Basketball in Africa

NELSON DIRENG

Two star-studded teams, selected by fans and coaches are set to clash in a basketball tournament aptly termed All-Star Weekend scheduled for August 19-20.

University of Botswana side, Relics has organised the tournament to take place at the UB courts. Fans chose their team, Fans' Favourite through a Facebook page titled Clubs' Player of the Year 2011.
The other team, the Coaches' Choice comprised players handpicked by coaches and team managers based on performances in the first round of the nation league that ended last month.

Relics chairperson Thandi Tumelo said the event would be the first of its kind locally. She expects a large turnout of spectators, as two teams consisting of select players from 13 male league clubs will be competing. The All Star showdown takes place on August 20 as the main attraction, while a curtain raiser, expected to be a game among interested spectators, would be played on August 19.
Tumelo said the purpose of the tournament is to showcase basketball to the UB community. She said Relics found it necessary to promote basketball as most league games are played at the UB courts.

She said Relics also want to provide some entertainment for UB students who have limited recreational activities within the campus. She however said the competition is not limited to UB students but to anyone interested.
'Participation is free but those who are lucky stand a chance of walking away with P1,000 or more from the various competitions that will be held,' she said.
Some of the competitions include ankle breakers, shootouts and street-ball. Tumelo said they have decided to incorporate hip-hop music to the show as basketball and hip-hop have a strong history.
She said the other purpose of the festival is to keep BBA league players active and fit during the mid-season break. Meanwhile, Relics have partnered with the Youth Against AIDS, Clubs Entertainment Basketball and Beemark Sports Gear to sponsor the event.

Tumelo said in future they would like some sponsors to jump on board as the event offers a platform to reach out to the youth.

Teams
Fans Favourite:
Mbaki Pitso, Michael Banda, Mothusi Phokoje (Troopers), Peter Bashe, Keletso Makgethe, James Kalebwe (Police), Tony Akpata (NIIT), Thuto Shai (Dolphins), Chinouya Chinouya, Brian Mwansa (Flames), Peter Ubakar (Spartans), Israel Mphato (BDF).

Coaches Choice:
Robert 'Bendo' Mosalakatane, Clive Phiri (Spartans), Mmoloki Segaetsho, Veil Mchunu (Flames), Ratanang Tsayang (Troopers), Churchill Burrows (Dolphins), Junior Kaiser (Bullets), Oscar Gobusamang (Police), Ketlwaelo Rahube (Drillers), Mpho Seretse (Splinters), David Adom (Cadets) and Collen Semele (Eagles).