope that the team, which finished third in the league behind the Kenya Ports Authority, would improve once a sponsorship deal with National Social Security Fund is established. ICC is church-sponsored, but a boost from NSSF would put the team in a better financial footing.

Like last year, Nakuru Club commenced the league on a negative note, losing to Mennonites 84-49.

Meanwhile, Kenya will participate in the FIBA Africa Under-18 championships. Kenyan boys’ and girls’ teams did not qualify for the events to be staged in Rwanda and Egypt in August but will participate following massive pullouts by countries owing to lack of funds.

The Lagos State Basketball Association (LSBBA) will hold an important stakeholders meeting on Tuesday with the state of the game as the main issue on the agenda.

The meeting will be held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and Honourable Commissioner for Youth Sports & Social Development in the state, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, will be in attendance.

According to the chairman of the state basketball association, Babs Ogunade, the main crux of the meeting is grassroots basketball development across the state and the Lagos City League.

Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Africa

NAIROBI (Premier League) - National champions KCB Lions played badly but still proved too strong for the promoted Blazers whom they trounced 71-41.

Lions only showed their claws in the last quarter after three turn over prone quarters. They led 16-10 in the first and were ahead 34-25 at the break before breaking away after resumption.

They put the stubborn Blazers to the sword in the last building a 52-38 edge. Tobias Onyango nailed 18 points as did Luka Lukongo while the losers, whose only points in the last was hit by John Gacheru, had 15 from Joel Atebe.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya paraded five new faces including the much travelled Peter Kiganya but had to squeeze out a narrow 68-63 win over International Christian Center (ICC).

The bankers were ahead 38-26 at half time before allowing ICC to took over the proceedings briefly in the third with a 49-48. They went up seven points but Co-op resilience saw them regain the advantage.

Co-op were superior in the last 18-10 with Nelson Njau scoring 13 points, Kiganya and Mike Makiadi shot 10. ICC had 19 from Griffin Ligare and 13 from Phil Dinga.

Posta thumped Strathmore University 84-58 in another top tie, the mailmen, who have no major signing this year, sounded a stern warning to the students from the onset as they rampaged to a 20-7 first quarter margin after an opener by Frankin Delano.

During this ten minute draught, the Blades struggled for as Posta sailed away building a 19-12 edge in the second. After resumption, the winners maintained their pressure catching the students cold with a 25-16 advantage in the third.

Strathmore then took the fourth with a 23-20 cushion but it was a tale of too little too late. Both teams settled for one win a piece in last year's championships.

Ben Oluoch celebrated his birthday with 19 points and Tony Abondo made his mark sinking 16. The losers Paul Nyakinda shot 17 and Franklin Simiyu managed 12, all coming from beyond the stripe.

University of Nairobi Terrorists were too smart for Lomboritz hitting them 59-41. Sammy Kiria was the architect scoring 21 points while at the same time manning a strong defense that saw him swat opposing attempts at will. George Omonda made 10. Mike Ogutu provided 11 for the clueless losers.

In the ladies only show, Faith Owich was good for 18 points as she led Strathmore University to an emphatic 51-36 win over Mennonites. The Swords were up 23-13 in the firts quarter but the Knights who traled 23-27 atthe break were lost. June Jumbari nailed team high 10 points.

The lowers division matches saw Mennonites thrashed Nakuru Club 84-49 after taking a high scoring 58-23 half time cushion. Steve McOdongo nailed 18 points and Collins Ochieng led with 28. The visitors had 11 from Joseph Ngochi and 14 from Dennis Makori.

World Hope also tumbled 65-87 to Parklands Baptist in another lower division match. The victors were up 41-39 and were on top of things after the breather. Collins Ngaira shot 21 and Ndomba Kariuki had 21 for Winners. Conrad Wafula 14 Eric Khayere made 15 for Hope.

Kenya Polytechnic University were down 14-22 at the breather and staged a remarkable recovery to nip Friends of Basketball (FOB) 48-44. Bryan Opiyo and Eric Makokha combined for 26 points with Joseph Achege hitting 17 for the losers.

In a related development, former national champions Ulinzi Warriors will start their campaign back to the fold in the lower division, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) announced.

Henry Shihemi, the KBF vice chairman said that a meeting held last week decided that the soldiers, the only side to win the league five times in a row before winding in 2005, be reinstated.
"We have decided to give them a chance to participate in the league once again after they requested but they will have to start from Division One and not at the provincial level." said Shihemi.

Ulinzi had notified KBF of their intention to return to the fold after a three year hiatus and requested to be reinstated back to the premier where they signed off five years ago.

The team have recalled their star players who featured for other teams in the league since then. The are expected to dominate the league and make it back within one year.

Among the team's top performers last year and who should be the key to their revival again are guard Victors Odendo who was instrumental in KCB Lions third win in a row.

The others are ,forward John Apollo who guided Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to second place and Moses Shida whose defense helped International Christian Center (ICC) to number three.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA AFrica

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) have fixed April 30 as jump-ball date for the 2009/ 2010 basketball season.
The announcement was made after a delegation of the Nigeria basketball ruling body led by the president; Tijjani Umar held a crucial meeting with Lagos-based team owners at the media centre of the national stadium, Lagos last Friday.
The NBBF team which also include the federation 1st Vice-President, Muktar Khaleh and other basketball bigwigs and representatives of the sponsor Multichoice owners of DSTV inspected facilities at the national stadium, University of Lagos Sports Centre and the Rowe Park Sports Centre.

Though the inspection team certifies all the venues visited as meeting the requirement to host games, but all the teams’ owners and representatives unanimously agreed to continue to use the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos as their home venue for the present season.

With the agreement by Lagos-based teams to use the national stadium as home venue for their league games the number of venues that would be used for this season comes to nine scattered across seven states of the nation.

The venues include national stadium, Surulere, Lagos (Ebum Comets, Customs, Dodan Warriors, Islanders, Police Batons and Union Bank), sports hall of Asaba Township stadium, Delta State (Delta Force) and Civic Centre Port Harcourt, Rivers State (Royal Hoopers) for team in Atlantic conference.

Teams in the Savannah conference will have their games in Sports Hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium (Kano Pillars and AHIP); Kada Stars will have its home games at the sports hall of the Murtala Mohammed Square , Kaduna . Plateau Peaks and Tapgun Rockets will play their home games at the sports hall of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna State as the NBBF rule out the Jos stadium; Niger Potters still retain its Minna, Niger State base just as Bauchi Net and Yelwa Hawks will have their home games at the Multi-purpose hall and the newly refurbished National Sports Commission gymnasium.
Fixtures for the coming season will be released to the public this week as teams get set for the first jump-ball.

…. Sets up 11-man league board

And in line to make the Nigeria league more vibrant, the Nigeria federation has set-up an 11-man league board to over see the running of the league.

The body is made up of NBBF 1st Vice-President Muktar Khaleh as chairman, representative of the sponsor, Dodan Warriors basketball club owner Col. Sam Ahmedu representing teams in the Atlantic Conference, owner of Yelwa Hawks’s basketball club, Hon. Tanko Dutse representing teams in the Savannah conference.

Other members of the league board include president of the referee council, president of the Coaches Association, Brigadier General Saleh Bala, Datty Aminu, Deji Jaiyeola, Agboola Pinheiro with Secretary General of the NBBF, Francis Gbiri as Secretary.

The body will be inaugurated by the NBBF president this week and they are expected to begin work immediately.

Olusegun Ikuesan

FIBA Africa

By Brown Msyani
Jeshi Stars and Savio were yesterday crowned National Basketball League (NBL) champions after winning their epic final matches at the National Indoor Stadium.
Savio posted a comfortable 63-54 win over JKT in the men’s final encounter at the same venue.
Jeshi Stars defeated Don Bosco Lioness 89-52 to claim the National Basketball League (NBL) title in a thrilling final held at the National Indoor Stadium.
Led by pointers Lucy Augustino and Faraja Malaki, Jeshi were 40-19 ahead at the end of the first half.
Jeshi Stars added 20 more points in the third quarter compared to 13 points garnered by DB Lioness.
The final quarter ended their onslaught with a convincing 29- 20 score to climax their superb show.
Jeshi Stars captain Lucy Augustino was the match’s top scorer with 19 points followed by her team mate Faraja Malaki who penned 12 points.
DB Lioness’ Jasmine Bablia and Sajda Ahmed put up incredible show in the match, but their team mates let them down.
Bablia however, managed to post 18 points while Ahmed managed to slot 15 points.
On their way to the final Jeshi Stars also defeated Police Dar es Salaam 98-32 and a day before they had posted an impressive 63-52 win over DB Lioness at the same venue.
Oilers beat Mzinga 52-45 to claim the third slot.
In the men’s encounter Savio who looked likely to win the encounter from the start handed JKT their second defeat to win their second title.
They are also RBA champions after beating JKT at the same venue two months ago.
Savio began the match with a high note to lead 27-12 in the first quarter before JKT narrowed the gap with 32-27 at the first half.
They added 31 more points in the second half while restricting JKT to 27 point gain at the period.

hampions Kyambogo Warriors and DMark Power open the new basketball league this Friday in what promises to be a tough season as JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE and FELIX EUPAL explain.

Warriors’ capture of Henry and Eric Malinga from Falcons should make their defence even more impregnable because that was their main strength as they won the championship last season. Boasting the likes of 2009 playoffs MVP, Ronnie Kasewu, Stephen Okias, Ramathan Abdullahi and Martin Okwako, Warriors are good to go.

But they tip off the season without Tanzanian Abdullahi and Kenyan Okwako, who have not yet returned from holiday. Gad Eteu, their coach says; “the team still needs some time to blend with the Malingas.”

On the other hand, 2008 champions DMark Power’s acquisition of big man Martin Mubiru is expected to sort out their 2009 defensive deficiencies, which cost them dearly in the playoffs final last season. He’s also good at rebounding.

That said, the most eagerly awaited debut is that of towering Kenyan import Joseph Omondi, MVP at last year’s Zone Five Club championship. A good shooter and ball-handler, Omondi is expected to join Falcons and cover-up for the Malingas’ departure.

However, there is speculation that Omondi could join Kampala International University Titans in order to pursue a degree at the institution. KIU’s Makmot Orom and Michael Kariuki must be praying for that to happen because Omondi’s presence alone would elevate the team status to title contenders.

Nkumba Marines won’t have such possibilities but Phillip Wakimwero should make them formidable. Meanwhile, the return of Jeff Omondi to UCU Canons has taken a huge weight of expectation off Ivan Enabu’s shoulders because Omondi is a winning gem.

ENABU LEADS THE PROSPECTS

Emmanuel Enabu, 19, the youngest in the Enabu basketball playing family showed what an amazing point-guard he is during the recent Sprite Basketball Challenge that his DMark Power team won. He’s very efficient and clever and a lot is expected of him.

Similarly, Miriam Tamale of KIU Rangers is an amazing point-guard and scorer and should graduate into a star this season together with teammates Judith Nansobya and Suzan Amito. In addition, UCU Ladies pair of Maureen Amoding and Angela Namirimu should also light up the season as well as Emmanuel Ateng (Miracle) and Geoffrey Soro (Ndejje University).

TWO LADIES DIVISIONS IN ONE

Although there are still 11 teams, the imbalance between the top six teams and the bottom six in the ladies game big. In fact, the lower teams act as feeder teams with their best players crossing to top teams. As such, it’s not unusual for scorelines with an 80-point difference.

Hamza Nyambogo, the A1-Challenge coach says; “the experienced teams don’t learn much when they score 120 points and their opponents score only 10 baskets. They need a challenge in order to improve. It would be better if the ladies league had the top teams play each more than twice a season.”

For KCC Leopards, Miriam Hamala, the 2009 MVP should lead from the front but A1-Challenge’s Hatima Kassim and UCU Ladies’ Frances Nabulobi are hungry to step out of the KCC shadow. Nalubolbi’s scoring record is the best in the ladies game.

On the other hand, Berkeley and St. Michael ascended to the topflight men’s division but considering the latter’s performance over the past two seasons, they are set to become whipping boys. Three other teams in Ssaku, Giant Stormers and Makindye Shooters have joined the league and are yet to show what they can offer.

TWO HORSE RACE

Kyambogo Warriors and DMark Power remain the best bets for the men’s top division title but in the women’s division, it’s a three horse race with A1-Challenge, KCC and UCU all in contention. The relegation fight is unlikely to spare Knight-Riders, KCC Lions and Berkeley. So, let’s get started!

Written by FELIX EUPAL
Sunday, 18 April 2010 15:58

If DMark Power’s 73-72 win over Warriors in the season opener is anything to go by, the FUBA basketball season that tipped off last weekend promises to be full of thrills. FELIX EUPAL analyses the chances of the Big 4.

KYAMBOGO WARRIORS

The jury is still out on defending champions Warriors to prove their worth after the acquisition of the Malinga brothers; Henry and Eric, Makmot Orom as well as the towering Kenyan Michael Kariuki. Gad Eteu’s team lacked depth last season and heavily relied on Tanzanian Ramathan Abdullahi and Kenyan Martin Okwako for success.

But there were a few things lacking such as experience and exposure justified by their failure to win a single game at the Africa Club Championship in Kigali. Team manager Ambrose Tashobya believes the Malingas will fill that void and the team should now be able to contend regionally.

They offloaded point guard Albert Aciko to Miracle Eagles, power forward Nelson Wafula, Francis Kasekende and Joseph Odyek. Pascal Alule from KIU will add more options for Eteu up front. But everyone knows that having a good squad is far from having a good team and Eteu, the 2009 coach of the year, has to prove that the accolade went to the right man by retaining the title.

DMARK POWER

The 2008 champions finally earned some bragging rights after their Sprite Challenge triumph but their coach Andrew Bazira has so many questions that he has not yet answered. After being sacked and then brought back on board, he has to earn the respect of the team.

Bazira will also have so many sleepless nights over the team selection of his squad after his club added five new players to their squad.

Robert Mubiru, Isaac Lugudde, Boniface Okello, Carroll Bisereko and Emma Enabu have made Power the team with the wealthiest bench. The jury has been out on him for lack of adequate technical expertise so blending all these new players with the old ones and turning them into championship side is the only option he has left.

KIU TITANS

Nimrod Kaboha made a massive statement last season when he guided his team to a nine game unbeaten game run to make it to the playoffs. But now he faces a big dilemma after losing his three most important players in Alule, Orom and Kariuki. As such, Tanzanian international Henry Mwinuka will have a lot of baggage on his shoulders.

The Kansanga boys might have won the UCU Invitational but Kaboha has to go back to the drawing if this is the season when he gets his maiden title in the bag.

MOUNTAIN DEW FALCONS

Falcons endured the biggest player exodus in the close season with Stephen Omony leading the way. Henry and Eric Malinga followed suit. But after losing ten players Michael Murethi’s long scouting spell finally materialized when the club captured six new high profile players just a day to the start of the league.

Players don’t come any bigger than Zone Five MVP John Omondi, former APR skipper Karim Musi, Mike Buzangu, Cedric Sinarinzi, Byeven Ngandu and Didier Gahorani. They joined 2003 MVP Sam Obol and Peter Elugat and will be out to revive their glory days that have seen the club win six championships in 12 seasons. Murethi’s first task is to ensure that his players blend well and get to play as a unit.

But it will take quite some time and everyone will be waiting to see if the Mountain Dew sponsored side will pull it off.

I recently bumped into a diehard basketball fan and his attitude was all doom and gloom for Mountain Dew Falcons.

His description of a new Falcons era without Stephen Omony plus brothers Henry and Eric Malinga made me laugh most of all, to the point of semi-convincing me that this whole parody was an outrageous prank to frustrate Falcons – ironically it was April 1.

The fan said, “Basketball is all about big names and without the trio Falcons just aren’t going to win as many games this season.” Well, funny enough, I had him know that last season Falcons posted a modest regular season record and for the first time in four years failed to make the playoffs final.

My point is, I’m convinced that there are quite a number of people that have been brainwashed into thinking that Omony and the Malingas cannot be replaced. Yes, the three were instrumental in what is a cracking 12-year existence for the club.

Yes, they won us many championships and helped raise the brand Mountain Dew Falcons. No one can deny that the team most enjoyed the games in which those lads went for the jugular.

But what we must not forget is that every victory was a team effort. Every player had a part to play in each and every match. Nor must we forget how the team should work: like a machine, all parts of it working together towards a victorious outcome, silverware and titles.

Take one part out, and you replace it with another that brings the same qualities. The machine that is Mountain Dew Falcons is flexible and adaptable because it has to be – not just game to game, but from season to season too.

Players come and go. They are loved while they wear the red shirt, and fans retain fond memories when they leave. Sometimes they leave on bittersweet terms – Malingas did. And no one needs reminding that there’s no Ugandan club bigger than Falcons.

I’m absolutely convinced that the new recruits led by John Omondi (2009 Zone V MVP), Nkusi Aime Karim (Rwanda national team captain), Mike Buzangu, Bienvenu Ndandu, Cedric Sinarinzi and many more have what it takes to move the club to greater heights.

Omondi and company know the stature of the club they joined. Omondi is the best in East Africa as evidenced at last year’s Zone V championships – that’s why he is at the most successful club in Uganda, so why is the point in worrying?

In essence, everyone just needs to calm down. I want you to revert back to this article come season end and realise that the impending prophecy of doom just didn’t happen – although a few out there crave for that scenario.

Just like the trash talk that follows unbeaten boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather, the success of Mountain Dew Falcons has created a situation where by some basketball aficionados love to hate the club!

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

Friday results
Power 73-72 Warriors
Marines 74-81 Ndejje
W: UCU 60-56 KCC
Today at YMCA
St. Michael v Falcons (5.30pm)
Rocks v Vegetarian (2.30pm)
Crane High v UCU JV (1pm)
Bush Courts v Sky Jammers
Stormers v Ssaku (10am)
W: UCU v Nabisunsa (4pm)

Champions Warriors might have dominated the pre-season headlines in the MTN-Fuba basketball league but DMark Power mean business. On Friday, Power grabbed the early bragging rights with a nail-biting 73-72 victory over Warriors in the season opener at a packed YMCA court, Wandegeya.

From the onset, Power’s body language told the whole story as Warriors, donning their new blue/white strip, failed to cope with the sheer pace of the game gifting the former a 15-0 lead inside four minutes and 48 seconds.

Nerves and anxiety were briefly calmed by Michael Kariuki, signed from KIU Titans on Thursday, sunk the last of three free throws after five minutes and 16 seconds for Warriors to trouble the scorer.

“Most of players are new and it will take time to gel. The slow start wasn’t nerves but about players understanding each other’s style,” Warriors coach Gad Eteu, whose team recovered to tie the game at 62-all with five minutes and 15 seconds to go, told Sunday Monitor.

Eteu paraded all his five new signings but only former KIU star Makmot Orom stood out with a team-high 15 points. The Malinga brothers, Henry (11) and Eric (13), who dominated the news after leaving Mountain Dew Falcons, had 11 and 13 points respectively. Kariuki could only manage 9 while Pascal Alule had two.
In comparison, Power’s new recruits, Robert Mubiru (6), Boniface Okello (6), Isaac Lugudde (13) and Carrol Bisereko (0) were not much better.

Mubiru and Okello joined coach Andrew Baziira’s side from Miracle Eagles. Lugudde left Falcons Bisereko faced his former side on Friday.

Ikong, Blick effect
Joseph Ikong (16) and Norman Blick (15) led Power’s charge but reigning MVP Ronnie Kasewu scored only seven points on a disappointing night for Warriors.
In today’s games, Falcons, seeking to add to their six titles, start their season against newly-promoted St. Michael High School at YMCA.

Having lost Steven Omony, Falcons’ venture into the unknown is fueled by Rwandese stars Karim Musi, Mike Buzangu, Didier Gahorani, Cedric Sinarinzi and Bienvenu Ndandu, all of whom were unveiled on Friday after crossing from army side APR.
However, last year’s Zone V MVP Richard Osano Omondi is the other attraction.

Mennonites got off to a good start in this year’s national basketball men’s Division One League with a huge 84-49 victory over visiting Nakuru Club at the Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

In another lower division tie, Parklands Baptist registered a 87-65 win over World Hope while the top match women’s match between Eastern Queens and Kenya College of Accountancy - University failed to take place.

Kenya Basketball Federation vice-chairman Henry Shihemi said that the students were sitting their examinations and had requested for their season opener to be re-scheduled.

KCA-U coach, Charles Goro, said his team would be ready to honour their first leg fixtures in three weeks time.

Champions Kenya Commercial Bank beat newcomers Blazers 71-41 after leading 16-10 in the first quarter.

Early kill

Mennonites went for an early kill against Nakuru Club with Abdulaziz Ali and veteran Steve McOdongo calling the shots. The duo hit three-pointers which sent their opponents into panic as Mennonites raced a 24-10 first quarter lead.

Collins Ochieng ran riot pouring in nine points as Mennonites proved that they had prepared well for the new season to lead 34-13 run in the second quarter. Mennonites led 58-23 at half-time.

On resumption, Nakuru Club, who had finished in sixth position after failing to honour their play-off tie against World Hope last year, showed some hope of recovery when Dennis Makori and Joseph Ngoshi scored to put their side lead 20-12 in the third quarter.

Mennonites, who had built a huge margin in the early two quarters, needed only a 14-6 run in the last quarter to celebrate their new season opener win.

George Kidha scored 21 points, Ochieng had 28 and Mcdongo 19 for Mennonites. Makori replied with 14 points and Ngoshi had 13 for the losers.

In another match, Collins Ngira hit 27 points, Ndambi Kariuki had 15 while Daniel Imbali added 11 to help Parklands Baptist demolish World Hope 87-65.

Parklands looked too good for their opponents leading 23-18 in the first quarter. The winners were up 44-33 at half-time and went up 25-14 in the last quarter to grab the opening two vital league points.

By Phillip Corry

Sunday
Falcons v St Michael Men’s Div 1

FALCON’s basketball club has acquired the services of five Rwandan players ahead of their fixture today against minnows Saint Michael at YMCA.

The side sponsored by Mountain Dew unveiled their new signs at Makerere University sports ground yesterday. Top of the list is former APR skipper Karim Musi, who is a shooting guard.

Others from the army side including Mike Buzango, who is also a shooting guard, Didier Gahorani, a point guard and two centres Cedric Sinarinzi and Byeven Ngandu.

The new signings join Zone V Most valuable player Richard Osano Omondi, from Kenya.

“Our focus this year is to reclaim back the league crown, but at the same time our focus is education,” Dennis Mbidde, the club’s marketing manager said. “This deal 80% is an educational scheme for our players and at the same time identify talent. The other percent which is 20 is financial and I can say that we will be spending sh6million every month.”

Falcons lost Stephen Omwony and Malinga brothers Henry and Eric who joined league champions Warriors.

Today at YMCA
Berkley v KIU Titans (5.30pm)
Stone v Diamonds (2.30pm)
Planets v Shooters (11.30am)
Kings v TLC (10am)
Women:
KIU Rangers v Amazon (1pm)
Bucks v Mak Cubs (5.30pm)

Kampala

Analysts and fans alike would like to agree that champions Kyambogo Warriors and DMark Power are miles ahead of the pack in the MTN-Fuba basketball league.
And with Mountain Dew Falcons likely on their way to the drop, there is a window for a new entrant into the game’s big three.

The potential suitors who must relish the opportunity of going through this window are KIU Titans. KIU will start their account against newly-promoted Berkeley at YMCA court Wandegeya.

The burden now lies with coach Nimrod Kaboha to shed the nearly men tag having got his side to the semi-finals, losing to Power last season. Kaboha has followed that up with reaching the final of the Sprite Super Challenge, losing to the same side, two weeks ago.

Elsewhere, Kaboha, also coach of the women’s side, KIU Rangers, has a long day against Amazon Rhino while Lady Bucks face Mak Cubs.

Dodoma Spurs edged Baptist of Kilimanjaro 57-53 in the men’s category of the National Basketball League (NBL) match played at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam, yesterday.

The match brought together two sides with identical game approach but it was the winners who enjoyed possession and ensured they open a sizeable score margin particularly in the last two quarters.

Both sides had no chance whatsoever to progress to the semi-finals and it was hardly surprising to see them opt for relaxed game for the better part.

The second quarter however turned out to be much more thrilling as Baptist struggled hard and leveled the score.

Spurs took a narrow 17-15 lead in the first quarter but Baptist leveled 29-29 at the end of the second quarter. Spurs went on reclaimed the lead to dictate 50-46 in the third quarter.

Allen Lemunge and Humphrey Mwakatundu were the players that Dodoma Spurs depended on the most when it came to attacking and scoring.

The duo’s work ethic was enough to make the rest of the squad play with composure.

Baptist looked lively in the third and fourth quarters when the team pushed upfront whenever opportunities came their way and deployed their scorers effectively to keep Spurs under pressure.

Spurs’ veteran Yassin Musira chipped in with crucial support both defensively and offensively at the time and his experience helped the team gain an upper hand for the rest of the game.

Lemunge scored 13 points to finish as the top scorer for Spurs followed by Ashraf Collins with 12 points and Mwakatundu with nine.

Baptist’s scorers were Erick John who had 22 points, Dennis Semions with 12 points and Kayumba Maregesi with eight.

ABC, who are among the top contenders for the trophy, were expected to play Young Warriors of Morogoro later in the afternoon.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

By Charles Mutebi

THE Kyambogo Warriors hope to surprise D’Mark Power with two “big signings” when the two sides meet today in a thrilling men’s division one season-opener at Wandegeya.

The men’s MTN-FUBA League defending champions are said to have spent yesterday in transfer talks with two unnamed players. Club boss Ambrose Tashobya promised that the pair would be unleashed today if the moves are completed.

Tashobya would not reveal the identity of the players, whom he described as big signings. He argued it would jeopardise the talks.

“We don’t want their clubs to know about the discussions because they might stop them,” said Tashobya, who is also the president of sport governing body FUBA.

However, that argument does not wash because ultimately the club would not be talking to the players if they were ineligible for a transfer. Therefore, Tashobya’s act of silence is a tactic aimed at surprising Power.

The Warriors will be without last year’s mega signings Martin Okwako and Abdullah Ramadan, who are attending to family issues. But Gad Eteu’s team will have no shortage of firepower because they have also signed Pascal Oule and the Malinga brothers (Henry and Eric).

Power coach Bernice Nkunda believes this is a game that they have to win to make a statement.
“Winning this game is import ant because it will act as a benchmark of what we want to achieve this season,” Nkunda said, before vowing that his troops will seal the victory in the second half.

r The Mountain Dew Falcons, who start their 2010 season on Sunday, will unveil all their new signings at Makerere sports grounds tomorrow.

Club marketing chief Dennis Mbidde said seven players will be introduced to the public, addind that most of the new acquisitions are unknown. They come from Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo.

By Timothy Muvunyi
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TO crown off the 16th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the local basketball federation (Ferwaba) has organized a two-day memorial tournament.

According to the federation’s Secretary General Jean Lucien Mugabo, the event scheduled for April 24-25 is open to all top division clubs.
“We thought it was a good idea as a federation to organize a small tournament in memory of our loved ones,” the official said.

The event will be hosted at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Meanwhile, the famous Gisembe memorial tournament has been scheduled for June.

The annual event played in memory of Espoir players, fans and well wishers who died during the genocide will be spiced up by foreign clubs from Uganda, Burundi and the DRC.
“We want to give the tournament a more regional look this time round so that is why we intend to invite clubs from neighbouring countries,” Espoir’s president Pierre Munyengabe said.

Since 1994, April has always been a low key sporting month.

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) national Classic League 2010 season throws off this weekend in Nairobi with two matches to be played tomorrow afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium.

Opening the courts will be International Christian Centre and Mombasa-based Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the men’s Premier League contest that is expected to be tough and thrilling. National champions, KCB, would then take to the courts against East Africa champions Co-operative Bank in the second match.

But more action is on Sunday with five matches. However, only one women’s Premier League match will be played this weekend. Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) women will take on United States International University-Africa on Sunday.

Strathmore University will be out to settle scores with Lomboritz, while visiting KPA will take on Terror in the second match. KCA-U men take no Posta in another mouth-watering duel in the men’s Premier League match.

But the final fixtures released by KBF seem to have shortcomings as teams from the learning institutions have complained. Some will not play their matches since the fixtures clash with their closing seasons. KBF has been urged to schedule the matches or review the fixtures to coincide with the institutions’ term dates.

Meanwhile, basketball chiefs have said the 2010 league will be very competitive owing to the fact that the Government has pledged to support teams that qualify for regional events.

By Brown Msyani
Savio crushed Young Warriors 69-28 at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday to book a date with ABC in the semifinal of the National Basketball League.
With Paschal Nsana and Sylvian Iyunzu firing on both cylinders, Savio got the game underway on a high tempo and managed to build an early double-digit lead.
Savio were leading 14-4 until the end of the first quarter and mounted more pressure on dispirited Young Warriors to hold a 23- point advantage until the interval.
The teams went to the breather with Young Warriors looking destined to their second straight defeat. They were trailing by 34-11 points.
After the resumption, Savio continued to trouble Young Warriors and managed to add 16 points as opposed to 10 of their opponents.
The final quarter saw Young Warriors running out of steam and conceded 18 more points that took the lead beyond their reach.
Nsana was the top scorer for his team after firing 16 points followed by Iyunzu with 10 while William Muze scored eight points for Young Warriors.

On their way to the semifinal, Savio defeated Oilers 70-65, Dodoma Spurs (90-67) before dismantling the Young Warriors. They will take on ABC tomorrow.

ABC sailed through to the semi-final after thrashing Baptists of Kilimanjaro 111-76 on Tuesday

In another game, Oilers romped into the semi-final after defeating Spurs 52-42. They will now face defending champions JKT tomorrow.
Spurs started the match brilliantly as to lead 16-5 in the first quarter and 28-27 until halftime, but they failed to guard their opponents who scored freely in the remaining quarters.
In the third quarter alone, Oilers put in scintillating displays to notch 34 points against four of Spurs.
Spurs ,who were smarting from the defeat to Savio, fought desperately to overturn the score, but their efforts were in vain.
Oilers' scorers Lusajo Samuel and Nyoni Mcharo continued to shine in the tournament after chalking 19 and 11 points respectively.

JKT qualified for the semifinal after clobbering Mzinga of Morogoro 99-60 on Monday.

By Charles Mutebi

IT is hard to resist the feeling that the 2010 MTN-FUBA men’s topflight season will prove again that the more things change the more they remain the same. This is a new year but who can shake off the suspicion that the 2010 men’s playoff finals will have the same teams that ultimately fought for last year’s championship?

The Mountain Dew Falcons have the pedigree and have put together a new team that could surprise but it is unlikely they’ll be as strong as last season, where they came to within a game of making the finals.

KIU have balanced team
Similarly the KIU Titans have a roaster laden with skill and menace but there is a sneaky suspicion their self-belief needs to improve before they can become genuine championship contenders.

Nkumba Marines coach Timothy Odeke acknowledges that KIU showed signs of mental fragility in last year’s playoffs but believes they have a real possibility of reaching this year’s finals because “they are very strong in all departments”.

He added: “I’m really impressed with them and they have such a good team they will be hard to stop.”

Power and Warriors top
However, Odeke knows that if any two teams are to prevent KIU’s talented set from making a maiden finals appearance there are D’Mark Power and the Kyambogo Warriors.

“Power will definitely be in the finals because they have recruited good players who have strengthened every area of the team,” said the brilliant tactician. “The Warriors have not impressed me in the preseason but if (Martin) Okwako and (Ramadan) Dullah comeback, I think they will reach the finals.”

Miracle veteran Chris Kyebambe is similarly convinced that KIU could go all the way to the finals, probably alongside the Warriors.
“I can see KIU surprising someone and reaching the finals,” he said.

No doubt the Warriors and Power will have to look at Nimrod Kaboha’s side with more respect this season if they are to secure a return to the best-of-seven playoff finals.

Malingas key for Warriors
Consequently, Kyambogo will be expecting immediate returns from Henry and Eric Malinga as well as Pascal Alule, whom they signed in the off-season.

If Henry can fully recover from his second major knee-injury, the Warriors will be monstrous.

Power have signed Boniface Okello, Isaac Lugudde, Robert Mubiru, Emma Enabu while Carol Bisereko could also join them. Whether the coaching duo of Andrew Bazira and Bernice Ankunda will keep all the egos in check remains to be seen.

Obviously having a good squad is not equivalent to having a good team as Power have shown over the years but the difference now is they have the Blicks – Donna but especially Norman. The Blick brothers have won a championship wherever they have been.

NAIROBI (Fiba Africa U18 championships) - Kenya teams have booked direct tickets to the Fiba Africa U18 championships for boys and girls, it was confirmed yesterday.

This is as a result of regional teams pulling out of the Zone Five qualifiers earlier scheduled for Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, Nairobi next week.

Vitalis Gode, the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary revealed that Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia have all pulled out of the five day tournament earning Kenya direct tickets in both the categories as the only contestants.

Only Rwanda had indicated that they would send a girls team to the April 28- May 2 championships but they too have now bowed out.

"Rwanda girls was the only side that had indicated they would attend the junior show. Now they too have told us that they are not coming citing a weak team" said Gode.

Gode said that he will today send a list of players to Fiba Africa confirming Kenya's participation to only their second continental show following the maiden appearance in 2008 in Egypt and Tunisia where the girls finished eighth and the boys came out last in a 12 team championships.

The girls tournament, said Gode, will be held in July in Cairo, Egypt while the one for boys will ber in Kigali, Rwanda in August.

The official who is also the Fiba Africa zonal secretary said that the teams, yet to be named, will train for two weeks in a Nairobi school before going back to their respective schools. The selection of the players was done by a panel during the school games at Upper Hill over the weekend and will be released in due course.

"Despite the fact that there is no championship, we will have the players train because we had planned for it anyway. It is only the dates for the girls event that is worrying us but the boys is ok because the schools will be closed." noted Gode.

KBF had named veteran tactician and Fiba Africa coaches instructor Ronny Owino to head the technical bench. The coaches who will handle the teams have not been named but it is clear that those ones handling school teams will be given the he call up.

There was no joy on the hills in Rift Valley and the Coast provinces as Laiser Hills Academy and Shimba Hills who were both defending their Kenya Secondary School Sports basketball national titles got a shock as the festival came to an end over the weekend

Hail the new champions Maseno School and Tigoi Girls. The giants from Nyanza and Western province - who have been at the top before - defied all the odds to topple the giants in the finals and be crowned champions and all this unveiled before a raucous crowd at the Upper Hill school, Nairobi.

Going into the five day school bonanza, Laiser Hills and Shimba Hills were every body's favourites . Rather than coming for the defense of their titles, they had an envious record that terrified their opponents even before the games first whistle was blown. They were the team in every body's lips - others were pretenders to the crown.

Buit when the final whistle sounded- it was ecstacy for Maseno and Tigoi and tears for the losers who have ruled local school scenes for some time. It is a time for change but again there is the East and Central Africa games just round the corner and Laiser Hill and Shimba will be around again !

Maseno nipped Laiser Hills 54-52 in a cliff hanger. This match had the fans rooting that would have gone either way. The winners made their intentions clear from he start racing away top a 19-11 first quarter edge. But were pegged down12-16 in the second.

In a low scoring third, Paul Otula boys hanged on by a low 8-7 difference before falling 15-18 in the last. Ronald Gundo nailed 16 points and MVP Sam Odera was good for another 17. For the losers who battled down from a 10 point hole, Sudi Ulanga 24 posted game high 24 points and Wol Marico added 10.

And Tigoi was too smart for Shimba Hills winning 74-58. They took all but the third quarter going up 14-8 in the first, 17-8 in the second before trailing 20-19 in the third and winding up with a 24-23 edge in the last.

Philip Onyango's long dominance was halted by the Burundian duo of Uinama Ghislane who was good for 20 points and her compatriot Magnifique Ndayiekengumtse who was magnificent for 16 points and MVP honuors. Shimba's Zipporah Khaosa made 24 and Susan Aluoch shot 10.

In the semis, Maseno shut out Friends School Kamusinga 96-72 as Laiesr Hill staged a remarkable rally that saw them dismiss Nairobi International School (NIS) 74-67. In the girls semis, Tigoi rampaged to a 105-41 win over Alliance and Shimba Hills thumped Buru Buru Girls 76-34.

NIS won third place tie with a 89-79 win over Kamusinga while Buru Buru hit Alliance 55-37 to bag the bronze in the girls category.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

Lusajo Samuel scored 29 points to spark Oilers past Morogoro’s Young Warriors 87-47 in a National Basketball League game played at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Oilers, who were smarting from a slim 70-65 defeat to Savio, dominated the proceedings from the start.
Their determination and discipline helped them lead 19-12 until the end of the first quarter.
Young Warriors went to the court with a sense of confidence following their victory over Spurs in the opening tie, but failed to guard marauding Oilers playmakers who stretched the lead to 45-26 until the interval.
After the recess, the Dar es Salaam giants continued to trouble the Morogoro team and managed to add 16 points as opposed to 11 of the Warriors.
Young Warriors run out of steam in the final quarter after conceding 26 more points that sealed the Oilers deserved win.
Oilers gutsy playmaker Dominic Zachariah was outstanding in grabbing, assisting and scoring. He bagged 18 points for his side.
The Morogoro boys played well, but they paid the price for lacking sharpness in front of the basket.
Their points were scored by Deo Kipiki who chalked 13 while his teammate Abraham Ngatingwa fired eight points only.

In women’s category, Jeshi Stars extended their unbeaten run after sinking Red Lioness 63-52 in a nail biting game.
The Lioness started the game to a flier, leading 21-11 in the first quarter, but Jeshi Stars fought back to reduce the lead to 33- 28 until halftime break.
Jeshi Stars continued to regain their composure and eventually tied at 43-43 in the third quarter.
The Lioness will rue missed chances and shaky defending in the final quarter as to allow Jeshi Stars add 20 points that were enough to seal the win.
Faraja Malaki scored 17 points for her side followed by Lucy Augustino with 12 while Red Lioness got their points through Jasmine Bablia (21) and Amina Ahmed (17).
Jeshi Stars also recorded a resounding 98-32 win over hapless Police Dar es Salaam on Monday.