Basketball in Africa

A few days to the MTN-Fuba League tip-off, the future of Richard Osano Omondi is far from sorted with Falcons and Miracle Eagles both claiming to have binding contracts with the mercurial forward. Last December, Omondi was reported to have left Falcons for Miracle after leading the former to the semifinals in a season riddled with non-payment of players by the six-time champions.

Now, Falcons’ new president Denis Mbidde claims to have tied the player to a four-year contract with a buy-out clause of $150, 000 (over Shs300m). On the other hand, this newspaper has seen a contract (MBC/DR/12/10/002) Omondi signed with Miracle on December 11, 2010. “He (Omondi) has never met them (Miracle). I know him for being a very honest person. He is one of the highest paid players in the league,” said Mbidde.

Brian Minge, Miracle’s Chief Executive Officer and financier, differs greatly. “When the season starts, Omondi is expected to wear our stripe. He is our player and you have seen the contract,” Minge said on Tuesday flashing a copy of the one-year deal. Much as the player refused to speak to this reporter, a source told us that Falcons owe him 10-month arrears, something Mbidde vehemently disputed.

Ready for fight
“I deal with straight things and he is paid up to-date. If there was breach, he should have written to me but he hasn’t,” he said. Adding; “he is not going anywhere. Actually, he is our new captain for the upcoming season.” Minge is ready for the fight even though Omondi wasn’t training with them when Daily Monitor visited the team at Mengo S.S. “We obtained the transfer form from Fuba and all that is left is for Falcons to sign.” Fuba rules only allow players to sign a maximum of two-year deals and can be free agents thereafter if they opt not to renew them.

In this rule, Falcons still have the rights over Omondi as he played for only one season unless Miracle pay. “His contract was breached just like the case with (Stephen) Omony (walk out from Falcons after the club failed to pay the agreed Shs72m),” Minge said. For now, Minge can feel confident that Norman Blick, who signed with him on March 29, 2011 under contract number MBC/NB/006/011, is trouble free.

“I have had that (his former club DMark Power is offering him more money than us. If so, they can buyout the contract. He cannot go for free,” the Miracle boss said. Elsewhere, Abdullahi Ramadhan will return to Uganda soon to sign a two-year deal with Falcons worth Shs1.2m a month having left Kyambogo Warriors last year. “All I have to do now is send him his air ticket to travel from Zanzibar,” Mbidde revealed. Fuba have also confirmed that the league will start next week and not tomorrow.

NAIROBI (FIBA Africa Zone V inter-city) - Nairobi's men and women's teams claimed the Sprite/Smart TV East and Central Africa Inter Cities crowns during tough finals played at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Sunday.

The men's side nipped a hard fighting Juba 68-60 in a fiercely contested final while in the women's category Select teams dismissed Combined teams 50-41 in the finals played before a huge crowd.

Ancette Wafula shot Nairobi into the opener with a three-pointer but Juba had other ideas posing all sorts of problems as both sides traded baskets.

Nairobi were up 22-21 in the first quarter but trailed 30-31 at the break. After intermission, a Desmond Owili dunk gave them a 43-34 cushion but Juba led by Arou Chan James Matiang, Simon Mayien and Joseph Situma ran them rugged.

The champions, who had easily won the first tie betwen the two teams 82-45, suddenly lost their flow. In the third quarter, Juba shot up 47-46.

After Mayien nailed a three pointer for a 50-46 edge, Nairobi edged back to lead 63-60 in the waning seconds before a steal by Victor Odendo and a thunder dunk by Owili sealed the win.

Wafula scored 21 points while Peter Kiganya nailed 10, but much credit goes to defensive ace Salim Ali who played his heart out. Matiang nailed 13 and Elijah Panel added 12 for Juba.

The women's finals saw Nairobi Select take a solid 17-9 and 15-11 lead in the first two quarters. The third ended on a deadlock 11-11 before a battling Combined took the fourth 10-7.

Angela Okoth hit 15, Hilda Luvandwa 14 and Silalei Shani 13 securing Nairobi's ninth title.

Kenya University (Kusa) teams won the third place play offs with the men pipping Dar es Salaam 60-54 while in the women's category, Kusa blew out Mogadishu 100-24 with Faith Owich icing the century scores with a sweet three pointer.

A total of 13 teams took part in the five day championship, with Nine men's teams - Nairobi, Juba, Kusa, Dar, Mombasa, Mwanza, Eldoret and Mogadishu - and four ladies' Select, Combined, Kusa and Mogadishu - battling it out.

Nairobi's Ancette Wafula and Silalei Agalo were named the tournaments Most Valuable Players (MVP).

Awards:
MVP Ancette Wafula (Nairobi - men's) and Silalei Shani (Nairobi - lady's)
MVP Two: Mark Mayien (Juba) and Caroline Achieng (Combined)
Best Defensive: Evans Leting (Kusa) and Faith Owich (Kusa)
Most Discilpned team: Bentiu Southern Sudan.
Dunking: Nelson Mandela.
Three points shooting: Moses Musosi.

The Inter-cities championship ended on April, 23th 2011 at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium. Among men and women categories, two teams of Nairobi (Kenya), which won the tournament.

Finals Results
Women
Nairobi Combined 46-51 Nairobi Select

Men
Juba 60-68 Nairobi

(by Olusegun Ikuesan)
With two games left in the regular season of the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League, Union Bank basketball club climb to the top of the conference log at the weekend with an 86-56 points win over Islanders basketball club in a week-12 pairing.

The win over the former Nigeria four-peat champion (Islanders) thus bring Union Bank basketball club record to 11-1 for 23 points to displaced Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt who is now second while Comets basketball club is placed third.

Union Bank BC next game will be against Comets basketball club next weekend at the sports hall of the national stadium, Surulere, Lagos and complete the regular season against Police Baton basketball club on May 8.

Action is expected to resume in the Savannah conference of the league soon after post presidential election violence caused the League Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation to put games in the conference on hold.

League Board chairman and federation 1st-Vice President, muktar Adamu Khaleh says the federation is watching events as it affect teams in the Savannah conference but gave assurance that with nomalcy returning to the areas the board will soon announce continuation of league games in the conference so as to finish the regular season on time.

Eight teams (four from each of the two conferences) are expected to make it to the final-8 playoffs with Kano Pillars basketball club as defending champion.

...... Dodan Warriors cage Police Baton 63-51

Coming from a 12-17 points lose in the first quarter of their week-12 pairing in Lagos on Sunday Dodan Warriors basketball club inch closer to a final-8 playoff qualification caging Police Baton basketball club by 63-51 points.

The Coach Adeka Daudu tutored Warriors reacted like a true warriors winning the second quarter by 19-08 points to take a 31-25 points advantage into the break, efforts by Coach Mark Balogun and his Police side to upstage the warriors at the resumption of play in the third quarter was rebuffed as both sides shared the 14points made in the quarter evenly (07-07) but it was the Warriors who took the initiative in the deciding quarter with compact offensive and defensive style of play, the full-court offense and defense thus yielded results of the 2006 FIBA Africa Champions Cup third place finisher winning the quarter by 25-19 points.

The results gave the Warriors a sound fourth placement on the log of the Atlantic conference with a 7-6 records.

FRANCISTOWN: Six clubs have joined the national basketball league, an official has said. Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) chairperson, Kabo Khama said four clubs will join the men competition while two will be in the women's league at the start of the 2011 season. This will bring the number to 14 in the men's league and six in women's category.

Former league sides, Dolphins and Drillers, newly-registered Titans and Jwaneng Bullets, will join the men's league. Khama said Dolphins will be rejoining the league for the second time after their brief suspension in 2009 when they failed to raise a team and honour fixtures. Drillers quit the league in 2007 when the competition was suspended due to financial constraints.

"The two (Dolphins and Drillers) used to be in the league before. We encountered serious problems in 2007 that forced Drillers to quit the league while Dolphins failed to raise a team to honour fixtures," Khama explained.

In the women's league, Gaborone-based Nugget Queens and Panpheres will join Police, Relic, BDF V and NIIT to bring the number to six. Most of Nugget Queens' players are from the Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) games.Khama said they expect to register one more club from Francistown before the season kicks-off.

"We are looking to register Splinters women's team before the season starts," he said. The season has been tentatively set to start in the second weekend of April.

Meanwhile, BBA will host the first edition of 'The Max' tournament in Gaborone this weekend to support former national team and BDF V player, Malebogo 'Max' Molefe who is disabled. The event starts at the University of Botswana (UB) courts tomorrow and features players and celebrities.

Molefe miraculously survived a shooting incident in 2009, when her ex-boyfriend opened fire.

"She is a former basketball player who survived the shooting. Her mates in conjunction with BBA organised this tournament as a way of support as she is no longer working," Khama said.

The theme of the tournament is 'The Max Against Violence'. Tickets will be sold at P20 at the gate. Donation forms will be available during the games.

Multichoice Botswana is among the companies that promised to sponsor the tournament and has donated a Dstv decoder to Molefe. One of the organisers of the tournament, Boineelo Magaga, appealed to different companies to assist the former national team player who needs money for physiotherapy. "Max's life has changed as she is not working and she is the only child in her family. The incident also forced her parent to quit her job, as she was self-employed as a farmer. She is home taking care of Molefe," Magaga said. Vee, Robbie Rob, Scar and DJ O'Neal of RB 2 will be playing for the celebrities against journalists.

Hosts Nairobi are through to the semi finals of the ongoing in the Sprite/Smart TV East and Central Africa Inter Cities championships at the Nyayo national stadium after upsetting defending champions Mombasa.

Nairobi who now top pool A qualified after an 81-56 win over Mombasa on Wednesday.

Mombasa however recovered to beat Mwanza with a 78-65 win on Thursday over Mwanza of Tanzania. The final game pool A game pitting Juba and Nairobi will be a nut cracker after the Sudanese team making their debut in the regional event winning a closely contested tie against Mombasa, 65-58.

In pool B, Kenya University also sealed their last four berth with a convincing win of 64-20 against winless Mogadishu on Thursday.

In the four team ladies competition, Maureen Andali scored 20 points in KUSA’s 64-20 win over Mogadishu. The Somali team had earlier lost to the Combined team 75-12.
Nairobi Select and Nairobi Combined will battle for the top position in the ladies event.

The tournament ends on Saturday,April 23.

The Palais des sports of Yaound hosted on Saturday 19 March, the matches of the 7th and last day of basketball championship. The main encounter was the one of the teams of Yaound, the leader Condor and Beac. As expected the match was very close. Beac beat Condor 73 to 63. Despite this score, Condor remains leader, vice champion of Africa, awarded champion of the first leg with 11 points. Injs Yaound, exempt because of the withdrawal of Far Compet was vice champion with 10 points. Phoenix Douala with the same point but a different goal average brought up the rear.

Far Compet Yaound has been withdrawn by the homologation and disciplinary committee of the Federation of Cameroonian basketball (Fecabasket). This decision results from the absence of the team to the 3rd and 4th day matches of first division national championship last 26 and 27 February. In a memorandum to the Fecabasket, the president of this team, as spokesman had indicated he would boycott the meeting of the economic capital if the conditions for organizing this competition were not improved. Insurance policy, subsidies for transportation and accommodation during the club travel for the championship are among their claims. Finally, Far Compet was the only team out of the 8 involved to miss this meeting. The homologation and disciplinary committee of the Federation of Cameroonian basketball had therefore withdrawn the team, meaning expulsion from the competition. There are then seven teams to attend the rest of the competition which second leg will be held next month


First leg ranking :

1st Condor 11 points, 2nd Injs and Phoenix Douala 10 points, 4th Montagne de lOuest and Beac 9 points chacun ; 6th Phoenix Ebolowa 8 points and 7th Volcanic 6 points.
Courtesy of: starafrica.com

Nelson Direng
Correspondent Mmegi Monitor 18/04/2011

Defending champions, Troopers, started the 2011 basketball league on a good note, drubbing BDF V 37-61 on Friday at the University of Botswana (UB) courts. Despite the loss, BDF V waged a good fight early on and gave Troopers a hard time in the first quarter in a fast-paced match. BDF V led 12-11 at the end of the first quarter but let their opponents dominate them in the second to fall behind 35-24.

After half time, BDF V seemed to collapse as Troopers trampled them to end the third quarter 44-34 and finally win 61-37. Troopers' coach, Thomas Raglin, said he was impressed with the way his charges handled their first game of the season despite minor glitches. He said his team was a bit unsettled in the first quarter, which is why they fell behind. 'We, however, got back in the game quickly and managed to take the lead,' he said.

Raglin explained that in their next game, they will focus on concentration from the start. He said they will revisit the basics and work on improving their game-plan. BDF V coach, Kenosi Moruakgomo, said despite the fact they have lost their first two games, he is confident his team will eventually get back on track. In their first match, BDV V lost to UB Dolphins. The military side ended last season poorly. Moruakgomo said his team performs badly because he is trying new combinations.

'Today's game was also tough because we were playing against a tough team. We also had many turnovers and lacked boxing out for rebounds,' he said.

Written by Felix Eupal

When news filtered in last week that the Enabu brothers Ivan and Jimmy had parted ways with UCU Canons and moved to join Kyambogo Warriors and Dmark Power respectively, most basketball enthusiasts were astounded.

Viewed as the glue that held the Canons, basketball enthusiasts never envisaged the Enabus leaving the Mukono-based side. Well, they now have, leaving many Canons fans distraught. But as they cry, Warriors fans are over the moon as typified by their team’s CEO Amborse Tashobya who reckons “no team will be able to stop us with Ivan on our side”.

Last season, Warriors struggled to bring the ball down court because it didn’t have a point guard of substance. They do now. Ivan’s ability to deliver has never been in question. Right from 2002 when he was a teenager with the now defunct Kaboja Secondary School, Ivan always did crazy things with the ball in his hands. He led the school to several championships.

The Enabus’ entire lineage has been basketball marvels. No-one was therefore surprised when Ivan’s younger brother, Jimmy acquitted himself whilst on the court. Together with his big brother, Jimmy picked an average Knight Riders team from the streets of Entebbe and led it to Fuba division one.

That was testament enough for the Canons to grant the pair scholarships, Ivan in 2007 and Jimmy last year. But with this talent and award cabinet filled with so many accolades, the one most important medal missing was the Fuba league winner’s medal.

It is because of that that the Enabus parted ways with the varsity side. “UCU have many players who can win them a title, I’m not saying I will not miss playing for them but with Warriors I have a better chance of winning the title,” Ivan confesses.

A title medal could just be one of the reasons. Despite both club and player being tightlipped about the details of the two-year contract, sources at the Warriors confirm that Tashobya almost had to break a bank to get Ivan’s services. Is it true? Was money a big factor? “All I can tell you is that the deal was so good I couldn’t turn it down,” he says.
The combination of Enabu and Ronnie Kasewu will definitely give Warriors the most explosive guarding force in the league. Whether new coach Mandy Juruni can harness the resources available remains to be seen though.
Warriors have always struggled to make their sixth man count, and Juruni doesn’t look likely to stop this. Elsewhere, Power with coaching problems of its own will be hoping Jimmy’s combination with the youngest of the Enabus – Emmanuel – pays dividends. Last season, Emmanuel dismantled defenses with his lightning speed.

In Jimmy, Power believes that they have the perfect replacement for Norman Blick who walked out on the club last month.

DMark Power have moved swiftly to replace Norman Blick with Jimmy Enabu from UCU Canons. The shooting guard signed a two-year deal on Tuesday. Champions Power lost their former captain Blick to Miracle Eagles after his contract expired and needed to beef up their team ahead of the new season.

This is the second time in as many years that Enabu is changing clubs having only left Knight Riders for UCU at the start of last season. “It’s a big challenge to play with a team that won last year. All I need is to work with the players here and everything will fall into place,” Enabu said.

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His reasons for choosing Power over the other two potential suitors Warriors and Falcons go way beyond money, he revealed. “I think Power favours my style of play.” “I cannot be Norman. I am here to do my part,” the shooting guard said. He will find lots of help to fit in with his younger brother Emmanuel Enabu already at Power.

Power CEO Alex Kasendwa has also offered Ben Komakech and Isaac Afidra new deals though the two stars are yet to sign. Elsewhere, Steven Mwesigye is also on the verge of joining Falcons from UCU.
UCU Canons have lost so many players following the acquisition of guard Sudi Ulanga (Falcons) plus forwards Martin Okwako (Warriors) and Desmond Owili (KCB, Kenya).

Anse Etoile Stars have taken a major step to reclaim the women’s league title lost to Anse Boileau-based HotShots two seasons back.

Their 67-62 victory over the reigning champions during the weekend has given them the impetus to push on. They are now in second place in the six-team standings with a maximum eight points after four wins in as many matches.
HotShots are the league leaders with nine points after playing five matches – four wins and a loss.
During the tightly-contested match, which took place at the NSC multipurpose hall, Roche Caïman, both teams displayed a well-disciplined game in both offence and defence.
After losing the first quarter 11-16, HotShots came out stronger in the second and fought back to win it 19-11 to conclude the first half with a three-point – 30-27 – lead.
In the third quarter, Anse Etoile Stars upped their game, especially in defence, and it allowed them to bridge the gap and outscore their opponents for a 49-45 lead at the end of the third 10-minute spell.

In the final quarter, the Stars managed to hold on to their lead despite the pressure from their opponents after losing captain Simone Malbrook with five personal fouls. They scored 18 points compared to HotShots’ 17 to win the match 67-62.

Stars' captain Simone Malbrook said her team are all out to regain all the titles lost over the past years, while HotShots' lanky skipper Tina Agathine is confident they will overcome the five-point deficit in the second round and retain the league title.

Meanwhile, in the men's division one league, Premium Cobras are still maintaining their 100 percent winning record, following their 71-51 victory over Razors. Cobras lead the table with 10 points after five matches, while Razors carry the weight of the table with two points following two defeats in as many matches.
Second placed Baya are also unbeaten in the league this season and their latest victims were RC Dynamics. After losing the first quarter 14-22, Baya took full control of the match to win the remaining quarters 29-11, 28-12 and 24-17 for a 95-63 victory.
Baya have eight points after four matches, while RC Dynamics are fourth with seven points after getting two wins in five matches.
Seventh-placed MBU Rockers also registered a win against Anse Boileau-based Angels. The Rockers completely dominated Angels, winning all four quarters 32-14, 21-6, 28-19 and 23-15 f or 94-54 victory.

With an even win-lose record of 2-2 in four games, the Rockers have six points and Angels are in fifth position with seven points with two wins and three defeats in five matches.

Following their 67- 63 win over Cascade Bullets, Mont Fleuri Dawgz, who have now won three times in five outings, are third on eight points. The Bullets are sixth on six points and they have just one win in five games.

R. D.

Dar es Salaam’s men basketball team today travels to Nairobi for the Inter-city championship albeit without their women side.Cash-strapped Dar es Salaam Basketball (BD) disclosed that they failed to raise enough money to field two teams.

Speaking during a news conference yesterday, BD president Simon Msofe said their efforts to send two teams hit the brick wall, thus the “Dream Team” will be the only representatives.
“Our intention was to be represented by two teams, but our efforts to raise funds were to no avail, so we had no option but to send one team,” he said.
The five-day tournament, which gets underway tomorrow, will see seven cities battle it out.
The cities are: Mombasa, Tanga, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Mogadishu, Arusha and host Nairobi.
The “Dream Team” squad leaving for Nairobi today comprises: Murshid Mudricat, Tony Jeikanga, Gilbert Batungi, George Tarimo, Sylivian Maige, Mohamed Yusuf, Cray Bony and Samwel Sige.

Others are: Adam Jegame, Frank Kusiga, Francis Mlewa, Frank Mwemezi, Alpha Kisusi and Amos Mgwassa.
The team will be under the tutelage of coaches Bahati Mgunda and Dassy Makula. (By Brown Msyani)

FRANCISTOWN: Bitter basketball rivals, BDF V and Troopers meet in the match of the weekend at the University of Botswana (UB) Courts tomorrow. Basketball fans who have been thirsting for top class action could not have asked for a better game as the league enters its second week. Defending champions, Troopers, lost twice to the army boys last season. Tomorrow's game, although coming early in the season, might have a bearing on who walks away with the title at the end of the campaign.

BDF V and Troopers have exhibited scintillating basketball each time they met and tomorrow is expected to be no different. The army side will be eager to quickly get their campaign back on track after lightweights, Dolphins, blanked them 58-57 in the first match. Dolphins have rejoined the league this season after the BBA suspended them for failure to honour fixtures in the 2009 campaign. While BDF V has already started the league, Troopers will be playing their first match when the two sides match.

Unpredictable Cadets who lost their opening match 61-63 to Police take on Spartans. In the women league games played last weekend, NIIT lost to newly-registered Panthers 46-35 while BDF V humiliated Police 20-0. Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) chairperson Kabo Khama said the league started well after a long break. He said they have registered three men clubs and two in the women league. Dolphins, Jwaneng and Drillers joined the men's league while Panthers and Splinters are the new sides in the women competition. Two clubs failed to register in time for the league.

Union Bank basketball club of Lagos Sunday stepped up its bid to finish as one of the two top teams from the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League walloped Chariots basketball club by 89-42 points in a local derby.

Union Bank BC won the second, third and fourth quarters by 30-06, 26-10 and 25-16 to bring its regular season records to 9-1 for 19 points.

Police Baton basketball club posted a surprised results also on Sunday when it edged final-8 favourite in the dying seconds of the week-11 pairing to win by 55-54 points.

Laiser Hill and Tigoi Girls High are this year’s national basketball champions.

Tigoi successfully defended their title with a clinical 84-40 victory over Shimba Hills as this year’s Brookside Kenya secondary schools Term One Games came to an end.
Jeremy Opiyo scored a game’s high 23 points for Maseno but couldn’t salvage their sinking boat as they relinquished the title to Laiser Hill 71-40.
In what was expected to be a tightly-contested affair, turned out to be one of the most one-sided finals in years. Judging from their body language, it was evident that Shimba Hills lost the match even before it began.
When Mitchelle Adhyambo wasn’t running into the Tigoi defence, Assuran Primerose was committing costly turnovers.

Regional games

“We are delighted to have retained the trophy. Since we won last year, we have been having constant training sessions. It has paid off,” said Tigoi coach, Bernard Jumba. “We are not resting as the regional games are just four months away. We also need to defend the trophy.”
Laiser Hill, whose win on Saturrday extended their national titles to four, pulled their usual Nelson Minah and Elijah Biar act, blowing most of a big lead before hanging on at the end.
Reuben Mutoro never wavered though, closing his spectacular championship outing with 11 points.
“It has been a long journey and we are glad to have made it safely,” said Laiser Hill’s Anthony Kirimi.
Omari Mulumba added 13 points and Minah had 10 and seven rebounds for Laiser, who led all the way, as they completed a double over the former champions. They won 73-50 in their first group match.
“We beat a lot of good teams,” Kirimi said. “All we can do is look forward to next season.”

Many turnovers

Maseno closed within five on Albino Ngor’s three-pointer with 4:18 to play in the first quarter. Lrry Nyangweso answered with a three-point play and Mutoro made a layup to keep Laiser in front, 20-10 in the end of the first quarter.
Opiyo won a jump ball, but then had it stolen by Mutoro. After a Laiser Hill timeout, Mwalimu Heri missed a three-pointer as Maseno’s pep talk seemed to work in their favour.
Opiyo intercepted James Aduke’s inbounds pass, got fouled and made both free throws, five minutes into the second quarter.
“In the first half, we were energetic and moving the ball and then we started looking at the scoreboard and stopped trying to make the extra pass. We also committed so many turnovers and that cost us,” said Maseno head coach Paul Otula.

Biar put on one final show for Laiser, dunking with abandon and showing off the flashy moves that are expected to win him the championship’s MVP.

El Ahly win Egyptian Basketball Cup 2011 that just finished in the country. In the Quarterfinals the winners edged Sporting 75:68, while the Semifinal game became one of the most interesting. El Ahly overcame El Gezira 78:75 as they opened the game with 28-24 lead. In the Final El Ahly rolled over Smouha 86:57.

By Sututu Katundu

SOUTH Africa boys basketball team were on Thursday crowned Africa Zone Six Under-16 Basketball champions after defeating Mozambique 77-76 in a dramatic clash played the Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka.

And Zambia on the same date made history when they beat Angola 58-49 despite being booted out of the medal contention.

South Africa Coach Xolile Nxumalo said in a post-match interview that his team’s win was testament that junior basketball in his country was coming of age after finishing runner-up to outgoing champions Angola in the previous event.
“It (the win) is great, its history in only our second attempt to win the tournament,” Nxumalo said.
“The chips were down during the game, we were under pressure but we played in the same tempo and stuck to the game plan and knew we could only get better and better.”
Thabo Sithole was South Africa’s most valuable player with 28 points after some flawless shooting.
South Africa rallied from 40-39 at the interval to breakaway by 10 points before Mozambique leveled 74-74 in the last quarter taking the game to the wire.

Mozambique’s impressive duo Hugo Martins and Helton Ubasse each contributed 24 points.

And Mozambique coach Miguel Gwambe saluted South Africa’s defensive play despite being under pressure in the first two quarters.
“We played well in the first two quarters; we congratulate South Africa because they played good after the second quarter. The other problem is we gave South Africa too much respect. Most of the teams we have played in the tournament have lost to us by 60 baskets, once your opponent has 70 baskets it becomes very difficult to beat them. But we know how to win and know how to lose,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mabutwe described Zambia’s win over Angola as historic.
“I am very excited but a bit sad because the boys played their hearts out the whole tournament and this was just confirmation after beating one of the big powerhouse of African basket, Angola,” Mabutwe said.
“Losing to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa that was a shock and not Angola because I expected us to beat them.”

The tournament came to a close last evening at the OYDC with Zambia boys facing Mozambique and Zimbabwe playing against Botswana.

By Sututu Katundu

MOZAMBIQUE girls’ team bounced back from Saturday’s opening round loss in the Africa Zone Six Under-16 Basketball Championship at the Olympic Youth Development Centre.

The team beat winless Botswana 115-15 in their second game just 24 hours after South Africa beat them 75-70.
By press time, Botswana men were in action against South Africa men and Zimbabwe women against Zambia women.
Zambia men played Mozambique men and Angola men faced Zimbabwe in the final match last evening.

Meanwhile in Saturday’s late results, South Africa boys beat Zimbabwe boys 75-70, Mozambique upset defending champions Angola 60-43 in the same category.

Results
Saturday
Boys
Zambia 127- Botswana 10
South Africa 75 - Zimbabwe 70
Angola 43 - Mozambique 60
Girls
Zambia 102-Botswana 18
Mozambique 65 - South Africa 71
Yesterday
Botswana 15 - Mozambique 115

Basketball champions Maseno School have two goals: Win games and extend the playing time for some of their reserves.

The national secondary schools boys’ champions showed it was possible to accomplish both in a 109-27 victory over Kangaru School, setting up a semi-final tie against Nairobi’s Upper Hill, who came from 26-37 down at half time to defeat Friends School Kamusinga 63-56.
In the other semi-final, East Africa champions Laiser Hill, who defeated Nyeri High School 88-32, meet Kamusinga.
Despite sitting out both Samuel Opel and George Okoth in the second and fourth quarters, Maseno were never seriously threatened by the Eastern Province side.

Towering forward

“We desperately needed a win,” said Opel, whose team will be looking to retain the title, should they go past the stubborn Upper Hill team.
“We’re trying to close out the championship on a positive note.”
If that’s going to happen, the Paul Otula’s boys are going to need more performances like they got against Kangaru.

It was clear early in the match that James Aduke was looking to make sure that no one else would come into these championships and steal the show.
Not only was it clear to the fans, but the players noticed, too.
The towering forward opened the game with eight first-quarter points, and ended up with 24 and 10 rebounds, while George Okoth added 19 and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Opel, Tombush Wamukoya and Claude Musalia were also among six Maseno players in double figures.
The fact that Aduke chose to take the scoring into his own hands wasn’t surprising - that is, after all, how he plays the game.
But his aggressiveness in attacking the rim was certainly something different, and his multiple slam dunks - including one where he narrowly avoided a chase-down block from Jonathan Kizito - were certainly a pleasant surprise. Aduke’s first dunk of the morning might have been his best: a powerful windmill, two-handed slam that he was able to throw down after beating Simon Raymond baseline off the dribble.
He then pointed to the young players on the bench as the reason for his unusually dunk-heavy performance.
Scoring, rebounding, high-flying slam dunks - Aduke had it all working in this one.
Kangaru School were in constant confusion and made mistake after mistake, often in glaring fashion, with Kizito shouting at teammates, seemingly after every one.

Some passes went into the stands, shots weren’t falling and there was little hustle. Not exactly the kind of performances the team from Eastern wanted in the last group match.

Tema Youth Turbo Jets
I'm beginning to loose it for Lebanon House. Nine cars either crossed or passed by the court during Wednesday's games. Talk of unnecessary interference!. TY started this game on a slow note, missing 3 easy fast breaks in a row. The Jets looked the more ambitious side taking the game on from the tip and went ahead to win the first half 29-20. TY returned a revitalized side still going to their "high-low" plays on the offense while Jones led them to keep the boards clean and a start a couple of breaks.


CEPS 91, Reformers 56



Complete blow out! from the on set it looked like the Reformers had already determined their fate with the kind of game they played going on to loose the first quarter 23 -08. It was nothing but a CEPS show, until the game got a bit too physical which led to too many unnecessary out bursts by both teams. As much as all present will agree that the referees made some questionable calls, which does happen quite regularly, it still doesn't warrant any sought of unsportsmanlike attitudes from the playing body especially when one team is having a 40 point blow out.

http://reboundgh.blogspot.com

Kyambogo Warriors have secured the signature of Ivan Enabu after the point guard left UCU Canons on Tuesday. Warriors sent a loud signal of intent in the transfer season that has had Miracle Eagles grab the headlines by securing Norman Blick from champions DMark Power.

Enabu’s move from the university side was almost inevitable since he completed his undergraduate studies at Mukono last year. “I am honoured to join Warriors. It will be interesting to play with everyone there and I am looking forward to a good season,” Enabu confirmed to Daily Monitor yesterday. His new club tied him down to a two-year deal though financial details were unavailable.

The move ends a period of relative uncertainty for the 2005 Zone V Nations Championships Most Valuable Player (MVP). Enabu nearly joined Falcons before the start of last season for a reported Shs50m but the deal fell through.

Champions in 2009, Warriors lost to Power 4-3 in a thrilling final series last season, a result many analysts tag to the lack of a natural ball handler. Warriors patron Ambrose Tashobya moved to rectify the shortfall by signing Enabu, arguably the most entertaining player in Uganda.

Throughout the play-offs, former Warriors coach Gad Eteu tried out Jude Ochen, Ronnie Kasewu and Tanzanian Abdulahi Ramadhan in the ball-handling role with none of the three nailing the responsibility fully. Ramadhan’s contract was not renewed. Speculation is rife that Ivan’s younger brother, Jimmy, might join him at Warriors soon though Falcons and Power are also luring the shooting guard.

Kenya will host this year East & Central Africa Inter-Cities Championship from April 19 to 23, 2011 at the Nyayo National stadium Gymnasium.

Several teams from the region have confirmed their participation among them.

Kenya plans to field six teams Nairobi City (Men and Women), Mombasa City (Men and Women) and the Universities combined team both Men and Women.
Tanzania could also be sending six teams both men and women from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Arusha, Uganda,Somalia and Sudan hope to send two teams each.
However entries are still expected from teams from Lusaka (Zambia), Tanga (Tanzania), Harare (Zimbabwe) Entebbe and Jinja both from Uganda.
Nairobi City Basketball teams will be defending both the men and women trophies. The women’s team defeated Kampala City 86-67 while the Nairobi men’s team were 84-77 victors over Dar es Salaam in the last edition held in 2007.

National basketball champions Maseno School began their title defence poorly when they lost 73-50 to old foes Laiser Hill Academy in the opening match of this year’s Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Term One Games at Kakamega High on Tuesday.

In another Pool “A” match, Kangaru School from Eastern Province edged out Alliance High School 47-45. It was a repeat of that nail-biting final at Upper Hill that saw Maseno pip Laiser Hill 54-52 to the title, only that this time Paul Otula’s boys failed to produce that sparkling display.
Trailing by just eight points going into the final quarter, Maseno were reduced to spectators as the mercurial East Africa schools champions suddenly began scooping easy baskets from all angles.
Maseno completely lost composure and the game quickly slipped from their grasp. One minute they were contemplating a famous win, the next they were reduced to damage control.
“We didn’t move the ball well enough at times to get the open looks that we wanted,” said Otula after the match.

Bubbling with confidence

“Our game plan was to pound the ball inside. But unfortunately, we took our eye off the basket. I told the guys at half-time that we needed to be ready to drop a few more shots out there but we never really did that.”

Laiser Hill, coached by Thomas “Smarts” Olugo, were bubbling with confidence from the moment they got to the court, and were greeted by a lively crowd.
Laiser Hill supporters are among the noisiest in the country and it could have been more intimidating for Maseno if the match had been staged in Kajiado.
Their side responded with a blistering start and stormed to an early 15-11 lead in the first quarter. But Maseno refused to be bullied and slowly began regaining lost ground.

Led by the predatory Jeremy Opiyo - who contributed 14 points and six rebounds - and solid work from Tombush Wamukoya and George Okoth, Maseno somehow dragged themselves back into contention against all odds. Samuel Opel also brought his trademark athleticism and eye for the half chance to bear.

Crucial three-pointer

At the break, Laiser Hill were 33-23 up as Elijah Bior, with a match-winning 25 points, found his range with a brilliant pair of three-pointers at the start of the third quarter.
But the splendid Opiyo shot a crucial three-pointer for Maseno as the gap closed back to eight.

But this did not sweep the leading side out of their stride, as the regional champions swiftly moved back to their 10-point advantage, 51-41, as Reuben Mutoro sank a pair of free-throws before the end of the third quarter.
Bior, a standout player in the match, relaunched Laiser Hill’s fourth quarter charge with a barrage of shots as the side’s experience at this level began to show while Maseno coiled with some costly turnovers.

KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) will host their first Premier League show this weekend when Ulinzi Warriors come calling at the Makande Welfare Hall. According to the fixtures released by Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) competitions secretary Joseph Amoko, the portsmen will have their hands full when they host former six-time national champions in what should be a fiercely fought duel. The other match to be played in Mombasa will be a lower division tie pitting newly promoted Kenya Navy against Parklands Baptists.

KCB whose last game was a disaster against Co-op Bank of Kenya return to meet Strathmore University and Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University at Nyayo Stadium. Strathmore beat KCA 51-42 over the weekend and hope for a repeat performance. Unbeaten Co-op, who have had a three week rest since stopping Lions have a date with lowly Blazers. The women's matches will see Predators and Gladiators host Western Delight at Nyayo. The Kakamega-based team started off well winning their two home matches. Storms take on Strathmore. Both teams experienced mixed results over the weekend with Storms beating Kenya Polytechnic University 73-21 and losing to Eagle Wings 58-38 while the students won against rivals United States International University (USIU).
Courtesy of: Nairobi Star
By Dann O'werre

Jumpball
This past Saturday we were in action at the Lebanon House, Tudu, Accra. Opponents, Reformers. Flash back, this team defeated Hoops in its debut in the Greater Accra League in 2008. Since then they have lost over three games and came into this one on a winning streak. Still trying to rotate our roster and getting the team to gel, this same like the right atmosphere to test the present selection of players. In uniform for Hoops were, 4 Elvis P 5 Fred Y. 6 Winston C. 7 Robert Z. 8 Kena M. 9 Meme F. 10 Ishmael S. 11 Joseph L. 12 Abdulwahab A. 13. Alex O. 14 Ikeh C. 15 Musah I.

Hoops took the first quarter 16-13, with brilliant performances from Fred who was attacking the rim at every possession sending him to the charity stripes and putting key players of Reformers in foul trouble. In no time their go to player, Mohammed was in foul problem and had to sit most of the time on the bench. This created an opening in the paint which was well exploited. In the second quarter both teams put up good defensive play and the fans at the venue were thrilled by blocks from both teams. Ishmael block sent the crowd in frenzy and most started to view it as block for the tournament. He showed one of his strong side by really jumping high and sticking the ball on the board. It had even the opposing team fans clapping. Robert Z. was all on the boards raking in rebounds and being aggressive. He is one player who sees limited action but is notice once he hits the floor. One of his blocks also had the crowd in the game. The highlight of the second half was a breakaway dunk by Alex O. The half ended 27-18.

In the third quarter, the combination of Meme and Fred give Hoops a 28-19 score for that quarter. It was just a matter of finishing touches in the final quarter. Reformers tried to make a run but on the counter their key players who were already in foul trouble pile it up and two foul out which slow down their offensive plans. They out score Hoops in the quarter 12-14 but the damage was already done earlier as they went down 64-51. Player of the week is Fred Y. who contributed 15pts, 4assts and 5rebounds. Other players in double figures are Meme, 16pts and Alex, 11pts. Next match is 16th April at the Prisons Court, Cantonment against Tudu Magic. Be there!!!!!

Things are heating up in the men's division two league as joint-leaders Juniors and Anse Etoile maintained their 100 percent winning record with wins over the weekend at the NSC Multisports Hall, Roche Caïman.

They both have six points after three matches apiece. Anse Etoile defeated Pointe Larue Falcons 72-62, and Juniors edged Beau Vallon Heat 46-43.

After winning the first quarter 15-13, Anse Etoile let down their guard allowing Falcons to close in and eventually overtake them to win the first half by four points – 34-30.
Without a certified coach on their bench, the Anse Etoile players relied on the knowhow of veteran player Daniel Pharabeau whose advice was well executed as they dominated their opponents in the second half, winning the third and fourth quarters 22-15 and 20-12.

Louchanno Moumou had the hot hands for Anse Etoile with 28 points, while Kevin Sinon was Falcons' top scorer with 23 points.

After carrying a six-point-lead – 30-24 – into the half-time break, Juniors lost the second half 16-19 but still won the match against the more-experienced Beau Vallon Heat on a 46-43 score.
Ron Estico was Juniors' top scorer with 12 points, while Jean-Paul De Commarmond sank three treys to finish on top of the Heat's scoring list with 12 points.

In the men's division one, Anse Boileau-based Angels defeated Razors 78-50 and RC Dynamics were victorious over Drifters on an 81-68 score.

In the women's league, defending champions HotShots dominated all four quarters – 34-2, 33-11, 43-2 and 34-6 – to trounce Cadettes 144-21. HotShots’ Myra Solin scored 36 points and teammate Beguitta Fontaine chipped in 35.

L. Françoise and S. Rose scored six points apiece for Cadettes who are coached by Patricia Samynadin.

Mont Fleuri also registered a victory during the weekend as they defeated RA Sisters 62-44. With 22 points, Agnes Bristol was Mont Fleuri's top scorer, while captain Tessa Mathiot led RA Sisters with 17 points.

R. D.

Women... CEPS 49, Police 55



No Georgina, no Becky, but Police got Emmanuela. Police reiterated their dominance of CEPS ladies by winning this much anticipated re-match of the finals that never "ended". Police made their thoughts clear once again; "we are not loosing to CEPS"seems like the plan their coaches had in their playbook as they beat CEPS for the second straight season. CEPS came into the game with a clear plan, pass the ball more, get open and get higher percentage shots. They did a good job at it especially in the first quarter as they started the game with a 10-2 run which was reduced to 14-10 by the end of the 1st. Polce stayed with their everyday game, get the ball to their "bigs" (Rahi and Esi) and let them get to work while their guards kept the CEPS defense honest with their shooting from downtown. Enter Emmanuela, another French speaking acquisition of the Police women's team. She got game! Picture a 5'9'', 5'10'' southpaw chic with a man's game; decent defense, jab step to the right, then quick dribble through the CEPS defense for the lay up. But then CEPS wasn't an easy foe,led by Belinda Tawiah(undersized but did a wonderful job defending Police' "bigs") they fought and kept the game alive to the end even though they looked beat from half way through the second quarter. Can't wait for the rematch of this game later in the year...


D1... CEPS 70, Magic 50
Not as boring as I thought it would have been, after watching these two teams play in last year's Thome Cabalan preliminary stages. A "Brimah-less" but "Douggy-ful"(back from suspension after 10 months) CEPS team looked like they were running a clinic on how to get Dodzie open for the jumper as they set multiple picks for him to do the baseline cut and take the trey. With Magic coach, Wilson still serving his suspension, the Magic were left to survive the game on their own. This game saw Magic's starting front court play a lot of minutes and they proved their worth to the team. They worked hard on the boards but still need some tweaking to make them the team's bedrock.

Defending champion of the Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club was in splendid performance Thursday beating home team Yelwa Hwaks basketball club of Bauchi by 89-68 points in a reschedule week-9 game.

The victory according to Pillars head coach, Sani Ahmed is a sign that his ward are prepared to take on any opposition on its way to winning a fourth straight league title and the third since Africa Pay-TV giant MultiChoice owners of the DStv/SuperSport franchise came on board two seasons ago.

2009/2010 last minute final-8 qualifiers Niger Potters basketball club of Minna stepped up its bid for a slot to the final-8 party in the ongoing season with an 82-69 points away win to Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos in Abuja.

Week-9 Results
Chariots 55-60 Police Baton
Warriors 69-74 Comets
Royal Hoopers 80-55 Union Bank
Delta Force 00-20 Union Bank (Walk-Over)
Immigration 62-65 Bauchi Nets
Tapgun Rockets 48-80 Kada Stars
Yelwa Hawks 68-89 Kano Pillars
Plateau Peaks 69-82 Niger Potters

The Prisons Court was the battle stage for this game. Basketball fans in Accra know that once these two teams meet good basketball is all they are expected to see. They were not let down as both teams brought it on from jump ball. In the first quarter both teams showed brilliant individual play. Warriors were slow down by one on one defensive pleasure while Hoops work the ball to find decent shots from the field. The quarter ended 12 apiece and all in attendance knew we were on for a long hustle game.



The duo of Sky Walker and Osofo who were absent in the last game was present this time and their combination played a big row in the team victory. Their presence brought the much needed energy the others needed to feed on and in the second quarter, a ten points gap was open and it seems like an easy win for Hoops. The second half started strong for the home team taking a 12-8 run but they were still down by one point with Hoops taking a one point lead into the fourth and final quarter. There were five ties in the fourth quarter and the fans were all on their feet as the ding dong battle went on. In the end, experience won. The combine experience of Meme, Sky Walker, Osofo and Alex give Hoops a 15-18 score for the quarter giving the victory to the new looking Hoops team, 47-51. There was jubilation among the Hoops players and supporters when the final whistle was sounded. “This is a great victory which we badly needed but it still show the amount of work needed to be done if we are to claim this year championship.” Said Coach C of Hoops. Asst. Coach D advice all players to be on camp by Wednesday for team work sections. Player of the week is Benjamin D. who bucket 13pts in the W. The other Hoops player in double digit is Meme F. who had 10pts including the game only break away slam. We are now 2-0 to start the season. Next match is 9th April against Reformers at 4pm, Lebanon House. Be there!

Cape Coast Hoops finally was on schedule. After its previous two matches against Police and Holy Family were postponed due to technical issues the team finally had its season opener against Ghana Fire Service Basketball Team. The team had the opportunity to debut a lot of new players for this match up. Partly because some of its players in the likes of “Sky Walker,” “Osofo,” “Ill Nana” et al were representing their university in the UPAC qualifiers which was held in Cape Coast. You can read more about this competition at www.basketballghana.com

Making their debut for Hoops were, Akpabio J, Pobi E, Soule I, Joseph L, Ikeh C and Okomefua A. The new look of the team had many fans at the venue going wow as the starting lineup was averaging 6’5” in height, which seems the biggest lineup in the league.

Been the first game and most of the players playing together for the first time, the game started with Meme F, throwing down the first dunk from a jump ball possession. That had the crown on their feet. From there it was rather a slow and calculative maneuvers as both sides look to take advantage. Hoops which trademark is defense for the season played spectacular 2-3 and 3-2 defense which checked the Fire team from freely attacking the basket and had to rely on outside shooting. There were out rebounded and a lot of blocks each time they enter the paint area.

By the end of the third quarter, darkness came in and both teams played under the light at the Prisons court. The poor light quality might have caused the progressions of the game as a lot of turnovers due to low visibility.

Meme F led all scorers with 16pts and 5 assts. The next match up is against Warriors on April 2, at the Prisons Court, Cantonment, Accra

Stephen Omony, Richard Osano Omondi and Norman Blick will all don the Miracle Eagles’ blue strip when the MTN-Fuba League season starts later this month.
This was confirmed after Blick left champions DMark Power last week to sign for Miracle on a one-year deal.

Speculation of Blick’s imminent move had been rife following the expiry of his two-year contract at Power until Miracle Chief Executive Officer Brian Minge confirmed to Daily Monitor yesterday.

“He signed a one-year contract with us,” Minge said in a short comment. It’s been a quiet transfer season so far save for Omondi joining Miracle from Falcons earlier.
Having come close to reaching the postseason for the first time in their history, the acquisition of the small forward will raise the expectations.

Blick is the reigning regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also won the postseason equivalent when he led Skyjammers (2001) and Nkumba Marines (2005) to their maiden crowns.

His signing must open the door for centre Brian Ssentogo to join Ndejje University Angels though Minge says it’s not that straightforward. “Blick is the last player we will sign. In addition, no one is leaving. For Brian, there have been talks but nothing concrete yet. We have 16 players and want all to stay,” Minge added.

This might imply that Ben Komakech may stay with Power if Kyambogo Warriors don’t snatch him. It remains to be seen what will become of Power as CEO Alex Kasendwa has been hard to trace for months now.

Dar es Salaam. Three Tanzanian cities have confirmed participation in the forthcoming Inter-city Basketball Championship slated for Nairobi on April 19.Dar es Salaam, the city that has already unveiled its men and women squads, will represent the country alongside Arusha and Mwanza.

Dar es Salaam Basketball (BD) unveiled on Tuesday 40 players who will be flying the national flag in the Kenyan capital.Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, the association’s director, Mbaga Mwamboma, was confident that the players they picked would spring some surprise in the regional event.

The official said all players were selected after considering their displays during the recently ended RBA League.
“We had a panel of coaches that was monitoring players during the RBA League and it’s our belief that the picked ones will go to compete and win us plaudits,” he said.

Besides, Mwamboma said that the Dar es Salaam teams were a blend of up-and-coming and experienced players. (Brown Msyani)

The men’s squad comprises: Murshid Mudricat, Tony Jeikanga, Gilbert Batungi, George Tarimo, Mussa Chacha, Sylivian Maige, Mohamed Yusuph, Cray Bony and Samwel Sige
Others are: Adam Jegame, Frank Kusiga, Himidi Choka, Francis Mlewa, Frank Mwemezi, Alpha Kisusi, Alphonce Kasekwa, Mwalimu Heri and Sunday Matondo.

The team will be under the tutelage of coaches Bahati Mgunda and Dassy Makula.

Mwamboma also named the women team players as: Linda John, Rehema Silomba, Zakia Kondo, Sajda Ahmed, Lucy Agustino, Nipael Kessy, Jacqueline Shaemezi, Faraja Malaki, Fatma Bakari, Naima Bori, Beltina Kazinja and Semeni Aswile.

The squad also comprises: Doritha Mbunda, Evodia Kazinja, Shaila Kibwana, Elizabeth Masenyi, Nely Anyingisyena and Tukusubila David. They will be under coaches Tubet Matiku and Vedastus Kwale. (By Brown Msyani)

THE highly anticipated national basketball league has been penciled to start in the first week of May according to Didier Shema-Maboko, the local basketball federation’s technical director.

After coasting to the pre-season tournament, it is clear that APR are ready to dethrone Kigali Basketball Club (KBC).
“Of course our top priority is to win the league. We intend to beef up the squad with three new players,” APR’s assistant coach Jean Paul Mukasa revealed.

KBC raised eyebrows when they edged APR to the title in what was only their debut season.
For their heroics, they pocketed Rwf 0.5m while APR (runners-up) and CSK (third-place) settled for Rwf0.3m and 0.2m respectively.
This year, eight teams are in contention and they include KBC, APR, CSK, Espoir, KIE, UGB and Lycee de Kigali.

The women league has St.Joseph, Butare High school, KIE, National University of Rwanda (NUR) and APR.

Eagle Wings shattered Sprite Storms’ unbeaten run to stay at the top of the women’s basketball Premier League table at the weekend.

The 2009 champions hit Storms 58-38 at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday with an eight-point tally from a four-match winning spree.
Storms, who had won three matches in a row, started off strongly but the more experienced Wings turned the tables on them as national team players Silalei Agalo and Caroline ‘‘Majeng’’ Achieng scored 12 and 10 points. Faustina Mandu replied with 12.

Despite the loss, Storms are second on seven points, having won three matches and lost one. On Saturday, they had whitewashed Kenya Polytechnic 73-27 at World Hope Centre.
Strathmore women beat Flames of the USIU-A 62-54 as evergreen Faith Owich scored a game-high 22 points and Valerie Oginga 11. Hilda Indasi, who returned to Flames from Kenya Ports Authority, sunk 20.

Terrorists hit Lakeside

World Hope kept clean sheets in three matches, humiliating Kenya Poly 80-28. Moses Obilo and Kenneth Wachira top-scored for the winners with 16 points.
University of Nairobi’s Terrorists rallied to beat visiting Lakeside from Kisumu 53-42 in the men’s Division One league tie in their first match after relegation. Lakeside had rocked Umoja 56-43 on Saturday.

Defend unbeaten record

Irene Makori sunk 15 points to help newcomers Co-operative Bank come from behind to defend their unbeaten record with a 56-53 extra-time win over Gladiators (formerly Yana).
Storms humiliated Kenya Poly 73-27 while Strathmore men dismissed fellow students Kenya College of Accountancy-University 51-42. Tony Abondo hit 13 for the winners.

Full results

Storms 38 Eagle Wings 58, Flames 23 Strathmore 62, World Hope 80 Kenya Polytechnic 28, Terrorists 53 Lakeside 42, KCA 42 Strathmore University 51, Umoja 43 Lakeside 56, Co-op Bank 56 Gladiators 53, Storms 73 Kenya Polytechnic 27

Police Baton basketball club on Sunday continued their search for a final-eight playoff slot in the Atlantic conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League posting a 60-55 points away win over Chariot basketball club in a local derby at the sport hall of the national stadium, Lagos.

Coach Mach Balogun's Baton side won the first and last quarters by 17-08 and 17-16 points respectively, with the 11-11 tied second and 15-20 proving insufficient for the rejuvenated Chariot side to fall to a 60-55 point final scoreline.

In the second game of the night, conference leaders and former league champions Comets came back from a 28-36 points first half deficit to record a 74-69 points victory over Dodan Warriors.
The Warriors, who entered the game aiming to unsettle Coach Ayo Bakare and his side following the former champions' last minute 83-81 win in the two teams' first encounter this season.
The Warriors managed to to keep their opponents at arm's length as they set up a narrow 36-28 halftime lead.
But Comets responded well late on, relying on their rich bench from the third quarter onwards to stop the agressive offensive play of the Warriors.
Comets thus picked the third and fourth quarters by 17-27 and 16-19 points to round up the game at 69-74 points to remain top of the Atlantic conference.

Results:
Chariot 55-60 Police Baton
Dodan Warriors 69-74 Comets

Pairings:

Atlantic conference
Royal Hoopers Vs Union Bank – 05/04
Delta Force Vs Union Bank – 06/04

Savannah conference
Immigration Vs Bauchi Nets – 06/04
Tapgun Rockets Vs Kada Stars – 06/04
Yelwa Hawks Vs Kano Pillars – 07/04
Plateau Peaks Vs Niger Potters – 07/04

Majuto Omary

The Citizen Reporter
Over 40 teams from various regions across the country are expected to compete in this year’s National Basketball League (NBL) opening on May 14 at a venue yet to be named.
Dar es Salaam’s Jeshi Stars and JKT are among teams that have so far confirmed their participation in the league, according to Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) assistant secretary general, Michael Maluwe.

In an interview with The Citizen yesterday, Maluwe said the league would take place either in Morogoro, Dar es Salaam or Tanga.“This year’s league will involve leading men and women’s teams from various regions in the country. Each region will field two men teams and two women’s sides,” he said.
He said Morogoro basketball authorities have shown interest in hosting the league, but they have yet to confirm officially.“In the past two days, I tried to contact them severally, but to no avail. If they fail to confirm until early next week, then we’ll shift it to either Tanga or Dar es Salaam,” he said.

Dar es Salaam’s JKT and ABC will compete in the men’s category while Jeshi Stars and JKT Stars will battle it out in the women’s series during the league.Maluwe said the door was still open for other teams interested in competing in the event. He said April 20 was the deadline for confirmation.

C.Y.O 44, Tema Youth 57
Most fans were looking forward to C.Y.O probably repeating last season's fling against TY. But they couldn't; even with a not as strong TY side that's in serious rebuilding mode. TY was the better side, more organized and composed on both ends of the floor and making C.Y.O's effort in the 4th Q not matter. And Jones is gradually becoming TY's go to man, finishing with 2 blocks, putting in a good chunk of effort on cleaning the boards and scoring the high percentage points on the block. The game of course cannot be talked about without the mention of the ever dramatic Mathias Ocloo, coach of C.Y.O, who yelled out commentary all day to his players


Panthers 43, Kingdom Hoops 58
This match didn't live up to expectation especially after seeing my beloved Panthers loose.K-Hoops are gradually making themselves the team to beat in D2. With their arsenal of experienced Accra L players and organization. Panthers lost the game to bad rotation due to fitness of players, lack of a system (which many of the L's teams lack anyway) and NO practice!

Holy Family 30, Reformers 41
A game that was so quiet am very sure not many of the fans present saw HF guard Djimate get a technical after walking all the way to the court to speak to ref. Steven about a call. The scoring per Q for this game was just awful 5-9, 10-8, 5-9 and 10-7. Reformers was the better side at the end of the day many due to the composure of their coach if you ask me. I heard him yell out a couple of instructions that many players don't like to hear but sometimes these are needed when the game is like this; played with not so much soul.

Game 1
Yotive - 49 Turbo - 64




Game 2
Police - 73 Magic - 66

Norman Blick and Ben Komakech are apparently set to join Miracle. These reports are unconfirmed but we can not say that they are baseless. In fact, it is reported that these allegations have 99.9% truth to them, of course considering them as independent events. So just in case it is confirmed that the two champs and actually reigning regular season and playoffs MVPs respectively are joing the Rubaga based Eagles, Where does that leave us, considering they already have Steven Omony, Richard Osanoh Omondi , Tumusime Francis and Peter Elungat among many more talents like Edwin Katerega, Mukiza, Ceasor and many more.