Basketball in Africa

With just two seasons in the league, Royal Hoopers Basketball Club have taken a bold step to make history today when they confront defending champions, Kano Pillars in the final of the 2009/2010 DSTV Premier League Final Eight Playoffs.

The home side defeated Union Bank Basketball Club 65-50 points in a semi final tie yesterday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria.

Head coach of the Port Harcourt-based side, Ogoh Odaudu told P.M.Sports ahead of this evening’s final that their target is to host and win the league. He vowed that having come thus far, they are ready to fight it to the finish to achieve their goal.

The former Nigerian international stated that the management of the club has motivated the team to lift the trophy.

However, Head Coach of Pillars, Sani Ahmed, has expressed confidence in the ability of his side to retain the title.

“With due respect to our opponents (Hoopers) in today’s game, we are a better team to lift the cup. Even if they have the whole of Port Harcourt fans behind them, we will beat them. For now we are the best in the local scene,” said Ahmed.

Meanwhile, Dodan Warriors Basketball Club of Lagos, who lost to the defending champions, Pillars by 70-99 points in the first semi final yesterday will take on Union Bank in the third place match before the final.

—Wale Joseph, P/H