Basketball in Africa

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Results – Friday
Miracle 52-77 Falcons
KIU 63-68 Power
Women
UCU 67-45 KIU
Today at YMCA
St. Michael v Ndejje (5.30pm)
Women: UCU v Amazon (4pm)

KIU Titans came within a whisker of causing their second major upset in the MTN-Fuba League on Friday but still fell short. Barely a week after being edged out by Mountain Dew Falcons, KIU went down 63-68 to DMark Power on Friday at YMCA, court, Wandegeya.

Coach Nimrod Kaboha’s side pinned Power, the 2008 champions, in the first three quarters but couldn’t finish the job as they trailed 13-21 in the penultimate period. Joseph Ikong (15) and Norman Blick (12) led Power’s charge with crucial blocks at regular intervals while Robert Mubiru (6) produced a rebound master class. “At some point, someone had to charge but in all, it was good team display,” Ikong noted.
Though coach Andrew Baziira was missing in the former champions’ dugout, Isaac Afidra, last year’s regular season MVP, struggled on his return from a troublesome calf injury. “KIU is very good defensive side and no one can undermine that,” Afidra commented about his former side. Man-of-the-match Brian Wati sunk 15 points as KIU led by three points (50-47) heading the fourth quarter where they choked.

Earlier, Falcons put up yet another authoritative performance to dispatch Miracle Eagles 77-52. Kenyan Richard Osano Omondi finally shed some skin with a game-high 26 points. Mike Buzangu added 21 and Miracle’s Francis Kasekende had (11) , whie Felix Olaba picked 12 points.

The Lebanon House in Accra was pack with lot of basketball fans who strolled in to witness another week of exciting basketball. Most came to see the most talk about team from outside Accra which is presently playing entertaining basketball for its fans. In the second game of the day Hoops started impressively against Panthers executing plays to perfection and playing top notch defense. The result of players training and staying together on camp has now started to show the bonding between these present class of players. It will also be a day to remember when S. Bestman set both team and career record shooting 8-10 from three point zone. The 6'2" guard had the critics silence who thought he was only a slasher type of guard. He lead all scorers setting a career high and team record 37pts. This victory now takes Hoops to second place behind defending champs CEPS. Click here for Hoops highlight from game

Herve Coudray has a very demanding job as the coach of USO Mondeville in France’s top flight.

This season, he steered the club to a fourth-place finish in the regular season.
The 45-year-old coach will face a different sort of challenge this summer after being offered the chance to coach Mali at the FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic.
"I didn’t hesitate a moment,” Coudray said.
“When an opportunity to take part in a World Championship materializes, you don’t even ask the question.
“The only thing that could hold me back is that I am an employee of a club (Mondeville).”
As it turns out, he got the blessing of USOM president Daniel Dufour.
The French outfit may end up benefitting from Coudray’s summer job.
“I'm going to keep an eye on other players and possibly bring Malian women to the training center of the (Mondeville) club," Coudray said.

Coudray has signed a two-year contract to coach Mali.
He’ll lead the national team this summer, and at next year’s African Championship for Women.
At the FIBA World Championship for Women, which tips off on September 23, Mali will take on Korea, Brazil and Spain in Group C.
Those Preliminary Round games will be played in Brno
"The goal is to win a game,” Coudray said.
“That is something an African team has never managed to do (at a World Championship).”
Coudray has succeeded Jose Ruiz as Mali coach.

Ruiz guided the team to the gold medal at the 2007 FIBA Africa Championship for Women, a result that qualified the team for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

FIBA

Today at YMCA
Marines v KCC (5.30pm)
Women
A-1 v Lady Bucks (11.30am)
KCC v Stormers (4pm)

Kampala

MTN-Fuba Women’s League giants, A-1 Challenge and KCC Leopards, come into their respective games at YMCA court, Wandegeya today facing totally different challenges.

No doubt that both are in prime position to finish in one of the four play-off positions but A1, who face Lady Bucks, have the momentum whereas KCC, with Magic Stormers in their sights, are struggling to find new character.
Coach Hamza Nyambogo’s A-1 put up a commendable defensive performance last Friday to defeat KCC thereby stretching their winning streak to 13.

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime,” said Maggie Nalubega.

The loss of Flavia Oketcho seems to have hit KCC hard as they already lost to the top two contenders, A-1 and UCU Lady Canons.
Timothy Odeke, who doubles as KCC and Nkumba Marines coach, has a long evening to either enjoy or sob. Injury-ravaged Marines play rejuvenated KCC Lions in the men’s division one.

Odeke’s situation hasn’t changed that much from seven days ago as Peter Nyoroto, Danson Ngati, Philip Wakimwero, Ladsilas Ikungura and Julius Lutwama continue to play through pain barriers.

Today at YMCA
Power v KIU (8.30pm)
Miracle v Falcons (5.30pm)
Women
KIU v UCU Canons (7pm)
Results – Wednesday
KCC 63-58 Ndejje
Berkeley 83-93 St. Michael
Women
Mak Sparks 84-45 Crane

Kampala

The ambitions of Miracle Eagles are to get into the MTN-Fuba League men’s division One play-offs for the first in the club’s history.

Their charge into the postseason bid fell short last year and three victories in their opening seven games are yet to serve the purpose for which youthful Brian Rugyendo was signed as coach.

But ahead of tonight’s game against Mountain Dew Falcons at YMCA court, Wandegeya, Rugyendo is looking on the bright side.
“I am not worried yet. This team has only trained together for two months and the bonding is a process not an accident,” Rugyendo told Daily Monitor after the 63-58 win over KCC Lions.
Falcons, six-time champions, have thrilled in bits so far having signed stars from across the East African region including Rwandan pair Mike Buzangu and Karim Aine Nkusi plus Kenyan Richard Osano Omondi.

On Wednesday, Ndejje University Angels fell 63-58 to KCC Lions, while St. Michael beat Berkeley 93-83.

The newly-refurbished National Sports Commission (NSC) gymnasium in the city of Bauchi will come alive this weekend when hosts Yelwa Hawks will take to the court against Savannah conference hopefuls Plateau Peaks of Jos.

The clash, set for Sunday, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Select Channel to basketball fans across the globe.

The Savannah conference fixture will be the first to be shown live by the sponsor in the 2009/ 2010 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) DStv Premier League with the tip-off set for 16:00 local time (17:00 CET).

The Hawks, who are without a win (0-3) three weeks into the season, will look for veteran Jeffery Lohor to inspire his team-mates. He has declared that they are ready to end their barren run in Nigeria's top flight.

"We are set to end our losing streak and it's nice that the game will be broadcast live to millions of fans across the world," said the 6ft 3in shooting guard.

"Peaks are an experienced side but we are sure we can start winning against them."

Week 4 (29-30 May) fixtures (all games tip off at 16:00 local time unless stated otherwise)
Savannah Conference
Saturday: Bauchi Nets vs Plateau Peaks; Niger Potters vs Kada Stars.
Sunday: Yelwa Hawks vs Plateau Peaks; Tapgun Rockets vs AHIP Giants.

Atlantic Conference
Friday: Delta Force vs Dodan Warriors.
Sunday: Royal Hoopers vs Islanders, 17:00.

By Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Africa

Kampala

Tomorrow at YMCA
Power v KIU (8.30pm)
Miracle v Falcons (5.30pm)
Women
KIU v UCU (7pm)

The look on Kyambogo Warriors coach Gad Eteu’s face as Ronnie Kasewu was carried off during an MTN-Fuba League game last week told it all. Eteu looked helpless and sad as his point guard couldn’t even limp as he left YMCA court, Wandegeya following an ankle injury against Nkumba Marines.

Kasewu went down meekly after failing to pick an offensive rebound and was only helped off the ground. Now, Eteu can afford a smile as the reigning MVP won’t be out for too long. “Doctors looked at him and luckily it was only a sprain. He was advised to take a two-week break,” said Eteu.

His assistant, Peter Wandukwa, was even more positive. “His recovery is going just fine. Ronnie managed to undergo slight training with us and should be able to play the next game,” Wandukwa told Daily Monitor.

The champions’ next fixture is against UCU Canons on June 4. In a related development, Kenyan Warriors star Martin Okwako’s return from holiday has again been put on hold. “Martin was supposed to come back last Thursday but couldn’t because the bus was full. I hope he is in Kampala by the end of this week,” Wandukwa explained.

By CAXTON APOLLO

Fiba-Africa Zone Five president Morris Aluanga will be challenged by a fellow Kenyan, Paul Otula, in the forthcoming delegates elections to be held in Nairobi.

Otula, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, said National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) had given him the nod to vie for the Zone Five president’s post.
Aluanga was elected to the position by virtue of having been KBF chairman between 1999 and 2002.
The Fiba-Africa secretariat will set the election date where other Zone Five member countries – Djibouti, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Uganda – will take part, Otula said.

Provisional squad

At the same time, KBF has named a provisional squad of 43-strong national team players – 19 girls and 24 boys – to represent Kenya in this year’s Africa Under-18 Championship in Rwanda and Egypt.

Otula said the two teams earned automatic qualification to represent Zone Five in the continental event after they failed to get opponents in the elimination round matches in Nairobi in April.

The KBF boss said training dates will be announced later. It will be Kenya’s second appearance in the continental championship, having been last without a win in the boys’ event in Egypt and eighth in the girls’ category in Tunisia in 2008.

Kenya’s Africa U-18 Championship teams

Boys:
Maku Kinyua, Michael Ouma, Collins Ochieng, Pascal Mabwana, Kevin Aran, Dalmas Omondi, Abraham Yosi, Bruce Akama, Mathew Kevin, Clive Okello, Kevin Wachira, Ronald Gundo, Samson Ojwang, David Okiki, Samuel Odera, Erick Wawire, Allan Nyongesa Erick Reuben, Simon Kemboi, Valentine Nyakinda, Mike Otula, Domnic Shitanda;

Girls: Purity Adhiambo, Hellen Oketch, Susan Akinyi, Mildred Olumasi, Fatuma Mohammed, Zippy Khaosa, Mitchelle Adhiambo, Salome Oketch, Lucy Wanjala, Mercy Wanyama, Natale Mwangale, Georgia Adhiambo, Mellisa Akinyi, Harare Awuour, Susan Wadegu, Christine Adhiambo, Mijidari Mwijabu

Today at YMCA
KCC v Ndejje (8.30pm)
Berkeley v St. Michael (5.30pm)
Women
Mak Sparks v Crane (7pm)

On a day when none of the top three sides will take to the floor in the MTN-Fuba League, attention shifts to a totally different challenge. The two newly-promoted sides, Berkeley and St. Michael, clash in the early game at YMCA court, Wandegeya while KCC Lions face Ndejje University Angels later.

All four sides have had faltering starts which makes games against each other even more important with the relegation quota being doubled from two this season.

For KCC, one victory in their opening five games has left them with the perennial task of fighting relegation while the newcomers’ lumbering starts accounts for only defeats.

Ndejje, suffering from the common second season syndrome, are relishing the prospect of recovering from disappointing losses to Kyambogo Warriors and UCU Canons in their last two outings. “Immaturity and inexperience have really hurts us but the team has the quality,” Walker Obedi, Ndejje’s coach, noted.

In their last defeat, Cyrus Kiviri missed one of two game winning free throws before they went down 86-79 to UCU in overtime (OT). In the women’s division, former Makerere Sparks will be lucky to have a full squad for their game against Crane High as the University players are doing end of semester exams. Crane High concede points aplenty as they are yet to win a game this season while Sparks have fallen on hard times over the past five years.

HE was hot early, then cooled off before getting hot again to help former champions Premium Cobras extend their winning streak to six games in the men’s division one league on Sunday at the Palais des Sports.

Amadou Sylla broke the tie at 60-60 with a shot from way downtown with 2 minutes 03 Sylla (hands raised) plays defence on Baya’s Robert Léonseconds (2:03) left on the clock and added two more points on a lay-up in traffic with 6.8 seconds left to give Premium Cobras a deserved 66-61 win over Baya.

Although Nigerian Michael Ohiero – who stepped up big time to provide the spark for the Cobras in their 75-65 league win against defending champions PLS Hawks a fortnight ago – top-scored for coach Guy Hall’s team with 19 points including two-3-pointers, Sylla stole the limelight with his late heroics.

After Baya’s Jean-Paul Camille hit a jumper on his first try, Cobras rushed to an 11-2 lead before closing the first quarter 20-11. And although Baya won the second quarter 18-14, they still trailed Cobras by five – 29-34 – at the half.

After coming off the bench to score 19 points, playmaker Giovanni Laval tied the score at 40-40 on a trey with 5:28 to play in the third quarter and captain Dave Roseline gave his team the lead at 45-44 with 2:55.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Baya had a four-point advantage – 53-49 – which quickly vanished into thin air as they were guilty of misfiring from the free-throw line. They lost the decisive quarter 8-17 and the match 61-66, putting Cobras, whose starters outscored Baya’s 53-30, into the right frame of mind for the rest of the championship.

Are the Cobras returning to dominate the game here after their last championship win in 2006 and can they maintain the momentum?

“We are in a god position and in enjoying a good run of results,” power forward and captain Dominic Pillay told Sports Nation after the win.

“We have to continue on this momentum and make sure we beat our main rivals in the second round,” added Pillay, who finished as Cobras’ third best scorer with 10 points behind Ohiero’s 19 and Sylla’s 14.

Other than Laval with 19, Roseline was the only Baya player to score in double figures with 15 before fouling out with 6:08 left to play in the fourth quarter.

On Saturday at Victoria Gymnasium, defending champs PLS Hawks got 33 points from Nigerian Alao Solomon and 19 from evergreen power forward Jim Domingue in an 84-43 victory over winless Razors.

On the same day, Anse Boileau-based Angels were paced by Chabel Servina with 18 points, while Daniel Dodin and skipper Keiren Agathine combined for 22 in a 64-61 win over Cascade Bullets, whose top scorer was captain Biko Biong with 14 points.

In a women’s league encounter played on Sunday, HotShots had three players scoring in double digits – Jenita Toussaint with 18 including four treys, Myra Solin 15 and Beguitta Fontaine 12 including two 3-pointers – in a 54-38 victory against RA Sisters, who got 14 from Sylvie Meme.

In the men’s second division, Anse Etoile beat Praslin Warriors 67-61 and Drifters inflicted a 73-56 defeat on Beau Vallon.

G. G.

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
Union Bank basketball club were in superb form at the weekend beating Nigeria Customs Service basketball team roundly by 76-58 points.

The lose to Union bank by the border boys as the Customs team are also known further put paid to the ambition of the Scott Nnaji and Mohammed Abba tutored Customs side hope of swimming out of relegation waters.

Union Bank basketball team whose Technical Adviser, Ayinla Johnson was on hand to tinker the team along side team manager turned coach Rotimi Savage won in all four quarters of 16-11, 18-15, 19-13 and 23-19 to record its second straight win in the Atlantic conference of the Nigeria Basketball Federation organized DStv premier league.

Daddy Ugbede of Union Bank basketball club led the floor with a double double effort of 21 points, 17 rebounds, 3 steal and 2 blocks, Azuoma Dike contributed 22 points while Seyi Ayodele added 10 points to complete the defeat of the Customs side.

Union Bank basketball club led in all department of the game with 48 rebounds, 25 turn-over, 15 steal and 12 assists to Nigeria Customs 39 rebounds, 23 turn-over, 13 steal and 9 assists.

Union Bank Head Coach, Savage applauded the performance of his players for the victory over the Nigeria Customs and sounded a note of warning to other would-be play-off aspirants in the Atlantic conference saying the Stallion Boys are more than determine to fight for the league shield this season.

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
Bauchi Nets basketball club continue its good run in the Savannah conference of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF/ DStv premier league with a 53-49 points win away from home.

The Nets who is fighting its way back to reckoning after suffering from poor form in the Nigeria league in several years defeated AHIP Giants basketball club of Kano at the weekend in Kano to keep a clean slate on the conference standing.

The latest win now gives the Nets a 3-0 record as it is yet to taste defeat since the commencement of the league.

In other games played in the Savannah conference of the league Plateau Peaks had the better of city rival, Tapgun Rockets who recently hired the services of former Kano Pillars basketball club point guard, Umar Bala by 75-65 points.

The Kano State-born statistician turned coached (Bala) is confident the Rockets who is yet to win game in the ongoing season will escape relegation as Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano is waiting in the wing to join the big league come next season after finishing top of the national division-one championship that took place in Kaduna earlier in the year.

And in Minna, Niger State, home team, Niger Potters basketball club put aside its week-2 lose to Plateau Peaks basketball club (82-64) to edge past another struggling side Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi by 59-58 points

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
FIBA Africa Champions Club Competition reigning highest scorer, Mohammed Bukar proved very valuable for his Nigerian club-side, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos when he posted a five-star performance to save the Warriors from another defeat against visiting Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt in a week-3 Atlantic conference pairing of the NBBF/DStv premier league at the national stadium, Lagos at the weekend.

The Warriors who grabbed a total of 21 rebounds, with a turn-over ratio of seven in the entire duration of the game won the first quarter by 21-17 points, but the win seems to wake-up the Royal Hoopers players who fired back in the second quarter with the same points deficit of 19-15 points to go into the break with equal points of 36.

Hoopers coached by one-time captain of the Dodan Warriors, Ogoh Odaudu took the battle to the Warriors upon resumption of play in the third quarter with beautiful combination and good vision of Anyebe Ujoh, Moses Daudu, Kingsley Aguara, Farouk Oyalade and Musa Usman to win the quarter by 22-15 points to open up a seven points lead of 58-51 points going into the last quarter.

With defeat stirring the Warriors side in the face, Bukar and his teammates decided to take the bull by the horn when the confront the bigger and more established Royal Hoopers side strength for strength in the fourth and decisive quarter, launching a forensic attack as the Hoopers defense was caught napping several time.

The bold move by Bukar and his teammates, however paid off as they won the fourth quarter by 22-12 points to pick its first win since the league began three weeks ago by 73-70 points.

Though Royal Hoopers were better on the board with 36 rebounds but Dodan Warriors sensational guard, Bukars 20 points and 4 rebounds; Oladipo Osunubi 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Busayo Akinola 13 points and Peter Echoi 10 points were enough to give victory to Dodan Warriors

The Liberia Basketball Federation ( LBF) national league continued over the weekend with several matches taking place at the Open Air Sport Commission on Broad Street.

On Friday Road Runners bowed miserably to Ducor Magic 41-60 points in an important encounter. In the second pairing, C. Delta whipped SOS Trotters 60-22 points.

On Sunday, Georgia Blazers narrowly slapped Destiny Kings 42-43 points in the third division. C. Delta again defeated Ducor Magic 53-23 points.

The competition will continue during the week.

Meanwhile, the National Under 18-male and female teams continues their intensive training for the up coming Zone Three FIBA-Under 18 championship. The competition is expected to take place at the National Gymnasium at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville City.

from africabasket.com

By Usher Kyomugisha

Men
Riders v Nkumba 5:30pm
Rhino v Rocks 2:30pm
TLC v Stormers11:30am
Kings v Ssaku 10am
Women
Stormers v Cubs 4pm
Amazon v Bucks 1pm

THE Nkumba Marines will be seeking to return to winning ways today against a relegation-threatened Knight Riders side that has won 1/6 games so far this season.

The Marines last registered an MTN FUBA league win on April 30 and since then have suffered at the hands of a newly-rejuvenated UCU team, not-so-impressive D’Mark Power and the reigning league champions, Kyambogo Warriors.

The Entebbe derby has a lot of importance attached to it considering that a win for Timothy Odeke’s boys will brighten their play-offs hopes while a fifth loss for the Riders will push them into further trouble.

Odeke will focus on stopping the Riders’ transition that yields most of their points as well as stopping their substantial shooting outside the arc.

He explained that Nkumba “are going to bank on experience, talent and picking both the offensive and defensive rebounds.”

Meanwhile in the ladies category, the Magic Stormers will be looking to make a comeback after losing to UCU in a one-sided game that earned them their third loss this season. They will sure pick points off a young struggling Cubs side.

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo (

Results – Friday
Falcons 57-46 KIU
Ndejje 79-86 UCU (OT)
Women: A-1 66-64 KCC
Today at YMCA
KCC v Miracle (5.30pm)
Women: Nabisunsa v KCC (4pm)

The healing process of A1 Challenge received a massive boost with a nervy 66-64 victory over KCC Leopards in the MTN-Fuba women’s League on Friday night at YMCA court, Wandegeya.

On a night when games started two hours late due to guild elections at YMCA, A1 edged champions KCC in a thrilling repeat of last year’s best-of-seven series final which the latter won 4-1.

A1’s Agnes Nantongo (14) and Vicky Nassolo (10) combined for 24 points as the low scoring contest swung in favour of either side play. MVP Miriam Hamala contributed 10 points in the champions’ second defeat this season but didn’t receive sufficient support.

“It’s was important to pay attention to every detail,” A1’s Olivia Mulwana, acting as an assistant to coach Hamza Nyambogo, told Sunday Monitor.
Earlier, UCU Canons protected their unbeaten start to the season with hard-fought 86-79 overtime (OT) win over Ndejje University Angels. The ill-tempered contest ended 68-all in regulation time.

With Ndejje leading 67-66, Cyrus Kiviri missed one of two free throws inside the final 10 seconds and was duly punished when UCU’s Ivan Enabu (12) converted his pair to deliver the season’s first OT game.

Experienced Geoff Omondi sunk eight of his 14 points in OT to hand UCU victory as a collective effort saw three teammates in double figures. Robert Mugabe (12) and Jimmy Enabu (10) were the others.

As the clock breezed past mid-night, Mountain Dew Falcons also grabbed a 57-46 win over KIU Titans. Falcons started slowly, trailing 5-16 after the first quarter before fighting back to take the final three 18-5, 18-10 and 17-15 respectively.
Saidi Marine scored a trivial game-high 20 points for Kampala International University.

When Stephen Omony pulled the plug and walked out on Mountain Dew Falcons, it seemed for the first time that an individual could be bigger than an institution. Omony is a two-time MVP and his departure caused a mass exodus of ten players from the record champs.

But like the proverbial cat of nine lives Falcons founder John Simbwa just wasn’t ready to call in the cards yet. He went on a shopping spree, which has so far yielded ten foreign and three local players.

Many critics argued that despite his buys being highly billed, it would take them a lot of time to play as a unit because they were from different basketball backgrounds. As such the YMCA grounds were full on that chilly Sunday of April 18 as everyone came to catch a glimpse of the new recruits against St. Michael.

At the end of the match, only Karim Musi – the former APR skipper – fitted the billing as he dropped a game high 31 points, 21 of them coming from three pointers. The team had several lapses, something attributed to the fact that coach Michael Mureithi was still away in Nairobi.

But from the time he returned, Falcons played to the tune of their hype. They dismantled Knight Riders with ease but that didn’t stop a few Doubting Thomases to question their mentality. But like a true work of art that speaks for itself, Falcons silenced all doubters with a crushing defeat of last season’s surprise package Ndejje University Angels. The win confirmed their position not only as serious contenders but overwhelming favourites to win the league.

That said, Mureithi admits the team is yet to peak: “We need more games together because we still have to work on the line up combinations. Besides that, we have versatile players who are playing modern day basketball.”

His last statement just sums up why his team will be very hard to stop. In Mike Buzangu, Richard Omondi, Frederick Sinaridi and Peter Elungat, Falcons possess four players who can deliver in multiple positions and drop three pointers whenever the opportunity arises.
Then there is the gigantic Congolese Bienenue Ngandu; the mail man who picks up all the rebounds and ensures that no opponent goes up with no contest.

Peter Mubanda, the DMark Power Technical Director says: “They haven’t yet played any team of worth but make no mistake they are very good and if anyone is going to be a champion they will have to go through them”.
This Friday, Mureithi’s men take on a depleted KIU Titans whose coach Nimrod Kaboha will be more worried about replacing the departed forward Abhol Aleu, who crossed to the Mountain Dew side.

The Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) league committee has come under attack from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) teams for failure to avail fixtures on time. BDF men and women's teams failed to honour fixtures last weekend and have laid the blame on the BBA league committee. BDF teams' assistant manager, Samuel Moalosi said they failed to honour fixtures because the BBA informed them of the weekend encounters late. Moalosi said that he was only informed via sms that the league fixtures were in his email. He said since he was engaged elsewhere he did not read the message when it came through. He thought that the fixtures would be sent out to teams as always.

Moalosi however said he was shocked on Friday when he was told that the league would begin that weekend. He said that he tried to plead with committee chairman Kabo Khama to postpone the games as his teams were not ready, but he refused. Moalosi said he feels that Khama did not want to postpone the games as he is the manager of the Police teams that were supposed to play against BDF. 'Khama knew his teams would get two soft points and he used it as an advantage,' he said. Moalosi said he has never heard of a system where fixtures are distributed via email.

He said that from the beginning, the fixtures have been printed and distributed to teams and there have never been problems. 'Some of us do not have easy access to the Internet and using it will limit our access to information,' he said. Moalosi said that Khama should have at least called him on his phone instead of sending him an sms.
'In fact, he could have used the pre-season tournament that was held a week before the league to inform us about the commencement of the league,' he sa

THE Bulawayo Basketball Association is ready to play host to the national championship finals set for Bulawayo Club of the Disabled on Saturday. Preliminaries for the tournament were held in Harare a fortnight ago with city clubs giving a good account of themselves with three Bulawayo teams qualifying for the semi-finals. The City of Kings is being represented by Giants and Highlanders in the womens category while in the mens Kings stood the heat to stay among the countrys top four clubs. Joe Mujuru a spokesperson for the organisers of the event and also a member of the provincial executive and Kings management, said Bulawayo was ready to give a good account of itself on both the courts and in organising.

We are ready to play host to the national championships and all the teams have confirmed their participation and are expected to arrive tomorrow (today). The supporters should come in their numbers to support their home teams, he said. The Bulawayo teams have fully prepared for the nationals and are ready to battle it out for the gold medals. Kings have declared war on JBC the Harare based team. Garikai Gumbo of Kings is nursing an injury and has been doing light training. He could however be among the trumpcards if he recovers on time for Saturdays matches. With the winners and runners-up to take part in the Clubs All-Africa Championships in South Africa later during the year, fireworks are expected at BCD. One of the semi-finals will be an all-Bulawayo womens encounter pitting Highlanders and Giants in what should be a tightly contested match.

Giants were the more dominant in provincial activity last season and Highlanders will all be out to redeem themselves and rekindle memories of their golden past in which with Unita Dube, Abigail Little, Angela Muhomba and MaRo Phiri they dominated Kodak Championships. Their opponents have been a formidable preposition in the last 15 years. Harares JBC and Raiderz complete the semi-final line up in the womens category. In the mens section Midlanders Unicorn will carry the Southern Regions hopes of sporting success when they take on Raiderz in the first semi-final. The second will be between Bulawayo hopefuls Kings and JBC. The first match of the day will be at 8.30am. Third place play-offs will precede the finals with the womens at 1730 hours.

from africabasket.com

By Charles Mutebi

MTN-FUBA League
Today at YMCA
Men’s Division 1
Ndejje v UCU
Falcons v KIU
Women
Leopards v A1

THE Mountain Dew Falcons are favourites to enhance their reputation when they face the KIU Titans in the MTN-FUBA Division I league at the YMCA today.

THE Falcons have begun this season in style, recording blow-out victories in all their three matches while KIU, who lost four starters before the campaign, have lost two of their four engagements.

Against a Falcons side that is currently playing the most dominant basketball, KIU have slim chances of preventing a third straight defeat.

And if Nimrod Kaboha’s team don’t watch it, this could be their biggest loss yet.

Port Harcourt-based high riding Atlantic conference side, Royal Hoopers basketball club will this weekend takes it luck to the seat of the conference, Lagos for a double confrontation against Dodan Warriors basketball club and Police Baton basketball club at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium.

Hoopers coached by former Nigeria international point guard, Ogoh Odaudu must be at its best to survive the double onslaught in Lagos as Dodan Warriors basketball club its first opponent on Saturday is without a win in the three week old league.

Like its Sunday opponent, Police Baton basketball club of Lagos, Royal Hoopers basketball club who finished fourth in its first year in the Nigeria flagship competition has yet to taste defeat picking a valuable week-one win against Delta Force in Asaba before beating Nigeria Customs basketball club of Lagos at home last weekend.

Royal Hoopers Head Coach, Odaudu who dumped Lagos Islanders whom he guided to a second place finish last season for the oil rich Port Harcourt side is confident his side would come out victorious in both road games on Saturday and Sunday.

His Police Baton counterpart, Mark Balogun – A Superintendent of Police told our correspondent that Royal Hoopers would not escape defeat on Sunday.
“We are optimistic of picking that game against Royal Hoopers so as to continue to guarantee our stading on the conference standing.
“Though we are yet to see them) Royal Hoopers) play this season but we’ve heard a lot about them and we are set for the task, Coach Balogun concluded.

Other games billed for the Atlantic conference will see Nigeria Customs basketball club take on union Bank basketball club in a local derby at the national stadium on Friday, Lagos while Islanders travel to Asaba to keep a date with Delta Force basketball club on Saturday.

In the Savannah conference, Plateau Peaks basketball club and its city rival Tapgun Rockets basketball club will entertain fans at the sports hall of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, kaduna on Saturday; AHIP Giants basketball club of Kano will be at home to visiting Bauchi Net basketball club who will be in Kano for a double battle against the two Kano-based sides, AHIP Giants and defending champion, kano Pillars basketball clubs on Saturday and Sunday at the sports hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofa-mata, Kano, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna will relieve the sad experience of last weekend when it lost to Plateau Peaks in Kaduna to confront visiting Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi.

Start off time for all this weekend games have been fixed for 16H00 in all the venues across the country.

Week-1 results:

Atlantic Conference:
Dodan Warriors 76-77 Union Bank
Police Baton 65-54 Lagos Islanders
Delta Force 67-72 Roral Hoopers
Ebun Comets 73-54 Nigeria Customs

Savannah Conference:

Yelwa Hawks 48-53 Kada Stars
Kano Pillars 73-52 AHIP Giants
Niger Potters 98-57 Tapgun Rockets
Bauchi Net 48-39 Kada Stars

Week-2 Results

Atlantic Conference:

Police Baton 77-68 Delta Force
Ebun Comets 69-71 Delta Force
Lagos Islanders 61-49 Dodan Warriors
Royal Hoopers 71-43 Nigeria Customs

Savannah Conference:

Kada Stars 84-80 Kano Pillar
Bauchi Net 65-55 Yelwa Hawks
Plateau Peaks 82-64 Niger Potters
Tapgun Rockets 46-76 Kano Pillars

Week-3 Games

Atlantic Conference:

Nigeria Customs Vs Union Bank – Lagos 21/05 16H00
Dodan Warriors Vs Royal Hoopers – Lagos 22/05 16H00
Delta Force Vs Lagos Islanders – Asaba 22/05 16H00
Police Baton Vs Royal Hoopers – Lagos 23/05 16H00

Savannah Conference:

Plateau Peaks Vs Tapgun Rockets – Kaduna 22/05 16H00
AHIP Giants Vs Bauchi Net – Kano 22/05 16H00
Niger Potters Vs Yelwa Hawks – Minna 22/05 16H00
Kano Pillars Vs Bauchi Net – Kano 23/05 16H00

By: Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Africa

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

Kampala

Today at YMCA
Marines v Warriors (8.30pm)
Ndejje v UCU (5.30pm)
Women
KCC v Amazon (7pm)

Upon promotion to the MTN-Fuba League last year, Ndejje University Angels enjoyed a brilliant start but the common second season syndrome could be catching up with them. Losing to Kyambogo Warriors and Mountain Dew Falcons in their last two games was never the ideal preparation for their side’s clash with UCU Canons at YMCA court, Wandegeya this evening.

As Ndejje rose, UCU flirted with relegation last year but in stark contrast, the sides look to be headed in different directions, at least for now. The latter have been the most impressive team in the division so far having won their opening three games while Ndejje have looked disjointed. “You cannot compare Falcons to UCU. Against Falcons, we were nervous but that won’t happen again,” Ndejje’s coach Walker Obedi said defiantly.

Adding; “We beat UCU twice last year but they are a much better side now with Jimmy (Enabu) and Geoff (Omondi).”
Later on, Martin Okwako will not make in time for Warriors when they face Nkumba Marines. “We expect Martin to return on Thursday but the players we have are doing the job for now as they continue getting used to each other,” Philip Wandukwa, Warriors assistant coach, explained. Only Markmot Orom of Warriors’ new crop has shown glimpses of his best. Elsewhere, women’s league champions KCC Leopards face Amazon Rhino.

Sunday Results (Men)
Falcons 105-61 Ndejje
Jammers 56-70 Crane High
Veg 86-76 Heaters
Gulu 51-49 Sharing
Women
L. Canons 62-37 Stomers
Saturday results
Men
Riders 53-78 KIU
Rhinos 90-78 Diamonds
Biston 60-75 Stomers
Women
Bucks 55-38 Crane High
Amazon 63-45 Nabisunsa
From new recruits to the style of play, Falcons have acquired a new identity. What has not changed for now is the winning routine.

The record men’s champions dispatched Ndejje Angels 105-61 for their third consecutive win of the MTN-Fuba League on Sunday night at YMCA Wandegeya.

Although the first quarter was tightly contested, ending 25-20 for Falcons, Ndejje later ran out of ideas.

New signing Mike Bazunga dominated the boards for Falcons, scoring 15 points while Karim Kabangu added 13 in the huge victory. Rwandan Adulrazaka Sudi had 19.

MTN FUBA League
Men’s division 1:
Falcons 105 Ndejje 61
Women:
UCU 62 Stormers 37

LOCAL basketball governing body FUBA has unanimously voted for the money collected at league matches to go to the participating clubs, writes Charles Mutebi and Usher Komugisha.

The decision was reached at FUBA’s annual general assembly on Sunday and is expected to come into effect in 30 days time, after the modalities of how the shares will be split are worked out by a committee, which was also chosen at the meeting.

“It is clear we have all accepted the idea of gate collections (going to the clubs), said FUBA president Ambrose Tashobya, “but we want to work out the technicalities.”

“We want a system that is water-tight,” Tashobya cautioned. “What we don’t want is a scenario where a month after the rule, teams are complaining of being cheated”.

FUBA has 38 clubs across three men’s divisions and one ladies’ but only two, Power and Falcons have direct corporate sponsors – D’Mark and Mountain Dew respectively. As such, the new rule will go down well with all the clubs, which had never benefited from gate collections.

In the league, five Mountain Dew Falcons’ players scored in double digits as they blew out the Ndejje Angels 105-61 on Sunday at the YMCA.

FORMER men’s division one champs Baya and Premium Cobras have extended their winning runs to five games, while reigning champions PLS Hawks have bounced back from defeat with a century win.
Paced by small forward Dave Roseline with 20 points, Baya beat Cascade Bullets 84-61 to garner their 10th point and fifth victory in the 10-team two-round championship.
They are level on points with Premium Cobras, who got a game-leading 24 points from Nigerian playmaker Michael Ohiero in an 88-54 victory over RC Dynamics, who lost skipper Jean-Paul Desaubin with a broken arm in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Amadou Sylla added 18 points in the Cobras’ fifth victory on the trot.

After losing 65-75 to Premium Cobras in their previous match, PLS Hawks bounced back in style to reach the century mark in a big win – 106-71 – over Angels.
Nigerian Alao Solomon had the hot hands for the Hawks with 26 points, while veteran power forward Jim Domingue added 16.
Angels’ fourth defeat came two days after they had celebrated only their second victory on a 92-68 score against strugglers RA Herons.

Barry Dubignon netted 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and Keiren Agathine buried four treys for 12 of his 13 points.
Keven Romain came alive in the second quarter to carry Mont Fleuri Dawgz’ scoring load with 15 points to help his team record a 74-59 victory over winless Razors, who are finding the going very tough in the top flight.

In the only women’s match on last week’s programme, Anse Etoile Stars’ five-strong army registered a 73-26 win over Juniors. Centre Simone Malbrook scored 20 points for the Stars, who are equal on points – four – with Mont Fleuri after two wins apiece.

In the men’s division two, Anse Etoile beat AAP Brothers 66-62, Anse Boileau-based Drifters defeated Praslin Warriors 79-58 and Beau Vallon Heat registered a 43-30 win over Juniors.

G. G.

Reigning national champions KCB Lions roared to a 75-54 win over International Christian Center (ICC) in a Premier League showdown at the Nyayo National Stadium over the weekend.

The clash saw new signing Zadock Osogo open the flood gates with a three pointer as Lions took a 26-15 first quarter lead. They kept things tight in the second, outscoring their opponents13-10.

By the end of the third, Lions were ahead 55-40 before ICC rallied to take the fourth by out scoring the winners 24-13. Tobias Onyango nailed 36 points for KCB and Osogo added 12.

The ever dangerous ICC duo of Griffin Ligare and Phil Dinga were put under tight checks by the Lions defense throughout the game as they were restricted to 14 and 10 points respectively.

The game of the week however saw a focused Posta side put on an impressive show by defeating Co-operative Bank of Kenya 83-65 to maintain the unbeaten run they share with KCB.

The game gave fans plenty to cheer about with end to end stuff. Led by superb performances by William Ochieng, Ancette Wafula and Desmon Owilli, Posta held a 21-14 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Another Ochieng basket saw Posta increase their lead to 35-23 before netting a three-pointer, which set up a 40-28 scoreline as the teams went for 10 minute breather.

Ochieng continued where he had left off in the third, while Wafula added a three-pointer to bring the scores to 46-31.

Co-op put on a charge midway through the third as a Eugene Genga basket reduced the gap to 41-48. However, Posta stopped the rot, bouncing back to built up a 60-44 lead at the end of the quarter.

The last quarter was stormy. A three-pointer by Ben Oluoch saw Posta race away 63-44, Ochieng followed that with a roaring dunk and when Oluoch stripped Pater Kiganya and fed Wafula for another three, the game was effectively over.

But Wafula was not done yet as he unleashed another three from the paint as Posta pulled away to an unassailable 72-53 lead with 5:25 to play, while a dunk by Owili and Wafula basket made increased the gap to 20 points, at 79-59.

Sharp-shooting Wafula finished with a game-high 31 points that included five three-pointers, Ochieng collected 14 and Owili managed 13. For the Co-op, Peter Kiganya led the way with a very respectable 21 points.

In the women’s league, reigning champions Eagle Wings beat Strathmore University 49-35 as Anastasia Njeri shot 18 points and Bridgit Nanzala scored 10. The ‘Swords’, down 20-22 at half time, had 14 from Faith Owich and 10 from Grace Wanjiku.

Yana rode on a 32-19 lead at the breather and went on to defeat USIU Flames 73-39. Irene Makori shot 14 points with Emilly Ongoro adding 12. Flames’ high-scorer Sajda Ahmed shot 16.

FIBA

By Usher Komugisha

MTN-FUBA LEAGUE
KIU 78 Riders 53
Bucks 55 C. High 38
Rocks 54 Hawks 40
Nabisunsa 63 Rhinos 45
Rhino 90 Diamond 78
Stormers 75 Planets 60

FAROUQ Omar scored 23 points as the KIU Titans defeated the Entebbe based Knight Riders 78-53 in a low scoring encounter at YMCA on Saturday evening.

The 6’4” Omar is coach Nimrod Kaboha’s replacement for the central position in KIU’s back line since Michael Kariuki joined the defending champions, Warriors at the start of this season. He enjoyed a field day even with defence from the out sized Riders’ team.
Moses Olobo dropped 13 points as the Riders were handed their fifth loss of the season.

John Musoke and Moses Ebwonyo scored 21 and 13 points respectively, but could not change the Riders fortunes on the cold evening.
“We have to change our attitude and gain motivation if we are to win our next five games in this first round,” explained Riders’ coach Wilson Tabaro.

Meanwhile in the ladies category, Jane Kiwanuka scored 16 points and teammate Esther Wanitho added eight as the Lady Bucks beat Crane High who had only six players on court.

Nabisunsa were also 63-45 winners over the Amazon Rhinos.

HOTSHOTS et PLS Hawks ont confirmé leur participation à l’édition 2010 de la Coupe des Clubs Champions de basket-ball qui aura lieu à Madagascar.

La Fédération malgache de basket-ball, qui a été attribuée l’organisation de l a CCCOI, a dévoilé la date de la compétition qui se déroulera du 12 au 19 juillet.

Les fédérations nationales et ligues régionales ont jusqu’au 20 mai pour confirmer la participation de leurs équipes.
Chaque délégation doit être composée de 17 personnes, dont un arbitre et un médecin. Elle doit prendre en charge les frais de voyage de ses membres.

Le comité d’organisation prend en charge les frais de déplacement interne (à Madagascar) ainsi que l’hébergement et la restauration des délégations.

Outre les deux formations seychelloises, des équipes féminines et masculines des Comores, Mayotte, Madagascar, Maurice et Réunion doivent participer à cette compétition.

Les vainqueurs des trophées de l'Océan indien se qualifieront pour la phase finale des clubs champions masculins et féminins d’Afrique.

A noter que Madagascar avait organisé l’édition 2009 de la CCCCOI après le désistement des Seychelles et d'autres pays.

By Majuto Omary
Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) officials meet tomorrow to discuss guidelines of the general election slated for May 15.

Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, the BD managing director, Mbaga Mwamboma, said the meeting would involve 16 active members.
According to him, the members, who also hold exclusive rights to elect new leaders, come from Dar es Salaam’s giant basketball clubs.
“Our term expired on March 31, so we’ve to hold the election as soon as possible to give other members their constitutional right to lead the BD,” he said.
Mwamboma added: “We’ve 22 members, but so far only 16 are active, thus they’re the ones who will elect the leaders of their choice.”
The official disclosed that all members aspiring to contest any position would have to pay Sh20,000 for nomination forms.
The outgoing director said the forms were available at various outlets including Malai Freight Forwarders at Samora Avenue.
“We want the best leaders who can help uplift basketball in the region, therefore it’s down to the members to make wise decisions,” he noted.

Simon Msofe is the incumbent president of the association who came to power in 2006.

By James Ssekand

Friday results
Men
Miracles 76-83 UCU
Power 74-65 Nkumba
Women
A-1 Challenge 78-66 KIU
Today
Falcons v Ndejje
Sky Jammers v Crane High
Vegetarian v Heaters

DMark Power, UCU Canons and women side A-1 Challenge showed character as they held nerves to pick wins in the MTN-FUBA leagues games on Friday evening at the YMCA, Wandegeya.

Isaac Lugudde sank a game-high 23 points to help Power overrun Nkumba Marines 74-65. But it was Joseph Ikong who took center stage early in the first two quarters (15-4, 15-16) sinking 16 of his 22 points.

Lugudde took over in the last quarter making 14 points. “We played better defence, pressing up field with a high tempo game,” Lugudde said. Meanwhile, UCU Canons continued their impressive start to the season winning 83-76 against Miracle Eagles. Caeser Kizito sunk a game high 21 and UCU’s Robert Mugabe dropped 17 points.

In the women’s game, A-1 Challenge laboured to a 78-66 victory over Kampala International University. Vicky Ntale, 17, Ali Mavita, 13 and Carol Mugasha 10, points helped the latter win. Judith Nansobya scored 15 points for Nimrod Kaboha’s KIU.

BURUNDI will host this year’s FIBA-Africa Club Championship, Times Sport has learnt.

The 25th edition will run from August 16 to 22. Some of the clubs expected to compete include defending champions Primeiro d’Agosto, Petro Atletico, Mazembe, AS Forces Armées, AS Police, ASC Jeanne d’Arc, Gezira SC, Zamalek, Ittihad Alexandrie, ASEC Mimosas, Abidjan Basket Club, Hit Trésor, Red Star, Maghreb de Fès, Maxaquene of Mozambique and Rwanda’s APR.

Last year, the indomitable lions moved up five slots on the African ranking after beating Mazembe to finish third behind Primeiro and Petro Atletico.

After seeing four of his star players; Bienvenue Ngandu, Karim Nkusi, Mike Buzangu and Kami Kabange cross over to Uganda’s Falcons, APR head coach Cliff Owuor concedes he needs to make fresh signings before the continental championship.

“We definitely have to strengthen the side before the championship and we are already looking around,” the former Kenyan international said.

Al Ittihad Alexandria proves the ambitions for the top places in Arab Club Championships. In the last game of the Second Stage the team overcame Ittihad Tanger from Morocco 107:82. They opened the game with 22-20 and had massive 28-19 second period. The hosts held the score for good and won the third straight game in the group to win it with 3-0 record.
Tonight Al Kuwait will meet Al Riyadi in the first Semifinal at 15.00. Later today Al Ittihad Alexandria will pay against Moutahed from Lebanon.

from africabasket.com

Results – Wednesday
Warriors 70-60 Ndejje
KCC 103-81 St. Michael
Women
Mak Sparks 79-67 Bucks
Today at YMCA
Power v Marines (8.30pm)
UCU v Miracle (5.30pm)
Women
A1 Challenge v KIU (7pm)
Exhibition match
Burundi v Ug (5pm)

Donald Ssali (8 points) and Crispin Biko (14) missed two relatively easy lay-ups late in the fourth quarter as Ndejje Univesrity Angels lost 60-70 to Kyambogo Warriors at YMCA court, Wandegeya on Wednesday night.

Ndejje coach failed to live up to his pre-game taunts as his lost for the first time this season.

“I think we were just naive and lacking in experience to do the right things,” Obedi told Daily Monitor in his post-mortem.

Markmot Orom continued to carry Warriors’ cross with 22 points.

In margin of the opening ceremony of a new sports centre for youth on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city Lusaka on 11th May 2010 that he attended alongside FIBA’s secretary General, Patrick Baumann and the President of IOC, Jacques Rogge, the secretary General of FIBA Africa, Dr, Alphonse Bilé met a delegation of Zambia Basketball Association.

The delegation composed by the President, Kambikambi Boniface, vice president, Kalema Sydney, Secretary General, Musuka Otem and the Treasurer, Mafuleka Jackson, met the secretary general of FIBA Africa at the Intercontinental Hotel of Lusaka, Zambia.

At the meeting, the newly elected federal Board led by Kambikambi Boniface has been introduced to the secretary General of FIBA Africa. The elections were held on 6th March 2010.

During the meeting, the president of the Federation, M. Kambikambi Boniface, exposed the problems that restrain the development of Basketball in the country.

The Secretary General of FIBA Africa, Dr Alphonse Bile gave some advices and invited all the basketball stakeholders of Zambia to unite for the development of the game. Il said that the Association will receive balls and sports equipments from FIBA Africa in the framework of its Assistance programme to National federations.

He wished that the new Executive Board promotes the game by increasing its local and continental activities.

FIBA Africa

Mrs. Salamatou Maiga is FIBA Africa’s Central Board members and also Secretary General of Malian Basketball Federation. She is talking about the XVth FIBA Africa’s Congress to be held in July in Bamako, Mali.

As the secretary general of Mali basketball federation and member of FIBA Africa central board, what do you think about the organization of FIBA Africa congress at Bamako?

The hosting of FIBA Africa congress at Bamako is an honour and a challenge to me. We hosted FIBA Africa Champions Cup for women and Afrobasket U16 for women with success. We can’t fail because Mali is a land of welcome “La djiguiya”. We keep a date at Bamako from the 14TH to the 20TH of july 2010.

Under which auspices do you place that congress?

I place this congress under the sign of no stress. We are going to check the statute and as any change is difficult we have to stay put, we have to do what is good for the game of basketball “ WE ARE BASKETBALL” I know that everything is fine and our basketball is growing up and we are too…

Can you take a look back your running since 2006?

From 2006 to nowadays I can tell you that FIBA Africa is grown now without any doubt. Our competitions are taking place without any forfeit. Africa is getting a lot of respect now and I have had a chance to be a member of FIBA world since 1998 and we’re getting a lot of consideration now because of the great work done by the secretary general. Our financial situation is better than before and the management of the funds is transparent.

Can you tell us about women basketball?

Women basketball is doing well it has acceptable level. Problems that we’re having are not just African, it’s the same worldwide. We are thinking how to make that basketball more attractive for the sponsors just like men’s. We‘re still working on it with President Conde, we did a good job in Abidjan, we have to put in concrete forms the acts and the different resolutions.

What are the dispositions taken to insure the good hosting of the congress?

We have set up a committee to take care of all that. We are talking with Hotels about rooms prices for everyone. Visas are free. I don’t want to tell you everything if you miss that congress, you’ll regret.

How are you getting ready for the organization of Afrobasket Women 2011?

Ah! Afrobasket women 2011, everything is ok, at the next visits you will be pleasantly surprise…

Harare — The Under-18 boys and girls Zone Six Basketball Championships scheduled to start this weekend have been postponed as some of the countries have not yet confirmed their participation.The tournament was supposed to run from May 16 to 21 in Harare and now the competitions have been rescheduled for May 31 to June 4. The matches will act as qualifiers for the final Round of FIBA Africa Afrobasket U18 to be held from July 29 to August 08 for women category in Egypt and from September 14 – 24 in Rwanda for male category.

Seven countries were expected to take part but only four countries -- Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe -- confirmed their participation to FIBA Africa while Botswana, Swaziland and Zambia are yet to do so.

Laddy Munetsi, who is the Zimbabwe boys' team coach, said preparations have been going on well and they were raring to go.

"We have had training camps and we have been practicing for the past month.

"The players have been responding very well, the level of confidence is high and we are ready for the games," said Munetsi.

The girls' team manager Farai Kanyenze is also oozing with confidence.

"This year we have height and the girls are now playing well. Basically the players are getting there. "The girls have been putting their time into these preparations and parents have been supportive," said Kanyenze.

Ellina Mhlanga

Spartans ended Troopers dominance in basketball with a narrow 70-69 win to clinch the pre-season basketball tournament at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) courts in Mogoditshane on Sunday. Troopers have been the dominant force in local basketball taking everything on offer in recent years. They are the defending league champions, a title that they have almost made their own. Eleven mens teams and three women sides took part in the weekend tournament. The mens teams were divided into four groups, played on a round robin format, with the group winners qualifying for the semi-finals.

In the womens section, the top two teams contested the final. Rain, which fell in most parts of Gaborone on Saturday afternoon, caused the tournament to be halted before the semi finals as outdoor facilities were used. On Sunday, Troopers shot down the Falcons 45-30 to book a place in the finals while Spartans beat BDF V 58-40 to set up a meeting with the Troopers. The final buzzer saw Spartans emerge as champions after they shocked Troopers by a single point. Spartans hard work and never-say-die attitude won them the game. Police erased Relics 36-34 in the womens finals.

In an interview with Mmegi Sport, Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) public relations officer (PRO) Thuli Jankey said they always organise the pre- season tournament to prepare players for the upcoming season. Jankey said even though they could not find a sponsor for the tournament, they decided to play for the benefit of the players. He added that the league would start next weekend without a sponsor. We are still struggling to find sponsors for our league, but we are trying our level best at the moment, Jankey said.

He said it was difficult for them to convince sponsors as basketball is not getting enough media coverage and attracting spectators. The league has been running for a long time without a sponsor and some teams forfeit points for any un-played fixture as a result. Jankey said they were working hard on grassroots development to ensure sustained sports growth as well as attract more women to basketball. There are currently fewer womens clubs in the country, which was not the case before.

ASABA (NBBF/Zenith Bank WPL) - First Deepwater surrendered the top spot in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Premier League to First Bank after losing to the defending champions 68-62. It was only First Deepwater's second defeat of the season and it dropped them to second place in the standings. First Bank and Sunshine Angels of Akure, respectively ranked first and third in the table, also have two losses each.

In other games, Nigeria Immigration of Kano edged out FCT Angels of Abuja 56-50, while Sunshine Angels outclassed Delta Force 67-52 and Dolphin crushed Plateau Rocks 80-37.

The second phase of the WPL ends on Wednesday. First Bank face AHIP Queens of Kano, followed by Sunshine Angels doing battle with Plateau Rocks before Nigeria Immigration go up against Delta Force and Dolphins will close the day's play against First Deepwater.

By Olusegun Ikuesan

FIBA

NIGERIAN Michael Ohiero stepped up big time to provide the spark for Premium Cobras in their division one 75-65 league win against defending champions PLS Hawks on Sunday at the Palais des Sports to tie Baya at the top.

Not only PLS Hawks were beaten during the weekend, defending women’s champs HotShots suffered a bruising 60-66 defeat in over-time (OT) at the hands of Mont Fleuri.

Setting the pace of the game, Ohiero gave the usually tough defending Hawks fits during the match and they just could not figure out how to stop him.

The Nigerian playmaker tallied a game-leading 34 points, including three treys as Premium Cobras won the second and fourth quarters 20-12 and 26-21 in a 10-point margin 75-65 victory.

Steven Servina was the Cobras’ second best scorer with nine points in a match both teams OHIERO … Premium Cobras’ go-to guyhad a player foul out – veteran power forward Jim Domingue (PLS Hawks) and forward Amadou Sylla (Premium Cobras).

With their fourth victory, coach Guy Hall’s Premium Cobras have brought their points tally to eight – the same total as Baya who were not in action over the weekend.

Another Nigerian, Solomon Alao, who changed allegiance from Premium Cobras to PLS Hawks at the start of the season, paced his new team with 21 points and big centre Barry Baron added 17.

Coach Clifford Joubert’s Hawks have three wins and a defeat to their name for seven points.

In other action, MBU Rockers rebounded from a 43-65 loss to former champions Baya to beat last year’s second division winners Razors 60-44.

Swingman Cyril Agrippine had the hot hands for the Rockers with 17 points including three 3-pointers as his team go fourth in the standings equal on points – seven – with third-placed PLS Hawks.

Only Alex Baron scored in double digits – 10 – for Razors who have gone four games without a win, just like RA Herons who are carrying the weight of the 10-team table with just four points.

Coach Gregoire Scholastique’s RA Herons suffered a 40-97 beating at the hands of Mont Fleuri Dawgz who used the match to put an end to a three-game losing skid.

Under the leadership of coach Nigel Ah-kong, a former Premium Cobras and Seychelles playmaker, the Dawgz got a game-high 23 points from Didier Valmont and had three other plays – Aubrey Adeline, (14), Steven André (13) and Stefan Romain (11) – scoring in double figures.

After stopping a two-game losing streak with an 89-81 win over Razors, Angels returned to losing ways as they were edged 72-73 by RC Dynamics who got only their second victory in four games.

Skipper Jean-Paul Camille led Dynamics with 27 points, while Daniel Dodin finished with 24 for Angels.

In the women’s league, Mont Fleuri’s veteran small forward Tracey Hétimier tied the score at 55-55 to force OT during which they outscored defending champions HotShots 11-5 for a 66-60 first-leg win.

Centre Lindy Aglaé scored eight of her team’s 15 points in OT to finish with 17 points, which was matched by HotShots’ Jenita Toussaint who also netted two 3-pointers.

Fontaine sisters – Zerah (13) and Beguitta (12 including two treys) – combined for 25 points for HotShots, whose only victory so far has come against Juniors on an 84-34 score.

Hétimier finished with 12 points and Williana Dubois added 10 for the new leaders who boast four points after two wins in as many matches played.

Meanwhile, in the men’s bottom division, Juniors collected their third win on the trot with a 60-53 victory over Praslin Warriors to lead the eight-team standings with six points and Pointe Larue Falcons collected a 92-42 win over AAP Brothers.

G. G.

Lions roar, Co-op shines in Mombasa as Ulinzi makes a strong come back

Reigning champions KCB Lions, Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Posta all recorded impressive Premier League wins in a weekend that also saw former greats, relegated Ulinai Warriors make a triumphant return to action.

The Lions maintained their unbeaten run when they defeated the visiting Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) 83-57 in a top tie. The students, who won the lower division title last year, gave a good account of themselves in what was their first taste of top flight action, trailing last year's winners 16-18 after the first quarter.

But the Lions quickly took the upper hand, taking the second quarter 18-9, which would prove the turning point. KCB then took the third 21-4, before outscoring their opponents 26-18 in the last. Danger man Tobias Onyango shot 25 points and Eric Omari hit 18. MMUST were led by Alex Lugasi who clocked up 12.

In another high-profile encounter, Posta crushed Blazers 80-59. The 'mailmen' edged the first quarter 21-12 edge and were up 41-27 by half time. In the third quarter, Posta produced a polished ten minutes outscoring their opponents 26-11 before suffering a a Joel Atebe onslaught , which gave Blazers fans something to cheer about in the fourth with a 21-13 consolation.

Ancette Wafula, the former Ulinzi shooting forward now back at home, led the Posta onslaught with 25 points. But the show belonged to Atebe, who collected game high 31 points for the losing side, which has now lost all three ties this season.

The Blazers, who were promoted this year to the top flight, have found the going rough, going down 71-41 to reigning champions KCB Lions and 39-72 to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University also began their campaign on a winning note as they consigned Lomboritz to their third successive defeat, with a 52-40 win.

In Mombasa, host Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) lost their second match in a row, falling 54-60 to Co-operative Bank of Kenya. The 'bankers', who finished a low scoring first half 32-23 ahead, were spurred on by home boy Salim Ali who chipped in with 16 points, while Nelson Njau added 12.

In the Women's league, Champions Eagle Wings started off their campiaign on a sound note as they easily overcame Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 79-26, in a game that saw Anastacia Njeri score 18 points and Angela Okoth 16.

In another one sided tie, Linda Alando clocked up 22 points while Pamella Sinda collected 20 as a revitalised Yana eased past newly promoted Kenya Polytechnic University 87-28.

In a somewhat more balanced affair, Sprite Storms beat Predators 63-55. The Storms raced away to a 17-7 margin and never looked back, carrying a 30-20 lead at half time. Emma Nyakweba shot 12 points while Sylvia Omolo had 10 for the Storms.

The main news of the week though is the winning return of Ulinzi Warriors to action. The 'soldiers' beat Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) 69-52 and Kenya Polytechnic 62-47. They remain the team side to have won the national crown six times.

Leading the way was Victor Odendo with 17 points, Ben Mufutu shot 16 while Paul Olanya scored 10. Graton Ouma managed 10 for the students. Olanya made 18 and Odendo, playing in unfamiliar territory, regisitered 13 in the victory against Kenya Poly.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

By Erick Ochieng and Titus Onserio

Ulinzi Warriors continued their good run in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men’s Division Two League at weekend by beating fellow newcomers Nairobi Aviation College 69-52 to increase their chances of clinching the title.

On Saturday, Ulinzi soared over Kenya Polytechnic, hammering the students 62-47 at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.

Sprite Storms, who reinforced their charges recently, steered clear of Predators by wining 63-55 in the KHU Women’s Premier league.

But it was a dark day for Trail Blazers in the Division Two League whose players had no players’ cards, prompting match umpires to disqualify them and award Friends of Basketball of Kenya (FOB-K) a walk over.

The contest between Storms and Predators was entertaining, with former Eastern Queens’ Emma Nyakweba sinking 19 points for Sprite Storms, who recently benefited from defections by Eastern Queens players.

Silvia Omollo’s 16 points also came in handy for Storms.

Predators, is mainly composed of veteran players, had Carolyn Achieng and Penina Wekesa scoring 12 and ten points.

In the first quarter, Storms registered 17-7 victory before going level 13-13 with their opponents in the second quarter.

Predators third

Predators rose in the third and fourth quarters to win by half a basket to record scores of 18-17 and 17-16. But this was too little too late as Storms reigned supreme due to a huge aggregate.

Ulinzi dominated their contest with Nairobi Aviation College, winning the quarters 12-10,14-11,21-11 and 22-20.

Dietel Okoth and Victor Odendo contributed 11 and 17 points in Ulinzi’s victory at the weekend.

Kampala — Mountain Dew Falcons basketball club have signed Tanzanian shooting guard Mohammed "Dibo" Ali and centre Kami Kabenge from Rwanda as they closed their shopping spree for the season. "The two players should be arriving in the coming week to beef up our squad further," team's marketing manager Dennis Mbidde said on Saturday. "The new additions will be our last signings and we hope that they will be a big boost."

The new acquisitions will bring a total of eight foreign players into the five-time league champions' side.
The squad also has Rwanda's Karim Mosi, Mike Bazangu, Didier Gahorani, Cedric Sinarinzi, Congolese-born Rwandan Byeyen Ngandu and Kenya 's Richard Osano Omondi.
Ali, will be joining the side as he pursues his degree at Ndejje University, while Kabenge, will be studying for his Masters at Makerere University.
Mbidde explained that it was necessary for them to sign the new faces for them to have a solid side that could battle in the season to regain the league title.

The record winners last lifted the trophy in the 2007 season.

Phillip Corry

FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member, Patrick Baumann, along with FIBA Africa Secretary General, Alphonse Bilé, on Tuesday accompanied the President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, to the opening of a new sports centre for youth on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city Lusaka. Rogge was greeted by Zambia’s president Rupiah Banda before the two jointly inaugurated the centre in front of a large crowd that included a number of officials and more than 2000 members of the public, while the media was also well represented.

FIBA donated the necessary resources for the construction of three outdoor basketball courts and supplied additional equipment, including fixed and movable backstop units, game shot clocks, electronic scoreboards, uniforms and balls, with equipment also destined for basketball in multipurpose indoor facilities.

The sports complex, which has the backing of FIBA as well as the international federations for athletics, boxing, weightlifting, handball and hockey, will be owned and operated by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia.

The new complex was built as part of the IOC’s ‘Sports for Hope’ programme, which aims to provide athletes, young people and communities in developing countries with better access to sport and the positive values it can convey. It will help develop elite performance among athletes on regional and national levels, while also engaging in health and community based programmes.

The centre will be run in close cooperation with national and international sports federations, with the Zambian Basketball Federation being able to use the basketball facilities for coaching and talent development clinics. It will also be used for national and international competition.

Commenting on the new facilities, Mr Baumann said: “The passion for sport is clearly present here in Zambia and now they have facilities that allow sports like basketball to be practised in conditions that match this passion.

“We recognise our responsibilities to promote and develop basketball throughout the world and at all levels, not only in the professional game. This new centre will be an asset in helping promising young athletes develop, and will also contribute towards some of the social and community-based projects that sport is so effective in carrying out.”

FIBA

Written by FELIX EUPAL

Nearly a month into the 2010 basketball season, Felix Eupal sorts out the contenders from pretenders in the men’s category.

DMARK POWER

Last year’s losing finalists might have started big with that win over Warriors but a lot of things are yet to be fixed by Andrew Bazira if he hopes to reclaim the title he last won in 2008.

Isaac Afidra, the man who topped the scoring chats last season, is not yet back in shape and has failed to make double digits in any game he has featured in so far.

Power is a big squad but they’ve struggled when the main man is not at his best. On the other hand, the signing of 19 year-old Emma Enabu has been a welcome boost for Bazira.

Power seemed to have a big crisis on his hands until Enabu stepped up his game. And he continues to say that this is just the beginning.

That said, the team badly misses the services of his elder brother Mark Enabu, Allan Tawooda, Kenneth Balyejusa and Richard Talemwa who aren’t at full fitness.

WARRIORS

Defending champions Warriors might have emptied their bank account in their pursuit for regional dominance but only two of their five signings fit the bill at the moment. Orom Makmot and Eric Malinga have at least shown that they can tango the Warrior style.

In three of their last four outings Makmot has topped their scoring chats while Malinga has continued to impress with his trademark jump shots which he never seem to miss.

MOUNTAIN DEW FALCONS

After being written off this season after the departure of several key players, the record champions signed 12 new players, seven of them foreign. But with just two games on their hands so far, it’s hard at the moment to make a proper assessment of the six-time champions.

On the bright side the fixture list favours them since the start with the weak teams has boosted their confidence and re-instilled the faith in the new players. We need to wait and see.

KIU TITANS

Nimrod Kaboha’s men are hanging in with the big boys after winning their opening three games. However, despite the inspirational performances from Jeff Mwaniki and Brian Wati, it will take a miracle for Kaboha to pull it off with such a depleted squad.

UCU CANONS

After surviving relegated by a whisker last season, rookie coach Nick Natuhereza has instilled belief and a winning mentality in the Mukono side.

Their first three performances have erased any doubt that they can’t match the top teams. Jeff Omondi’s return has boosted the morale of the team and they feel that this is surely their year.

Last season they suffered from having a small bench but that has been fixed and any one would comfortably bet their money on them to at least make the playoffs.

By Charles Mutebi

FUBA Classic League
Men division 1:
Falcons 98 Riders 38
Women
A1 125 Cubs 25
KIU 85 Sparks 56

A new player waltzed into the MTN-FUBA League on Saturday night.History will show that the Mountain Dew Falcons defeated the Knight Riders by 60 points with 98-38 but this day belonged to one individual.

And if this chap is as good as his debut suggested, then Ugandan basketball has a new star. The Falcons have a new star.

His name is Mike Bazangu, a 6’3” former APR guard of Congloese origin. He’s got strength, speed, supreme skill and he is even showy -- all ingredients needed to make him an overnight favourite.

His first victims were the Riders, whom he pounded for 21 points – 10 of which came a hair-raising breakaway dunks that sent the YMCA into a frenzy.

Bazangu, would have finished with more points had he converted half of his multiple free-throws.

The guard’s display eclipsed those of two other Falcons debutantes, point guard Sudi Ulangu, who gunned an impressive 13, and big man Biennenue Ngandu, who picked eight.

But more importantly, it served to strengthen Falcons case as genuine title contenders. The record men’s champions were written off following the departure of Steven Omony and the Malinga brothers at the start of the season. But Falcons’ passionate owner John Simbwa has put together a side that looks solid, just two games into the season.

It also has Richard Osano, the 2009 Zone V MVP, who bagged 16 against Riders, for whom Moses Ebwonyu gunned 15 points.

Kampala

Results – Saturday
Riders 38-98 Falcons
Gulu 61-60 Heaters
Stormers57-41 Shooters
Ssaku 71-65 Bush Court
Women:
A1 125-28 Mak Cubs
Lady Bucks 56-85 KIU Rangers

For the past two years, the MTN-Fuba men’s division I league has been dominated by DMark Power and Kyambogo Warriors as Mountain Dew Falcons took an undesirable backseat.

Power and Warriors have won the last two titles thereby almost wiping Falcons record six titles from everyone’s memory. Now Falcons have come out fighting as their 98-38 annihilation of Knight Riders at YMCA court, Wandegeya on Saturday night manifests.

Having lost Eric and Henry Malinga to Warriors and Steven Omony walking out, the odds are stuck against them. But the new cast is making a statement as Mike Buzangu, who joined from Rwanda’s APR, thrilled, hustled and bullied on his way to a game-high 21 points. It was the Entebbe side’s fourth defeat in their opening five games as the relegation fight is becoming all too familiar.

Kampala

Results – Friday
UCU 79-70 Marines
KIU 54-66 Warriors
Women
UCU 112-56 Mak Sparks

Today at YMCA
Miracle v Berkeley (5.30pm)
Women
Nabisunsa v Stormers (4pm)

Julius Lutwama’s suspected broken finger left the crowd at YMCA court, Wandegeya on Friday night in shock and awe as his Nkumba Marines succumbed 70-79 to UCU Canons in the MTN-Fuba League men’s division I.

Only two minutes into the first quarter, Lutwama was taken off with cloth soaked in blood around his finger. Even without their talisman guard, Marines fought gallantly but still fell short as UCU won three on the trot.

Marines’ Philip Wakimwero scored a game-high 25 points but they paid the price for long quiet periods especially the second and third quarters where they trailed 18-27 and 11-22 respectively. Geoffrey Omondi (22) and Steven Mwesigye (10) led all-round team display.

Later in day, champions Warriors’ labouring start to the season continued with a 56-44 victory over KIU Titans. Markmot Orom sunk 28 points against his former side to carry Warriors over the rope. UCU’s Lady Canons beat Makerere Sparks 112-56.

BY CHARLES MUTEBI

MTN-FUBA Classic League
Men’s division 1
Riders v Falcons (5.30pm)
Women
Bucks v Rangers (1pm)
A1 v Cubs (4pm)

ALMOST a month since their last MTN-FUBA League game, the new-look Mountain Dew Falcons will have a second bite at the cherry, today at YMCA. This time against the Knight Riders, a club that has so far lost all three of its games this season.

The Falcons defeated men’s division one debutantes St. Michael in their only game of the season 23 days ago and will be fancied to blow past the Riders, who face another long battle against relegation this year.

Public interest then will not be about the likely result of this encounter – even though a Riders upset would be very welcome to most neutrals. What everyone will want to see is how good Falcons’ new set of foreign signings really is.

Four, including Richard Osano, Karim Mosi, Sinarizi Cedric and Beinvenu Ndandu all played against St. Michael and, with the exception of the latter, impressed. Osano, who is no stranger to local basketball after dominating last year’s zone five championship with Kenya’s Cooperative Bank, dictated the play against St. Michael.
Mosi gunned a game and currently league high 31 points, including seven three-pointers, while Sinarizi played with an impressive hassle which earned him 13 points.
It will be interesting to see how much improvement those three have made since. Plus, Mike Bazungu and Francis Gahuranyi – Falcons other two foreign acquisitions – are also expected to make their debuts and their performances will be followed with keen interest.

Nevertheless, while the Riders play with an intense determination, they are not the kind of opponent capable of giving such a skilled team like the Falcons a real test.
The Entebbe-based Riders lost key players in the off-season and their ability to upset FUBA giants like the Falcons has all but vanished considering how little it was in the first place.

Men
Knight Riders v Falcons
Sharing Youth v Livingstone
Ssaku v Bush Court
Gulu Hawks v MUK Heaters
UCU JV v TLC
Women
A-1 Challenge v MUK Cubs
Lady Bucks v KIU Rangers

Even with the new recruits, Mountain Dew Falcons are a club with a new identity and style of play displayed in their winning start to a season against St. Michael affirmed that. Today they hope to keep their winning mentality when the face Knight Riders at the YMCA Wandegeya basketball court in a busy weekend of the MTN-Fuba basketball league.

Falcons’ faithfuls endured a period of uncertainty during the off season with players departing in a manner that threatened the club’s image. 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 according to club chairman John Ssimbwa. “I have been around enough to know where to draft players from,” Ssimbwa said.

Besides four lower division men’s games, two women’s games featuring A-1 Challenge-MUK Cubs and Lady Bucks-KIU will take place.

Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF organised DSTV Premier League Kano Pillars basketball club will Saturday open its title defense against city rival, Adolescent Health and Information Project, AHIP basketball club in the Savannah conference of 2009/ 2010 NBBF/DSTV Premier League. Pillars winner in the last two edition of the nation’s flagship league must be on guard to avoid an upset in its quest for a third straight title ambition.

Other savannah conference pairing billed for this weekend includes the battle in Minna between host Niger Potters basketball club and visiting Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos; Yelwa Hawks will host Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna in the newly refurbised National Sports Commission gymnasium while the Kaduna outfit will stay back to do battle against Bauchi Net basketball club in the Multi-purpose Hall in Bauchi on Sunday.

In the Atlantic conference Dodan Warriors basketball club and Union Bank basketball club will entertain Lagos crowd in a local derby at the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos at 15H00 on Saturday.

The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport and on Sunday Delta Force basketball club will play host to Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt at the Asaba Township Stadium by 16H00 while Police Baton clash with last season first runner-up Lagos Islanders in Lagos at 16H00.

By: Olusegun Ikuesan

FIBA Africa

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
.. As Warriors, Union Bank tango in Lagos

Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF organised DSTV Premier League Kano Pillars basketball club will Saturday open its title defense against city rival, Adolescent Health and Information Project, AHIP basketball club in the Savannah conference of 2009/ 2010 NBBF/DSTV Premier League.

Pillars winner in the last two edition of the nations flagship league must be on guard to avoid an upset in its quest for a third straight title ambition.

Other savannah conference pairing billed for this weekend includes the battle in Minna between host Niger Potters basketball club and visiting Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos; Yelwa Hawks will host Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna in the newly refurbised National Sports Commission gymnasium while the Kaduna outfit will stay back to do battle against Bauchi Net basketball club in the Multi-purpose Hall in Bauchi on Sunday.

In the Atlantic conference Dodan Warriors basketball club and Union Bank basketball club will entertain Lagos crowd in a local derby at the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos at 15H00 on Saturday.

The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport and on Sunday Delta Force basketball club will play host to Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt at the Asaba Township Stadium by 16H00 while Police Baton clash with last season first runner-up Lagos Islanders in Lagos at 16H00.

Results - Wednesday
Warriors 59 – 42 KCC
St. Michael 60-78 KIU
Women:
UCU 104-78 Crane High
Today at YMCA
UCU v Marines (5.30pm)
KIU v Warriors (8.30pm)
Women
Mak Sparks v UCU (7pm)

There was little to celebrate for Kyambogo Warriors at YMCA court, Wandegeya on Wednesday as the defending champions scraped past KCC Lions 59-42 in the MTN-Fuba League on Wednesday. The result represents two sides of the story for Warriors, who recruited massively in the off-season, as KCC were only rescued from relegation by a National Council of Sports (NCS) ruling.

On one hand, KCC have improved while on the other, Warriors could be castigated for struggling to find a new identity. Andrew Okot (11) and Michael Opolot (10) aided KCC’s futile attempt whereas Makmot Orom (15) and Michael Kariuki (12), both of whom joined Warriors from KIU Titans, carried the champions across the rope.

And Warriors coach Gad Eteu is still begging for a stay of execution of his stars. “Most of these players have switched positions and they will need games and time to get used to the new roles,” explained Eteu. This learning curve takes an emotional bend this evening as Kariuki and Orom clash with their former teammates. Coach Nimrod Kaboha’s KIU are coming off a 78-60 victory over newly promoted St. Michael.

Canons keep winning
In the women’s division, UCU Lady Canons continued their winning start to the season with a 104-78 win over Crane High. UCU’s next stop is Makerere Sparks this evening. In today’s early game, resurgent UCU Canons face Nkumba Marines.

After being granted a new lease of life by NCS, UCU Canons are determined to make the most of it. Star guard Ivan Enabu has credited youthful coach Nick Natuwereza for the revival. “The coach has instilled discipline and organization which was greatly lacking last season,” Enabu commented. The University side have struggled to compete ever since American coach Jason Mehl left them. Before Natuwereza joined them, Enabu and departed Adams Njoroge always clashed on changing players and time-outs.

Surprise results continued to rule the second phase of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women's Premier League as teams considered to be outsiders got the better of the favourites on Day 3.

After FCT Angels of Abuja created a big shock in Nigeria basketball with a 47-43 points win over highly-rated Dolphin of Lagos on Tuesday, it was the turn of fast-rising AHIP of Kano on Wednesday as they hammered hosts Delta Force of Asaba 71-51.
The win reminded fans of the scintillating performance the Kano-based youthful AHIP side had against First Bank of Lagos in the first phase of the league in Kaduna last year.
Meanwhile, First Deepwater picked up where they left off by putting on a stellar performance to cruise past Nigeria Immigration 94-59 and remain unbeaten.

For the third day in a row, Nigeria Customs did not show up in Asaba and therefore their opponents on the day, Dolphin were handed a walk-over.

In other results, Plateau Rocks squeezed past FCT Angels 52-51 while First Bank avenged a first phase setback against Sunshine Angels by beating them 81-50 to take second place in the standings behind First Deepwater.

Thursday's fixtures are: FCT Angels vs AHIP; Nigeria Immigration vs Sunshine Angels; Dolphin vs Delta Force; Plateau Rocks vs First Deepwater; Nigeria Customs vs First Bank.

By Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA

The 23rd edition of the Arab Champions Cup Championship will be run from 05th to 18th May 2010 in Alexandria, Egypt. 16 clubs from Arab countries included 4 Africa countries will attend the annual championship. The last edition played in Lebanon in 2009 has been won by Azain from Jordan. Egypt lead with 9 wins, Lebanon with 5 wins, Syria and Iraq with 2 wins each while Tunisia, Algeria and Jordan record 1 win each. The 16 clubs have been divided into 4 groups of 4 each. The two best of each group will move into Quarter final.

The Groups

Group ‘’A‘’
- E.S.Sahel (Tunisia)
- Ahli Sadab (Oman)
- Ittihad Tanger (Morooco)
- Al Ansar (Arab Saudite)

Group ‘’B’’
- Al Nasser (Libya)
- Al Tilal (Yemen)
- El Etthiad El Askandary (Egypt)
- Al Mouharak (Bahrain)

Group ‘’C”
- Ibdâa (Palestine)
- Moutahid (Lebanon)
- Applied Science (Jordan)
- Al Sharika (E A U)

Group “D”
- Erryadi (Lebanon)
- Koweit –Koweti (Koweit)
- Al Garafa (Qatar)
- Al Moktaba (Sudan)

Kenya will be represented by four teams during the FIBA Africa Zone Five club championships in Burundi in August. Vitalis Gode , the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary yesterday announced that other than the Kenyan clubs, teams from Rwanda, Eritrea, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia will take part in event that will throw of on August 9-15 in Bujumbura.

Regional champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who won the titles in Uganda last year will lead a strong Kenyan charge with the other two being the national champions KCB Lions and Eagle Wings.

The team on focus will be the self supporting Wings. Thomas Olumbo's girls can forget what happened in the the Kampala tournament last year and focus on becoming one of the top regional clubs during the seven day tournament. They surely can do it.

Kenya sent five teams to Kampala last year and all of them did well to make it to the semi finals. KPA men, who were league runners up is the only side out. A record 19 clubs took part in the show.
In a related development, former KBF chairman Agina Wesonga has declared his candidature for the zone five presidency. The elections will be held before July.
Agina will be battling against Morris Aluanga for for the regional presidency. Agina who also succeeded Aluanga at the helm of KBF says he is ready to carry the mantle.
Gode at the same time said that the polls must preceed the FIBA Africa elections to be held in Bamako, Mali during the two day congress from July 18-19.

Dann Owere

Liberian International basketball star Pele Paelay led the scoring chart of his fellow in Europe’s domestic basketball leagues over the weekend.
The sensational star forward rally 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists as his club Etoile Charleville-Mezieres secured a narrow win in the French Pro-B League.
Mezieres upset Boulazac Basket 86-85 points in a match that was too close to call.

Still in France, Andrew Feeley provided no significant contribution to Olympic Antibes as they were dealt a severe blow by Limoges CSP Elite.

The Liberian scored only 2 points as Antibes bowed 59-91 points to Limoges.

In Spain, Michael Williams drained 3 points during Gestibrica De Vigo tragic defeat to Grupo Begar Leon in the LEB Gold competition.

Gestibrica were beaten 74-64 points.

Before this match there were three remaining undefeated teams in the league namely, CEPS, Warriors and Hoops. Therefore the match against Warriors was match of the week to watch and was talked about both on television and radio station leading to the cracker. The match which was initially planned for Wednesday at Cantonment was postponed to the next day to Tudu due to mother nature. Both teams turned out in full and the spectators were there to cheer their team to victory. Not wanting to be defeated by Warriors at this stage in the league Hoops came out strong and won the first quarter through smart and aggressive playing style. The tempo of the game was control by Hoops until the last and final quarter when Warriors put up a desperate attempt erasing a thirteen points lead before the game could conclude. All in attendance admitted that they watched the best match of the 2010 league so far and the best ever at the venue. S. Bestman again came top scoring 24pts, 5rbds, 2assts and 1blk but player of the day went to Benjamin Debra who score 18pts off the bench.

With the level of basketball the players of Cape Coast Hoops are currently playing it was clear the CYO boys were going to get blown out. The game which was schedule for Saturday at the Lebanon House in Tudu was postponed when at the start of the second quarter rain started to fall. At this point Hoops was up 22-8. The game was reschedule to the next day to be play at Prison Sports Grounds at Cantonment, Accra. From jumpball Hoops took control of the game winning the first quarter easily 13:19. At half time Hoops lead and it was till the end of the game. S. Bestman lead all scorers for third straight game with season high 31pts, 7rbds, 4assts and 2stls, shooting 4-5 from 3pts range.

By James Ssekandi

Today
Warriors v KCC Lions
UCU Canons v Nkumba Marines
Women
Lady Canons v Crane High

Point guard Ivan Enabu believes the current UCU Canon men’s team are ready to challenge for this year’s MTN-Fuba League.

UCU have made an impressive start to season with two wins against D’Mark Power and newly promoted Berkley but face a tough test against Nkumba Marines at YMCA Wandegeya in a battle of Universities today.

Along with the gifted trio of the Enabus’ (Jimmy, Emmanuel), Robert Mugabe Geoffrey Omondi and Steven Mwesigye, the new acquisitions, Ivan believes they are among the contenders for playoff place.
“These players have the quality, experience and hunger to win. We can match any team,” Enabu said.

By James Ssekandi

Results
Sky Jammers 83-78 B.Planets
Berkley 57-63 Knight Riders
Women: KCC 125-35 Mak Cubs

The women’s defending champions Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards on Sunday beat Makarere Cabs 125-35 in a MTN-Fuba League tie at YMCA courts.

Miriam Hamala, the 2009 season MVP sunk a game high 28 points. Knight Riders also edged Berkley 63-57 in the men’s contest.

FORMER men’s division one champions Baya are the early championship leaders of the top flight with maximum points – 8 – after winning all their four games.

Coach Michel Malbrook’s latest win was against MBU Rockers on a 65-43 score on Sunday at the Palais des Sports. They also reached the century mark in their previous match against Anse Boileau-based Angels in a 103-72 victory.

Rockers are sixth in the 10-team league standings with five points after two wins and a loss, while Angels are a place from bottom with just two after suffering two defeats in as many outings.

Defending champs PLS Hawks trail Baya by two points and have a match in hand on the leaders. In their last two games, the Hawks, who are without suspended player of the year Rodney Lozé, struggled against Mont Fleuri Dawgz before winning 73-67 and defeated Cascade Bullets 73-59.

While coach Nigel Ah-kong’s Dawgz are winless in three games, the Bullets, coached by Tony Juliette, boast an even win-lose record of 2-2 for six points and are fourth in the standings.

The Bullets’ latest win was on an 84-58 score against newcomers RA Herons who suffered a third consecutive defeat.
As for the Dawgz, they also lost 51-60 to Premium Cobras who are locked on six points with PLS Hawks and Cascade Bullets after garnering three wins in as many games played.

RC Dynamics’ only victory so far has come against last year’s division two champions Razors on an 82-61 score to put an end to a two-game losing streak and they are sixth on the table with four points.

Winless in two games, Razors are carrying the weight of the table.
In the men’s division two league, Pointe Larue Falcons defeated Anse Etoile 85-54, Praslin Warriors beat Beau Vallon Heat 68-57 and Drifters missed the century mark by a point by steamrollering LMS Youth 99-29.

Women’s champions HotShots won by a 50-point margin against Juniors – 84-34 – to lead main challengers Anse Etoile Stars who beat RA Sisters 80-36.

Both HotShots and Anse Etoile Stars have two points in the six-team league.

G. G.

By Timothy Muvunyi
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AFTER getting Prosper Mihigo on board and freshening up the team with a couple of signings, CSK could be a big force to reckon with this season.

The Rugunga based side signed the former Marines coach last month as they look to put up a strong fight for this year’s league title.

Boosting of players like Gerould Ndugu, Aristide Mugabe, Leonel Hakizimana, Bizimungu Kambi and two more targets in Albert Rukundo and Bunene Kajeguhakwa, CSK who came very close to winning the title on their debut back in 2007 fancy their chances.

In 2007, CSK stunned many when they hassled their way to the play-offs final only to lose to the now disintegrated Marines.
“We now have a mix of youth and experience in the team and hope that we shall gel as a team as we play more and more games,” Mihigo said.

Mihigo started coaching back in 2002 at Gitarama basketball club before crossing over to Marines in 2004.