KENYA : Strathmore and USIU to clash in Friday Night Basketball
Updated on 31/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
University side Strathmore will on Friday evening take on their fellow students United States International University in the KBF men’s Premier League as one of the main events during the Friday Night Basketball that takes place every first Friday of the month. Strathmore who are yet to be beaten in the league are at position 4 with 6 points having played 3 matches while USIU are 6th on the log with 4 points having won the two matches that they have played so far.
In the women’s category Strathmore ladies will also be in action against Storms who hold position 2 in the table with 6 points having lost 2 of the 4 matches played. On the other hand Strathmore are at position 8 having played only 2 matches winning one and losing the other. The matches are scheduled to start at 6pm at the Nyayo Gymnasium and the tickets will be going for Ksh300 for VIP section while the normal tickets will cost Ksh200. FIXTURES FRIDAY NIGHT 6.00PM STORMS VS STRATHMORE 8.00PM STRATHMORE VS USIU
SATURDAY 9.00AM ANU VS WORLD HOPE 10.30AM KCA-U VS EMYBA 12.00NN COOP VS PREDATORS 2.00PM STORMS VS EAGLE WINGS 4.OOPM KCB LIONS VS MMUST
SUNDAY 9.00 KAA VS UPPERHILL 10.30 TRAILBLAZERS VS NAKURU CLUB 12.00 STRATHMORE VS USIU 2.00 STRATHMORE VS MENNONITE 4.00 USIU VS MMUST
ZIMBABWE : Cameo Wins National Basketball Championships
CAMEO are this year's winners of the national basketball championships after beating Mercenaries in the finals at Richwood Park on Sunday. Cameo beat the Mutare side 48-47 in a tightly-contested final. The tournament saw 15 men and 10 women's teams battling it out at three venues -- Girls High School, Prince Edward School and Richwood Park.
The men's teams were divided into four pools with pool A made up of Mbare Heat, Kings and Oilers while pool B consisted of Mercenaries, Varsity Leopards, Pistons and Cameo.
Pool C was made up of JBC, Unicorns and Trail Blazers and pool D had Raiders, Dangamvura Knights, Highlanders and Cheetahs.
The women's section had two pools with pool A made up of Varsity Leopards, Lakers, Raiders, Greenstars and Kushinga Phikelela.
Pool B featured JBC, Giant, Real Returners, Pistons and Cameo.
Cameo had earlier beaten JBC 46-26 in the semi-finals.
Mercenaries beat defending champions Mbare Heat 59-49 in the other semi-final.
In the women's section, Varsity Leopards, retained their title when they defeated city rivals, JBC. 75-61.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe director for competitions, Simon Lawson, said they were impressed with the good show put up by the participating teams.
"It was tough competition and a close contest. If the finals can be decided by just one point it shows how tough the competition was.
"The men's competition was stiff you could not predict which team would win.
"Women, as well, did well. Greenstars lost because of inexperience, they are school kids. But all the pools were exciting," said Lawson.
The top two teams in each category will now represent the country at the Zone Six Club Championships to be held later this year.
Airtel replace MTN as new main sponsors as Rwenzori Bottling Company, Castle Lite and Daily Monitor sign up as topflight league partners.
Airtel have taken over from MTN as the new National Basketball League main sponsors.Rwenzori Bottling Company, Castle Lite and Daily Monitor are also partners for the re-branded league that has been ongoing without any corporate support since April.
“We are making a large enough contribution to take this game to the next level,” VG Somasekhar, the Airtel-Uganda managing director, revealed to the media in Kampala yesterday. Financial details of the new deal were, however, not revealed.
The year-long partnership heralds a new era after eight years with MTN, another telecommunications company, as the main sponsors.
The deal will though only benefit the men’s Division One and the women’s league which comprise 12 teams each.
Fuba made a commitment to run the Division Two and Three. Those other two divisions have 41 teams in total. Fuba officials and Kinetic Management Group (KMG), the sports management company that brokered the deal, repeatedly referred to the rebranding as ‘growth~.
A new logo to match the buzz was unveiled with Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya vowing to have the Lugogo Indoor Stadium active for basketball soon. Uganda is to host the Zone V Club Championships in July and August. “Currently, the venue is open to all sports except basketball because we were told to purchase new hoops worth about 23, 000 Euros, half of which we have managed to raise,” Tashobya said. “We are also in negotiations with SuperSport but that cannot happen when we are using an outdoor venue since rain can distract us.”
Every fan who buys a ticket for the DMark Power-Warriors clash tomorrow will get Shs2, 000 airtime at the entrance and more goodies were promised.
Kenya College of Accountancy University ladies basketball team leads the women’s category in the NBA with 13 points having lost only one of their six matches. EMYBA come in second closely with 11 points, however they have played the highest number of matches having honored a total of 8 matches. Multi Media come in 3rd having won 4 matches and lost 3, they also have 11 points. Safe Spaces, BBK Eaglets and KU Oryx hold position 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Footprints close the table with 3 points having won none of their matches. In the men’s category, Athi River based side Saints leads Zone A with 12 points having won 5 of their seven matches. Dolphins come in 2nd with 11 points having lost 3 of their seven matches. Impressive KU Pirates are at position 3 with 10 points having lost none of their 5 matches and on their way causing some major upsets including beating BBK Eagles. JKUAT Juja Campus and Zetech College are at the bottom of the table in Zone A with 5 points each but Zetech are unlucky to not have won any of their matches.
In Zone B,The unbeaten Equity bank leads with 14 points followed closely by university side Multi Media with 13 points. Baraka Extreme, Old Pirates and Legacy hold position 3, 4 and 5 respectively. JKUAT Karen campus closes the Zone B table with 4 points having lost all its matches in the league.
TANZANIA : Thabeet to Train Juvenile Basketball Players
TANZANIA international basketball star Hasheem Thabeet will conduct a two-day U-17 youth basketball clinic to be held at the Don Bosco basketball court Upanga, Dar es Salaam, from Friday.
Coca-Cola Company, through its Sprite brand, has sponsored a two-day, which will attract at least 200 youngsters from six regions. The clinic will focus mainly on the fundamentals of basketball such as ball passing and dribbling.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Assistant Secretary General Michael Maluwe said that participants will come from the regions of Mwanza, Mbeya, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Unguja and Pemba.
"We are pleased to get yet another opportunity to train the youth whom, we believe, constitute a significant platform for basketball development in the country," said Maluwe and commended Sprite for coming forth to sponsor this event.
This is the second time that Sprite is sponsoring Hasheem Thabeet's youth basketball clinic following a similar course in 2010 that was conducted at Don Bosco and benefitted over 200 participants from Dar es Salaam and upcountry regions.
Thabeet stands out as a basketball icon for Tanzania having been the first ever Tanzanian basketball player to find his way to the NBA league which is regarded as the top basketball tournament in the world. "I feel privileged to get this chance to train aspiring juvenile basketball players.
I believe some of them will become great basketball players in future," said Thabeet who is already in Dar es Salaam for the weekend assignment. On his part, Coca-Cola Tanzania Assistant Brand Manager Warda Kimaro said:
"Sprite is extremely proud to be associated with Hasheem Thabeet clinic and we believe it will give the youth a better understanding of the basics of the game and supplement TBF's concerted efforts to develop basketball in Tanzania."
Sprite started supporting basketball in Tanzania in 2010 and has since then sponsored various activities including regional tournaments, Zone Five basketball championships, AND1 matches in 2011 and April this year. The major aim is promote the game and inspire the youth to play the game.
Apart from sponsoring basketball tournaments and clinics, Sprite has also refurnished basketball courts in Dar es Salaam, Coast, Dodoma, Mbeya, Mwanza, Arusha and Kilimanjaro.
The students of the University of The Gambia (UTG) are on the process of forming a basketball team that will represent the institution in any basketball championship they will be invited. The move is also meant to promote the game at the UTG.
Speaking to Observer Sports at their training ground at the YMCA basketball lawn along the MDI road, Vincent Mendy, minister of Sports at the UTG Students Union, said the initiative is all geared towards promoting all sporting disciplines at the UTG just as football.
"But in order to capture everybody (UTG sportsmen and women) when it comes to sports, we thought it wise to initiate this so that those that are interested in the game can take part," he said.
He expressed hope that the initiative will unite the students through sports, noting that they have been organising test games in the past in order to identify good players. He expressed confidence that it would be a successful move, saying most of the UTG basketball players are competing in the national league.
"We want to leave a legacy at the UTG and we are therefore calling on the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Institutions, individuals, and UTG student body to come on board and support this worthy course," he added.
For his part, Yorro Njie, deputy Sports Minister at the UTG said: "We have good players at the UTG who are playing in the basketball league and we are trying to convince them to come and play for the UTG because the UTG should come first. We are not only establishing a team for the UTG but also to attract players at the junior and senior school for them to know that one day they can play for the UTG.
"The UTG is a standard University as always said by the vice chancellor and it is incumbent on every Gambian to portray the good image of the UTG. So we don't only want to focus on academic but also diversify to sports."
He equally called for support from the general public, while thanking Papa Njie, president of the Gambia Basketball Association who approached them personally and impressed on them theneed to have a basketball team at the UTG that can even take part in the national league.
In-form Dodan Warriors basketball club small forward Abdulwahab Yahaya was instrumental to the 69-67 points win for the Atlantic conference leaders over former league champions Comets on Saturday in Lagos.
The week-13 Game-49 pairing kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the four quarters of the explosive game of the 2011/2012 DStv Premier Basketball League game as Comets coach, Ayo Bakare made some decisive inputs to his side to rattle the Coach Adeka Daudu tutored Warriors. The performance gave pundits who had predicted a one-sided game against Comets to retreat following a 15-13 points win in the first quarter.
But Warriors charged back like wounded warriors' in the second quarter to take a point lead into the break with a 16-13 points win for a 29-28 points advantage. Fresh from the break, Yahaya and his teammates mounted a major offense on the Comets in order to maintain their invisibility in the conference with a 20-17 points to open up a four points lead into the last quarter but Coach Bakare proved his mettle as one of the best coach in the domestic scene when he propelled his young and inexperienced side to match the Warriors strength for strength. It resulted in the reduction of the margin to two points and almost created an upset but a three point attempt by its point guard Victor Ugo missed its target at the buzzer.
Yahaya led the floor with a double of 21 points, 17 rebounds and gave 4 assists while the duo of Solomon Idoko and Oladipupo Osunnubi added 12 and 10 points to help the Warriors survive a huge scare of the season. In the other games played in the Atlantic and Savannah conferences, Police Baton of Lagos lost at home to defending champions Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt by 67-84 points (12-23, 15-28, 15-18, 25-15).
Immigration of Kano continued its resurgence for a place in the playoffs with a 76-52 points win over Bauchi Nets while Niger Potters of Minna defeated visiting Defenders of Abuja by 91-86 points to maintain its third position on the conference table.
Record Fuba League champions Falcons finally found a way to close out games with 75-71 victory over UCU Canons at YMCA court on Sunday. They led by eight points with five minutes to play only to let UCU back in with centre Desmond Owili scoring seven of his 11 points in the final period.The university side clawed within two (67-69) and when Peter Elungat (16 points) made just one of his four free throws in the final two minutes, the old ghosts were visible. Unlike the loss to KIU and the 53-73 mauling at the hands of Warriors yet they were only down by seven at the start of the fourth, Falcons found a way.
Guard Geoff Omondi took charge with four of the final six points to sink his former side. Omondi had 12 points but only kept Sudi Ulanga to a game-high 20 points. However, it’s another former UCU player in Stephen Mwesigye who turned the game for Falcons. He made 10 points off the bench.
“I am pleased with the way we handled ourselves when they closed the gap,” Falcons’ coach Tony Oluka said.
KENYA : Delight and Lions win to extend lead in KBF league
Western Delight on Saturday extended their unbeaten run in the Kenya Basketball league with a comfortable 35- 73 win against their hosts Mennonites at the Nyayo stadium. Powered by Nancy Atieno’s 20 points, Delight extended their comfortable hold of the league table standings after four unbeaten matches this far.
Men’s Leaders KCB Lions also extended their good start to the season when they outplayedBlazers to a 87-53 win at the same venue. The ever green Ancet Wafula scored 29 points on the day for the Lions while Tobias Onyango had 15 points against Jay Michoma’s 10 points for Blazers.
A.N.U. 23/39 VS K.A.A. 25/67 16/07/08/08 10/15/22/20
19 pts kenneth macharia 23 pts franklyn delano 12 pts vito khote WORLDHOPE 16/53 VS UMOJA 29/56 14/02/18/19 16/13/16/11 15 pts patrick nakasiaka 14 pts rogers magati
17 pts evans orenge 14 pts ralph otieno
MENNONITES 28/35 VS WESTERN DELIGHT 27/73 06/14/08/07 10/17/19/27 08 pts belinda akinyi 20 pts nancy atieno 16 pts dianka nikuze THUNDER 45/79 VS MENNONITES 19/57 24/21/18/16 10/09/15/22 18 pts griffin ligare 15 pts joseph achega 14 pts adams njoroge 12 pts abdul hakim omar BLAZERS 25/53 VS KCB LIONS 37/87 12/13/11/17 26/11/32/18 10 pts jay michoma 29 pts ancette wafula 15 pts tobias onyango
UCU vs. Falcons (7.30pm) Warriors vs. Nkumba (5.30pm) Stormers vs. Vegeterian (3.30pm) W. Mak Cubs vs. KCC (9.30am) St Michaels vs. S. Jammers (1.30pm) Div 3. Phenoms vs. UMU (11.30am)
At Makerere
W. A1 vs. Nkumba (2pm) Nabisunsa vs. Cranes (12pm) Div 2. City Oil vs. UCU JV (4pm) Div 3. Planets vs. Blue Jackets (10am) Gulu vs. Kings (9am, Gulu)
UCU Canons, the team that has replaced Falcons amongst the ‘big three’, can sink them further when the two clash in the Fuba League at YMCA court today.
The university side, though yet to win a championship, has been to the playoffs in four of the previous years. Falcons missed out on the post season last year.
The odds are that both will get as there playoffs have been expanded from four to eight teams but Falcons are already behind the top sides. Their roster seems far from delivering as losses to KIU and Warriors showed that they remain miles from adding to their six titles.
All players and the coaching staff insist this is a work in progress but another defeat by UCU is not the solution to any question.
Julius Lutwama, signed from Nkumba Marines, and Brian Ssentogo, returning from a stint with Eagles, were the latest acquisitions in a 73-53 mauling by Warriors
Titans plot for surge in Fuba League. KIU Titans want to emulate the Fuba League stage DMark Power have owned on no less than five occasions already. It perhaps helps that they play on the same day on successive match-days. KIU face Heaters, just after Power face Rez Life at YMCA court today. The scenario was similar last Sunday as KIU beat Heaters whereas Power smacked a charged Ndejje University Angels. One lesson KIU want to take is closing out regular season games easily to get to the playoffs for only the second time and possibly win a first title.
Guard Salim Ali, signed from Heaters, will be a key figure to their aspirations. He has managed a paltry total of 15 points in two games. Nimrod Kaboha, the KIU coach, hopes for more from the Kenyan but is more concerned with the entire team. “Our target is to win every game,” Kaboha said. Richard Omondi has stood out for him since joining from Falcons.
Meanwhile, Power have won five and look like contenders for a record-equalling sixth title.
Kenya College of Accountancy University ladies’ basketball team leads the table in the ladies category of the NBA league with 13 points having played 7 games with EMYBA following closely on 11 points. Multi Media University and KU’s Oryx follow with 9 and 8 points respectively. The bottom two teams are JKUAT with 1 point while ANU has no point at all. In the men’s category, Little Prince enjoys the zone A summit with 10 points followed closely by Barclays’ bank Eagles with 9 points. JKUAT’s Juja Campus occupy the base of the table having managed only three points from those. Unbeaten Equity Bank leads zone B with 14 points followed by Multi Media men’s side with 11 points. Strathmore which has played only two games so far lie second to the bottom with 4 points with JKUAT Karen campus closing the table with 2 points.
Basketball league action between Power and Miracle at the YMCA two weeks ago
By Douglas Mazune
Today, 6:30pm
Women
Stormers v KIU Rangers
Men: Ndejje v Miracle 8:30pm
With Miracle Eagles just a shadow of what they were last season, Ndejje University should have an upper hand when they take them on in the FUBA basketball league at the YMCA courts in Wandegeya tonight.
Miracle who lost nearly the entire team that spurred them to the playoff semifi nals for the fi rst time in 15 years, are enduring a bad spell and the Ndejje Angels have the potential to add to their misery.
Ndejje, who lost to league giants D’Mark Power and Warriors, are hungry for victory to gain a respectable position in the league.
With their confi dence gone after the likes of Steven Omony and the Blick brothers
Norman and Donald, among other stars left, Miracle is just like any other mediocre side. Magic Stormers face KIU Rangers in the women’s league.
Two weeks have passed since Chris Kyebambe’s fall took some of the gloss from a fighting display by the Miracle Eagles in the 88-98 loss to DMark Power
The Eagles’ player-cum-team manager clattered the floor while contesting a rebound with Jimmy Enabu and blacked out needing urgent medical attention at Mulago Hospital that Friday night.
Kyebambe, fully recovered from the blackout, resumed training this week and is expected to play against Ndejje University Angels in a Fuba League game at YMCA court today.
“I have a slight strain in my shoulder and pelvis but I think I will play. At least I can shoot the ball again,” Kyebambe told Daily Monitor before yesterday’s practice sessionHe must be hoping his teammates show the same fighting spirit seen against the champions. Eagles, in troubled waters after their first playoff appearance last year, played with freedom offensively, attempting shots as often as they could.
NIGERIA : Zenith Bank Female League Final Dunk-Off May 31
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) yesterday announced May 31 as the dunking-off date for the final phase of the 2011/12 Zenith Bank Female Basketball League.
The annual championship, scheduled for the in-door hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, would end June 9.
Francis Gbiri, the NBBF Secretary, said that plans had been concluded to host the final phase of the competition.
"NBBF is ready and all necessary arrangements to make sure there are no flaws had been put in place, without doubt, the final is going to be successful," he said.
Gbiri said the former national coach, Agoola Pinhero, had been appointed to coordinate the championship.
The NBBF official said the final phase subsidy had been paid to all the teams featuring in the competition, to enable them to prepare well for the final play-off.
Gbiri said all the referees to officiate at the competition had been appointed
The first and second phases of the league were held in Kaduna and Ilorin respectively.
Gbiri said defending champions, First Deepwater Basketball Club of Lagos, topped the table at the end of the second phase in Ilorin, followed by Lagos-based First Bank Club.
The Sunshine Basketball Club of Akure was third on the chart, at the end of the second phase in Ilorin.
The teams competing in the final of the competition are First Deepwater of Lagos, First Bank of Lagos, Dolphins of Lagos, Sunshine Angels of Akure and Delta Force of Asaba.
Others are AHIP Queens of Kano, Immigration of Kano, Customs of Lagos, Plateau Peaks and FCT Angels. (NAN)
KENYA : Lions Delight at the helm of the KBF table
Updated on 23/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIE
KCB Lions tops the Kenya Basketball Federation League table with 8 points from four matches. Strathmore University comes second with 6 points while defending champions Co-op bank lies 3rd with 5 points having won two and lost two of its matches. University sides Masinde Muliro and USIU hold positions 6 (3points) and 7(2 points) respectively. Lakeside is the last placed team with no point having lost one game and their weekend fixture against Masinde Muliro University being rolled over in favor of the students after the debutants arrived at the match venue late.
In the women’s premier league , Western Delight leads the women’s category having won all its 3 matches to stand on 6 points while new comers Safe Spaces have the same number of points but have played 5 games. 2011 Champions Eagle Wings stand at position 5 with 4 points having won the two matches that they have played so far. KPA closes the women’s category with no points since they are yet to play any match. KCA – U are currently enjoy the summit of the Division one Basketball League with 8 points after 4 matches winning matches. Nairobi Aviation another student side follows closely in second place with 7 points after winning 3 matches and losing only one. African Nazarene University lies at the bottom of the table with 3 points having lost all its matches. Both leagues resume this weekend with the following fixtures lined up. 26th.05.2012 9.00 am WORLD HOPE VS UMOJA -NYAYO 10.00 am ANU VS KAA - '' 12.00 noon MENNONITES VS DELIGHT '' 2.00 pm THUNDER VS MENNONITES ,, 4.00 pm BLAZERS VS KCB LIONS ''
27TH.05.2012
12.00 NAKURU CLUB VS UPPERHILL -MHS
9.00 am NAIROBI AVIATION VS PARKLANDS-NYAYO 10.30 am GLADIATORS VS WESTERN DELIGHT '' 12.00 noon USIU VS STORMS ,, 2.00 pm MENNONITES VS COOP BANK ,, 4.00 pm USIU VS THUNDER
KENYA : Lakeside did not show up on time – Abel Wafula
Updated on 23/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Masinde Muliro tactician Abel Wafula has hit out at Lakeside Basketball for failing to show up on time for their KBF premier league match that was to be played on Saturday at Masinde Muliro.Failure by the debutants Lakeside to appear for the match awarded Masinde Muliro a walk over. Speaking to Michezoafrika.com, Wafula put the blame entirely on Lakeside, “The match was brought forward from 4pm to noon due to the rains that had been pounding Kakamega and the necessary communication were made even the federation knew that but they chose to ignore it.” He went on to add that even after trying to communicate to Lakeside they did not communicate back, “We tried calling them but they were negative in their response so the officials had to roll the game.” Lakeside showed up at 3:00pm way long after Masinde Muliro were awarded the match to put their record so far at 2 wins out of 3 games in the premier league.
NIGERIA : Zenith Basketball League - First Deepwater Open Training for Final Phase
Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised Zenith Bank Women Basketball League First Deepwater Basketball Club commences her training ahead the jump-ball of the final phase of the league set to dunk-off on May 31 through June 9.
The Coach Lateef Erinfolami tutored side is set to continue from where it stopped at the end of the first and second phases of the league with a hundred percent record.
The Oil & Gas ladies are gunning for a third straight title after defeating it arch rival and former title holder First Bank basketball club in the first two phases in Kaduna and Ilorin thus making the final phase a done-deal.
The club thus extended her winning streak to 32 league games from the second phase of last season.
Club Chairman, Babatunde Babalola has urged the players to go all out and complete what they started during the first phase by staying unbeaten at the buzzer on June 9.
Babalola says handsome reward awaits the players and their handlers at the end of the season but urge them to carry on to the FIBA Africa Zone-3 elimination slated for Monrovia, Liberia later in the year.
First Deepwater basketball club will open her final phase campaign against Plateau Rocks basketball club on May 31 at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos.
UGANDA : Promoted sides look to each other for solace
Rez Life and Vegetarian came through a bruising Division Two series final last year and must have hoped to enjoy life in the top tier upon promotion.
Predictably, they have found the going very tough in Division One which makes their clash at YMCA court today even more important.
Neither has won a game yet with Rez Life losing to Miracle Eagles (58-70), Giant Stormers (69-83) and Ndejje University Angels (58-81).Vegetarian have only played the toughest teams thus far; games which have ended in losses to DMark Power (65-102), Falcons (58-68) and Warriors (44-71). The trio have 12 titles between them. KIU Titans (30-63) and Heaters (66-70) have also feasted on Vegetarian.
When the two faced off for Division Two honours last December, Rez Life edged it 88-84 with William Odong 24 points and 10 rebounds to clinch the series 3-2.
Davis Apuuli added 21 and 12 boards for the victors but both had already qualified hence the significance was minimal.
This clash is all the more crucial with the top division being expanded from 10 to 12 teams. The winner knows it could kick start a turnaround.
On the other hand, defeat could mean looking over the shoulder for the rest of the campaign as most promoted teams have slid back at the first asking recently.
KENYA : KPA Succumb to Visiting KCB Lions At Their Own Makande Backyard
KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) succumbed to a 38-65 beating against visiting Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Lions before their home fans at the recently renovated Makande Stadium.
KCB were upbeat right from the whistle as they ruled all the four quarters. The bankers ran away with the first quarter 14-10 before returned to extend the lead with a 16-4 victory in the second.
KCB recorded a 14-10 win in the third quarter before sealing the match with an emphatic 21-14 in the last quarter.
Head coach Francis aka 'Officer' Ngunjiri said his side had left Nairobi with the sole objective of winning the match. " We came here with a mission and I am happy we accomplished it," he noted.
The loss is a bad start for the Dockers who were playing their first league match this year. KCB's Chiza Ntarata top scored with 16 points while compatriots Victor Odendo and Ancestas Wafula scored 10 points apiece.
KPA's Aran Dickson, Samuel Ochola posted nine points each while Javan Odhiambo scored eight. "This is a sad for basketball fans in the coast region but we have to accept it because it is the spirit of sports," said Coast Basketball Federation chairman Ali Hilmy.
Elsewhere, Starthmore University beat Blazers 69-59 in a Premier League clash at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium. The "Blades" who are eyeing a top four finish this year, rolled away early and never looked back.
They had 21 points from Davie Ogolla and 15 from Cliffton Odhiambo. Mutwiri Kiogoro led all scorers with game high of 25 points but this did not help them turn the tables on Blazers, who found the going rough.
But it was different scenario in the ladies match as Strathmore University "Swords" crushed 32-54 to an upbeat Co-operative Bank of Kenya side who had Emma Nyakweba scoring 15 and Irene Makori chipping in with 11.
The students had 11 from Denise Apondi and 10 from Carol Onsong. In the lower division, Emyba nipped Parklands Baptists 54-51, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) hit Umoja 59-42 while Trailblazers walloped Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 64-38.
ANGOLA/CAMEROON : Petro to Sign in Cameroonian Basketball Coach
The Cameroonian coach Lazare Adingono, aged 42, will replace the Portuguese Alberto Babo in the technical management of Petro de Luanda's senior males basketball team, Angop learnt on Monday from an official source.
In Luanda since last Wednesday, the Cameroonian national coach will sign a two-year contract.
SUNDAY RESULTS - FUBA LEAGUE M: KIU80-51Eagles M: Power76-69Ndejje M: Crane52-54Nkumba W: UCU52-37A1 Challenge Division II Rhino 58-60 Shooters Diamonds 57-62 Riders Division III. B. Jackets52-51Phenoms Emperor70-58St. Michael YMCA47-57UPDF
DMark Power showed KIU Titans how to close out regular season games without breaking much sweat.
On Sunday, the latter, who have a roster capable of delivering a maiden Fuba League title, copied fast beating Miracle Eagles 80-51. Their victory came just after champions Power held off a late rally to defeat Ndejje University Angels 76-69. Ndejje stunned KIU 55-50 a fortnight ago.
Something similar was on cards as Power only edged the first two quarters 13-11 and 17-12. They dominated the third 29-22 and looked comfortable from then on. Isaac Luggudde was on fire with 16 points and nine rebounds.
KENYA : Co-op Bank fell Strathmore in league contest
Co-operative Bank women’s basketball team on Saturday garnered two Premier League points in the first leg when they easily defeated Strathmore University 54-32 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
After having comfortably run over Mennonites 73-31 last weekend, coach Sylvia Njeri’s Strathmore posted one of their worst performances against the red-hot bankers.
Co-op Bank’s Celia Asila, who hit three-pointer, with Irene Makori and Linda Alando also hitting the target for the bankers. Co-op Bank raced to a 11-8 first quarter lead as the students remained shaky.
Strathmore take the lead
Coach Njeri, who has had a long experience in the competition, managed to inject fruitful ideas into the side as the varsity girls overturned the scoreline to go up 9-7 in the second quarter.
But Co-op Bank, refused to go down as they led 20-17 at the breather.
On resumption, Strathmore lost their fighting stamina leaving Co-op Bank’s experienced Emma Nyakweba to do the damage, scoring eight points with Alando also shooting 100 per cent.
Co-op Bank outscored the students 24-10 in the third quarter, with the result determining the fate of the first leg showdown.Nyakweba shot 12 points, Makori hit 11 for the winners while Carol Onsongo and Dennice Apondi each contributed 11 for the losers.
The league matches continue today in various venues as teams seek to consolidate their title campaign.
KCA-U win
In the men’s Division One competition, Victor Okello scored 11 points to lead Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) to a 54-42 win over Umoja. A first quarter 20-16 run motivated the students to lead 32-23 at half-time, in the match as Eric Mutoro replied with 13 points for Umoja.
Trail Blazers had no contest beating Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 64-38 in a one-sided first leg match. Shem Otieno was Trail Blazers key man scoring 13 points while Howard Nyerere added 12 as the winners led 27-17 at half-time.
ANU, who had nothing to offer trailing in all the four quarters, had Valentine Wachira scoring 13 points.
Parklands Baptist continued to fade early when Emyba rocked them 54-51 in a closely contested encounter.
Patrick Ruto, was behind Emyba’s good show scoring game-high 23 points which included five three pointers as they led 28-21 at the breather.
Emmanuel Ekai added 11 for the winners while Joel Opinya sunk 21 for Parklands Baptist, who had lost again 54-44 against Umoja last weekend.
KENYA : JKUAT halts Don Bosco's unbeaten run in NBA
Updated on 21/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Don Bosco went down to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology JKUAT 54 – 51 in a tight Nairobi Basketball Association league match played at the Railways Sports Club over the weekend. This was their first lost of the season.
But despite falling to the students, Steven Sassi the Don Bosco tactician said he was pleased with his side performance,
“I expected a very fast game and that is what they did. It has shown us that we are not invincible and when we head into the next game we shall be more cautious,”
JKUAT started on a high note in the 1st quarter beating Don Bosco 21 – 11 to take an early lead. But Don Bosco would elevate their play in the 2nd quarter though the students once again prevailed beating them closely by 8 points.
The 3rd quarter Don Bosco came charged and managed to prevail over their stubborn opponents with a close margin getting 12 points against JKUAT’s 9.
Despite winning the final quarter, the margin was not enough to cancel out JKUAT’s lead and Thika road side took the day.
Kijuba Guyton gave JKUAT 16 points while Michael Otieno and Dean Wamema managed 14 and 12 points respectively. Joel Atebe of Don Bosco stood out in all the matches played on Saturday scoring an impressive 27 points.
Maxwell Olumbo the JKUAT coach admitted that it was a tight match against a powerful team but said he was glad that his side maintained their clam and staged a strong defense play to win the day,
“The game was okay considering my boys just came from holiday this week and are not yet at their best, I know I have a good side worth checking.”
In other games that were played over the weekend, Kenya Polytechnic beat Our Lady Queen of Peace 56 -41 with Peter Mwaura getting 18 points for the winners while Jimmy Kibichi and Bazil Mugeni got 16 and 13 points respectively for Queen of Peace.
Strathmore thrashed JKUAT Karen Campus 86 – 29.
The ladies category saw K.U’s Oryx beat their neighbours JKUAT 34 – 28 while Strathmore ladies registered a second win in the league when they beat EMYBA 42 – 43. Philomena Sila and Dorcas Wambua managed 15 points each for EMYBA.
KCB Lion’s Chiza Ntirata led his team to drown hosts KPA basketball team 34-65 in a KBF basketball league match played in Mombasa on Saturday afternoon. Victor Odendo and Ancet Wafula then each added ten points to further sink the Ports men who trailed the Lions in all quarters of the match 10/14, 04/16,10/14 and 14/21.
In Nairobi, Cooperative Bank’s Kingdom Queens humbled Strathmore University 54-32 with Emma Nyakweba taking the day with 12 points. Irene Makori scored 11 same as Denise Apondi for the students though this was not enough to trim down a powerful opposition. But Strathmore men had a good day out on Saturday as they played to a ten points advantage over Blazers at Nyayo gymnasium. Strathmore won 69-59 with David Ogolla getting 21 points for the winners though Blazers’ Mutwiri Kiongora had the highest score of the match with 25 points to his name.
FULL SATURDAY RESULTS
EMYBA 28/54 VS PARKLANDS 21/51 13/15/12/14 15/06/10/20 25 pts Patrick Ruto 21 pts Joel Opinya 11 pts Emmanuel Ekai KCA-U 32/54 VS UMOJA 23/42 20/12/08/14 16/07/17/20 11 pts Victor Okello 13 pts Eric Mutoro 09 pts Antonio Bwire A.N.U. 17/38 VS TRAILBLAZERS 27/64 11/06/06/15 13/14/17/20 13 pts valentine Wachira 13 pts Shem Otieno 12 pts Howard Nyerere COOPBANK 20/54 VS STRATHMORE 17/32 11/09/24/10 08/09/10/05 12 pts Emma Nyakweba 11 pts Dennis Apondi 11 pts Irene Makori 10 pts Carol Onsongo BLAZERS 33/59 VS STRATHMORE 26/69 15/18/19/07 17/09/20/23 25 pts Mutwiri Kiongora 21 pts David Ogolla 14 pts Japheth Areba 15 pts Cliffton Odhiambo
KENYA : Baylor team donates kit to Saints Basketball
Updated on 20/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Athi- River based self supported club – The Saints basketball team- on Saturday received playing kit donations and balls from visiting Baylor University Sports team from Waco, Texas in the USA. The Saints team that plays in the Nairobi Basketball League (NBA) is coached by Eagle Wings player Samba Mjomba. Michezoafrika’s Walter Machio who is part of the team coordinating Baylor’s visit in Kenya together with Wes Yeary the Baylor team leader presented the kit to the team before they went into their Division 2 league match against Kenyatta University. While handing over the donations Yeary said that they were glad to support initiatives that recognize and appreciate sports as an important tool that brings change to the community. Yeary emphasized the need for a complete team that works towards achieving a mental, spiritual and physical growth of the persons engaged in the sports, “Baylor is a Christian University and part of our agenda is to push for an all round growth including spiritual mentorship and community transformation alongside physical growth, that is why we are supporting such initiatives.” He said. Samba Mjomba appreciated the support saying they need more encouragement since they are self supported and require all the help they can get. “Words cannot express how excited we are. The team has been struggling to get such kind of support and you guys are just like angels from heaven. May God bless all of you,” Samba said.
Weekend Basketball Schedule Friday May 18,2012 at Arat Kilo Gym Water Sport Vs Olympiacos 9:30 Saturday May 19, 2012 at Arat Kilo Gym Tasty Vs Green Star (2nd Division) 8:30 St Joseph Vs Red Fox (2nd Division) 10:00 Challenger Vs Cathedral (2nd Division) 11:30 Vivid Vs Addis Ababa University(1st Division)14:00 Housing Agency Vs BGI (1st Division Women) 15:30 Addis Afro Vs Friends (1s Division) 16:30
KENYA : Kenyatta University’s Pirates silences Saints in NBA League
Updated on 20/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Kenyatta University’s Pirates beat Saints from Athi- River 66 – 39 to remain unbeaten in the Nairobi Basketball Association (Div 2) on Saturday afternoon at the Railways Sports Club.
The match started with some drama when Saints’ point guard Richard Muisyo was denied the chance to play due to lack of proper identification. In the end the NBA officials were called in and it was decided that Muisyo could not play till the next match when he gets the proper documents.
Pirates who began the match at a high note thumped in a total of 18 points against Saints 10 points. Saints could not keep up in the second quarter with Pirates’ speed and they slumped managing only 4 points against their opponent’s 19 points to put the total scores at 37 – 14 at half time.
The 3rd quarter saw Pirates’ frustrate Saints more and they thrashed the visibly exhausted side 22 points to 9 points. The 4th quarter saw Saints stage a comeback when they beat KU with a 7 point margin the scores being 19 – 6 but it was little too late with the results witnessed in the previous quarters.
Mike Ngungi helped KU to 22 points while Renson Moibi gave his side 14 points. Simon Kaikai stood out for Saints with 18 points.
Speaking to Michezoafrika.com after the match, Pirates tactician Martin Muindy praised his side’s performance citing endurance as their main strength: “We have a secret and that is running. As a side we have dedicated to speed and endurance and that has worked for our advantage to add on that we play basic basketball."
Saints captain Michael Mwanza was forced to retract his pre-match bravado by conceding defeat citing fitness as a major hurdle for the team: “We were unfit and that showed in our recovery but we are going to work on that before the next match. The loss of Richard our point guard was also a major hit to our side but I know we shall recover,”
KU are set to face their neighbors JKUAT's Juja campus in the Thika Road derby on Sunday afternoon.
The Defenders basketball club of Abuja is currently the least ranked team in the Savannah conference of the DStv premier basketball league table. To escape relegation, they have tried all tricks in the books of basketball including buying of new players to beef up the team, increase of training hours to no avail. Their providence seems bent on seeing the team out of the DSTV premier Basketball league-Nigeria's most prestigious basketball league.
The Civil Defence as they are otherwise known lost their game against Bauchi Nets in last week's clash due to a technical hitch. Despite the fact that the team already had a three points lead in their favour, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria seemed keen on ensuring that the Civil Defence team forfeit any hope of competing next year at the elite basketball league. The unfortunate technical hitch incident is their third this year.
Paul Gombwar, Defenders coach told LEADERSHIP WEEKEND SPORTS that he plans to reverse the fortunes of the team. At the moment, escaping relegation is the prime plan. He revealed that winning their next two games will decide if they will be relegated from the league next year.
But despite the situation, he argues that his boys have improved tremendously and the team remains optimistic and are ready to fight the relegation battle to enable them remain at the premier basketball league next year.
They are set to encounter the Nigerian Immigration in Abuja their home ground after going over to Niger State to clash with the Niger Potters.
Both Falcons and Warriors admitted to being poor offensively after their MTN-Fuba League clash at YMCA court on Friday night.
Norman Blick and Ivan Enabu didn’t habour the same conclusion. Together, they ran the show to stretch Warriors’ winning start to five games with a 73-53 victory.
Point guard Enabu finished 19 and seven assists in an electrifying display that left the record champions gasping for breath on the transition.
Eight of those came in the fourth period. Norman, 15 points, was as important. The ultimate started with Warriors leading 47-40 in what had been a close game. The multiple champion with Sky Jammers, Nkumba Marines (2) and DMark Power executed on the first two transitions of the final period.
The lead grew to 51-40 and Falcons never recovered. He had six in the ultimate quarter.
“We struggled a lot in the first half ,so passing the ball more helped in the other two periods,” Warriors’ coach Mandy Juruni said. He was indeed right as Falcons - having added Francis Tumusiime, Julius Lutwama and Brian Ssentogo to their roster in the past week - ruled the boards 37-30.
A second loss in five games reminded them that there is quite a gulf to make up on the title contenders.
“Our positioning on offense needs work on the structure,” said guard Geoff Omondi, signed from UCU Canons. Adding: “most of the shots we made were under pressure. We didn’t get open shots.”
Norman guarded Stephen Omony for most of the night and the latter got only seven points, making one of nine from downtown.
Omondi had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Steven Mwesigye came off the bench to score 10.
Falcons, desperate to return to the playoffs, competed for three periods despite trailing 11-15, 14-13 and 15-19. Warriors took over in the fourth with the speed and agility of Enabu. The telling came on the free throws where Warriors made 15 of 19 and the opposition managed 7 of 14.
UGANDA : FUBA basketball league: Falcons unleash new faces
Ssentongo is set to be unleashed by Falcons/John Batanudde
Aware how tight their game against former champions Kyambogo Warriors is expected to be, Falcons are not taking any chances as they look for an outright win when the FUBA- Basketball league continues Friday.
The fallen champions in their campaign to prove to their main sponsors Blue Cubes that they are still good enough for the sponsorship have decided to unleash Brian Ssentongo and Francis Tumusiime as they seek to increase their strength in depth against the Warriors.
Despite joining the club during the offseason, the duo who crossed over from Miracle Eagles have not featured foe the club whose only loss so far came at the hands of KIU.
The duo will be supporting Kenyan import Philip Amenyi in their campaign to silence the Warriors.
But experienced Warriors coach Mande Juruni neither is nor scared of the unleashing as he is concentrating on seeing that his team wins the encounter.
In Sam Gombya, Juruni is expected to build his team’s attack and defence as he is the players that is expected not only to close out Amenyi, but also initiate the moves that will see Warriors victorious.
Gombya will be supported by Ronnie Kasewu and Norman Blick.
Juruni will also be welcoming back another towering Kenyan player Michael Kariuki who has been away for some time.
KENYA : We are taking one team at a time – KCB coach
Updated on 18/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Kenya Commercial Bank basketball team tactician Maurice Shitsama has indicated that his team will be taking one game at a time in the Kenya Basketball Federation League as it resumes this Saturday KCB will be travelling to Mombasa to face Kenya Ports Authority who are yet to play any match in the league and Shitsama will be wary of this and knows that he will be facing a strong team, “I have no idea of how they play and to add on that I am not aware of any player that they recruited during the off season.’’ But the coach says to beat the Ports men he will have to study their game plan quickly within the first five minutes before employing a counter reaction. “The first five minutes will be very crucial since that’s when we can determine their system of play.’’ KCB are yet to be beaten in the league with a 3/3 performance and Shitsama hopes to continue with the streak over the weekend.
Masinde Muliro University basketball coach Abel Wafula is optimistic that his side will win when they host promoted side Lakeside in the Kenya Basketball Federation premier league match tomorrow. MMUST as they are commonly known managed to bag 3 points in Nairobi 2 weeks ago and they hope to secure another win on Saturday to extend their good run at the commencement of the season. Speaking to Michezoafrika.com Wafula mentioned that the squad is in high spirits and that they have prepared well for the match over the weekend, “We have a full squad even though the University is not in session and the boys are psyched up for the game. I can say that everything is okay and we shall be going for a win.’’ Technically, the coach said he will be relying heavily on his point guards, “we shall be going for the 3 points and I know Alex Lugasi will be instrumental in this. We have a new player in the team Mike Okoth and he will be also pushing for the 3 pointers.’’
Saints basketball has sent out a chilling warning to their weekend opponents Kenyatta University calling on them to expect a thrashing when the two teams meet on Saturday in the Nairobi Basketball Association League at the Railways Sports Club. In their four matches played this season, Saints has lost only once to Dolphins and they don’t expect to lose any time soon. Speaking to Michezoafrika.com the team’s captain Michael Mwanza said that they will be banking on the sides shooting prowess and speed, “Everybody in our team can shoot, that is an added advantage to us. We are also fast and even if they are physically superior they will not intimidate us,’’ But KU has been the surprise team of the season and the Saints could ne in for a rude surprise. This season, KU has defeated Barclays and Zetech and the match on Saturday is a sure must watch.Kick off 1:30PM.
Despite what many sports pundits say, the Fuba league has for the last three seasons been a duopoly of two teams; Kyambogo Warriors and Dmark Power.
And let's face it the other two; UCU Canons and Miracle Eagles have been bridesmaids. Tonight that duopoly will be tested when Warriors take on Blue Cube Falcons at YMCA grounds. Falcons, the most successful team in Ugandan basketball, was a disaster last season - even failing to make the playoffs - but they returned to the drawing board and so far, it has been almost all smiles.
First, they hired new coaches in old boy Tony Oluka and Gad Eteu, who led them to their 2007 crown, as his assistant. They also convinced prodigal son Stephen Omony to return along with other former players like Francis Tumusiime, who will mahe his debut tonight [he has not featured since the season began because his paper work had n't been cleared], Brian Ssentongo is also set to make his debut tonight, Douglas Uwizera and Edward Kateregga are all former Falcons players who had crossed ship before realizing that home is best and they have vowed that this is the year they return Falcons to the Falcons that people knew.
Despite having a formidable arsenal Oluka knows that Warriors is not that easy to stop. They have strength in all corners the trio of Norman Blick, Ronnie Kasewu and Ivan Enabu can tear down any defense and then there is the towering Sam Gombya who ever since he found his footing has been a menace to teams in the paint, clearing the boards and picking those rebounds for the outlet.
However, many don't believe Gombya is the threat that Mande Juruni-Warriors coach-considers him to be because he has not come up against reasonable opposition yet considering that Warriors have only played a depleted Miracle, newly promoted Rez Life and Ndejje Angels, those are games you would expect him to have a field day.
THE Harare Basketball Association league will stage their outstanding matches at Richwood tomorrow, as the curtain comes down on the season. The matches were postponed last week.
The 2011-2012 league officially ended last week with Mbare Heat being crowned champions in the men's category while Varsity Leopards defended their title in the women's section.
The four outstanding games will see City Hornets taking on Hustlaz while JBC have a date against Black Rhinos. GA will clash against Faithwear Jammers while the women's competition will see Real Returners taking on Greenstars in their last matches of the season.
HBA league spokesperson, Carlos Munda said the matches to be played tomorrow will not have any impact on the top teams and added that they had a fruitful season despite facing challenges along the way.
"We got a lot of competition although there were ups and downs but we had our homework done that clubs have to pay their affiliation fees before the season starts.
"Generally it was an exciting season and we are very happy. We are now looking forward to the national club championships," said Munda.
Mbare Heat coach, Peter Mubanda said there was a lot of competition in the just ended 2011-2012 season and attributed his team's victory to their rich talent base.
"The competition was top level. There were four top teams, that is, Varsity Leopards, Raiderz, Cameo Sigauke and Mbare Heat and we were really challenged in all those games. Other teams like JBC gave us a good run for our money.
"I will attribute it to the quality of players we have and depth in our team. I got 89 players in who can play in any team, anywhere in the world. We got the best rotation than any other team and that helped us," said Mubanda.
Mubanda said they are now preparing for the club championships, which are scheduled for next weekend.
His counterpart, Spencer Nyamadzawo was a happy man after the Varsity Leopards women's team defended their title for the second consecutive year.
"It wasn't easy, it was a tough task considering the competition we faced but it was done through hardwork, team work and the players' effort that took us there. They wanted it so much, so it was easy for me to motivate them.
"We were the defending champions but it's my first time coaching Varsity and it feels great joining a team that has a culture of winning and being able to maintain that culture," said Nyamadzawo.
Nyamadzawo said their preparations for the club championships are already underway and are looking forward to the national event.
"Our preparations are going smoothly. I have a couple of injured players but I hope they will be fine by the time we play the championships. We are not taking any team for granted," he said.
The Fuba League stage that almost belonged to Falcons is now occupied by DMark Power and Warriors. It will take an effort from the record champions to challenge them. Today at YMCA court, Falcons face Warriors desperate to make early inroads. After missing out on the playoffs last season, Stephen Omony, Edwin Kateregga, and Geoff Omondi were signed, the former two rejoining.
Falcons have repeatedly evaded talk of the possibility of a seventh title but their roster is built to do exactly that. “All I want to see is progress,” Falcons’ coach Tony Oluka said. They did lose 64-56 to KIU Titans, their only defeat. Predictably, Warriors, beaten once last year during the regular season, are yet to lose a game this term – winning four.
He did add Norman Blick and Cyrus Kiviri to improve the back court depth. The growth of centre Sam Gombya has defined them.
UGANDA : Warriors light up Heaters, Falcons humble Saints
Kyambogo Warriors jumped to 14-0 run right from tip-off to blow out Heaters 84-44 yesterday evening at YMCA. Warriors (5-0) went into double digit lead early in the first period and did not relinguish it to the end of the game. Heaters (3-2) posted an ugly offensive first half scoring a mere 13 points on their way to the second straight skid.
Heaters improved their offense in the third quarter opening it with back-to-back triples and scored 17 points in the period but it was a little too late as Sam Gombya (10 points, 13 rebounds) hammered it down to close the quarter for Warriors at 64-30. Sirus Kiviri did most of the damage for Warriors with 18 points followed by Henry Malinga with 16 points and Ronnie Kasewu chipped in with 15 points while Ivan Enabu handed out 6 assits. Dickson Asiku led Heaters with 9 points and Tony Olila added 8 points.
Meanwhile BLUE CUBE Falcons saw off Rez Life Saints 71-44. This was Falcons' second straight win after falling to KIU. Falcons (4-1) opened the game with a 10-0 run and took the first quarter 18-8. Edwin Katerega (18 points) slammed it down to culminate the drive from his own half to open up the third quarter. Saints (0-5) came with in 5 with 2:10 to play in the third but did not come any closer than that all the way to their fifth straight slip of the season.
Douglas Uwereza and Steven Mwesigye scored 16 each for Falcons, Steven Omony added 14 points and big man Philp Ameny's 8 points went along with 12 boards. Rez Life was led by William Odongo with 12 points and Dan Jjuko scored a point less.
KENYA : Old Pirates will be our Hardest Match – Equity Coach
Updated on 16/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Radhi Ndalu the Equity Bank Basketball team tactician has admitted that their match against Old Pirates will be their hardest match so far in the ongoing Nairobi Basketball Association League (Div 2). The two teams are to face off on Saturday afternoon at the Railways Sports Club Speaking to Michezoafrika.com Ndalu pointed out the experience of the side saying that they must be cautious of the former KU Pirates players, “most of them played together when they were students at KU and considering that they know each other very well they pose a threat.’’ But the coach has the technique to lock them out saying he will employ a heavy defensive formation. “This week in practice we have really shifted our focus on defense, since in terms of offence we are okay. Considering I also have a number of experienced players I expect a very tight match on Saturday.’’ The match is scheduled to take place from 3:00PM according to NBA fixtures.
Giant Stormers, with only one victory to their name, take on UCU Canons in the Fuba League tonight.
John Omondi has made his mark as a coach in basketball circles. Also an umpire, Omondi, is one of those responsible for re-organising former champions Charging Rhino. Under him, Rhino returned to the men’s Division One but he left the club mid-way through last season. Rhino were relegated at the first time of asking.
He moved to Giant Stormers, who face perennial semifinalists UCU Canons in the Fuba League at YMCA court today.
Like at Rhino, Omondi has a tough job keeping the newly-promoted side in the topflight beyond their debut season. Besides coaching and umpiring, he is the Fuba statistician and also dons the Stormers’ strip which he did in the 72-43 rout by champions DMark Power.
Stormers have managed one victory in three, beating Rez Life 83-69. However, today’s clash against a UCU side undergoing rebuilding could be as tough as playing Power.
Last season, Omondi’s Rhino was the only team to defeat eventual losing finalists Warriors during the 18-game regular season, winning 82-68 on a slippery surface.
Stormers’ Davis Apuli, scorer of 22 points and 13 rebounds in the clash against Rez Life, will be key as UCU have only lost to Power and KIU Titans, teams with bigger and perhaps better rosters.
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza has become heavily reliant on guard Sudi Ulanga.
Today at YMCA UCU vs. Stormers (8.30pm) W: Mak Cubs vs. KIU (6.30pm)
NIGERIA : DStv League: Customs Win Protest against Union Bank
Action at the DStv Basketball League By Femi Solaja The League Board/Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has awarded two points to Nigeria Customs Service Basketball Club of Lagos in its 54-58 points lose to the Lagos banker played on March 11 in Lagos.
Customs had protested the inclusion of Union Bank’s Head Coach, Ayinla Oladipupo without letter of clearance from his last professional club in the United Kingdom in Game No 11 of the DStv Premier Basketball League which the NBBF upheld.
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of NBBF, Francis Gbiri who also doubles as the league board scribe, the bio-data submitted by Union Bank on Oladipupo was not properly completed.
Union Bank was stripped of the two points from the game which it won and was re-awarded to Customs.
Meanwhile, three-time champions of the DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars yesterday handed Yelwa Hawks of Bauchi it first defeat in the 2011/2012 season of the Nigeria top flight league with a 96-67 points win at the sports hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano.
The loss by Yelwa Hawks now makes Pillars the only team yet to taste defeat in the Savannah conference of the league. Niger Potters of Minna also posted a 15 points margin victory of 78-63 points win over Bauchi Nets in Minna while Kada Stars of Kaduna put smiles on the faces of their fans with a 79-53 points win over Tapgun Rockets of Jos at the Murtala Mohammed Square Kaduna. Nigeria Immigration walked-over Civil Defenders of Abuja.
In the Atlantic conference defending champion, Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt got back to winning ways with a 67-57 points win over Islanders of Lagos at the Civic Centre in Port Harcourt.
The win for the defending champion was to reassure its fans that it is determined to defend the league title it won last season after it’s week-6 79-81 points’ home loss to Dodan Warriors of Lagos.
Customs went past Comets in Lagos by 68-58 points; Union Bank had the better of Chariots by 77-60 points while Dodan Warriors survived Police Baton in a keenly contested week-7 pairing by 76-70 points.
NIGERIA : Ayinla, Turi, Abdulrahman for National U-18 Men Basketball Team
The Executive Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has approved the appointment of the trio of Coaches Ayinla Johnson (Union Bank), Sani Turi (Kada Stars) and Abdulrahman Mohammed (Bauchi Nets) as head coach and assistants of the nation's U-18 national basketball team.
The trio have been handed the responsibility of moulding a team that will compete for a place in the FIBA Africa Zone-III elimination billed for Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire from June 30 through July this year.
The coaches have been warned by the Nigeria basketball ruling body not to include any player in the DStv Premier Basketball League in the squad.
According to Federation President Tijjani Umar, the aim of the U-18 championship is to help in building a virile national team from the grassroots; stressing any player currently playing for clubs in the DStv premier league is not welcome in the U-18 team.
The coaches have been directed to scout for players from the Nestle Milo secondary school championship and other academies around the country.
The team will open it camp at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria soon ahead the Zone-III qualifiers as Nigeria hope to re-launch herself as a dominant force in Africa basketball.
NIGERIA : DSTV League - Warriors Show Class Against Islanders
Dodan Warriors continued their good run in the ongoing DStv basketball league on Sunday, with a 76- 55 victory over the Lagos Islanders at the Indoor Sports hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.
The result was Warriors' eleventh consecutive win in this year's DStv National Basketball League campaign.
The Warriors who paraded their best hands in Yahaya, Oshinubi, Jerry and host of others, defeated Islanders by 16-10, 23-13, 22-12 and 15-20 to consolidate their hold in the Atlantic Conference.
Speaking after the tie, Warriors' President, Sam Ahmedu commended his boys for a good job, while at the same time reminding them that it is not yet over until the league is over.
He charged them not to rest on their oars until the league is won, promising them a trip to Obudu Ranch and a foreign tour if they could clinch the final eight.
He said: "The battle has just started; other teams are watching us as we are progressing. Kano Pillars even sent someone to Lagos to get our tapes. The national team selectors are here to see your performance, and our remaining opponents are also here to see our weak point, that is why I said it is not yet time to start celebrating."
Ahmedu charged the boys to double their efforts to ensure they finish the Atlantic Conference undefeated.
"I am ready to break the vault for you guys if you win the league, I don't mind to be poor as long as you keep winning your matches," he said.
Warriors will take on Chariots next Sunday, and then battle Comets a week later before rapping it up with Police for their last match of the Conference.
Ndejje 63-51 Nkumba Vegeterian 30-63 KIU W. Nkumba 45-50 Mak Sparks Gladiators 40-74 KCC Div 2. B. Court 104-48 MBS Div 3. Ssaku 49-44 Stone Div 3. LC Hovers 40-13 YMCA Div 3. K’la Uni 48-55 Diamonds Div 3. UPDF 57-35 Planets
Kampala.
One week after Ndejje University Angels reminded KIU Titans of the road ahead if the latter are to challenge the duopoly of Warriors and DMark Power, the two shared happiness. KIU and Ndejje defeated newly-promoted Vegetarian 63-30 and former champions Nkumba Marines 63-51 respectively at YMCA court on Sunday. While the Ndejje roster has not changed in the past, KIU added guard Salim Ali from Heaters in the days past.
Ali was restricted to seven points and three assists on his debut for the university side that has signed big hoping for a first title. Emmanuel Aupal led KIU scorers with 13 points in a lukewarm performance against a team that offered little with none of the vegetarians crossing the 10-point barrier.KIU players stayed to see how to mark Geoffrey Soro, the hero of Ndejje’s narrow 55-50 triumph last Sunday with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The answers were not there as Soro continued his meteoric rise with a game-high 19 points and five rebounds.
KENYA : Co-Op, KCB win in weekend KBF League matches
Updated on 14/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Co-Op bank basketball team were back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium when they saw off Blazers 72 – 42 in the ongoing KBF Premier league.
Co-op bank who were shaking off a defeat against arch rivals and fellow bankers KCB the previous week dominated the match from the onset when they took the first quarter 16 – 11. The second quarter saw Co- op bank increase their lead when they thumped in an impressive 21 points against Blazers 8 points to put the total points at 37 – 19 in favor of the bankers.
The 3rd quarter saw Blazers try to stage a comeback when they acquired 13 points against Co-op banks’ 15 points, but slumped in the fourth quarter and the bankers proved why they are the defending champions beating Blazers with a margin of 10 points, when they got 20 points against their opponents 10 points.
Co-op banks’ Fredrick Odongo scored an outstanding 21 points for his side followed by Titus Musembi who had 11 points and James Mwangi who scored 9 points and also blocked the highest number of shots in the game with 3 blocks. Mwangi came second with the highest number of rebounds taken by Co-op bank in the game with 7 rebounds taken while his teammate Mark Mayen secured 15 rebounds.
Blazers’ Joel Koech gave his side the highest number of points when he scored 12 points while George Makori and Kiogoria Muturi followed with 8 points each. Koech stood out again in terms of rebounds taken by Blazers’ when he secured a total of 8 rebounds.
Co-op bank Coach Cary Odhiambo was happy that his team was playing according to plans,
“It was a good game and as far as I am concerned we are playing the way I want us to play."
On Saturday afternoon KCB Lions continued with their unbeaten run in the league when they beat Thunder 72 – 52 and Morris Shitsama termed the game as more of a practice session,
‘I used all the players in the bench. I wanted everybody to have a feel of the game and I can just say it was a practice session for us.’’
Thunder tactician Moses ‘Chopper’ conceded defeat mentioning that it was just their first game and they will go back to the drawing board and will come back.
“Iit was our first game so we have room to recover. They were better in terms of taking rebounds and on our side we had many loose balls and didn’t play as a unit.’’
KENYA : Kenya Poly falls to FOB in their first NBA match
Kenya Polytechnic lost their first match against Friends of Basketball (F.OB) in the ongoing Nairobi Basketball Association League over the weekend at the Railways Sports Club.
Kenya Poly as they are commonly referred to took a slight lead in the 1st quarter when they hit 9 points against F.O.B's 8 points. They continued with the positive start in the 2nd quarter to increase the margin with 5 points.They went on to take the quarter by 9 points against F.O.B’s 5 points to put the total points at 18 points for the students against their opponents’ 13 points.
It is in the 3rd quarter that Kenya Poly faltered when they were fell by 4 points. F.O.B managed to get 10 points from the quarter while Kenya Poly got 6 points to reduce the advantage that they had by just a single point.
In the final quarter F.O.B came out all guns blazing and dominated the quarter and took home the win after hitting 15 points against Kenya Poly’s 7 to put the final score at 31 – 38.
F.O.B tactician Achega Joseph attributed the win to his sides’ patience,
"we have never played Kenya Poly before so in the 1st and 2nd quarters we were sizing them up and we managed to recover in the 3rd and 4th since we knew how they played. The reaction depended on us and we did so.," said Achega.
Victor Osewe the Kenya Poly coach had a number of reasons for the loss mainly citing lack of experience,
“The current squad is new with a majority of young players and they are still trying to cope with the competition at this level.” He went on further to mention that the students had just resumed from holidays and were still trying to catch up in terms of fitness.
KENYA : Don Bosco still unbeaten despite Little Prince scare
Updated on 12/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Little Prince gave unbeaten side Don Bosco a scare when they went down narrowly 52 –54 in the ongoing Nairobi Basketball Association Division II League played on Saturday afternoon at the Railways Sports Club.
Don Bosco who started on a high note in the 1st quarter, thumped their opponents 18 points against 9 to put them in the lead but the 2nd quarter saw a more cautious Little Prince and the two teams shared the spoils by getting 10 points each putting the total points at 28 – 19 in favor of Don Bosco.
In the 3rd quarter Don Bosco could not match the level of Little Prince and they were beaten by a margin of 7 points with Little Prince getting 19 points against Don Bosco’s 12 points.
The 4th quarter saw a more intense confrontation between the two teams and they drew again this time both teams getting 14 points to help Don Bosco continue with their impressive streak in the League.
Speaking to Michezoafrika.com Don Bosco tactician Steven Sassi admitted that the game was indeed hard and they had to really fight for the win/
“We have seen Little Prince grow in this league for the past 2 or 3 years and we approached this game today knowing that we were playing a good side.’’
He also added that the poor state of the court affected their play and that it should be addressed.
“The court has many issues such as drainage, dust etc which affects a team’s performance. Today we had injury that is Robinson Okinyo who injured his hand and it will take some time before it heals. These are some of the things that should be put in check especially if we have to keep the game on a high.’’
Meanwhile Little Prince Coach Maurice Obilo attributed the loss to lack of training.
“Most of my players are students and that sometimes affects our training. The whole of last week we did not train adequately with 3 or 4 guys showing up for practice. Am sure we could have beaten Don Bosco if we had trained properly.’’
He went on further to say that Don Bosco were the more eager side and that helped them: “We went to the game 50/50 but they were more eager to win to add on that we missed 9 free throws and lost the game by 2 points so do the math. If we were alittle bit more vigilant, then we woild have carried the day."
In a ladies match that was played the same afternoon Kenya College of Accountancy thrashed fellow students Kenya Polytechnic 46 – 16. The Kenya Polytechnic coach conceded defeat saying that most of his regular players moved on to other teams and that currently he was working to blend the current squad.
KENYA : Footprints on a rude welcome to NBA League
Updated on 12/05/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Ladies basketball side Footprints who are making a debut in the Nairobi Basketball Association League started their league experience on a sour note after going down to EMYBA 41 – 31.
EMYBA took the lead from the onset acquiring 12 points against Footprint's 7 points in the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter saw Footprints gain 7 points again while EMYBA managed to have 10 points making the total points at half time 22-14 in favor of EMYBA.
In the 3rd quarter,Footprints improved on their defensive play giving EMYBA a hard time but they could not cut down the margin. Both teams added 7 points to put the total tally at this juncture at 29 – 21.
The final quarter was a close tie with Footprints losing narrowly by two points,against EMYBA who got 12 to emerge winners.
EMYBA tactician Vincent Onsongo said that despite the pressure from Footprints the game was easy: "We had a good defense line set but I feel we should have gotten more points since we lost many open chances but all in all it was an easy game for us."
In the first ladies match of the day, Mt. Kenya University lost to fellow University side Kenyatta University’s Oryx.Mt.Kenya University Head coach Iddi Shaban blamed the loss to lack of substitutes: "We ha
d only one sub and as you can see they beat us in the 2nd quarter when they got 14 points against our 3 points.’ The game ended 48 – 33.
KU Oryx will face Barclays Bank of Kenya Eaglets on Sunday from 12pm at the Railways Sports Club.
Kyambogo Warriors jumped to 14-0 run right from tip-off to blow out Heaters 84-44 yesterday evening at YMCA. Warriors (5-0) went into double digit lead early in the first period and did not relinguish it to the end of the game. Heaters (3-2) posted an ugly offensive first half scoring a mere 13 points on their way to the second straight skid.
