Basketball in Africa

The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) is on the brink of failing to send the national team to Rwanda next month to participate in the Africa Zone Five championships because of lack of funds.

The event, which is expected to attract both men and women teams from the countries within the zone, has been scheduled to take place in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.

TBF assistant secretary general Michael Maluwe said the federation needs 20m/- for preparations of the men and women squads and none has so far come out to support them.
“We need 20m/- to meet costs for preparations, which include players’ allowances,” he said.
He said the federation’s executive committee is expected to meet at the National Sports Council (NSC) hall on Sunday to discuss the country’s participation in the Africa Zone Five championships.
“The executive committee was tasked with seeking sponsors for the national teams and we will send the teams to Rwanda should we get sponsorship,” said Maluwe.
He said the failure to get financial support will mean the two squads will not go to Kigali and TBF officials, instead, will be there to attend the Zone Five general assembly.
Maluwe noted that the federation could opt to send one team if some funds will be available.

Meanwhile, Maluwe urged members of the TBF executive committee to attend the Sunday meeting at the NSC.
He said the meeting is crucial to the country’s participation in the regional tournament considering that there is little time left for preparations and the federation is strapped for cash.
“We strictly urge all members of the executive committee to attend the meeting,” he said.