Basketball in Africa

The LBF has released an official date for its much anticipated elections.

The local basketball governing body has set 27 November as the official date for the process.
LBF Secretary General Fred Pratt said guidelines for the event will be release to the public on 20 November.
We will keep you posted with developments surrounding the event as they come.

Results – Friday
Power 76-70 Falcons
Women
UCU 74-60 KIU
Today at Lugogo
UCU v Warriors (8pm)
Women
KCC v A-1 (6pm)

DMark Power and UCU Lady Canons drew first blood in their respective openers of the best-of-five Fuba League semifinal play-offs at the MTN-NCS Arena Lugogo on Friday night.

Whereas UCU easily steamrolled KIU Rangers 74-60, Power needed to recover from a relatively slow start to defeat archrivals Mountain Dew Falcons 76-70.
Having struggled to make their way past a disorganised entrance system that left one door open, it was worth the wait for the capacity crowd as Power feasted on Falcons’ wobbling finish.

The six-time champions took the first two quarters 17-13 and 16-13 but they will look back to 19 costly turnovers in comparison to Power’s 11 as the reason for being one down ahead of game two on Wednesday.

Isaac Afidra had 15 points and seven rebounds to negate the absence of skipper Norman Blick (1), who sustained a wound of his right palm early in the first period but played through pain with blood dripping. “Passion and character won us the game,” Power assistant coach Brian Wathum said. Perhaps, Falcons’ chances had faded earlier in the week with the exit of Bienvenue Ngandu and Mike Buzangu over unpaid dues.

Richard Osano Omondi almost made up for their absence with 13 points and nine rebounds only to foul out with two minutes and 13 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. However, the mercurial Kenyan’s five turnovers contributed to Peter Elungat (14-7-1), Sam Obol (13-5-4), Cedric Sinarinzi (10-4-5) and Sudi Ulanga (7-5-5) ending up on the losing side.

Isaac Luggude (11), Robert Mubiru (10) and former MVP Ben Komakech (8-6-2) supported Afidra even though it was Boniface Okello’s role that provided the difference.

The latter, a substitute, was crucial as Power employed the full court press in the third period to score eight answered points. They took the quarter 29-14 before freezing out Falcons 21-23 in the fourth. Earlier, Lorraine Akinyi made a monumental 29 points and 25 rebounds for UCU cannons to move within two victories of a final appearance.

Written by Anthony A. Stephens

The Liberia Basketball Federation has released the names of clubs due to participate in the up coming FIBA Africa senior men club championship.

LBF secretary general Fred Pratt has confirmed that six clubs representing three countries will ramble through the event.
He named the teams as ABC of the Ivory Coast, Swallows of Togo and Royal Hoopers and Kano Pillars of Nigeria.
Local champions Uhuru Kings and runners –up NPA Pythons are the two sides due to represent Liberia during the competition.
This latest development contradicts the LBF earlier statement that the tournament would have brought to the fore 16 teams.
Mr. Fred Pratt did not however give any reason for the failure of the teams to confirm their participation in the event but said the issue of six teams participating in the tournament was not strange.
“I don’t know. Nobody gave me any reason. Even FIBA didn’t tell me”,.
“We’ve been taking part in this same competition and the highest we can go is six,” noted Mr. Pratt.

The LBF chief scribe has at the same time told Star Sports names of the match officials for the entire showpiece have been released by FIBA Africa.

According to him, Malian born Abdallah Haidara will serve as technical commissioner for the tournament.
Referees selected by the African basketball governing body to officiate during the encounter are Yaya Cisse of Guinea and Sinay Diaktte and Sasi Camara all of Mali.
Obande Ogbole of Nigerian has been selected to serve as statistics supervisor during the event.
LBF Secretary General Fred Pratt said the teams and match officials will begin arriving in the country later this week.

He also told Star Sports there would be an adjustment in the schedule for the November showpiece due to the late release of the final information for the tournament by FIBA Africa.

Authorities of the Liberia Basketball Federation have announced that Nigeria will be the first country to arrive in town for the up coming FIBA Africa men club championship.

According to LBF Secretary General Fred Pratt the Nigerians will touch Liberian soil this Saturday.
Mr. Pratt disclosed the West African country will be represented in the November showpiece by two teams, Royal Hoopers and Kano Pillars.
A high power 26 man delegation is expected from the Nigerians.
Mr. Fred Pratt has also told Star Sports an 18 man Togolese delegation is due in the country this Sunday ahead of the event.
He said the other teams are expected in early next week.

The preliminary rounds of the FIBA Africa men club championship will be hosted by Uhuru Kings.

As the date draws near, the organizers are still struggling to raise the needed capital to stage the event.

The Liberia Basketball Federation says four of the five match officials selected for the up coming FIBA Africa showpiece will arrive in town this Saturday.

LBF Secretary General Fred Pratt named them as Malian technical commissioner Abdallah Haidara and statistics supervisor Obande Ogbole of Nigeria.
The rest include referees Sinay Diaktte and Sasi Camara all of Mali.
Guinean born Yaya Cisse, the other referee selected for the tournament will arrive in the country on Sunday, one day before the official kick of the basketball showpiece.

The Executive Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has urged the two clubs representing the country (Kano Pillars and Royal Hoopers) to the Zone-3 Qualifiers slated for Monrovia, Liberia from November 1 through 7.

In a set forth message issued by the President of the Federation, Tijjani Umar that the two teams who emerged winner and runner-up of the 2009/ 2010 Premier League to see their going to Liberia as a national assignment.

He concluded by urging the teams to be a good ambassador of Nigeria at the qualifiers.

Kano Pillars and Royal Hoopers will jet out on Saturday morning to Monrovia.

Al Ittihad from Alexandria triumphed in the Hariri Basketball Championship beating Al Riyadi 83-67.

In the first Semifinal Al Ittihad edged El Ahly 81-71. Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut won over Etoile du Sahel 71:63.

The tournament which started on October 15, 2010 took place in the Lebanese capital Beirut

Tomorrow at Lugogo
UCU v Warriors (8pm)
Women
A-1 v KCC (6pm)
Today at YMCA/Div II
Gulu v Heaters (6.30pm)
Crane v Stormers (4.30pm)

Of all the 16 teams across three divisions in the MTN-Fuba League play-offs, Kyambogo Warriors could be feeling the largest share of anxiety.

The men’s division one champions might find themselves playing second fiddle when their best-of-five semifinal series against UCU Canons starts tomorrow at revamped MTN Arena, Lugogo.

And Warriors coach Gad Eteu is bearing most of the muted expectation following their disastrous regular season losses to UCU including a 91-79 second round rout.

“I think we lost as the team tried to make everyone understand their roles but that’s now sorted,” Eteu said. In an interview with Saturday Monitor, the championship-winning coach asserted the need to stick to his own style rather than chase UCU.

“They are different from us because of their speed. We must stick to what we believe in as using their tool to beat them is impossible,” he explained.
In other games, champions KCC Leopards face A1 Challenge in an evenly balanced series. Two division two best-of-three semifinal series against will also take centre stage at the YMCA court.

By Usher Komugisha

Second Division
Heaters v Gulu Hawks
Third Division
Crane High v Giant Stormers

MUK Heaters will enter this year’s play-offs hoping to make it to the first division for the first time. They face the Gulu Hawks who defeated them by a whisker 61-60 at the Carribian Grounds in Gulu earlier in the season.

The Heaters will rely on consistent George Odongomin and Dixon Asiku to provide the experience against a stubborn Gulu side that once enjoyed top flight basketball.

ANSE AUX PINS and Baie Ste Anne Praslin are the champions of the Primary basketball tournament played last Saturday at the Palais des Sports to lift the winners’ trophies sponsored by Barclays Bank.
Led by Annissette Souffe, who won the best female player title, Baie Ste Anne Praslin beat La Rosière 12-4 in the girls’ final.
Darren Arissol spearheaded Anse Aux Pins to victory in the boys’ category as they earned a 23-19 win over Beau Vallon.

A total of 29 teams – 12 girls and 17 boys – took part in the one-day tournament organised by the Seychelles Basketball Federation, who would like to thank Barclays Bank, Cable & Wireless, Land Marine, Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, Casamar and the Seychelles Trading Company for their valuable sponsorship.

G. G.

Playoff/semis
Today (Game One)
Power v Falcons (8pm)
Women
UCU v KIU (6pm)

Deafening noise and the most exhilarating basketball will fill the refurbished MTN Arena, Lugogo this evening with the tip-off of the first cluster of 60 Fuba League post-season games.

The week-long wait following a postponement is over and the menu is just as enticing as UCU Lady Canons open their account against KIU Rangers in the Women’s Division semi-finals. That precedes DMark Power’s clash with Mountain Dew Falcons in the men’s Division one as both series are scheduled for five thrillers.

A complete revamp in the paint has made Power more potent. They will feel like favourites to make the final having done the double over Falcons (74-72 and 80-61) this year. The quick transition ‘masters’ also beat the same opposition 3-1 to lift the title two years ago.

“At this point, we are underdogs. Finishing top in the regular season is nothing. The favourites are the defending champions (Kyambogo Warriors),” Power’s vice-captain Isaac Afidra said. Among his teammates, shooting guard Joseph Ikong has the biggest proclamation to make to shed the chokers’ tag following fine form in the regular season. More too is needed from former MVP Ben Komakech.

In Kenyan Smarts Olumbo, Falcons have a coach with a definitive aura of invincibility and respect as he has won multiple titles here with the last having come in 2007. However, their undoing is the uncertainty over players’ salaries in recent weeks. “All that has been sorted and our focus is basketball,” Michael Mureithi, Olumbo’s assistant, shrugged off the discontent after the six-time champions finished fourth. Richard Osano Omondi and Sudi Ulanga have stuck in during the hard times but the return of Bienvenue Ngandu, Peter Elungat and Cedric Sinarinzi will be pivotal.

In the early game, coach Mande Juruni must take his rampant university side UCU to the next level after clinching the top slot. A slide-show will be spared for the shooting prowess of Kenyan import Lorraine Akinyi and KIU’s Susan Amito.

Written by John Vianney Nsimbe
http://www.observer.ug

This season’s playoffs tip off this weekend when Power take on Falcons and Warriors battle Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons.

While Falcons have six titles, Power two and Warriors one, UCU have a blank. As such, they shall expectedly be the undisputed underdogs when they commence their campaign against the defending champions, Warriors, at the newly refurbished Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Sunday.

The underdog status, though, is one that will suit UCU star point-guard, Ivan Enabu just fine. He knows the pressures that the favourites tag brings along. Back in the 2007 season, Enabu’s UCU were considered favourites heading into the playoffs.

They had come off the back of a strong regular season in which they had lost just twice. And their glowing regular season seemed to be following them into the post season when they battered Falcons by a 25-point difference in Game One of the three-game series.

Sadly for UCU, Falcons turned the tables and ran out winners in the final two games. Expectedly, such a painful loss taught UCU players a lot. “Losing was new to us,” Enabu says, adding, “We didn’t understand teams well. All we concentrated on was how well we played and that cost us.”

But this time, Enabu says, they’ve done a good job studying the teams. For example, they know that DMark Power is a running team; Warriors is both a running and physical team while Falcons relies on their defence and big players in the paint.

However, many observers question the credential of Nick Natuhereza. A bit-part player in the UCU team that came unstuck in 2007, the observers have reduced Natuhereza to a novice.

Enabu, though, isn’t in doubt about Natuhereza’s abilities and believes the much-maligned coach “has instilled tactical awareness and discipline in the team.”

Such tactical awareness and discipline has shepherded UCU to regular season wins over Warriors (twice), DMark Power and Falcons.

Two issues have made UCU look vulnerable this season. They have been overly dependent on Enabu so much that if you stop the point-guard then you have stopped UCU. Such a flaw predictably doesn’t bode well for UCU as does the poor form of their big men.

UCU’s October 13 loss to Power just about showed how toothless UCU’s big men are. January Naftali and Robert Ogweno appear so frail and unimposing in defence and attack compared to their predecessors from the class of 2007 and 2008 like, Phillip Odour, Herbert Akite and Eric Nyamai.

Besides, Robert Mugabe is also struggling for form. This leaves the team depending on Enabu, Jeff Omondi, Jimmy Enabu and Steven Mwesigye on the outside.

This is in stark contrast with Warriors’ quartet of Michael Kariuki, Eric Malinga, Stephen Okias and Martin Okwako. As such, if UCU are to upstage Warriors in the playoffs, they will have to do a lot of work.

jovi@observer.ug This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Steven Omony is expected to be part of the national team that will play in the regional event.

Playoff/semis
Tomorrow (Game One)
Power v Falcons (6pm)
Women
UCU v KIU (4pm)
Sunday
UCU v Warriors
Women: A-1 v KCC

Ugandan basketball fans will have to wait a little longer than anticipated to catch a glimpse of their stars play together as a team following the postponement of the Regional Zone V Nations Cup qualifiers.

According to the federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) calendar, the tournament was earlier scheduled for December at the refurbished Lugogo Indoor Stadium before being moved to February 1-6, 2011.

During a recent media briefing, Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya, without giving any specifics for the adjournment, set out a plan to ensure that the national team is ready when the tourney starts.
“Our plan now is to find sponsorship for both the men’s and women’s team. Committees have been set up for selection, organisation, publicity and anything we might need to be ready,” Tashobya said.

Player selection

Selections for any players in the two 12-man teams will be done upon completion of the MTN-Fuba League play-offs which start on Friday. “During selection, coaches will not only look at how good one can bounce the ball or shoot. Our aim is to have a complete player, both on and off the court. We don’t want to select a player then find him/her fighting,” the Fuba boss warned.

Former national star Robert Ndamagye, currently in the United States of America was appointed to head a coaching panel comprising of six trainers. Each of the teams will work with three of them.

For now attention is firmly fixed on the play-off semifinal series which tip-off tomorrow at Lugogo with UCU Lady Canons facing KIU Rangers whereas DMark Power clash with Mountain Dew Falcons in the late game.

NATIONAL basketball team coach Cuthbert Tembo has selected a 28 member provisional team for the Zone Six Games in South Africa next month.
Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) secretary Otema Musukwa who released the team list in Lusaka said the team comprised southern region players only.

“This is not a final team. These players need to go on trial, then we shall have a tournament with the northern side that will be selected soon and come up with a final team,” Musukwa said.

He said ZBA had arranged a friendly with Malawi to be played early next month as part of the preparations for the regional games.
Musukwa urged the players to work hard and earn themselves a place in the national team.
“They need to work hard, the places are not automatic,” he said.

Team list
Malindi Chipili, Webster Sikuta, Abraham Mwansa, Chansa Mufwaume (Magic), Namakando Akalaluka, (Green Buffaloes ), Chewe Chishala, Sipho Nakalowa, John Waitola, Sizi Kuntepa, Mate Lisimba and Lubinda Simukwela (Unza Pacers).
Others are Chisanga Mwila, Kubaya Chisenga, Francis Chibesa, Elijah Kasempa, Daniel Nsena, Chris Kabongo, (LCC Looters), Mcleod Mwansa, Obert Muleza , Francis Chibesa, Robert Mumba (Green Eagles), Kandi Musukwa , Richard Sakala, Kaumba Chilila (Hawks), Francis Lungu, Francis Sinyinda, Ntilila Chaila (Napsa Hurricanes) and Songiswayo Mwanza (Heroes Play United).

National champions KCB Lions and Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST) stopped International Christian Center (ICC) charge to premier league recognition in a week of drama at the bankers Sports Club in Ruaraka.

The bankers got off to a slippery start trailing 31-38 at the breather. They however staged a remarkable rally after intermission to take maximum points from this hard fought 63-62 triumph.
Towering Roy Kahure has continued to impress since moving to Lions few months ago and collected 23 points on the night, while Yoni Wanambiro made 11; Griffin Ligare bagged 14 for the losing team.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya beat Mainde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST) 66-55 to hang on to second spot. Peter Kiganya shot 20 points for the regional champions. Martin Gitonga pepped the students with 15 points.

Posta continued their impressive run with a 64-30 thumping of Univesity of Nairobi. The mailmen led 33-19 at the break and had Desmond Owili scoring 16 and William Ochieng adding 12. Sammy Kiria and Hillary Kubai provided a combined 20 points for UoN.

MMUST were in a class of their own as they stunned ICC 85-70. It was ICC who got off the blocks strongly taking a comfortable 46-28 half time advantage.

But if they thought they had this tie wrapped up, they were dead wrong as the students staged a remarkable recovery after intermission.

MMUST, who have now won 10 matches and are on 24 points, started raining shots from all corners scoring a staggering 57 points in the two halves to compeletely turn the tables on theit oponents who have now 31 points.

Fred Osore was the destroyer in chief leading the scoring chart with 27 points while Martin Gitonga nailed another 16. For ICC, Griffin Ligare who shot 24 and James Omune added 18.

Second placed Co-op had 15 points from Peter Kiganya as they dismissed Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 53-49. Co-op now have 34 points, three behind leaders KCB Lions. The students had 17 points from Robert Otieno.

Strathmore University's sad slide continued when they were hit 49-41 by rivals United States International University (USIU) "Tigers" who had 18 points from Arou Chan and 15 from Chris Mulumba. David Ogolla and Edwin Otula each made 12 for the losers.

In the women's league, Faith Owich was good for 20 points as she guided Strathmore University Blades to a 56-41 win over rivals United States International University (USAIU). Debrah Chan was the Flames toast with 14 points. Blades now have 26 points

Yana snatched a dramatic 35-33 win over Sprite Storms as Mitchel Odendo registered 10 while Emma Nyakweba was held for a low of nine points.

Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University hit Predators 61-49 as Sylvia Oguse managed 19 points losers Caroline Achieng bagged 16 for Predators.

Dann O'Werre
FIBA

Mauritania is calling on American expertise to develop basketball. The dream of Mauritanians playing in the NBA could soon become reality with the help of American coach Craig Esherick.

Esherick, who is an Assistant Professor of Sports Management at George Mason University and former Georgetown University basketball coach, conducted a working visit to Mauritania aimed at increasing exchanges in the sports field. The visit, which lasted from September 25th to October 2nd, offered Mauritanians an opportunity to learn new techniques and showcase their talent.

"I have come to bring people together and develop basketball, and this evening we're going to be working on the ground," Esherick commented, as he spoke to twenty young basketball players at the federation headquarters.

Esherick spoke about the fundamentals of basketball and explained in simple terms that quality basketball is based on a good attack and good defence.

"In just a few hours we learned a lot about the most effective training methods," Tapha Keita, one of the national coaches, told Magharebia.

During the evening, the American coach ran a training session at the Youth and Sports Management Training Centre, which was an opportunity for young Mauritanian basketball players to free themselves completely.

"My ambition is to be able to play in the NBA one day, and the arrival of this American coach is the best opportunity I've had to show what I can do," Djiby Sow, a Mauritanian international basketball player, told Magharebia.

Aldouma Sidibé, also an international player and captain of Nasr Sebkha, found that the training methods promoted by the American "encourage the player to give his best," adding "the American dream is always achievable."

Young women interested in the sport are not left out, and most of them dream of the possibility of continuing to study and be able to play as well: "If basketball were to allow me to continue my studies in the United States, then that's excellent," Anta Dicko, captain of the Army team, said.

Meanwhile, Esherick was not going to dash the hopes of all these young basketball players, telling the press at the end of the Nouakchott training session that "the players have talent and could go a very long way; all they need is the will and the commitment."

Related ArticlesLoading Accompanied by officials from the Mauritanian basketball federation, the American technician embarked on a tour which took him to Rosso and Boghe where he met with coaches and watched basketball games.

These field visits enabled the American technician to see the precarious state of the infrastructure where the Mauritanian players train. Sets of equipment were offered to club officials by the American Embassy.

Following this two-day tour, the delegation headed back to Nouakchott, where the American technician led training sessions and delivered some lectures to coaches.

"The Americans are the World Champions and have some great technicians. For us in the Federation, the visit by Craig Esherick is a new dawn, and we hope it will open up new opportunities for our young basketball players," Abdoulaye, told Magharebia at a farewell dinner.

ASC Armée and Nasr Sebkha are overpowering their opponents as Mauritania's biggest basketball tournament continues its final phases from July 20th to August 7th.

So far, only the girl's teams have played at least one game each in the competition, which is under way at the capital's Youth and Sports Management Training Centre court.

On July 21st, Imraguens lost their debut game 55-49 at the hands of the more experienced Nasr Sebkha squad led by Mariem Ba, who scored 24 points by herself.

"They kept their opponents well in check for the first three quarters of the match, before finally buckling under the pressure towards the end," said the Imraguens coach. "I think it's a good start, because it's their first outing."

Good feelings aside, Nasr Sebkha took the upper hand in a cringe-inducing second half by going on a 30-0 run.

On July 22nd, ASC Armée, on their second outing, took no prisoners when they beat Rosso 58-27. Medina Watt really shone in this match, which was played in front of a large crowd.

"This is a complete team, with no holes anywhere in the line-up, and we were just left doing damage control," said Rosso coach Moussa Keita. "The army was far too strong this year."

ASC Armée coach Cheibani Lo wrapped up after the match by telling his players: "Just because you're on top, that doesn't mean you can let up."

"You can't lose sight of the fact that this is just the preliminary round [of the final phases], and the hardest work is still ahead of us," he told the team in front of the press.

On 24 July, in another game at the top of the girls' competition, Nasr Sebkha, in their second outing, won 52-48 in a hard-fought match. Their foes were a tenacious team from M'Bagne captained by Oulèye Dieye from Senegal.

The atmosphere was particularly heated for this game, with a number of scuffles between fans. At the end of the clash, Ba, the captain of Sebhkha Nasr, paid tribute to her opponents' determination.

"We were faced with a good team, who forced us to dig deep, and that's what makes for a good game. We needed this win, and we got it. That's what matters," she told Magharebia.

Meanwhile, Oulèye Dièye, considered by many to be the best player in the game, was sorry to see her teammates miss some easy baskets.

"It's a shame that in the last quarter, at the point where there was just one point between us, we missed some easy baskets. Now we need to concentrate on the other matches in order to get through to the semi-finals," she said.

Following this match, the first game between senior boys produced a win for the team from Base T.Zeina, which overpowered a team from Arafat 62-35.

Reigning women national champions Eagle Wings torched Mennonites 94-32 to move tops in a premier league tie at the Nairobi Railways Club.
Wings maintained their 100 percent unbeaten run with a virtuoso show that saw them take an early 28-10 first quarter lead on the strength of a strong Janet Okoth showing.
In the second, Evalyne Kedogo shot two three pointers and Linda Nyikuli and Eunice Ouma bagged two more as Wings took a 30-13 margin before taking the break.

After resumption, the regional champions, who are shaping up for a continental duel in a few weeks reduced the tempo taking the third quarter 18-6 and the last 18-3.
An upbeat Okoth pepped the winners with 21, her older sister Angela made 16 while Silalei Agalo sunk another 12 for Wings who now have 28 points from 14 games.
Mennonites have won five of their 16 games now are on 21 points. They had little to offer and even though Evalyne Itaabu and Sarah Anyango shot 10 each.
Agina Wesonga revealed Zone Five champions Eagle Wings needs a mimimum of kshs 4 million to participate in the Fiba Africa club championships for women slated for Tunis, Tunisia next month.

The team officials have organised a funds drive at Railways Club on Friday October 30 at 4 pm to help them raise amount.

"With the tournament only a few weeks to go, we are making a passionate appeal from fans to come and help us raise the money. We have also contacted corporates and are still awaiting their response." he said.

The championships will bring together continental giants from the seven playing zones in Africa. Nigeria's First Bank are the defending champions.

In the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) play off semi-finals, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) dismissed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) 3-1 to reach the finals.

Rusells Owili made 17 points and Kevin Otieno added 12 tin this win. Mika Opinya scored 20 and Kisumba Guytoh managed 15 for the students. KAA will now meet Upper Hill in the finals starting November 6.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa

Ahead of FIBA Africa Champions Club cup Zne-3 Qualifiers billed for Monrovia, Liberia from November 1 through 7.

Royal Hoopers basketball club has double its preparation toward making appreciable impact in its first outing on the continent biggest club competition.

Team Head Coach, Ogoh Odaudu says though the team is making its first Africa outing but is ready to make an appreciable impact as a team to reckon with, when it comes to Africa club competition.

''It’s true that this is our first time out as club and myself as coach on Africa biggest club competition but we won’t disappoint our fans as we are prepared to make to the finals.''

Royal Hoopers basketball finished second behind Kano Pillars basketball club in the Nigeria DStv Premier League final-8 play-offs held in Port Harcourt.

The playoffs Club Champions Men's 2010 Area III will be held from 1 to 07 November 2010 in Monrovia, Liberia.

At this date, six clubs have committed themselves:

UHURU Kings (Liberia)
NPA Pythons (Liberia)
ABC (Cote d’Ivoire)
Swallows (Togo)
Royal Hoopers (Nigeria)
Kano Pillars (Nigeria)

At the end of the competition (one way), two teams will

BAYA are in the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup final and will be up against division one league champions PLS Hawks as they try to defend the title they won for the first time last year.

Third finishers in the league this year, Baya dispatched MBU Rockers in the semifinal played on Saturday at the Palais des Sports, and then watched as PLS Hawks upped the tempo in the fourth quarter to post an 86-83 victory over Premium Cobras to set up a crunching final tie.
Coach Michel Malbrook’s Baya dominated all four quarters – 21-18, 32-18, 16-15 and 22-15 – to boot the Rockers out of the competition.
Shooting guard Steve ‘Biko’ Denis was again instrumental for Baya with a game-high 24 points, including four treys, and he was helped in offence by playmaker Giovanni Laval with 22, including three 3-pointers.
Centre Robert Léon got 19 points coming off the substitutes’ bench and small forward Dave Roseline added 12.
Pascal Bibi (12 points) and playmaker Nigel Sinon (11) were the only two Rockers in double digits as they lost by a 25-point margin.

In the other semifinal, PLS Hawks did not have an easy match like when they steamrollered former champions Premium Cobras 82-56 in the league title decider.
Nigerian forward Alao Solomon scored eight of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter which PLS Hawks won 22-18 on the way to an 86-83 victory that booked them a place in the Saturday October 30 final.
Centre Rodney Lozé added 15, playmaker and captain Bernard Bristol got 13, and Steve Allisop made an 11-point contribution in the win for the Hawks who are looking for another league and cup double.
Nigerian playmaker Michael Ohiero, who captained the side for the first time, once again led the Cobras with a 36-point game, including three treys.
The Cobras, who had gone into the fourth quarter with a one-point lead – 65-64 –, also got 15 points from Amadou Sylla and 10 from power forward Dominic Pillay.

Baya won last year’s best-of-three final on a 2-1 score against Premium Cobras. In game three, the Cobras let on-fire Denis unguarded around the arc and he caused them all sorts of problems with his accurate shooting for a game-leading 27 points, including three treys, as his team celebrated a 73-49 win for their first SBF Cup title.
Baya won game one 80-76, but Cobras tied the series by winning game two 72-66.

Meanwhile, the women’s final is a repeat of last year’s – Mont Fleuri v HotShots.

Mont Fleuri beat RA Sisters 61-33 and HotShots defeated Anse Etoile Stars 69-38 in the semifinals.

Gunning for a second consecutive league and cup double, HotShots swept last year’s best-of-three final series, winning game one by a 21-point margin – 72-51 – with centre Tina Agathine scoring 24 points, mostly from second-chance shots she got from under the board.

In game two, Myra Solin played like a real power forward and Jenita Toussaint rediscovered her shooting prowess from beyond 3-point range with three treys to help HotShots to a 63-49 victory to complete a first league and cup double.

G. G.

Written by Felix Eupal
Sunday, 24 October 2010 15:27
The 2010 basketball playoffs start on October 29 at the all new Lugogo indoor stadium, FELIX EUPAL previews the four intriguing matchups for the men’s and women’s title.

Dmark Power versus Mountain Dew Falcons

Power beat Falcons in their two regular season encounters; 76-74 in the first round before the lopsided 80-61 win in the second round. Granted, Falcons had the best defensive record in the regular season conceding only 996 points compared to Power’s 1250. Given that defences have the biggest say in recent championships; Falcons have a real chance of beating the regular season best team.

However, Falcons have to first put the players in the right frame of mind following a recent sit down over unpaid wages. As a result, Richard Omondi, Mike Buzangu and Bienvenue Ngandu returned to Kenya awaiting management to pay up. Michael Mureith the Falcons coach told The Observer, “I will work with the players around but it won’t be easy getting them all prepared.”
Prediction: Power 3-2

UCU Canons versus Warriors

The Canons were the surprise team of the season; stunning opponents with their ‘never-say-die attitude.’ Having achieved their pre-season target of making the playoffs doesn’t mean that they are going to get the foot off the gas pedal. They took Warriors to school on both occasions in the regular season but the stakes are different now.

Despite enduring a forgettable regular season, in which they lost five times and were on the brink of missing out on the playoffs, the defending champions are competitive and have the league’s most dangerous offence.
In a match-up of Warriors’ experience versus UCU’s athleticism, Warriors coach Gad Eteu believes character will be determinant and his boys have shown that.
Prediction: Warriors 3-1

UCU Lady Canons versus KIU Rangers

This ladies showdown bears the impression of a mismatch. Rangers have made the playoffs in the last four years but with nothing to show for. Their scoring machine Suzan Amito has struggled for form all season yet they face the most lethal team in the women’s division. Indeed, the Lady Canons have everything a champion needs, speed, versatility, talent, mobility, character and discipline.

Three time league top scorer Francis Nabulobi has recovered from that ankle injury and is ready to do what she does best while Zone V women’s MVP Anastasia Njeri continues to be the opposition’s worst nightmare.
Prediction: Lady Canon 3-0

A1 Challenge Vs KCC

KCC might be the defending champions but the three losses in the regular season paint a picture of a team on the wane. Their coach Timothy Odeke needs no introduction when it comes to grudge games and this time round he hopes to rely on the size advantage of his girls to get the cat in the bag.

In Annet Nakiwu, Carol Nyafondo, Miriam Hamala and Martha Soigi, the Leopards are assured of the rebounds and blocks. A1 Challenge on the other hand find themselves on hard times. Skipper Mavita Ali has a nagging knee injury while Olivia Mulwana and Elizabeth Kizza Bazira have since become a spent force following maternity break. Their coach Hamza Nyambogo often looks clueless when his team is trailing yet Vicky Nassolo and Hatima Kassim can’t do it on their own.
Prediction: KCC 3-2

Ladies and Gentlemen, I gladly announce that the playoffs are finally here. On Friday 29th 2010, Lugogo Indoor Stadium will be set ablaze with the help of 2 important major games in the history of FUBA Basketball; UCU Lady Canons vs KIU Rangers for the 1st in the Women’s Semi Final, followed by a very much anticipated game in the form of Mountain Dew Falcons vs D-Mark power at 8.00 PM.

The next day (30th) will be graced with the all-important derby in Ugandan women’s basketball when KCC Leopards take on A-1 Challenge followed by UCU Canons vs Kyambogo Warriors. One must say the playoffs could not have arrived at a much better time. We will have the opening of the Lugogo Indoor Stadium and Ugandan basketball will once again be graced by the presence of the indoor structure therefore key components like player adaptation to the court and rims is going to play a major factor in whatever game that is played at the new venue. In the second division championship, Gulu Hawks picked a date with Power Heaters and Charging Rhino also matched up with MBC Rocks.

Aside from all of that, many teams are out to correct so many wrongs we talked about earlier. The resurgence of Coach Gad’s team to claw back into the post season was one highlight I must commend. It clearly goes to show you how much teams have got to work and sacrifice in order to reach that hidden goal or agenda. Then Power decided to execute the last game in style and annihilate the rivals for the top spot (UCU) and proudly take the prize at the regular season league leaders. Falcons has been hit with a series of off court issues that honestly should not be characteristic in their season they have had considering they are the team that boasts to having scored the most points and conceded the least amongst the top 4 teams.

The players to look out for; in the first of the Men’s semifinals (Power vs Falcons), this is going to be an interesting game filled with very fast transition and solid defense considering the way both teams play. My go to guys in this series in the Falcons camp have got to be the obvious; Sudi Ulanga has proved time in and time out, he just needed space and time as a guard to mature in Ugandan basketball and clearly he has improved by the turn because he is the Falcons playmaker at the moment. Then this Richie, we all know how much wealth in experience he has as a basketball player, not only does he play impeccable offense, his defense is supreme and he is such an accomplished player that he can play any position he wants on the court!! Luckily or unluckily the only rival he has for such a position belongs to Norman Blick, time in and time out he still wants to prove to us that he deserves a ring with Power and honestly, I believe he does!! His work ethic is unquestionable to at times he has appeared to jump out of his shadow and lead like the Captain he is. Then there’s the metamorphosis of Awel Enabu and the constant need for him to keep learning which has put him up there amongst the guards we have in Uganda. Koma Ben is slowly finding his happy feet and I think we have all come to the stage to which he belongs to, the playoffs. Lastly Ikong Joseph, hmnnn… Only the statistics can speak for themselves and his work ethic too can’t be questioned on court.

In the Warriors-UCU Canons match up, Okias, Ronnie, Dullah, Okwako Martin are some of the arsenal that are available to Coach Gad’s squad. From these players, he has a lot of experience that he can beckon on to bring him to the Promised Land but in the awake of all these scenarios lies one basketball family in his way; the Enabu brothers. Surrounded by the familiar cast of the Mugabe brothers and Dux, stands a UCU team that is poised to make past the semi-final stage in 4 years. The evolution of Jimmy Enabu and his cast has well over been due but that will be the matchup to see.

In the Men 2nd Division, players like Mark, Dickson, Mark (Gulu Hawks), Georgy to mention but a few will be the highlights of the second tier. But all thanks and praise go to all the regular season teams that did not get to the big stage. Now its time to support your favorite team in the playoffs, Good luck goes out to all the participating teams=, thanks for reaching this far. I remain yours;

Coach Brian Wathum

At the end of the emergency meeting of the Executive Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation Thursday to consider pressing issues.
Including the disciplinary case against a player of the U18 National team for Men to the just concluded Afrobasket held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The board reaffirmed its zero tolerance for cutting corners in any endeavour and endorsed the ongoing investigation into the matter.
On conclusion of the investigation, the NBBF will issue an official statement.
The Executive Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has approved the dissolution of the League Board after the successful conclusion of the 2009/2010 Premier League Season.

MONT FLEURI are in the women’s Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup final after beating RA Sisters 61-33 on Thursday at Victoria Gymnasium.

Coached by Tony Juliette, Mont Fleuri won all four quarters – 12-7, 12-9, 23-7 and 14-10 – to meet HotShots in a repeat of last year’s final.
Bernadette Songor led Mont Fleuri in scoring with 12 points, but Tessa Mathiot of RA Sisters finished as the game’s highest scorer with 14.
HotShots booked their place in the final with a big 69-38 win over Anse Etoile Stars.
If they win the October 30 final, they will complete a second consecutive league and cup double.
HotShots swept last year’s best-of-three final series, winning game one by a 21-point margin – 72-51 – with centre Tina Agathine scoring 24 points, mostly from second-chance shots she got from under the board.

In game two, Myra Solin played like a real power forward and Jenita Toussaint rediscovered her shooting prowess from beyond 3-point range with three treys to help HotShots to a 63-49 victory to complete a first league and cup double.

G. G.

By Erick Ochieng’

A fierce battle is shaping up involving Kenya Commercial Bank, Co-operative Bank and Posta in the Kenya Basketball Federation men’s Premier League.

Both teams won their fixtures at the weekend and now its all systems go as the teams seek to top the league.

KCB, who beat International Christian Centre (ICC) 63-62, were on the receiving end, losing 63-62 to KCB and 85-70 to visiting Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

It was the second time lowly ranked MMUST were pinning ICC, who have stayed in fourth place of the standings for a couple of weeks. ICC coach Fredrick Omondi will have to devise a method to tame MMUST in the playoffs that they are likely to qualify.

Local champions KCB’s three-point lead was narrowed to one and now have 37 points.

Co-op Bank are second with 36 points, having beaten MMUST 66-55 and Kenya College of Accountancy University 53-49.

Posta are third with 33 points following their easy win over University of Nairobi’s Terror 64-30.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) changed places with ICC this week. KPA are now third in the standings, having beaten Blazers in Mombasa.

KPA women ousted regional champions Eagle Wings and now lead the women’s standings with 27 points. They hammered Kenya Polytechnic University 136-19 in Mombasa.

Eagle Wings rested at the weekend and are on 26 points with a game in hand. Strathmore University tied with Eagle Wings on points after they overcame the United States International University-Africa 56-41.

On-fire Ulinzi are leading in the men’s Division One. They were too to hot to handle for Nakuru Club in winning 68-52.

But Mennonites are on Ulinzi’s heels following their demolition of Friends of Basketball of Kenya (FOB-K) 72-63.

Trail Blazers versus World Hope and Emyba against Africa Nazarene University (ANU) were closely contested encounters, though ANU and Trail Blazers won

By Usher Komugisha

BASKETBALL fans will have to pay more to watch their favourite teams at the national league play-offs that start October 29 at Lugogo.

Entrance charges have been raised from sh3,000 to 5,000 while a VIP ticket goes from sh5, 000 to sh10,000.

“We are increasing the costs because the play-offs are starting and we have moved to Lugogo,” was the explanation given by basketball association head Ambrose Tashobya at a press conference in Kampala yesterday.

Tashobya said FUBA has also decided that the revenue amounting to about sh12.5m from gate collections in the second round will be divided among the 41 teams in the league.

The 16 teams playing in this year’s play-offs will also stand to benefit largely from the gate collections, as they will receive 70% of the revenue.

Meanwhile, division one and women’s games will be played at Lugogo while the second and third division games will be played at YMCA courts in Wandegeya.

The UCU Lady Canons face KIU Rangers in the first play-offs women’s tie while Power will host Falcons at Lugogo on October 29.

Tashobya has meanwhile, named three coaches to prepare the national team for the Africa Zone 5 qualifiers that will be hosted in Kampala in February.

Head coach will be Robert Ndamagye assisted by Gad Eteu (Warriors) and Hamza Nyambogo (A-1 Challenge) for the men with Timothy Odeke (KCC Leopards) and Mande Juruni (UCU Lady Canons) for the women.

They will name the national team in the next two weeks.

HOTSHOTS are a game away from achieving a second consecutive league and cup double after dispatching Anse Etoile Stars in the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup.

Coach Philip Arissol’s HotShots team had been drawn straight into the semifinal against the Stars, and on Tuesday at Victoria Gymnasium they booked their place in the final with a big 69-38 win after dominating all four quarters – 11-8, 11-10, 19-14 and 28-6.
Jenita Toussaint banked four of her team’s nine treys to finish with a game-high 19 points for HotShots, who got balanced scoring with shooting guard Beguitta Fontaine hitting three 3-pointers for nine of her 13 points, power forward Myra Solin adding 13 and centre Tina Agathine making a 15-point contribution before fouling out.
Centre Simone Malbrook and Dynah Louis combined for 26 points – 13 apiece – in the Stars’ loss.
Having booked their place in the Saturday October 30 final, HotShots now await the winners of today’s second semifinal between RA Sisters and Mont Fleuri.

RA Sisters scraped to a 49-47 win over Juniors to earn the right to play Mont Fleuri, who lost last year’s SBF Cup final to HotShots.

HotShots swept the best-of-three series in 2009. They won game one by a 21-point margin – 72-51 – with centre Agathine scoring 24 points mostly from second-chance shots she got from under the board.

In game two, Solin played like a real power forward and Toussaint rediscovered her shooting prowess from beyond 3-point range with three treys to help HotShots to a 63-49 victory to complete a first league and cup double.

Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, the semifinals will be played on Saturday at the Palais des Sports.

Defending champions Baya are up against MBU Rockers after beating Mont Fleuri Dawgz 64-46 in the quarterfinal.

Coach Alvin Alcindor’s MBU Rockers set up a semifinal showdown with Baya thanks to an 83-68 victory over Razors.

In the top half of the draw, league champions PLS Hawks booked their place in the semifinal when they beat Juniors 84-58 on October 9.

Premium Cobras joined them in the last-four stage with an 87-58 quarterfinal victory against Cascade Bullets.

G. G.

The FUBA basketball regular season has not been short of amazing. With surprises and counter surprises , we can only say that the best is only yet to come now that we know who is in the playoffs. Last week saw a change in the standings when Falcon lost to KIU, 67:63 meaning Warriors will now have to face off with UCU while Falcon will meet Dmark Power in the best of 5 semi final playoff series. The playoffs are scheduled to start on the 29th of October in a venue that will be communicated in the press conference to be held on the 21st of October.

Falcon find themselves in unwanted zone with chaos in the camp due to unpaid wages of several international players like Mike Bazangu and Bienvenue Ngandu. Consequently, these players have not presented themselves for the past two games including the loss to KIU. There are allegations that Mike Bazangu has left the country though Ngandu who declined to comment on the situation is still in Ugandan. The Falcon management is showing the same traits that allegedly led to the departure of Stephen Omony early this year.

To recap on the season, Warriors entry into the playoffs was severely tested by the return of Steven Omony this time wearing a jersey for the Rubaga based Miracle Eagles. Warriors managed to pull off a must win game against the eagles.

Power’s season for lack of a better word has been simply amazing. With a record 20 wins and 2 losses. The first being an unseen loss against UCU and the second to a desperate Warriors at the time. You can notice that the Warriors know how to win in their desperate situations.

We remain to see if Falcon will conquer their demons and have all the players back as a unit ahead of their encounter with Power. As for Power, their unity is evident and they look to be even more united for the cause of winning the championship this year even more than they did the previous year when they lost the title to the Warriors.

Considering their form last season, UCU to many represent this seasons surprise package. For a team that narrowly escaped relegation due to a National Council of Sports decree that saw no team relegated last season, to make it to the playoffs beating at least once all their competitors in the playoffs is just a huge achievement. But many skeptics saw this coming at the UCU invitational tournament held before the league when the team that went unbeaten during the regular season under Jason Mehl was seen to have reunited. Ivan Enabu who was keen to stay after half moving to Falcon citing “unfinished business” was joined by brother Jimmy Enabu from Knight Rioders. UCU were also boosted by the return of Jeff Omondi joining his brother Robert Mugabe. We wait to see if the “unfinished business” Ivan cited at the beginning of the season was actually to win the championship.

The board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, will hold a special board meeting on Thursday at the federation’s Secretariat at the Park-B of the Abuja National Stadium.
The board will discuss the state of the game in the country and try to proffer solution on how best to continue to raise the the game in Nigeria.

According to Segun Ikuesan, Media Officer of the federation, President of the federation, Tijjani Umar, will chair the meeting.
Umar, who also doubles as 3rd Vice-President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC ,will brief the board on the activities of the federation in the last one year.
Ikuesan disclosed that the extra-ordinary meeting will be preceded by the meeting of the league board tomorrow at the same venue.
The league board is expected to give the report of the just concluded 2009/2010 NBBF/DSTV Premier League Season with the ratification of dunking off date for the 2010/2011 season.

The league board meeting will be chaired by its chairman, who is also the head of the federation’s technical committee, Muktar Adamu Khaleh.

By Usher Komugisha

FALCONS lost their third position on the table standings to the Kyambogo Warriors on Saturday evening after losing to the KIU Titans 61-57 in a closely contested game.

This is the side’s fifth loss which ties them in third position with the Warriors who also amassed five losses in the regular season.

According to the FIBA rules and regulations in the area of classification, “If there are two teams in the classification with equal points, the results of the game(s) between the two teams involved will be used to determine the placing. If the points are the same then the goal average of both teams against all the other teams in the group in both rounds will be used.”

Falcons defeated Warriors by one point in the first round (67-66) and the Warriors defeated Falcons by two points (78-76) in second round which means that the Warriors move to third position and the Falcons slip to fourth.

This change on the table standings implies that Power will now face the Falcons while the Kyambogo Warriors will meet the UCU Canons on a best-of-five series in the play-offs.

“We made a few mistakes that cost us the game for example we missed six points on the free throw line yet we lost by three points so we could have won this game,” said a disappointed Falcons’ player, Richard Osano.

Written by Felix Eupal
http://www.observer.ug

It’s the time of the season every basketball fan craves for: when contenders have been separated from pretenders, the villains become heroes and the real games begin.

It’s the playoff time and they kick off on October 22. This time round, the favourites are the two 2008 winners; Dmark Power and UCU Lady Canons in the men and ladies categories respectively. Back then, Power won their second championship in dedication to Wilbrod Okecho, who passed away a few months earlier while the Lady Canons won their first title in just their second year in existence.

Two years down the road, both teams topped their respective divisions at the end of the regular season with two losses a piece. The Lady Canons fell to A1 Challenge and KCC Leopards in the first round while UCU Canons and Kyambogo Warriors were the only teams to dent Power’s perfect record.
That’s why the two teams stand heads and shoulders above the opposition and are odds-on favourites to win their respective title

Dmark too Powerful
The players are known for their swagger off the court but when it comes to doing business on court, no team beats them. They twice took highly fancied Mountain Dew Falcons to school in clinical fashion and last Wednesday, gave UCU Canons, the second placed team, a beating of a life time with a resounding 30-point margin.

Unlike other teams that rely on laid out strategies, Power’s biggest asset is simply running down their opponents. Rebounding was their undoing last season but Boniface Okello, new recruits Robert Mubiru and Isaac Lugudde put a stop to it.

That’s not to say Power is unstoppable; they still have disciplinary problems and at times the players’ commitment is doubtable. So many times they have taken some opponents for granted but they know best that this is not the time to be complacent.

Isaac Afidra, the assistant captain and top scorer last season reckons there is still more to come: “once we focus and utilise our inside play, no one will know how to stop us.”

UCU Lady Canons
It’s been argued in some circles that local basketball body, Fuba, should hand over the championship to Lady Canons even before the playoffs. They have scored more points than any other team and conceded the least.

This clearly shows that they have the best offense and defense in the women’s league. They are also the only team to have more than one player for each position. Thus internal competition is fierce. On the technical side, Mandy Juruni doesn’t need to prove his credentials having led KCC Leopards to the championship in 2007 with hardly any talent but just a bunch of former netballers.

UCU small forward Maureen Amoding notes that the team strength lies in mobility, team chemistry and defence. “We run faster than our opponents and are always together as a team,” she says.

Results – Saturday
Shooters 43-47 Kings
Planets 47-57 TLC
Women: Amazon 26-50 UCU
Cubs 21-58 Bucks

Having done all the hard work to get into the play-offs as the top seed in the MTN-Fuba League women’s division, UCU Lady Canons took their foot off the gas.

Nonetheless, they were still good enough to defeat Amazon Rhino 50-26 on Saturday night at YMCA court, Wandegeya.
UCU took the first quarter 19-0 before coach Made Juruni limited his star players to minimal time on the floor.
Perhaps, he wanted to keep them fresh for the start of the play-offs this Friday.
In doing so, the 2008 champions’ margin came down to 6-13, 16-4 and 9-9 in the subsequent periods.
Celia Asila stood out with 12 points and three rebounds which can be minute contribution on any other day. Lorraine Akinyi added eight points on one of her quieter nights.

Elsewhere, Lady Bucks comfortably beat Makerere Cubs 58-21.

Results (Final)
Tunisia 54-67 Egypt

3rd place play-off
Mali 72-56 Mozambique

5th place play-off
Rwanda 71-73 Gabon

7th place play-off
Angola 65-59 Algeria

DEFENDING Champions Egypt retained their crown after winning this year’s Afrobasket U-18 Kagame Cup. The North Africans did it in style as they beat arch-rivals Tunisia 67-54 in yesterday’s final.

Tunisia got off to a good start winning the first quarter 17-15 but Egypt rallied back with a 14-9 second quarter win to head into the half-time break with a three-point lead.

The Tunisians swept the third quarter 17-13 to temporarily give themselves hope of snatching the title away from their rivals.

However, it was not to be as Egypt showed qualities of a true champion with a breathtaking fourth quarter (25-11) display to comfortably retain the title.
Their fourth quarter charge was masterminded by center Aly Mohammad who went on to score a game high 30 points.
Rwanda finished a distant 6th after losing out to Gabon 71-73 in the 5th place play-off match but still had something to cheer about after Lionel Hakizimana scooped the tournament’s top scorer accolade.
The shooting guard was by far Rwanda’s most outstanding player in the nine-day event were the hosts endured a mixed display.
On three occasions, the team’s immaturity let the home crowd down as they let comfortable leads slip away.

Results – Friday
Stormers 22-73 KIU
UCU 98-38 Mak Sparks

Today at YMCA

KIU x Falcons (7.30pm)
Stormers v Crane (3.30pm)
Bush Court v Ssaku (11.30am)
Heaters v Gulu (9.30am)
Women
Nabisunsa v A-1 (5.30pm)

UCU Lady Canons and KIU Rangers warmed up for their MTN-Fuba semi-final play-off clash in five days time with comfortable victories over feeble opposition on Friday night at YMCA court.

After watching KIU Rangers rout newcomers Magic Stormers 73-22, women’s division leaders were even more ruthless in their 98-38 decimation of Makerere Sparks. Mercy Etyang’s 16 points and seven rebounds gave KIU coach Nimrod Kaboha something to smile about following the loss to UCU on Tuesday. The university team coasted through the four periods 20-8, 20-2, 12-4 and 21-8 respectively.

Five players on the Stormers’ Rota didn’t trouble the scorer. Florence Nanyonga (15), Judith Nansobya (11) and Susan Amito (11) could hardly mind such a stat as they accompanied Etyang.

In the late game, Lorraine Akinyi (24) and Maureen Amoding (22) combined for 46 points as UCU stretched their season record to 19-1. Cilia Asila (15), Lean Nalunkuma (14) and Annastcia Njeri (14-5) also reached double figures for coach Mande Juruni’s side. The Ndejje University Angels-Miracle Eagles game didn’t take off as the former held a graduation ceremony on Friday.

Falcons battle KIU
In today’s biggest attraction, Mountain Dew Falcons face gritty KIU Titans in preparation for their play-off game against UCU Canons. Kenyan coach Smarts Olumbo returned to Falcons last Sunday and his presence could galvanise the six-time champions, who reportedly have some internal problems with some players complaining about unpaid wages.

Today, Men, at YMCA
KIU v Falcons
Heaters v Gulu Hawks
Stormers v Crane High
Bushcourt v Ssaku
Venue B
UCU v KCC
Livingstone v Gulu Hawks
Planets v TLC
Shooters v Kings
Women, at YMCA
Nabisunsa v A-1
Venue B
UCU v Amazon
Cubs v Lady Bucks

By Usher Komugisha

WHEN the stakes are high, the last scenario any coach would want to have is players deciding to strike.Because of this, Falcons will have to negotiate their FUBA basketball match against KIU today without six of their stars currently on a sit-down strike.

The six foreigners Mike Bazangu, Bienvenue Ngandu, Cedric Sinarinzi, Karim Nkusi, Didier Gahorani and Albert Lukumba, who were signed at the start of the season as replacements for Stephen Omony and the Malinga brothers, claim Falcons have not paid them for the last six months.

Falcons’ patron John Ssimbwa argued: “We were supposed to meet with the sponsors but it was not possible last weekend, however, we shall clear them soon.”
Ssimbwa further explained that; “No one is bigger than the club so this cannot stop the club from playing games especially now that we are approaching the play-offs.”
Falcons will face an entirely different KIU side from the one that made it to last year’s play-offs.

KIU Coach Nimrod Kaboha lost six first-team players including Michael Kariuki and Orom Makmot, who currently with Warriors.

Kaboha reasoned: “I am building for next year. I will also recruit other players into the team.”

Results

Nigeria 97-59 Ivory Coast (Classification)

¼ final results

Rwanda 47-86 Tunisia
Gabon 58-67 Mozambique
Algeria 66-87 Egypt

Today

½ finals

Egypt vs Mozambique

DESPITE sneaking into the last eight of the Afrobasket U-18 Kagame Cup, it was always going to be a tall order for the junior hoops to get past Tunisia.

And it was not to be as the team got a thorough battering 87-43 in front of a fairly packed Amahoro Indoor Stadium.
While the home crowd was crestfallen after the defeat, majority expected it.

“Right from the group stage, we were struggling. You could tell that there was no cohesion in the team. The coach did not get his tactics right so honestly speaking, I’m not surprised by today’s appalling performance,” a dejected Innocent Ruzindana conceded.

“Tunisia deserved to qualify. What we need to do is get back to the drawing board,” another fan furiously said.
The game was over as early as the first quarter. Tunisia made their intentions clear when they swept the first quarter 29-6. The hosts raised their game in the second quarter 12-15 to head into half time 26 points adrift.
Tunisia claimed the third quarter 25-9 while Rwanda got a consolation fourth quarter win (20-17).

Lionel Hakizimana top scored for Rwanda with 12 points.
In the other quarter final ties, defending champions Egypt silenced Algeria 87-66 while Mozambique ejected Gabon 67-58.

Wallidan continues to dominate the basketball in the country as manifested by their outstanding performances, which saw them win a series of basketball tournaments over the period.

Their latest victory came against the determined Serrekunda East basketball team, whom they thumped by 41 points to 26, as part of the second game in the ongoing late Pa Modou Sarr’s basketball tournament, played at the Serrekunda West Mini-stadium on Friday.

Coach Ousman Conateh and his men dominated the game from the beginning up till the end. As a result of this, they collected a deserved win to record a perfect start to the competition going into the next encounter with something to be optimistic about.

Just then there was another thrilling basketball game between YMCA and sports house, which ended in favour of Sports House after they emerged the winner by 35 points- 31, at the Serrekunda West Mini-stadium earlier on Friday. The game marked the opening match of yet another late Pa Modou Sarr’s memorial basketball tournament.

Other results in the tournament saw Kanifing being awarded points after their opponent Manjai failed to turn up, while Porcupine lost to Serrekunda East by 50-39 points

Newly appointed national basketball team coach Mike Fluech has axed three senior
players from his first call up since assuming the duties in July.
Fluech has surprisingly sidelined Blantyre based players Richard Chavula,
Victor Jere and Atusaye Mulagha, who play for Southern Zone Basketball League
(Sozobal) outfit Bricks.
The coach who has replaced Blair Phiri has called 14 players to report for camp
in October ahead of Afro Basketball tournament to be staged in South Africa
However, the new national team mentor has included Mimbulu pointguard Daud
Suleman, Magang’a offguard Hope Chisamanga and, Bricks duo Chikondi Mwendera and
Weluzani Chingota in his squad, which is full of veterans.
Fluech has also called up-and-coming players such as Albert Simango of Mimbulu
and ABC Lions’ forward Vincent ‘Mbeule’ Ngosi in the squad.
Fluech selected the 14 after holding national team trials in all the three
zones. He conducted trials in Blantyre on August 12 before proceeding to
Lilongwe and Mzuzu on August 17 and 26 respectively.
The coach also trains ABC Lions said expected a lot from his troops.
“I'm calling each one of them and explaining my expectations. I am also briefing
them the responsibilities that will be placed upon them,” he said.
Basmal vice president Jacob Chikoya said Fluech has the mandate to change the
squad if some players lose form or get injured.
Chikoya said the Afro Basketball tournament would attract teams that are within
Zone VI countries.
The coach is expected to name a 12-member squad when leaving for tournament
which is expected start in November.
The followings is the full squad; Daud Suleman, Vincent Mbeule, Alinane Harawa,
Emmanuel Kambalane,Albert Simango, Weluzani Chingota, Mtende Nzunda, Takondwa
Mengezi, Nelson Kanyenda, Hope Chisamanga, Jeff Kumwenda, Henry Mwalwanda,
Mwasoni Phiri and Chikondi Mwendera.

By Charles Mutebi

FUBA League results
Division 1 (men)
Power 98 UCU 68
Nkumba 100 St. Michael 68

Women
Leopards 106 Cubs 22

Today: YMCA
Women
Leopards v Stormers
Canons v Sparks

POWER came into this game with something of a playoff mindset.

UCU Canons didn’t and the result was a massive blow-out, a 98-68 victory that made Power 2010 FUBA men’s division one regular-season champions and the top-seed for the forthcoming playoffs.

“I told my players ‘let’s play it like a playoff game, like it is the last game of the finals,” Power coach Bernice Nkunda said.

In the other game, Nkumba Marines outwitted St Michael 100-68.

Results – Tuesday
Crane High 69-21 Planets

Women
UCU 56-41 KIU

Athleticism, finesse and the class of Lorraine Akinyi has made UCU Lady Canons the team to beat when the MTN-Fuba League play-offs start next week.

On Tuesday night, the university side strengthened their stranglehold on top spot by coasting to a 56-41 victory over KIU Rangers, another play-off bound team. Akinyi was the knight in shining armour with 11 points and 15 rebounds as UCU stretched their season record to 18-1.

KIU started well by restricting UCU to a one-point first quarter lead (9-8) but it wasn’t a contest from then on as the latter cruised through the final three periods 18-8, 9-11 and 20-14 respectively.

Judith Nansobya (13) was the only KIU player to breach the 10-point mark. For UCU, that first round loss to A-1 Challenge is now a distant prospect as the appointment of Mande Juruni as coach completely turned their fortunes around. After losing to in last year’s semi-finals, the former KIU guard introduced speed and guile to UCU’s as they seek to reclaim the crown.

Earlier, in the men’s division three, leaders Crane High thumped second-from-bottom Biston Planets 69-21. Andrew Deng scored a game high 18 points for Crane High.

CENTRE Robert Léon picked up the slack, scoring a staggering 51 points as men’s defending champions Baya got their Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup title defence on track.

Coach Michel Malbrook’s team earned a 10-point – 98-88 – margin victory over Anse Boileau-based Angels to progress to the quarterfinal of this year’s competition, where they will meet either Mont Fleuri Dawgz or AAP Brothers on Sunday at the Palais des Sports.

If they win their quarterfinal match, Baya, drawn in the second half of the draw, will play the winners of the Razors/MBU Rockers clash.
Razors dispatched RC Dynamics 72-64 to set up a quarterfinal showdown with MBU Rockers, who walked over.
In the top half, league division one champions PLS Hawks, who beat Juniors 84-58, are in the semifinal and await the winners of the Cascade Bullets/Premium Cobras clash. The Bullets knocked out second division winners Drifters 90-62.

In the women’s competition, Anse Etoile Stars are in the semifinal after beating Cadettes 110-13.

They will meet league champions HotShots, who are aiming for a second consecutive league and cup double.
Mont Fleuri, who have won a bye straight into the semis, await the winners of tomorrow’s match between Juniors and RA Sisters.

G. G.

Today’s fixtures

Classification match
Nigeria vs Ivory Coast – 12.00

Quarter-finals (Amahoro)
Algeria vs Egypt – 2pm
Gabon vs Mozambique – 4pm
Rwanda vs Tunisia – 6pm
Angola vs Mali – 8pm

THE junior hoops have Nigeria and Congo Brazzaville’s mischievous acts to thank for helping them inch into the last eight of the Afrobasket U-18 Kagame Cup.

According to the head of Fiba-Africa’s technical committee Alphonse Bile, the two countries were penalised for fielding over-age players in Godfrey Moses (Nigeria) and the pair of Itoua Makouana and Euloge Sosthene for Congo Brazzaville’s Red devils.

In accordance with Fiba-Africa’s regulations of united competition (RUC), article 6 and 36 were breached.

It is clearly spelt out in chapter II of article 6 that teams have to field players who fit into the given age bracket. They also have to respect the body’s statutes-something that was clearly violated on this occasion.

It is also emphasised in article 36 that it is the responsibility of federations to field eligible players.

In reaction to the breaches, the technical committee has suspended the players in question. It has also stripped the two sides of all the points for matches which featured the trio.

This means that Mali are now atop group A with 10 points, Mozambique are second with eight points, while Rwanda and Algeria follow closely in third and fourth place with seven points apiece. Rwanda beat the North Africans on point’s difference.

Congo is fifth with four points while Nigeria lies at the bottom with zero points after fielding Moses in all their matches.

Quarter-final clashes

While Algeria and Egypt meet in a North African derby and Gabon battle a re-energized Mozambique side, Rwanda hope to finally come good against Tunisia who finished second in group B.

The last quarter-final tie pits Angola against Mali.

Written by Anthony A. Stephens

Star Sports has gathered that the Liberia National Olympic Committee has lifted the suspension of all three suspended executives of the Liberia Basketball Federation.

LBF president, vice president and Executive Committee member, Gbour Wilson, Rufus Anderson and Solomon George were slapped with one year suspension each last September for what the LNOC called gross insubordination.

But Star Sports understands the ban has been lifted following the intervention of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

According to reports the ministry at a recent meeting disagreed with the decision of the LNOC and requested body to formerly announce the lifting of the suspension of the three individuals at press conference.
When contacted for confirmation, the Secretary General of the local Olympic committee couldn’t deny nor confirm the reports.

Mr. Joseph Willie told Star sports he was in class and would call later to comment on the matter.

Ittihad throw to the semi-final: Ittihad met today with a team of the UAE and the match ended in victory for Ittihad Group 81-74 After the extension of extra time saluting the two teams drew 62-62 for 5 minutes Saluting the Union emerged strongly in this half and ended the match in his favor To advance to the next round (semi-final) and corresponds to the Jordanian team of ASU again Note that the ASU had met the Ittihad within the second group in the first round and won it 77-68.

by Wasim Baruni
africabasket.com

Michael Scholl of the Detroit Pistons of United States of America has expressed satisfaction with the standard of this year’s edition of the Nestle Milo sponsored Top 50 basketball clinic.

Scholl, an American scout who has featured in the clinic since 2003 stated that Nigeria would soon emerge tops in basketball on the continent, stressing that the country have abundant talents to lift the country to the next level in slam and dunk.

His words: “With a little time and good organisation, I believe Nigeria have what it takes to become the best basketball country in Africa. I have been to about 32 African countries but I think Nigeria stands out in terms of raw talents than Angola.

“The likes of Ayodeji Egbeyemi 6.4ft, Godwin Oknoji 6.8ft and Loyola Marymount, an associate Head Coach with UNIV were discovered in this camp and they have been improving almost on a daily basis since they arrived the United States,” he informed.

Other NBA scouts who featured in this year’s Milo Top 50 basketball camp are Oklahoma City Thunder’s Patrict Engelbrecht and Gallo Fall who is the director of NBA Africa. Adeka Odaodu and Lateef Erinfolami led the Nigerian top coaches at the clinic.

Written by Mphatso Malidadi

Zomba based Magang’a have retained the Southern Zone Basketball League championship for the second successive time.

Magang’a were declared champions after strongest and closest title contenders Bricks forfeited points for their two games.

Bricks were scheduled to date Bangwe Bucks and Crazy Warriors over the weekend but the side failed to report for the matches due to what the club described as ‘pressing issues’.

Following the development, Magang’a have finished the season with 27 points from 14 games while Bricks concluded the season with 23 points. Bricks could have clinched the championship had they won the games which they forfeited points.

Magang’a senior player Emmanuel Kambale said they were happy to have defended the championship.
“We have been progressing since the formation of the team in 2005. We will continue working hard to impress at national championship,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bricks senior player Victor Jere said they failed to raise a team.
“We failed to raise a team because a number of our players travelled to Lilongwe to attend an urgent function. Our plans to raise a team on Saturday also suffered a setback after one of our players (Chopa Mkandawire) was hospitalised,” he said.

Jere said they could have complained to Sozobal to consider postponing the games but decided otherwise.
“We felt that the league had already delayed and there was no need to cause further delays,” he said.

Written by John Vianney Nsimbe http://www.observer.ug

When Miracle lost 73-79 to Kyambogo Warriors two Sundays ago, it was hard not to notice Edwin Kateregga and Douglas Uwizera weeping.

The tears showed how bitter a pill it was for Miracle to swallow by losing the final playoff spot to the men’s defending champions.

Miracle signaled their intent of dining on the same table with the big boys when they snapped up the marquee player, Stephen Omony in the second round. A former professional player in Seychelles and multiple play-off participant (and winner) with Falcons, Omony was expected to breathe new life into Miracle’s play-off bid.

He certainly did, leading the side to numerous victories. Two Sundays ago, though, his 20 points weren’t enough to keep Miracle’s play-off hopes afloat. Omony was philosophical in the face of failure. “I expect us to learn from this sad moment and build on it for next season.”

Brian Rugyendo, Miracle’s coach, told The Observer that much as they didn’t deserve to lose, seeing his players cry confirmed that the team has turned the corner. Such passion should stand Miracle in good stead next season.

And who wouldn’t want to see Miracle rubbing shoulders with the perennial big teams like DMark Power, Warriors, Falcons and UCU Canons? That shouldn’t be far off. Evidently, Miracle gave as good as they got against Warriors.

Such successes could be primarily attributed to the squad they’ve assembled since the beginning of the 2009 season.

With his powers waning today, Henry Malinga, who plays with his knee strapped, is a bench player at Warriors. He would nevertheless be Brian Sentongo’s understudy today. Sentongo has done an almighty job for Miracle in the paint.

The power forward has also mastered the jump-shot, which was Eric Malinga’s (Henry’s brother) forte at Falcons. Sentongo understudied the Malinga brothers while at Falcons.

While the Malinga brothers’ move away from Falcons has seen them fall on lean times, Sentongo has visibly benefitted from leaving Falcons as he has gotten substantial playing time.

Elsewhere, the tears notwithstanding, Kateregga, a centre, also used to sit on the Falcons bench. He is now the ultimate fox in the box who pounces on any loose balls and picks rebounds like a thief, unnoticed, just as Henry used to do.

In Francis Kasekende, Miracle has a good shooting guard on the three-point line. Miracle aren’t doing badly in the point-guard department as Hannington Yahaya, Albert Aciko and Colin Mukiza point the ball quite well.

In hindsight, if Miracle hadn’t lost Robert Mubiru, Paul Mwaka, Boniface Okello, Felix Olaba, Godwin Khisa and the high-scoring Donald Ssali before this season began, they would certainly be up there. In this respect, Miracle must guard against losing anymore players if they are to turn this season’s tears to next season’s joy.

Results – Tuesday
Crane High 69-21 Planets
Women
UCU 56-41 KIU

Athleticism, finesse and the class of Lorraine Akinyi has made UCU Lady Canons the team to beat when the MTN-Fuba League play-offs start next week.

On Tuesday night, the university side strengthened their stranglehold on top spot by coasting to a 56-41 victory over KIU Rangers, another play-off bound team. Akinyi was the knight in shining armour with 11 points and 15 rebounds as UCU stretched their season record to 18-1.

KIU started well by restricting UCU to a one-point first quarter lead (9-8) but it wasn’t a contest from then on as the latter cruised through the final three periods 18-8, 9-11 and 20-14 respectively.

Judith Nansobya (13) was the only KIU player to breach the 10-point mark. For UCU, that first round loss to A-1 Challenge is now a distant prospect as the appointment of Mande Juruni as coach completely turned their fortunes around. After losing to in last year’s semi-finals, the former KIU guard introduced speed and guile to UCU’s as they seek to reclaim the crown.

Earlier, in the men’s division three, leaders Crane High thumped second-from-bottom Biston Planets 69-21. Andrew Deng scored a game high 18 points for Crane High.

Yesterday’s results

Algeria 87-90 Congo Brazzaville
Ivory Coast 46-80 Gabon
Angola 47-73 Tunisia
Rwanda 69-70 Mozambique

RWANDA’s hopes of sneaking into the last eight of the Afrobasket U-18 Kagame Cup hang in a balance after yesterday’s 69-70 defeat against Mozambique.

The junior hoops were slight favourites heading into the game but were stunned by a side who marched into the game still looking for their first win of the competition after losing their first four games.

The youngsters got off to a poor start losing the first two quarters 12-13 and 9-22 but a second half surge almost swayed the game back in their favour.
The team bridged the deficit with a 21-13 third quarter win and looked on course for a sweat win with three minutes to play.
However, like it has played out in the last three games, the youngsters still managed to let down their fans in the last 20 seconds.
Lionel Hakizimana tried to lift the team with a game high 29 points but it was all in vain as he was fouled out with 40 seconds to play.
Pascal Karekezi, who was at fault for making a careless pass in the last seconds, also weighed in with 15 points.

Earlier in the day, Ivory Coast fell to Gabon 46-80, Tunisia rolled over Angola 73-47 while Congo Brazzaville had to dig deep before seeing off Algeria 90- 87 at Green Hills Academy.

Avec les play-offs WCBA dans quelques jours, le CPUT a battu son adversaire le plus coriace, Montana Vikings lors de son dernier match de la phase de poule qui s’est tenu à UCT.



score par quart temps :

Q1: 14 CPUT - 12 Vikings Montana,
Q2: CPUT 30 à 27 Vikings Montana,
Q3: CPUT 56 à 41 Vikings Montana,
Q4: CPUT 81 à 57 Vikings Montana.

Les autres résultats:

La 2nde équipe de Montana Vikings a battu les Vétérans pour s’offrir une place aux play-offs. Chez les dames, UCT a perdu face à Future Stars qui a joué sans coach. Les Play-offs débuteront le vendredi 15 Octobre vendredi à UCT.

Dar es Salaam. Arusha is in the advanced stage of preparations for this year’s Northern Zone Basketball Championship set to start next Friday at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium courts.

Arusha Basketball Association (ARBA) secretary general Alijua Mwakalinga told The Citizen that eight teams from four regions would compete in the three-day tournament.
He named the regions that have already submitted their confirmations as Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, and host Arusha.

Mwakalinga reminded other interested regions to confirm their participation before tomorrow to enable the association draw up fixtures.
“This is an open tournament, so I request all teams which are interested to take part to confirm early,” he said.

Even so, the official called upon various firms to come forward to support the organising committee.
“We still need some assistance to stage the best tournament, thus I request all companies to market themselves through sponsoring this event,” he said.
By Fadhil Iddy

By Charles Mutebi

FUBA League
Men’s div 1: Power v UCU
Women: Leopards v Cubs

BOTH teams say they are not after getting the number one seed for the forthcoming playoffs.

But at the same time both Power and the UCU Canons are promising to leave no stone unturned when they meet today at YCMA in a game that will ultimately determine who goes into the FUBA men’s top-flight playoffs as the top seed.

“It is not a big deal,” UCU guard Ivan Enabu and Power forward Isaac Afidra responded when asked about the importance of finishing the regular season in first place.

Today’s victors will face the Kyambogo Warriors in one playoff semi-final with the loser battling the Falcons in other.

Neither the Falcons nor the Warriors, who are defending champions, will be pushovers, which is why neither Power nor UCU are laying much emphasis on being the playoff first seed.

Consequently, both are aiming to use today for some high-level shooting practice ahead of the high-level competition that the post-season will bring.

“We want to win this game mainly because it is the kind of game we are going to play in the playoffs,” explained the skilful Enabu, who is nursing a swollen knee that he plans to play through till the end of the season. UCU beat Power 91-87 in their first leg encounter six month ago, a result that was somewhat of a shock at the time. This time, there can be no such reaction, whatever the outcome.

Yesterday’s results

Mali 76-58 Mozambique
Egypt 105-42 Ivory Coast
Tunisia 64-53 Gabon
Rwanda 71-74 Congo Brazzaville

Today’s fixtures (Day 6)

Ivory Coast vs Gabon – 2.30pm (Green Hills)
Angola vs Tunisia – 4pm
Congo Brazzaville vs Algeria -4.30pm (Green Hills)
Mozambique vs Rwanda – 6pm
Mali vs Nigeria -8pm

RWANDA’s junior hoops have everything to play for this evening when they take on Mozambique in their final group game at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

The junior hoops felt hard done after yesterday’s 71-74 defeat at the hands of a very physical Congo Brazzaville side.

It was by far Rwanda’s best display in the Afrobasket U-18 Kagame Cup. The head coach Paris Nelson did well as far as raising the team’s confidence levels is concerned.
For the first time in the tournament, the youngsters were driving into the D and making the lay-ups, base-line baskets, converting free throws and above all defending well.

At the end of the four quarters, the difference between the junior hoops and Congo’s red devils was the three-pointers. The Red devils made 15 three-pointers as opposed to Rwanda’s five. Pierre Missakila converted six while Jean Luc Ganogo weighed in with five.

Never-the-less, Nelson is still optimistic that Rwanda will sneak through to the quarters.

“This is a team on the up. They proved that today and I want to assure you that we shall win tomorrow’s game and qualify to the last eight,” the American said.

Earlier in the day, Egypt became the first time to hit the 100points mark when they downed a hapless Ivory Coast side 105-45. The result made it four wins on the trot for the North Africans and further cemented their place at the top of group B with 8 points.