31 March 2012
ZIMBABWE : Inter-Provincial B/Ball Games Return
THE Inter-provincial basketball tournament bounces back today with 12 men and women's teams expected to battle it out in the event at Mutare Boys High and Raylton Sports Club.
The two-day tournament, which was last held in 2010, makes a return on the national scene with six provinces - Harare, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East, Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland set to participate.
Eight teams will fight for honours in the men's category while the women's section will feature four teams.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe competitions director, Simon Lawson, said they could not host the event last year due to other commitments.
"The last games were held in Bulawayo in 2010. We did not host last year's edition because of national commitments.
"We have eight men's teams and four women's teams that have confirmed their participation. This is the first time we are going to have Mashonaland East and Central at the tournament.
"However, some of our teams have been affected by the universities games that will be held throughout this weekend," said Lawson.
The two-day tournament, which was last held in 2010, makes a return on the national scene with six provinces - Harare, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East, Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland set to participate.
Eight teams will fight for honours in the men's category while the women's section will feature four teams.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe competitions director, Simon Lawson, said they could not host the event last year due to other commitments.
"The last games were held in Bulawayo in 2010. We did not host last year's edition because of national commitments.
"We have eight men's teams and four women's teams that have confirmed their participation. This is the first time we are going to have Mashonaland East and Central at the tournament.
"However, some of our teams have been affected by the universities games that will be held throughout this weekend," said Lawson.
NIGERIA : Hoopers, Warriors in Battle Royale
The Nigeria premier basketball league sponsored by DStv will enter its week-6 this weekend across the Atlantic and Savannah conferences as the race for final-8 tickets and fight against relegation hots up.
Defending champion Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt will host last season third place finisher Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos in a battle royale.
The week-6 fixtures is coming just two weeks after both sides went for each other jugulars in week-4 at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos with the Warriors gaining the upper hand with a 75-63 points win to end the winning streak of the Coach Ogoh Odaudu tutored Hoopers side.
Royal Hoopers have promised to put paid to the unbeaten run of the Coach Adeka Daudu tutored Warriors who seem to be enjoying one of its best season since gaining promotion to the elite division in 1998. The match promises to be the icing on the cake of the weekend fixtures.
In the Savannah conference, the pairing between unbeaten Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi and Kada Stars of Kaduna promises to live up to expectation as the star-match of the week of the conference which has seen Yelwa Hawks go five-match unbeaten so far in the regular season.
Other pairing has Chariots of Lagos hosting Nigeria Customs also of Lagos in a derby as the Customs search for its first win against the youthful Chariots which broke into the 2010/2011 winless run with a 73-67 points double over-time victory over Comets in the week-2 Atlantic conference fixture.
In the Savannah conference, Civil Defenders of Abuja will be at home to Niger Potters of Minna tomorrow at the Package-B of the Abuja national stadium; Bauchi Nets will continue its run for a place in the final-8 playoff as it hosts Immigration of Kano while Tapgun Rockets of Jos drag three-time champion of the DStv Premier League Kano Pillars to the sports complex of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Defending champion Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt will host last season third place finisher Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos in a battle royale.
The week-6 fixtures is coming just two weeks after both sides went for each other jugulars in week-4 at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos with the Warriors gaining the upper hand with a 75-63 points win to end the winning streak of the Coach Ogoh Odaudu tutored Hoopers side.
Royal Hoopers have promised to put paid to the unbeaten run of the Coach Adeka Daudu tutored Warriors who seem to be enjoying one of its best season since gaining promotion to the elite division in 1998. The match promises to be the icing on the cake of the weekend fixtures.
In the Savannah conference, the pairing between unbeaten Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi and Kada Stars of Kaduna promises to live up to expectation as the star-match of the week of the conference which has seen Yelwa Hawks go five-match unbeaten so far in the regular season.
Other pairing has Chariots of Lagos hosting Nigeria Customs also of Lagos in a derby as the Customs search for its first win against the youthful Chariots which broke into the 2010/2011 winless run with a 73-67 points double over-time victory over Comets in the week-2 Atlantic conference fixture.
In the Savannah conference, Civil Defenders of Abuja will be at home to Niger Potters of Minna tomorrow at the Package-B of the Abuja national stadium; Bauchi Nets will continue its run for a place in the final-8 playoff as it hosts Immigration of Kano while Tapgun Rockets of Jos drag three-time champion of the DStv Premier League Kano Pillars to the sports complex of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
NIGERIA : Islanders, Comets challenge for points
By EDDIE AKALONU
THE basketball league continues today and tomorrow with Week 6 games where in the Atlantic Conference, Islanders will try to reassert themselves with a sterling performance following last weekend’s 70-58 points loss to Comets. That win invariably reversed their season’s opening game loss to Comets that ended 64-60 points.
Islanders take on a lame Police Baton, a game enthusiasts expect will be an easy ride for them. But top of the bill is another game where Union Bank who were 67- 65 points winners over Customs take on a rejuvenated Comets who are expected to recreate the same form that gave them the game over Islanders last week.
In the same vein, holders, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt will host Warriors who are expected keep them on their toes but the cup holders are highly favoured to win. In the other game in the Conference, Chariots face Customs.
And tomorrow in the Savannah Conference, Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi are expected to continue their unbeaten run with a game against KADA Stars in Kaduna. Hawks last week had the better of Tapgun Rockets in Bauchi by winning 67-62 points.
Bauchi Nets who rode over Civil Defenders of Abuja 65- 45 are at home to Immigration in a tie they will not find hard to take. Completing the fixtures are Tapgun Rockets versus Kano Pillars and Defenders against Niger Potters both also tomorrow.
THE basketball league continues today and tomorrow with Week 6 games where in the Atlantic Conference, Islanders will try to reassert themselves with a sterling performance following last weekend’s 70-58 points loss to Comets. That win invariably reversed their season’s opening game loss to Comets that ended 64-60 points.
Islanders take on a lame Police Baton, a game enthusiasts expect will be an easy ride for them. But top of the bill is another game where Union Bank who were 67- 65 points winners over Customs take on a rejuvenated Comets who are expected to recreate the same form that gave them the game over Islanders last week.
In the same vein, holders, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt will host Warriors who are expected keep them on their toes but the cup holders are highly favoured to win. In the other game in the Conference, Chariots face Customs.
And tomorrow in the Savannah Conference, Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi are expected to continue their unbeaten run with a game against KADA Stars in Kaduna. Hawks last week had the better of Tapgun Rockets in Bauchi by winning 67-62 points.
Bauchi Nets who rode over Civil Defenders of Abuja 65- 45 are at home to Immigration in a tie they will not find hard to take. Completing the fixtures are Tapgun Rockets versus Kano Pillars and Defenders against Niger Potters both also tomorrow.
30 March 2012
UGANDA : One more night for Ikong and Kasewu
Ronnie Kasewu (R) tries to evade a block from Isaac Lugudde in an earlier FNL game . PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
By ISMAIL DHAKABA KIGONGO (email the author)
Last Friday, continental television giants SuperSport did air an advert for the Castle Lite-Friday Night Lights grand finale. It did re-run on several occasions thereafter and earned a slot on Africa Sportsline Show, a popular fast-paced 30-minute programme showcasing sport here and beyond. Last Friday, continental television giants SuperSport did air an advert for the Castle Lite-Friday Night Lights grand finale. It did re-run on several occasions thereafter and earned a slot on Africa Sportsline Show, a popular fast-paced 30-minute programme showcasing sport here and beyond.
The organisers, Kinetic Management Group (KMG), know they nailed it but the success of the fun basketball event could be judged today at YMCA court. Team Ikong faces Team Kasewu under the lights in the final of the second edition of the crowd-puller to crown a near-perfect eight weeks.
Unlike Ronnie Kasewu, whose team are on their maiden appearance in the final, Joseph Ikong did lead his side to the inaugural title last year. “I am glad we got this far this time but I think we have been more serious,” Kasewu said. The Warriors guard will not have forgotten that Ikong features for DMark Power, their biggest rivals.
If Kasewu lacked an incentive in beating a Power player in the final, there is Shs1.75m staked for the winner, whereas the runners-up are guaranteed Shs0.75m. “It’s not about the money. Money is there to motivate everyone and create a common goal. At the end, you walk in to have fun,” Kasewu added.
The thrills have been plenty and tonight is the seal. Many will be sad to see the second season of FNL gone.
UGANDA : Falcons terminates services of 10 players
Falcons Basketball club has terminated contracts of ten players in search for new skills according to club president Dennis Mbidde.
The affected players include Alec Dhol, Mika Opinya, Christopher Ouma, Jeasle Mony and Francis Mandego.
The others are; Francis Karoro, Phillip Buyondo, Nelson Njau, Isaac Bwire and Francis Okello.
Mbidde says that all the sacked players are now free agents even to the federation of Uganda Basketball association.
Mbidde however says they have retained the services of their captain Peter Elungat, long serving player Samuel Obol including Kenya's Richard Osano, Tanzanian pair of Abdallah Ramadhan and Phillip Amenyi
The affected players include Alec Dhol, Mika Opinya, Christopher Ouma, Jeasle Mony and Francis Mandego.
The others are; Francis Karoro, Phillip Buyondo, Nelson Njau, Isaac Bwire and Francis Okello.
Mbidde says that all the sacked players are now free agents even to the federation of Uganda Basketball association.
Mbidde however says they have retained the services of their captain Peter Elungat, long serving player Samuel Obol including Kenya's Richard Osano, Tanzanian pair of Abdallah Ramadhan and Phillip Amenyi
UGANDA : UCU EXODUS TO SEE FOUR PLAYERS LEAVE!
UCU canons, semi finalists in the last 2 seasons, with a thrilling one last season that stretched to game 5 are reportedly bound to lose 4 of their players. The list includes petulant player maker and point guard Omondi Jeff who is set to finish his masters course in April eyeing a Falcons switch and so is his brother Robert Mugabe, Adams Njoroge and Desmond Owilli are amongst the players set to leave the university side.
The university has apparently revised plans to host their annual UCU invitational tournament with their chances to win the tournament low courtesy of their thin squad. This has left coach Nick with Sudi Ulanga, Sunday Okot, Martin Owako, Robert Ogweno, Naftari to build a formidable side to challenge for the illusive championship. Could this explain UCU’s decision to pull out UCU Jr from the FUBA face off that could have seen two UCU sides in DIV 1? maybe!
Reports also indicate UCU are offering Jimmy Enabu a job to lure him from champions D mark Power. More, they are set to snatch rookie Otim Jonathan who turns out for team Ikong in the on going FNL from Ndejje university to strengthen their squad. Talk of desperate times calling for desperate moves!
The big question is now whether UCU is going down the drain or their desperate measures are going to put them back up in position to compete on fair court.
The university has apparently revised plans to host their annual UCU invitational tournament with their chances to win the tournament low courtesy of their thin squad. This has left coach Nick with Sudi Ulanga, Sunday Okot, Martin Owako, Robert Ogweno, Naftari to build a formidable side to challenge for the illusive championship. Could this explain UCU’s decision to pull out UCU Jr from the FUBA face off that could have seen two UCU sides in DIV 1? maybe!
Reports also indicate UCU are offering Jimmy Enabu a job to lure him from champions D mark Power. More, they are set to snatch rookie Otim Jonathan who turns out for team Ikong in the on going FNL from Ndejje university to strengthen their squad. Talk of desperate times calling for desperate moves!
The big question is now whether UCU is going down the drain or their desperate measures are going to put them back up in position to compete on fair court.
NAMIBIA : NBF unsure of league resumption
BAsketball
The 2011basketball season was marred by the suspension of all league action, a move that was allegedly done to accommodate for the training of league officials from the various leagues countrywide.
Despite a successful hosting of coaching and refereeing courses in Windhoek late last year, however, the federation has not yet decided on whether leagues are allowed to resume or not.
“It has not really been discussed so I cannot comment on that right now,” was what NBF Vice-President, Andrew Masongo, had to say when asked if the regional leagues affiliated to the federation would be allowed to resume their activities this year.
The federation, which recently signed an agreement with the Deutsche Basketball Bund (DBB) to catalyze the development of the sport in the country, has also been unable to evade adversity following recent reports of corruption and maladministration.
A similar situation last year resulted in some teams from Khomas paying registration fees for a league that never transpired since the federation’s decision to suspend all league action came only a few days before some leagues were set to start.
Meanwhile, despite the federation’s indecision, preparations for the commencement of the country’s premier basketball league -the Khomas Basketball Association league- are in full swing.
According to the association’s president, Isak Nahun, they had not received any information from the NBF indicating that the league may be suspended or cancelled again.
“As far as we know the league is going on as planned. They (NBF) have not come back to us about whether the league will not go on as planned, so unless they tell us otherwise, the league will continue as normal,” Nahum said.
The KBA league Director, Allan Nghixulifwa, confirmed last week that a total of nine clubs (Titans, UNAM Rebels, UNAM Raiders, Polytechnic Blues, Monotronic Success College, Plaza Warriors, Osire Camp, NAMPOL BC and Tomahawks) had already expressed interest in partaking in the league for the 2012 season.
Nghixulifwa also revealed that the league’s AGM is scheduled to take place in Windhoek on the 12 March 2012, where matters pertaining to the league’s commencement will be discussed at length.
NBF president, Kerri Tjitendero, could not be reached for comment.
29 March 2012
RWANDA : APR WIN NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
APR were this weekend were crowned champions of the Rwanda Basketball league, in both men and women category. In their last fixture, in men category APR thrashed Kigali Basketball Club (KBC) by 110 points to 63 to claim the title. The victory was a convincing one for a star-studded side like APR who have in the previous seasons dominated in the Rwanda Basketball League.
In other related news starting this coming Saturday at Nyagatare in Eastern Province, Imbuto Foundation will be organizing a tournament that is directed towards the fight against malaria. Participating teams will be made up of three members per team as opposed to the usual 5.
In other related news starting this coming Saturday at Nyagatare in Eastern Province, Imbuto Foundation will be organizing a tournament that is directed towards the fight against malaria. Participating teams will be made up of three members per team as opposed to the usual 5.
NIGERIA : Warriors Beat Chariots
Dodan Warriors of Lagos Tuesday evening continued their winning streak in the DSTV League, as they defeated Chariots by 90-57 points in a match played inside the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The coach Adeka Dauduz- tutored Warriors, who are unbeaten so far this season, dominated the match from the first jump ball till end of the game.
An elated Adeka, while speaking with P.M.Sports after the match said he was impressed with the victory, adding that his players played according to his instruction.
Coach of Chariots, Alex Ochoi, on his part, blamed their heavy loss to Warriors on the inexperience of his young players.
Despite the defeat, the coach said their target to qualify for the Super 8 is still achievable.
He said: “We lost our fourth match tonight because our players don’t have enough experience.”
By Bamidele Olowosagba
The coach Adeka Dauduz- tutored Warriors, who are unbeaten so far this season, dominated the match from the first jump ball till end of the game.
An elated Adeka, while speaking with P.M.Sports after the match said he was impressed with the victory, adding that his players played according to his instruction.
Coach of Chariots, Alex Ochoi, on his part, blamed their heavy loss to Warriors on the inexperience of his young players.
Despite the defeat, the coach said their target to qualify for the Super 8 is still achievable.
He said: “We lost our fourth match tonight because our players don’t have enough experience.”
By Bamidele Olowosagba
LIBERIA : Flames Burn Mogars 80 - 74 Points After Extra Time in LBA National League
Flames Burn Mogars 80 - 74 Points After Extra Time in LBA National League
It was a high tempo match with both coaches and officials shouting and or screaming throughout the game. Mogars took a commanding lead in the first quarter, 15 to 8 points, before Flames narrowly won the second quarter by 19 to 18 points.
Back from the half time break, both teams were leveled at 16 points after the third quarter but a host of Mogars’ replacements changed the game for the worst and they lost the last quarter by 16 to 22 points.
Their blushes was partly spared with two seconds to go as captain Alvin Kulah was fouled when he raced towards basket and referee Solomon Johnson signaled for three free throws, football’s version of a penalty.
Had Kulah gotten all, his team would have probably won the match by 65 to 64 points. Having scored two of the three throws, referee Johnson was compelled to signal for five extra minutes because there is no drawn game in the basketball world.
Flames won the extra period by 15 to 9 points, making the final score 80 to 74 points. But Kulah, who partly blamed their defeat to fatigue, was full of praises for his opponents.
“Actually, Flames did well. They played well and their tactics were informed. It was more physical. We played well but I think my team had a little bit of fatigue because we were doing physical these few days. I think that is where our fault came from. But we will come back with a lot of force,” he stated.
For a team that took on such a form by cutting some big trees that came their way, Kulah believes there are no minnows in the league.
“Honestly, basketball is a different kind of game. Every team in this league is a first division team. So no team is bigger than its friend. Flames played hard. Flames beat Uhuru Kings so they are a hard team too."
“They did well by winning and we must congratulate them for that. But we can assure the federation and our friends that we are coming back with force and we will do our best to qualify [for the championship finals],” he warned. Flames Head Coach Weekee Doe took over the team on the day of the match and no wonder why his voice was the loudest from the dugout.
“Well, the kids have potential. They played good basketball. They are young and they have energy. We just need to impact the technical know-how in them. For sure, the fans can expect something better from me.
“Obviously, basketball is a tough game especially for our kids. This is an amateur league. We have to keep them on their heels. You can’t be quiet as a coach. You must keep them on their heels to make them to do what you told them to do,” he justified.
In the early games, Don Bosco Legends forfeited to Ducor Magic, meaning the latter received free 20 points without bouncing a ball while Timberwolves beat Harbel Pointers by 49 to 42 points. Timber won the first, second and third quarters by 6 to 4, 11 to 9 and 16 to 9 points before losing the last quarter by 16 to 20 points.
But Timberwolves had to play the remaining part of the game without coach Jimmy Lee, who was ejected from the gym in the second quarter. Captain T. Wynstin Williams had to resume the coaching responsibility of the team.
On March 16, St. Paul Crushers lost 38 - 47 points to Uhuru Prince in game one while Bardnersville Celtics went down by 39 to 44 points to Heats in game two. In the last game, Mighty Barrolle struggled to beat Cardinals by 69 to 67 points in the first division.
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Coach Doe gives pep talks to his Flames squad
Have Cestos Mogars reached declining avenue in the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) national league? This will probably be a tough question to answer, especially for a team that have won five of six games against Commissioners, NPA Pythons, Mighty Barrolle, Uhuru Kings and SOS Trotters.
It was a game that pitted two friends: Malcolm Joseph and Zoegar Jaynes on a dramatic evening at the Sports Commission on Broad Street. Mogars fought against all odds before losing to Flames by 74 to 80 points after extra time in a first division clash on March 17.It was a high tempo match with both coaches and officials shouting and or screaming throughout the game. Mogars took a commanding lead in the first quarter, 15 to 8 points, before Flames narrowly won the second quarter by 19 to 18 points.
Back from the half time break, both teams were leveled at 16 points after the third quarter but a host of Mogars’ replacements changed the game for the worst and they lost the last quarter by 16 to 22 points.
Their blushes was partly spared with two seconds to go as captain Alvin Kulah was fouled when he raced towards basket and referee Solomon Johnson signaled for three free throws, football’s version of a penalty.
Had Kulah gotten all, his team would have probably won the match by 65 to 64 points. Having scored two of the three throws, referee Johnson was compelled to signal for five extra minutes because there is no drawn game in the basketball world.
Flames won the extra period by 15 to 9 points, making the final score 80 to 74 points. But Kulah, who partly blamed their defeat to fatigue, was full of praises for his opponents.
“Actually, Flames did well. They played well and their tactics were informed. It was more physical. We played well but I think my team had a little bit of fatigue because we were doing physical these few days. I think that is where our fault came from. But we will come back with a lot of force,” he stated.
For a team that took on such a form by cutting some big trees that came their way, Kulah believes there are no minnows in the league.
“They did well by winning and we must congratulate them for that. But we can assure the federation and our friends that we are coming back with force and we will do our best to qualify [for the championship finals],” he warned. Flames Head Coach Weekee Doe took over the team on the day of the match and no wonder why his voice was the loudest from the dugout.
“Well, the kids have potential. They played good basketball. They are young and they have energy. We just need to impact the technical know-how in them. For sure, the fans can expect something better from me.
“Obviously, basketball is a tough game especially for our kids. This is an amateur league. We have to keep them on their heels. You can’t be quiet as a coach. You must keep them on their heels to make them to do what you told them to do,” he justified.
In the early games, Don Bosco Legends forfeited to Ducor Magic, meaning the latter received free 20 points without bouncing a ball while Timberwolves beat Harbel Pointers by 49 to 42 points. Timber won the first, second and third quarters by 6 to 4, 11 to 9 and 16 to 9 points before losing the last quarter by 16 to 20 points.
But Timberwolves had to play the remaining part of the game without coach Jimmy Lee, who was ejected from the gym in the second quarter. Captain T. Wynstin Williams had to resume the coaching responsibility of the team.
On March 16, St. Paul Crushers lost 38 - 47 points to Uhuru Prince in game one while Bardnersville Celtics went down by 39 to 44 points to Heats in game two. In the last game, Mighty Barrolle struggled to beat Cardinals by 69 to 67 points in the first division.
