Recently, the basketball federation (Ferwaba) was set a target of sneaking into the top three teams on the African continent by 2017. While the officials concede that it's a tough ask, it's achievable according to the federation's Secretary General Richard Mutabazi.
After failing to qualify for Africa's most coveted tournament on 13 consecutive occasions, Rwanda finally broke the curse in 2007 when they finished runners up to Egypt in the Zone 5 basketball tournament which is a qualifier for the continental event.
But even with the likes of shooting guard Hamza Ruhezamihigo (who played for Canada's Concordia Stingers at the time) in their armory, the team could only master a 12th spot. For Ferwaba president Fidele Rutagarama, it was not a bad way to sign off.
Eric Salongo took over at the helm of the federation and as expected, he had big shoes to fill. On top of making sure that the team qualified for the 2009 Afrobasket edition in Libya, he also had to see to it that the lads put in a much better display on their second outing.
Overwhelmed by the task at hand, Salongo together with the Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc) opted for quick success even if it meant spending obscene amounts of money on unproven US-based players.
During the 2009 Zone 5 qualifiers, Rwanda assembled a team of Americans but in Rwandan colours. Rwanda secured their spot in Libya but at what cost?!
With sports increasingly becoming a business and the level of competition escalating every other season, we have seen the likes of Manchester City spend lavishly and win trophies (FA Cup and more recently the Barclays English Premier League title).
The difference is they don't compromise on quality; they sign world class players - players who are hungry for success and will give you results at all cost.
That was not the case with the Rwandan team. Despite the federation spending heavily on air tickets and accommodation for the so-called scouts to the US, the players who were selected were only slightly better than our home grown ones.
But even worse, they did not have the country's interests at heart. Most of them were on tour; simply excited to be in Africa and glad to get way from the boring and nagging winter back home.
In Libya, Rwanda avoided the big guns (Angola, Egypt and Senegal) but even then, they still had a difficult task after being drawn against Cape Verde (3rd in the 2007 Afrobasket tournament), Morocco, who won the tournament back in 1965 and Tunisia, who would go on to finish third.
Rwanda beat Cape Verde 77-67 but lost to Tunisia (57-74) and Morocco (84-85) although they deserved more from the Morocco game.
In fact their performance against Morocco reminds of the national junior team's displays at this year's U-18 Afrobasket tournament in Mozambique.
Despite putting in spirited efforts against the likes of Tunisia (38-43), Mali (33-47) and Ghana (43-48), they still lost. They could not kill off matches clearly exposing their inexperience at this level.
After the group stage, Rwanda lost against Senegal (59-72) and the Central African Republic (64-85) but victories against Cameroon (82-69), Libya (80-77) and Egypt (78-75) helped the team finish 9th; their best finish till date (considering the fact that Rwanda finished 12th in 2011 when Tunisia defied the odds by beating ten-time champions Angola 67-56 in the final).
No ownership
However, considering the hefty bonuses that had been handed out to these players in 2009, the country deserved much more. The team's performance proved two things: success cannot be bought and secondly, if it is, it's short-lived.
Three years down the road, Mutabazi believes that the only way they are going to come close to their target is by putting in place more basketball structures (courts and training camps) while also nurturing new talent.
The level of basketball in the country has taken a downward spiral since 2009 and Mutabazi heavily blames the big influx of foreign players for the slump.
Between 2007 and 2010, Rwanda's most successful basketball club APR could hardly field a local player. It was dominated by Congolese players which ultimately drove away local fans.
"In the past, local fans would flock the courts because there was a sense of ownership. The players' families and friends would come to support them. Now, no one feels the urge of watching the games because of the number of foreign players," Mutabazi explained.
To curb this trend, the official revealed that each club will be permitted to field only two foreign players on match days. "We have been working hard to set new and clear rules to avoid ambiguity and we hope to have a thrilling and competitive league this time round."
"This will not only increase attendances for matches but also give local players more playing time - something they have been deprived of," he added.
Last year, Kigali Basketball Club defended their men's title while APR lifted their third successive ladies title. This year, eight teams are in contention in the men's fray; KBC, APR, Espoir, CSK, KIE, St. Joseph Kabgayi, Rusizi and UGB while five teams are expected to contest the women league (APR, National University of Rwanda, KIE, CSK and St. Alloys).
30 September 2012
UGANDA : Ikong, Enabu lead Power past Falcons
Jimmy Enabu scored 9 of his 14 points and Joseph Ikong added 8 of his game high 18 points in the final quarter to lead Dmark Power to a 79-75 win over Falcons on Friday night at YMCA.Power (16-5) took the opening period 23-16 but Falcons (18-3) won the second with a similar margin to go into half time tied at 34. Philp Ameny (16 points, 11 rebounds) scored half of Falcons’ third quarter points as the league leaders took a 50-46 lead to the
final quarter.
Big man, Isaac Afidra (11 points) opened the final period for Power with a long range jumper as the teams matched shot-for-shot and game was tied at 60 with 6:38. A 3-pointer from Steven Omony (10 points, 8 rebounds) and two throws from Philp Ameny took Falcons up by 5 however a non-contested shot from Ikong and a lay-up from Enabu brought Power within 2 and Ben Komakech (13 points, 10 assists) hit a go-ahead trey with 4:37.
Abdulrahim Ramadhan restored Falcons lead but didn’t last as Komakech put the defending champions back in the lead on the next possession and two foul shots from Ikong plus a roll-in from Enabu took Power 74-69 up with 2:37. Falcons came within 75-77, 1:02 to the final buzzer but an open court dunk from Ikong 26 seconds later was the final dagger that finished off the Falcons as Omony and Ramadhan’s game tying mid-range shots had attracted steel.
Power were edged out on the boards 37-36 but limited themselves to 16 turnovers compared to falcons’ 20. Point guard, Geoffrey Omondi was ejected with 3:18 in the third quarter and will miss Falcons’ last game of the regular season against KIU Titans.
If the loss surprised anyone, certainly it was not Falcons coach, Gad Eteu. “We respect those guys a lot. Plus they are defending champions. They have a very good way of responding to challenges”, he said before the game.
In the women’s division, KCCA Leopard’s guard, Flavia Oketcho had an explosive game dropping 29 points in the 73-51 blow-out victory over KIU Rangers. Jackie basemera and Martha Soigi contributed 10 and 11 points respectively for Leopards. Florence Nanyonga led Rangers with 17 points and 16 boards. Judith Nansobya added 13 points.
UGANDA : Power switch on to halt Falcons streak
Power point guard Ben Komakech registered a double-double. pHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
Ben Komaketch knows when to run the show. So often, all he needs is his DMark Power teammates to switch on and offer support. When he gets the support, the two-time Airtel National Basketball League defending champions are almost invincible.
Building on Komaketch scoring five of his 13 points in the fourth period, Power played like the team that has reached the last four finals. Falcons’ 14-match winning streak ended, perhaps inevitably.
Friday’s close 79-75 victory at YMCA court had much more than their talisman who also contributed 10 assists.
Friday’s close 79-75 victory at YMCA court had much more than their talisman who also contributed 10 assists.
The night belonged to Joseph Ikong, the 2010 league top scorer, playing on his birthday. His game-high 18 points and seven rebounds papered numerous lacklusture performances. Ikong’s slam dunk with 34 seconds to play delivered the margin and exclamation mark. “We are working on everything,” he said.
Jimmy Enabu added 14 and Isaac Afidra scored 11 points and seven rebounds. The champions, having avenged the 78-66 first round loss, still hold on to third at 16-5. Falcons, now 18-3, are destined for second place as the regular season winds up in a fortnight. “We are just getting started. This will give us momentum,” Afidra declared.
Omondi ejected
Some of the key moments had everything to do with the opposition. Guard Geoff Omondi was ejected for unsporting behaviour in the third quarter. Julius Lutwama joined him in the fourth for accumulating two technical fouls. That meant losing two of their starters. “We lacked discipline,” Gad Eteu, the assistant coach, stated. Abdullahi Ramadhani only changed the wording in his autopsy. “We were very selfish,” Dulah said. Philip Ameny scored 16 points, including 10 of 12 from the foul line, and 11 rebounds but no other Falcons’ player lit up offensively.
Some of the key moments had everything to do with the opposition. Guard Geoff Omondi was ejected for unsporting behaviour in the third quarter. Julius Lutwama joined him in the fourth for accumulating two technical fouls. That meant losing two of their starters. “We lacked discipline,” Gad Eteu, the assistant coach, stated. Abdullahi Ramadhani only changed the wording in his autopsy. “We were very selfish,” Dulah said. Philip Ameny scored 16 points, including 10 of 12 from the foul line, and 11 rebounds but no other Falcons’ player lit up offensively.
‘Good loss’
Peter Elungat, Stephen Omony and Dulah scored 11, 10 and 10 respectively. Omony made only eight attempts, six from the field and two from downtown, in 29 minutes on the floor! “This loss is good for us. By the way, our attention has not been on the 14 games but today,” Eteu aid. He must have missed Bernice Ankundas’ memo prior to the game. “We are not losing tomorrow (Friday),” Power coach Ankunda had vowed. Falcons were supposed to be an old sheriff but the new sheriff (read Power) is not resigning yet. Power have switched on again, just at the right time.
Peter Elungat, Stephen Omony and Dulah scored 11, 10 and 10 respectively. Omony made only eight attempts, six from the field and two from downtown, in 29 minutes on the floor! “This loss is good for us. By the way, our attention has not been on the 14 games but today,” Eteu aid. He must have missed Bernice Ankundas’ memo prior to the game. “We are not losing tomorrow (Friday),” Power coach Ankunda had vowed. Falcons were supposed to be an old sheriff but the new sheriff (read Power) is not resigning yet. Power have switched on again, just at the right time.
Later today, Nkumba play Ndejje while UCU are favourites to stop Rez Life. In the women’s game, Stormers lock horns with A1 challenge in the afternoon.
29 September 2012
KENYA : Nakuru Club seeking KBF Premier League slot
Updated on 29/09/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Nakuru basketball club enjoy the helm of the Kenya Basketball Federation Division One league increasing their chances of being promoted to the Premier League with 31 points from 17 matches. With 5 matches to go the Nakuru side looks poised or promotion to the top league considering their form as they have lost only 3 matches in the current season.
Umoja comes close with 29 points with their recent win coming against African Nazarene University whom they thrashed 79-27 last week on Saturday.
Other Division One matches played over the past weekend saw Trail Blazers beat KAA 71-43 then register another win over Parklands 59-47. Kenya College of Accountancy University held of EMYBA 61-46.
The league continues this weekend.
The full standings are as follows:
TEAM PLAYED WON LOST FORFEIT POINTS
Nakuru Club 17 14 3 _ 31
Umoja 17 12 5 _ 29
Nairobi Aviation 15 12 3 _ 27
KCA-U 15 11 4 _ 26
K A A 17 8 9 _ 25
Parklands Baptist 17 8 9 _ 25
Trailblazers 17 8 9 _ 25
Upper Hill 14 8 6 _ 22
World Hope 16 6 10 - 22
Emyba 16 3 13 _ 19
K U Pirates 14 4 10 _ 18
A N U 14 _ 14 _ 14
Umoja comes close with 29 points with their recent win coming against African Nazarene University whom they thrashed 79-27 last week on Saturday.
Other Division One matches played over the past weekend saw Trail Blazers beat KAA 71-43 then register another win over Parklands 59-47. Kenya College of Accountancy University held of EMYBA 61-46.
The league continues this weekend.
The full standings are as follows:
TEAM PLAYED WON LOST FORFEIT POINTS
Nakuru Club 17 14 3 _ 31
Umoja 17 12 5 _ 29
Nairobi Aviation 15 12 3 _ 27
KCA-U 15 11 4 _ 26
K A A 17 8 9 _ 25
Parklands Baptist 17 8 9 _ 25
Trailblazers 17 8 9 _ 25
Upper Hill 14 8 6 _ 22
World Hope 16 6 10 - 22
Emyba 16 3 13 _ 19
K U Pirates 14 4 10 _ 18
A N U 14 _ 14 _ 14
KENYA : Bankers’ clash headlines basketball weekend action
Updated on 28/09/12 | By BY BRIAN AYIEKO
2011 KBF Premier League Champions in the men’s category Co-op Bank will face it off with arch rivals and fellow Bankers Kenya Commercial Bank on Sunday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium in what will be the hottest and most fierce battles of the Basketball weekend action .
The two teams have met twice this year with each team securing a win against the other. KCB who lead the current table standings with 30 points from 15 matches were the first to draw blood beating Co-op Bank 58-45 in the 1st leg of the fixture played on 5th June at the Nyayo Gymnasium. KCB is yet to lose since the onset of the league.
After making some major signings Co-op Bank came out dominant at the Tom Munyama tournament played at the Railways Sports Club in July defeating the Lions 61-59 in a tightly contested match. Co-op Bank currently lies second with 26 points after 16 matches.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com Morris Shitshama the KCB tactician has come out strongly maintaining that the team’s main target is to finish the 2nd leg unbeaten and therefore going for nothing less but a win over Co-op Bank,
“We lost to Co-op Bank at the Tom Munyama tournament and we have rectified the mistakes that we made and now we are ready to maintain our unbeaten run in the league. It will be a tough match but we have to win.”
On the other hand Cary Odhiambo the Co-op Bank coach has reserved himself to the outcome of the highly anticipated match, “we have prepared well for the match but I can’t say more rather than wait for the outcome of the match but it is obvious that we also want to win.”
If the Lions win it will cement their position at the helm of the table standings while a win for Co-op Bank will pile pressure on the league leaders but will still be at 2nd place. The match will kick off at 4:30 pm.
The two teams have met twice this year with each team securing a win against the other. KCB who lead the current table standings with 30 points from 15 matches were the first to draw blood beating Co-op Bank 58-45 in the 1st leg of the fixture played on 5th June at the Nyayo Gymnasium. KCB is yet to lose since the onset of the league.
After making some major signings Co-op Bank came out dominant at the Tom Munyama tournament played at the Railways Sports Club in July defeating the Lions 61-59 in a tightly contested match. Co-op Bank currently lies second with 26 points after 16 matches.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com Morris Shitshama the KCB tactician has come out strongly maintaining that the team’s main target is to finish the 2nd leg unbeaten and therefore going for nothing less but a win over Co-op Bank,
“We lost to Co-op Bank at the Tom Munyama tournament and we have rectified the mistakes that we made and now we are ready to maintain our unbeaten run in the league. It will be a tough match but we have to win.”
On the other hand Cary Odhiambo the Co-op Bank coach has reserved himself to the outcome of the highly anticipated match, “we have prepared well for the match but I can’t say more rather than wait for the outcome of the match but it is obvious that we also want to win.”
If the Lions win it will cement their position at the helm of the table standings while a win for Co-op Bank will pile pressure on the league leaders but will still be at 2nd place. The match will kick off at 4:30 pm.
UGANDA : KIU hope to hold on to third place
In Summary
The university side have negotiated their tougher games but remain fifth.
Today at YMCA
Eagles vs. KIU (7.30pm)
Warriors vs. Stormers (5.30pm)
Vegetarian vs. Heaters (3.30pm)
W: Gladiators vs. Nab’unsa (1.30pm)
Amazon vs. Sparks (11.30am)
Eagles vs. KIU (7.30pm)
Warriors vs. Stormers (5.30pm)
Vegetarian vs. Heaters (3.30pm)
W: Gladiators vs. Nab’unsa (1.30pm)
Amazon vs. Sparks (11.30am)
Kampala.
The race to finish as high as possible in the Airtel National Basketball League continues today with Miracle Eagles facing KIU Titans at YMCA court.
KIU have done the hard yards but still lie fifth at 14-5 though many see them as title contenders. Their final placing may not be decided until next Sunday when they face Falcons.
However, for the Falcons clash to have importance, beating Eagles, sixth at 11-9, and Vegetarian thereafter, is a must. “I am looking at third place as the maximum,” said KIU coach Nimrod Kaboha. They should get there if they match DMark Power’s record, currently 15-5. KIU did a double over the champions.
Earlier this season, Kaboha underlined his intentions in simple terms. “We want to win every game.” It translates into lifting a maiden title. The return to Kenya of Brian Wati mid-way through this season demanded that country mate Michael Makiadi steps up especially on offense. Makiadi awoke from his offensive slumber with 12 points and 13 rebounds in the 61-45 victory over Nkumba Marines last Saturday.
Eagles’ Ivan Rumanyika will pose a sterner test. The No. 12 is coming off a match-winning 18 points and 15 rebounds in the 50-47 result against Heaters. “We struggled with our shots then,” Eagles’ Chris Kyebambe noted.
RWANDA : Start of Basketball league postponed over delayed squad lists
The started of the 2012/13 national basketball league season has been postponed to next weekend because some clubs have not submitted their squads, Rwanda Basketball Federation has announced.
According to the local basketball governing body Secretary General Richard Mutabazi, only three teams in men’s category have submitted lists of their players. They are Espoir, UGB and Rusizi. Others, including the champions KBC, APR, NUR and KIE, have not yet submitted theirs.
Initially, the new league season was supposed to kick off this weekend, but it has been moved to next week.
“We made it clear to the teams that they have to send us the list of players but till today (Friday), most of them have not heeded the call,” Mutabazi told Times Sports.
He added, “We cannot start the league with only three teams. We are giving them one more week to submit all the required documents.”
Mutabazi added that there will be two new teams, 30-Plus based in Kimisagara in the men league, and Rwandans Allied for Peace (RAPP) in the women league.
The fixtures for new season have already been made. Newcomer s 30-Plus will make their league debut against defending champions Kigali Basketball Club, while CSK will host APR.
Kigali Institute of Education will open their campaign against UGB, while Espoir will meet Rusizi on Saturday.
On Sunday, KBC will play against Rusizi, Espoir will host National University of Rwanda, KIE will entertain CSK while UGB will lock horns with APR.
According to the local basketball governing body Secretary General Richard Mutabazi, only three teams in men’s category have submitted lists of their players. They are Espoir, UGB and Rusizi. Others, including the champions KBC, APR, NUR and KIE, have not yet submitted theirs.
Initially, the new league season was supposed to kick off this weekend, but it has been moved to next week.
“We made it clear to the teams that they have to send us the list of players but till today (Friday), most of them have not heeded the call,” Mutabazi told Times Sports.
He added, “We cannot start the league with only three teams. We are giving them one more week to submit all the required documents.”
Mutabazi added that there will be two new teams, 30-Plus based in Kimisagara in the men league, and Rwandans Allied for Peace (RAPP) in the women league.
The fixtures for new season have already been made. Newcomer s 30-Plus will make their league debut against defending champions Kigali Basketball Club, while CSK will host APR.
Kigali Institute of Education will open their campaign against UGB, while Espoir will meet Rusizi on Saturday.
On Sunday, KBC will play against Rusizi, Espoir will host National University of Rwanda, KIE will entertain CSK while UGB will lock horns with APR.
28 September 2012
BOTSWANA : Last results women.
22/09/2012
BDF 57-55 UB Relics
21/09/2012
BDF V 48-28 Panthers
15/09/2012
BDF 31-50 Police
14/09/2012
UB Relics 51-38 BC Ravens
07/08/2012
Police 73-33 BC ravens
BDF 57-55 UB Relics
21/09/2012
BDF V 48-28 Panthers
15/09/2012
BDF 31-50 Police
14/09/2012
UB Relics 51-38 BC Ravens
07/08/2012
Police 73-33 BC ravens
BOTWANA : Men last results
26/09/2012
Troopers 76-55 Police
22/09/2012
BC Saints 53-61 Bullets
Cadets 58-65 BDF
Troopers 64-46 Bullets
21/09/2012
Troopers 79-56 BDF VI
15/09/2012
Bullets 61-52 Police
Bullets 31-53 BDF
Troopers 76-55 Police
22/09/2012
BC Saints 53-61 Bullets
Cadets 58-65 BDF
Troopers 64-46 Bullets
21/09/2012
Troopers 79-56 BDF VI
15/09/2012
Bullets 61-52 Police
Bullets 31-53 BDF
BOTSWANA : Standings Men and Women
KENYA : Eagles at the summit of NBA league
Updated on 28/09/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Barclays Bank ‘Eagles’ currently lead the Zone A of the Nairobi Basketball Association (Div 2) league after registering wins over JKUAT Juja Campus (57-39) and King Deaf 63-18 laast weekend.
In other matches that were played at the Railways Sports Club last weekend, Kenya Polytechnic held Legacy 47-39 while Equity extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches after seeing off JKUAT Karen 65-28.
In the ladies category JKUAT beat Multi Media University 49 -26 while Barclays Bank Eaglets upset Sylvia Kamau’s Strathmore University 38-37.
Below are the full league standings ahead of this weekend matches:
In other matches that were played at the Railways Sports Club last weekend, Kenya Polytechnic held Legacy 47-39 while Equity extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches after seeing off JKUAT Karen 65-28.
In the ladies category JKUAT beat Multi Media University 49 -26 while Barclays Bank Eaglets upset Sylvia Kamau’s Strathmore University 38-37.
Below are the full league standings ahead of this weekend matches:
| ZONE A | MEN | |||||
| P | W | L | F | PTS | ||
| 1 | BBK EAGLES | 21 | 19 | 2 | _ | 40 |
| 2 | LITTLE PRINCE | 21 | 18 | 3 | _ | 39 |
| 3 | DONBOSCO | 22 | 15 | 7 | 37 | |
| 4 | ZETECH COLLEGE | 21 | 15 | 6 | _ | 36 |
| 5 | JKUAT JUJA | 21 | 15 | 6 | _ | 36 |
| 6 | N/MORANS | 22 | 12 | 10 | _ | 34 |
| 7 | MKU THIKA | 21 | 9 | 12 | _ | 30 |
| 8 | DOLPHINS | 22 | 8 | 13 | 1 | 29 |
| 9 | W/KNIGHTS | 22 | 3 | 19 | _ | 25 |
| 10 | UPPERHILL SCH. | 20 | 6 | 14 | _ | 26 |
| 11 | SAINTS | 21 | 7 | 12 | 1 | 26 |
| 12 | KING DEAF | 22 | 1 | 21 | _ | 23 |
| ZONE B | MEN | |||||
| P | W | L | F | PTS | ||
| 1 | STRATHMORE UNIV (BLADES) | 23 | 22 | 1 | _ | 45 |
| 2 | EQUITY BANK | 22 | 22 | _ | _ | 44 |
| 3 | BARAKA X-TREME | 24 | 13 | 11 | _ | 37 |
| 4 | OLD PIRATES | 23 | 14 | 9 | _ | 37 |
| 5 | MMU | 22 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 36 |
| 6 | DAYSTAR UNI. | 24 | 12 | 12 | _ | 36 |
| 7 | KENYAPOLY UNI. | 22 | 12 | 10 | _ | 34 |
| 8 | LEGACY | 23 | 11 | 12 | _ | 34 |
| 9 | MKU NRB | 24 | 10 | 14 | _ | 34 |
| 10 | HEROES | 22 | 5 | 17 | _ | 27 |
| 11 | OUR LADY QP | 23 | 4 | 19 | _ | 27 |
| 12 | JKUAT KRN | 21 | 4 | 17 | _ | 25 |
| 13 | FOB (k) | 23 | 5 | 14 | 4 | 23 |
| LADIES | ||||||
| P | W | L | F | PTS | ||
| 1 | KU ORYX | 18 | 17 | 1 | _ | 35 |
| 2 | KCA UNI. | 19 | 16 | 3 | _ | 35 |
| 3 | STRATHMORE UNIV (SWORD) | 19 | 15 | 4 | _ | 34 |
| 4 | JKUAT | 18 | 13 | 5 | _ | 31 |
| 5 | BBK EAGLETS | 18 | 10 | 8 | _ | 28 |
| 6 | MMU | 19 | 9 | 10 | - | 28 |
| 7 | SAFE SPACES | 20 | 7 | 13 | _ | 27 |
| 8 | FOOTPRINTS | 19 | 6 | 13 | _ | 25 |
| 9 | MKU | 20 | 3 | 17 | _ | 23 |
| 10 | EMYBA | 19 | 3 | 16 | _ | 22 |
| 11 | KENYA POLY UNI. | 18 | 3 | 14 | 1 | 20 |
Uganda: Five Talking Points From Fuba League
As the end of the Airtel Fuba League regular season nears, Felix Eupal assesses five lessons from last week's games.
This is the best Falcons squad
Blue Cube Falcons are playing so well that it seems they have started feeling the pressure of going 14 games unbeaten. "We just have to continue working on our routines and executing our plays right and who knows how far we can go," Gad Eteu, Falcons assistant coach told The Observer.
That was after Flacons stopped Kyambogo Warriors in humbling fashion on Friday evening at the YMCA grounds. Falcons outplayed, outwitted and outsmarted Warriors in almost every department, and they have done so to most of their victims.
They have two games before they start the post season; Dmark Power and KIU Titans. Even if they lose both games, it is certain no one wants to meet them in the post season because of their championship look.
Abdullahi past his best days
Ever since Tanzanian point guard Abdullahi Ramathan graced the Ugandan basketball scene in 2009, he has been a marvel to watch. He was instrumental as Warriors won their first championship that year and last year, he still produced several Kodak moments.
But, upon his return to Falcons last Friday, Ramathan managed only five points. Is it that he has lost his touch? Is age catching up with the 34-year-old or was it just lack of match fitness? All these questions will be answered this Friday when Falcons take on the two-time champions Dmark Power.
Geoffrey Soro should be regular season MVP
Two years ago, just a handful of coaches wanted Geoffrey Soro on their roster. He looked half-baked. However, Ndejje Angels coach Walker Obedi knew what he had. When Ndejje lost Cyrus Kiviiri and Donald Ssali, Obedi started building a team around Soro.
Many thought it was a poor call, but Soro has defied odds, averaging 22.3 points a game. Last Sunday, it was Soro's stellar performance - a game high 23 points and 11 rebounds - that earned Ndejje a 63-61 win over the UCU Canons.
The win even breathed life back into their postseason hopes after a terrible second round performance. Ndejje look like they can make the playoffs for the first time and they will have Soro to thank for that.
The Canons missing link
UCU Canons have been quite an enigma this season. At times they are willing to die on court for the win yet at other times they have no fight in them.
Then there are moments they just let wins slip out, like they did on Sunday evening against Ndejje. If they still harbour hopes of making the playoff finals for the first time, then coach Nicolas Natuhereza has to get a firm grip on his boys.
Miracles reality check
Every season has a party spoiler and Miracle is that team this time round. For a squad that started the season looking like relegation candidates, Miracle have turned the tables and are in line to make the playoffs for the second year running. So, whoever meets them should expect a shocker.
This is the best Falcons squad
Blue Cube Falcons are playing so well that it seems they have started feeling the pressure of going 14 games unbeaten. "We just have to continue working on our routines and executing our plays right and who knows how far we can go," Gad Eteu, Falcons assistant coach told The Observer.
That was after Flacons stopped Kyambogo Warriors in humbling fashion on Friday evening at the YMCA grounds. Falcons outplayed, outwitted and outsmarted Warriors in almost every department, and they have done so to most of their victims.
They have two games before they start the post season; Dmark Power and KIU Titans. Even if they lose both games, it is certain no one wants to meet them in the post season because of their championship look.
Abdullahi past his best days
Ever since Tanzanian point guard Abdullahi Ramathan graced the Ugandan basketball scene in 2009, he has been a marvel to watch. He was instrumental as Warriors won their first championship that year and last year, he still produced several Kodak moments.
But, upon his return to Falcons last Friday, Ramathan managed only five points. Is it that he has lost his touch? Is age catching up with the 34-year-old or was it just lack of match fitness? All these questions will be answered this Friday when Falcons take on the two-time champions Dmark Power.
Geoffrey Soro should be regular season MVP
Two years ago, just a handful of coaches wanted Geoffrey Soro on their roster. He looked half-baked. However, Ndejje Angels coach Walker Obedi knew what he had. When Ndejje lost Cyrus Kiviiri and Donald Ssali, Obedi started building a team around Soro.
Many thought it was a poor call, but Soro has defied odds, averaging 22.3 points a game. Last Sunday, it was Soro's stellar performance - a game high 23 points and 11 rebounds - that earned Ndejje a 63-61 win over the UCU Canons.
The win even breathed life back into their postseason hopes after a terrible second round performance. Ndejje look like they can make the playoffs for the first time and they will have Soro to thank for that.
The Canons missing link
UCU Canons have been quite an enigma this season. At times they are willing to die on court for the win yet at other times they have no fight in them.
Then there are moments they just let wins slip out, like they did on Sunday evening against Ndejje. If they still harbour hopes of making the playoff finals for the first time, then coach Nicolas Natuhereza has to get a firm grip on his boys.
Miracles reality check
Every season has a party spoiler and Miracle is that team this time round. For a squad that started the season looking like relegation candidates, Miracle have turned the tables and are in line to make the playoffs for the second year running. So, whoever meets them should expect a shocker.
KENYA : Africa: Kenya Register Fourth Loss Against Egypt in FIBA Africa Show
KENYA suffered another humiliating defeat, this time falling 86-49 to defending champions Egypt in the ongoing FIBA Africa U-18 championships at the Marius Ndiaye Stadium, Dakar. Again Kenya got off well in the first quarter, trailing 19-22 but allowed the Egyptian to open up the margin, taking the second quarter 31-14 before heading to the break with a 53-33 cushion.
In the third quarter, the scores stood at 23-10 while the fourth set witnessed a low scoring 10-6 in favour of the winners. Egypt alongside hosts Senegal are the only unbeaten teams in the competition after four matches. However, the defeat against Pharaohs was Kenya's fourth straight loss.
During the match, Kenya maintained their starting line-up of five including -Taudensia Katumbe, Eve Chebet, Primrose Asura, Zippy Khasoa and Unet Juma-who played for the entire 40 minutes. Chebet posted a high of 19 points while Katumbe collected 11. The duo were the only Kenyans to score in double figures.
Egypt Sarah El-Menawi led the floor with 23 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Ola El-Temsahi posted 19 points and 4 rebounds while Menai Allah Eid added 11 points to help Egypt keep a clean sheet. In the opening matches, Kenya lost 57-45 to Angola, 76-48 to Tunisia and were beaten 84-32 by Senegal.
In other matches, hosts Senegal nipped Angola 41-38 in a low scoring tie and Mali beat Tunisia 62-44. The top four teams in this six-nation tournament will battle it out in the semi-finals starting today. Meanwhile, Equity Bank maintained their unbeaten run in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league with a 65-28 thumping of JKUATS Karen, at Railways Club.
Barclays Bank thrashed King Deaf 63-18, Neosasa Morans beat Upper Hill School 32-23, Kenya Polytechnic University hit Legacy 47-39 while Saints rolled 63-56 over Upper.
Other men's results were as follows: Equity beat FOB Kenya 52-38; Barclays Bank crushed JKUATS Juja 57- 39; MMU nipped Old Pirates 66-62; Don Bosco thumped Upper Hill School 60-30; Kenya Poly beat Mount Kenya, Nairobi 52-41; Saints deflated King Deaf 57-55 and JKUATS Karen stunned Heroes 43-36.
In the ladies game, leaders Kenyatta University "Oryx" hit JKUATS 63-46 as Betty Kananu scored 24 points. Barclays Bank Eaglets also flew over Kenya Poly 39-12 while JKUATS dimmed Multi Media University (MMU) 49-26.
In the third quarter, the scores stood at 23-10 while the fourth set witnessed a low scoring 10-6 in favour of the winners. Egypt alongside hosts Senegal are the only unbeaten teams in the competition after four matches. However, the defeat against Pharaohs was Kenya's fourth straight loss.
During the match, Kenya maintained their starting line-up of five including -Taudensia Katumbe, Eve Chebet, Primrose Asura, Zippy Khasoa and Unet Juma-who played for the entire 40 minutes. Chebet posted a high of 19 points while Katumbe collected 11. The duo were the only Kenyans to score in double figures.
Egypt Sarah El-Menawi led the floor with 23 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Ola El-Temsahi posted 19 points and 4 rebounds while Menai Allah Eid added 11 points to help Egypt keep a clean sheet. In the opening matches, Kenya lost 57-45 to Angola, 76-48 to Tunisia and were beaten 84-32 by Senegal.
In other matches, hosts Senegal nipped Angola 41-38 in a low scoring tie and Mali beat Tunisia 62-44. The top four teams in this six-nation tournament will battle it out in the semi-finals starting today. Meanwhile, Equity Bank maintained their unbeaten run in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league with a 65-28 thumping of JKUATS Karen, at Railways Club.
Barclays Bank thrashed King Deaf 63-18, Neosasa Morans beat Upper Hill School 32-23, Kenya Polytechnic University hit Legacy 47-39 while Saints rolled 63-56 over Upper.
Other men's results were as follows: Equity beat FOB Kenya 52-38; Barclays Bank crushed JKUATS Juja 57- 39; MMU nipped Old Pirates 66-62; Don Bosco thumped Upper Hill School 60-30; Kenya Poly beat Mount Kenya, Nairobi 52-41; Saints deflated King Deaf 57-55 and JKUATS Karen stunned Heroes 43-36.
In the ladies game, leaders Kenyatta University "Oryx" hit JKUATS 63-46 as Betty Kananu scored 24 points. Barclays Bank Eaglets also flew over Kenya Poly 39-12 while JKUATS dimmed Multi Media University (MMU) 49-26.
UGANDA : Form versus class at YMCA
HIGH STAKES: Power's Joseph Ikong attempts to evade Stephen Omony of Falcon
In the two teams’ last meeting, Falcons ran away 78-66 winners to end the first round on a high. But as they look forward to extend their 14-game winning record – an unprecedented benchmark in the topflight – the two-time defending champions stand in their way.
“We are going to do what we have always done and hope for the best,” says Falcons skipper Stephen Omony.
So, fans should expect a thrilling night as both teams aim to tighten loose ends ahead of the playoffs. For the coaches, it will be a litmus test to separate players that will get play time in the post season and those who will cheer from the bench.
Most importantly for Falcons, a win will confirm their status as top seeds, which should create a smooth passage to the finals by avoiding either of Power or Warriors. For Power, it’s a chance for revenge as well as to reposition themselves as the team for the big occasion.
Power thrives in such pressure games. High stakes bring the best out of star men like Ben Komakech and Isaac Afidra, who love throwing everything at the opponents.
However it won’t be an easy job against a star-studded Falcons.
However it won’t be an easy job against a star-studded Falcons.
For one, coach Bernice Ankunda has to find a way of rotating guards in the absence of injured first choice Emmanuel Enabu. On the other hand, Falcons will also be without influential the Phillip Ameny, who was yet to return from Nairobi by press time. Veteran Abdullahi Ramathan should fill the void but will greatly need to improve from last weekend’s performance against Warriors.
UGANDA : Power stand in Falcons’ path
Falcons’ Phillip Amenyi beats Power’s Paul Mwaka in the first round. PHOTO BY I. KEZAALA
Two-time Airtel National Basketball League defending champions DMark Power will treat Falcons as old sheriff returning to town.
The latter have won 14 on the bounce to lead the log at 18-2. The two most successful sides in the game clash at YMCA court today though both are quick to denounce the significance of the result.
“We are not losing tomorrow but either way, you are supposed to face every team,” Power coach Bernice Ankunda said.
“The most important thing is that I am pleased with the progress so far,” Falcons’ Stephen Omony, coming off 18 and 10 rebounds in the 69-58 win over Warriors last Friday, said.
Falcons’ 78-66 first round win over Power ranks high among their best performances this season. Ankunda differs completely. “That game was close, we lost it in the final minute,” he said. He is indeed not far away from the truth as they trailed by two (61-63) with 3.16 to play back then.
They were out-thought down the stretch as their transitional game collapsed. Such is the depth of the roster that Omony scored all his 15 points in the first two quarters.Guard Julius Lutwama sunk a game-high 17 points and Peter Elungat had 11. Lutwama and Elungat were near-passengers, as was Abdullahi Ramdadhan, against Warriors. It didn’t affect the six-time champions too much. Ankunda may not have the same luxury as his team, hoping to match Falcons’ success of winning three titles in three years (2002-04), is literary stumbling into the playoffs at 15-5.
“We have had in-house problems as some players complained about the playing time they are getting but that was resolved on Tuesday,” he admitted. The pragmatic Isaac Luggude is high among the complainants after playing four scoreless minutes in the 80-53 victory over bottom side Rez Life on Sunday.
Point guard Emmanuel Enabu is not expected to play following an ankle injury which heaps even more responsibility on Ben Komakech.
27 September 2012
RWANDA : FERWABA National League 2012-13: The championship will start on Saturday
FERWABA National League 2012 will start on Saturday, 29th September 2012.
Following 9 teams will participate in Men Category:
Kigali BC, ESPOIR BBC, APR BBC, CSK BBC, United Generation Basketball (UGB), UNR BBC, KIE BBC, RUSIZI BC, 30 Plus (New team).
For Women category, only 5 teams will be present on courts: APR Ladies, UNR (W) BBC, KIE BBC, CSK (W) BBC, RAPP BBC (New team).
KENYA : KCB in top spot in Basketball League
Updated on 27/09/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
The KCB Lions reclaimed the top spot which they have held for most of the season since the league’s onset in April after registering double wins in their Western Kenya trips over the weekend. On Saturday they were in Kakamega where they beat hosts Masinde Muliro University 68-57 then travelled to Kisumu registering another win over 11th placed Lakeside (78-34).
In the ladies category USIU Flames still lead with 26 points after losing only 2 of their 14 matches. 2011Champions Eagle Wings are piling on pressure to the top 3 teams after crushing Western Delight and Gladiators over the past weekend. On Saturday they overcame the Kakamega based Western Delight 82-12 then wrote off Gladiators 81-11 on Sunday. Eagle Wings have 22 points from 12 matches.
Full League standings
Ladies Category
P W L F Points
USIU 14 12 2 _ 26
Co-op Bank 14 10 4 _ 24
Storms 14 9 5 _ 23
Eagle Wings 12 10 2 _ 22
Western Delight 15 6 9 _ 21
Strathmore 12 8 4 _ 20
Safe Spaces 16 3 13 _ 19
KPA 9 8 1 _ 17
Mennonites 15 1 14 _ 16
Gladiators 15 _ 14 1 14
NYTA- Shimba Hills 8 5 3 _ 13
Men’s Category
P W L F Points
KCB Lions 15 15 _ _ 30
Co-op Bank 16 12 4 _ 26
Ulinzi 16 10 6 _ 26
USIU 15 10 5 _ 25
KPA 14 10 4 _ 24
Strathmore 15 9 6 _ 24
Mennonites 19 4 14 1 21
MMUST 15 6 9 _ 21
Thunder 16 6 9 1 20
UON-Terror 15 4 11 _ 19
Lakeside 15 4 10 1 18
Blazers 14 3 11 _ 17
In the ladies category USIU Flames still lead with 26 points after losing only 2 of their 14 matches. 2011Champions Eagle Wings are piling on pressure to the top 3 teams after crushing Western Delight and Gladiators over the past weekend. On Saturday they overcame the Kakamega based Western Delight 82-12 then wrote off Gladiators 81-11 on Sunday. Eagle Wings have 22 points from 12 matches.
Full League standings
Ladies Category
P W L F Points
USIU 14 12 2 _ 26
Co-op Bank 14 10 4 _ 24
Storms 14 9 5 _ 23
Eagle Wings 12 10 2 _ 22
Western Delight 15 6 9 _ 21
Strathmore 12 8 4 _ 20
Safe Spaces 16 3 13 _ 19
KPA 9 8 1 _ 17
Mennonites 15 1 14 _ 16
Gladiators 15 _ 14 1 14
NYTA- Shimba Hills 8 5 3 _ 13
Men’s Category
P W L F Points
KCB Lions 15 15 _ _ 30
Co-op Bank 16 12 4 _ 26
Ulinzi 16 10 6 _ 26
USIU 15 10 5 _ 25
KPA 14 10 4 _ 24
Strathmore 15 9 6 _ 24
Mennonites 19 4 14 1 21
MMUST 15 6 9 _ 21
Thunder 16 6 9 1 20
UON-Terror 15 4 11 _ 19
Lakeside 15 4 10 1 18
Blazers 14 3 11 _ 17
KENYA : Three matches confirmed for Eagle Wings' fundraiser
Updated on 27/09/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Three matches will be played on Saturday evening at the Nyayo National stadium in an evening dubbed Saturday Night Basketball for Eagle Wings. The three league matches will be Equity Bank playing against Strathmore at 5:00PM, Eagle Wings facing Coop bank at 6:30PM and Ulinzi playing Terror at 8:00PM.
Entry fee will be 200 shillings with all collection going towards supporting Eagle Wings’ mission of traveling to Ivory Coast for the FIBA Africa basketball competition in October. The team needs close to 3.5 Million shillings to facilitate their trip with the government already pledging to cater for the team’s air tickets (1.5 Million Shillings).
“We have received good response from fans and we call upon them to come out in large numbers and support us on Saturday. So far the government has assured us that we will travel by pledging to pay for our air tickets. But we are running short of 1.5 Million for accommodation, logistics, meals and players’ allowances while in Ivory Coast.” Team manager Agina Wesonga told michezoafrika.com.
Eagle Wings qualified for the African competition after winning the Zone 5 competition in Kampala last month defeating KPA in the finals. KPA will also travel to Ivory Coast for the competition.
Saturday night basketball has been powered by Code Red in conjunction with Kenya Basketball Federation and fans have been promised a night full of basketball and entertainment courtesy of Code Red and DJ Styles.
Entry fee will be 200 shillings with all collection going towards supporting Eagle Wings’ mission of traveling to Ivory Coast for the FIBA Africa basketball competition in October. The team needs close to 3.5 Million shillings to facilitate their trip with the government already pledging to cater for the team’s air tickets (1.5 Million Shillings).
“We have received good response from fans and we call upon them to come out in large numbers and support us on Saturday. So far the government has assured us that we will travel by pledging to pay for our air tickets. But we are running short of 1.5 Million for accommodation, logistics, meals and players’ allowances while in Ivory Coast.” Team manager Agina Wesonga told michezoafrika.com.
Eagle Wings qualified for the African competition after winning the Zone 5 competition in Kampala last month defeating KPA in the finals. KPA will also travel to Ivory Coast for the competition.
Saturday night basketball has been powered by Code Red in conjunction with Kenya Basketball Federation and fans have been promised a night full of basketball and entertainment courtesy of Code Red and DJ Styles.
26 September 2012
LESOTHO : LBA Gives Women Platform
| MASERU - The Lesotho Basketball Association creates a platform for women as they plan to host the women basketball tournament on Saturday 22nd September 2012 at Lehakoe Cultural Centre.
The aim is to create the platform for ladies basketball since their few basketball club members of the association and it is open for High Schools and National Basketball League (NBL) ladies clubs. The association is also expecting the member clubs to register with M150 to encourage clubs to participate.
At the closing of the business on Friday last week only two high schools and no NBL member have registered for the tournament, the NBL clubs expected are Khubetsoana All Stars (KTA), Rovers, Lerotholi Polytechnics, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) Rangers, National Heath Training College (NHTC), Centre of Accounting Studies (CAS) and Shines.
While the High Schools are Methodist High School, Lesotho High School, St James, ‘Mabathoana, Sefika, St Patricks, St Johns, Johnson Baker, Bereng, St Stevens, Masitise, St Paul, St Boniface and Machabeng the 2012 High School Top 4 champions. The two high schools which have registered are Sefika and Mabathoana High Schools.
Some of these clubs which have not yet been registered have members in the Executive Committee of the association and Women in Sports, while this tourney meant to empower women who play basketball. The tournament was expected to be hosted during the Women’s Month but due to LBA activities last month they could not. Registration per club is M150, 00.
Lerato Mochekela - the association’s Office Administrator told Informative Newspaper that, “Although the tournament is meant to empower women but they relented to register, LBA decided to organise this tourney in order to entice many clubs because few clubs have registered with National Basketball League and we - Basketball Women In Sport - are planning to host an Open Tournament and we wish to invite international clubs.”
“We want to ensure that we will have enough clubs which can compete with international clubs from Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique in the future. Only if we host tournaments of this nature we can compete against such clubs and also have the strong Women National Squads, we are left with few days before the tournament and we have to drawn the tourney fixture before the 22nd September 2012,”
They hosted High School Basketball Top 8 at Maputsoe in Leribe at St Boniface High School on the 25th August 2012, on the 31st August till the 01st September 2012 the national association organised a two days workshop on Life Skills in Maseru, while on the 08th September they have High Schools Top 4 at Lehakoe Cultural Centre in Maseru.
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GABON : A new team in the League Basketball Libreville?
This Friday, September 28, 2012 will be the election of the new office of the League Basketball Libreville for the next two seasons. The outgoing president NGUEMBHYT Guy will apply for another term. It is currently the only officially declared candidate. His balance is positive for clubs in Libreville swept the 2012 national competitions in the senior ladies (Ndella) and men (Toungui) ...
The new League team will launch activities from 1 October 2012, when the new school year in Gabon.
Championship Basketball has a status: amateur
The new League team will launch activities from 1 October 2012, when the new school year in Gabon.
Championship Basketball has a status: amateur
KENYA : Eagle Wings to hold fundraiser on Saturday
Kenya basketball premier league defending champions Eagle Wings Basketball club will on Saturday play Cooperative bank at the Nyayo stadium in what has been dubbed “Saturday Night Basketball” for Eagle Wings. The event will be used to raise funds in support of Eagle Wings who are expected to travel to Ivory Coast mid next month for the African FIBA basketball competition.
Entry will be 200 shillings and all gate collections on the day will go towards the team’s kitty. The event will be held in collaboration with CodeRed.
Eagle Wings qualified for the African tournament after winning the regional Zone 5 tournament held in Kampala Uganda last month. The team needs close to 3.5 Million shillings to facilitate their travel and participation in the tournament with 1.5 Million shillings for air tickets and the other 1.5 Million for accommodation, licenses, visa clearance, meals and player allowances.
“The ministry of sports has promised to give 1.5 Million shillings for air tickets and we now need 1.5 Million shillings more. Days are running out that is why we will be holding a special fundraiser on Saturday night at Nyayo gymnasium. We call on our fans and stakeholders to come and join us in actualizing the dreams of these young girls.” Said Eagle Wings official Agina Wesonga.
In 2010, Eagle Wings also won the regional competition played in Burundi but they failed to travel for the African championships in Tunisia due to lack of funds.
“It will be very demoralizing if the same happens again to the players who have dedicated themselves to the success of the team both locally and on the international front. The girls have promised not to disappoint.”Agina adds.
Entry will be 200 shillings and all gate collections on the day will go towards the team’s kitty. The event will be held in collaboration with CodeRed.
Eagle Wings qualified for the African tournament after winning the regional Zone 5 tournament held in Kampala Uganda last month. The team needs close to 3.5 Million shillings to facilitate their travel and participation in the tournament with 1.5 Million shillings for air tickets and the other 1.5 Million for accommodation, licenses, visa clearance, meals and player allowances.
“The ministry of sports has promised to give 1.5 Million shillings for air tickets and we now need 1.5 Million shillings more. Days are running out that is why we will be holding a special fundraiser on Saturday night at Nyayo gymnasium. We call on our fans and stakeholders to come and join us in actualizing the dreams of these young girls.” Said Eagle Wings official Agina Wesonga.
In 2010, Eagle Wings also won the regional competition played in Burundi but they failed to travel for the African championships in Tunisia due to lack of funds.
“It will be very demoralizing if the same happens again to the players who have dedicated themselves to the success of the team both locally and on the international front. The girls have promised not to disappoint.”Agina adds.
Liberia: LBA Boss Challenged Media Report - Defies Self-Styled Accusers to Come Open
The president of the Liberia Basketball Association, Mr. T. Rufus Anderson has challenged media report that financial report at the just-ended FIBA Afrique Zone III has been struck due to his leadership's failure to make report to the organizing committee of contributions from some donors including Cellcom GSM, NOCAL and LCCBC amongst others.
In a telephone conversation yesterday, Mr. Anderson challenged anyone to show out with evidence that indeed he collected some funding from business institutions.
"We did not collect anything from anywhere, we're still waiting for the committee's report," he said.
"They want to damage my reputation, and every piece of information given and published is false and misleading," he stated.
In a telephone conversation yesterday, Mr. Anderson challenged anyone to show out with evidence that indeed he collected some funding from business institutions.
"We did not collect anything from anywhere, we're still waiting for the committee's report," he said.
"They want to damage my reputation, and every piece of information given and published is false and misleading," he stated.
25 September 2012
ANGOLA : First Adingono, then Bitee, now Tangara
Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel’s recent dominance in African Clubs Championship (ACC) competitions is making Angolans seriously ponder the future, and they seem to be doing anything to return to the top position no matter what.
Last December, Etoile du Sahel stunned Angolan giants Primeiro D’Agosto in the Final of the ACC in Moroccan region of Sale to halt Angolan clubs’ reign in the competition.
In response, Angolans are seeking new options in the African market. Petro de Luanda parted ways with Portuguese coach Alberto Babo, before D'Agosto and Portugal's most celebrated coach Mario Palma went their separate ways too.
In July, 2010 African clubs champions Petro de Luanda signed Cameroon national head coach Lazare Adingono and then followed that with the capture of Cameroon's Parfait Bitee, who led his team in scoring at last year's Afrobasket.
This week, though, Angolan champions Recreativo do Libolo confirmed the signing of Mali's Mohamed Tangara, the fifth leading rebounder at the 2011 continental championship in Madagascar.
Adingono and Bitte helped to eliminate their new employers from the 2011 ACC podium as they represented host club Moroccan’s AS Sale - who finished third in the competition - at the time.
Nevertheless, Angola has a history of appreciating African players as some have even ended up representing the country on the international stage and others, rarely, remained in the country less than two seasons.
For instance, Gabon-born Victor Muzadi represented Angola at the Sydney and Athens Olympics while Chad-born Abdel Moussa became a double Olympian after showing his skills in Athens and Beijing.
In the past, Angolan clubs attracted Cape Verde internationals Rodrigo Mascarenhas and Marques Houtman while Tunisia's Macram Ben Rondhane was rumoured to be joining D’Agosto although he remains with his Etoile du Sahel, at least for now.
Moreover, Angola’s African success over the past 20 years has been based on the chemistry between the national team players, most of whom play in the Angolan league, unlike their main opponents. Although players such as Carlos Morais, Milton Barros or Joaquim Gomes played US college basketball, they returned to play professionally at home.
Besides Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco - and despite the reduced number of teams competing in the national league (eight teams) - Angola is one of the few African nations that enjoys a professional basketball league with players making a good standard of living. perhaps basketball passion in the country is to blame.
Meanwhile, Tangara, Bitee and Adingono are not alone as Cape Verde international Mario Correia plays for D’Agosto and DR Congo international Celo Lifetu-Selenge plays for Inter de Luanda.
According to Angola men's national team assistant coach Emanuel Trovoada, the arrival of the Cameroonians Adingono and Bitee, more than the Malian’s, may have some implications for the national team, as some of their leading players - including Morais and Miguel Kiala - will be under Adingono’s scrutiny at Petro de Luanda.
It should not be a big deal as there are examples in basketball's history of teammates facing each other at international tournaments. For instance, Kobe Bryant vs Pau Gasol or Kevin Durant vs Serge Ibaka.
However the Angolans vs Cameroonians is a different and unique reality, as Angolan players have never been so exposed to an opposing head coach as this time, and the rivalry of these two teams has become a case-study.
Adingono’s Cameroon were frustrated at last year’s Afrobasket after an 84-83 Quarter-Final loss to Angola in the last three seconds of the game. Four years earlier, Angola claimed their ninth African title after beating Cameroon in the Final of the 2007 Afrobasket held in Angola.
Despite Cameroon’s inability to beat Angola, Adingono’s skills and mindset were not ignored in Luanda circles, as they expect him to restore Petro’s dominance.
Should Cameroon secure a place to the 2013 Afrobasket in the Central African Republic's capital of Bangui next week, there are good chances that Cameroon will take on Angola in Abidjan for the third time in four tournaments.
No doubt that Angola clubs are free to generate income and revenue, but former Cape Verde head coach Emmanuel Trovoada says they have to be professional and accept and welcome the new signings as Angolans are in general are prepared to overcome such issues.
No doubts, Trovoada says that "Lazare is going to learn more of our game and our play style, but we have to act professionally."
For now Petro de Luanda, Primeiro D’Agosto and Libolo warm up for the ACC competition which will be staged in November in Equatorial Guinea.
Julio Chitunda
Last December, Etoile du Sahel stunned Angolan giants Primeiro D’Agosto in the Final of the ACC in Moroccan region of Sale to halt Angolan clubs’ reign in the competition.
In response, Angolans are seeking new options in the African market. Petro de Luanda parted ways with Portuguese coach Alberto Babo, before D'Agosto and Portugal's most celebrated coach Mario Palma went their separate ways too.
In July, 2010 African clubs champions Petro de Luanda signed Cameroon national head coach Lazare Adingono and then followed that with the capture of Cameroon's Parfait Bitee, who led his team in scoring at last year's Afrobasket.
This week, though, Angolan champions Recreativo do Libolo confirmed the signing of Mali's Mohamed Tangara, the fifth leading rebounder at the 2011 continental championship in Madagascar.
Adingono and Bitte helped to eliminate their new employers from the 2011 ACC podium as they represented host club Moroccan’s AS Sale - who finished third in the competition - at the time.
Nevertheless, Angola has a history of appreciating African players as some have even ended up representing the country on the international stage and others, rarely, remained in the country less than two seasons.
For instance, Gabon-born Victor Muzadi represented Angola at the Sydney and Athens Olympics while Chad-born Abdel Moussa became a double Olympian after showing his skills in Athens and Beijing.
In the past, Angolan clubs attracted Cape Verde internationals Rodrigo Mascarenhas and Marques Houtman while Tunisia's Macram Ben Rondhane was rumoured to be joining D’Agosto although he remains with his Etoile du Sahel, at least for now.
Moreover, Angola’s African success over the past 20 years has been based on the chemistry between the national team players, most of whom play in the Angolan league, unlike their main opponents. Although players such as Carlos Morais, Milton Barros or Joaquim Gomes played US college basketball, they returned to play professionally at home.
Besides Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco - and despite the reduced number of teams competing in the national league (eight teams) - Angola is one of the few African nations that enjoys a professional basketball league with players making a good standard of living. perhaps basketball passion in the country is to blame.
Meanwhile, Tangara, Bitee and Adingono are not alone as Cape Verde international Mario Correia plays for D’Agosto and DR Congo international Celo Lifetu-Selenge plays for Inter de Luanda.
According to Angola men's national team assistant coach Emanuel Trovoada, the arrival of the Cameroonians Adingono and Bitee, more than the Malian’s, may have some implications for the national team, as some of their leading players - including Morais and Miguel Kiala - will be under Adingono’s scrutiny at Petro de Luanda.
It should not be a big deal as there are examples in basketball's history of teammates facing each other at international tournaments. For instance, Kobe Bryant vs Pau Gasol or Kevin Durant vs Serge Ibaka.
However the Angolans vs Cameroonians is a different and unique reality, as Angolan players have never been so exposed to an opposing head coach as this time, and the rivalry of these two teams has become a case-study.
Adingono’s Cameroon were frustrated at last year’s Afrobasket after an 84-83 Quarter-Final loss to Angola in the last three seconds of the game. Four years earlier, Angola claimed their ninth African title after beating Cameroon in the Final of the 2007 Afrobasket held in Angola.
Despite Cameroon’s inability to beat Angola, Adingono’s skills and mindset were not ignored in Luanda circles, as they expect him to restore Petro’s dominance.
Should Cameroon secure a place to the 2013 Afrobasket in the Central African Republic's capital of Bangui next week, there are good chances that Cameroon will take on Angola in Abidjan for the third time in four tournaments.
No doubt that Angola clubs are free to generate income and revenue, but former Cape Verde head coach Emmanuel Trovoada says they have to be professional and accept and welcome the new signings as Angolans are in general are prepared to overcome such issues.
No doubts, Trovoada says that "Lazare is going to learn more of our game and our play style, but we have to act professionally."
For now Petro de Luanda, Primeiro D’Agosto and Libolo warm up for the ACC competition which will be staged in November in Equatorial Guinea.
Julio Chitunda
UGANDA : Ndejje beat UCU, edge close to clinching Playoff Place.
With three games still to play on theirregular season schedule, its almost certain that Ndejje University Angels will make this season playoffs. this follows Ndejje's 63-61 edge out of fellow University outfit UCU Canons at YMCA recently.
Geofrey Soro scored game high 23 points and picked 11 rebounds, Jonah Otim added 14 points and Moses Otem chipped in with 10 as Angels (8-11) heldoff UCU for the vital win.
Ndejje have to play Nkumba Marines, Vegetarian and Rez Life.
The University side faces competition for the final play-off place from Former Champions, Nkumba Marines who suffered a set back on Saturday after suffering a 45-61 loss to KIU Titans and still have to face each other and complete its schedule against Eagles.
In the other Sunday game, Eagles beat Victoria University Heaters 50-47 behind Ivan Lumanyika's 18 points and 15 boards. Andrew Opio added 9 points for Eagles (11-9) Andrew Okot and Derrick Mbusi scored 8 and 6 points respectively for heaters (9-11).
Meanwhile three players, Richard Balemwa, Ben Komakech and Joseph Ikong scored in Double Digits to pace Dmark Power to an 80-53 win over RezLife Saints. Wlliam Odongo's game high 23 points and 12 rebounds were in a losing effort as the new comers look destined for a winless top flight season.
In the Women's Division, Sarah Nakitende scored 11 points and Carol Nyafwono and Sarah Nassuna added 10 each to lead Magic Stormers to a 62-36 win over Nkumba Lady Marines on Saturday. Esther Marion scored 11 and picked 11 rebounds for Lady Marines (4-15) and Sylivia Nakazibwe contributed 10 points. Amazon Rhino beat MUK Cubs 43-20 behind Lucy Kabanyana's Double -Double (17 points, 10rebounds) and Belinda Feni added 16 points while Rashida Namubiru and Gloria Nanfuka contributed 6 points each for cubs.
High School sides, Nabisunsa and Crane High Ladies lost to League Giants A1 Challenge and KCCA Leopards. Four A1 Ladies, Liz Kizza (19 points), Agnes Sentongo (14 points), Vickie Ntale (13 points) and Mariam Birungi (10 points) scored in double figure in the 67-33 win over Nabisunsa who were led by Ruth Nakito's game high 21 points. KCCA Leopards survived Ritah Imanishimwe's 24 points to see off Crane High 70-36.
24 September 2012
Rwanda: More Local Players to Increase Basket's Attractiveness
Liberia: Financial Report Stuck At LBA
Report reaching our sports Desk says the chairman for the organizing committee for the just-ended FIBA Afrique Zone III club qualifiers hosted by the Liberia Basketball Association, Abraham Samukai is seriously demanding all financial reports from the leadership of the local basketball house to enable the association present a conclusive report to the public.
According to report, Mr. Samukai accused the president of the Liberia Basketball Association T. Rufus Anderson and his Secretary General Allan Goodrige of allegedly collecting 150 SIM cards and cash from Cellcom GSM Company for the hosting of the league.
A well-placed source at the basketball house stated that Liberia Coca Cola Bottling Company (LCCBC) formerly USTC, National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) amongst many institutions donated to the LBA to reinforce the institution's strength to host the prestigious club tournament on the West African Bloc.
The report says series of meetings have been held with the LFA boss and his SG to give full report of donors' contributions, but all the meetings ended in dispute with the chairman of the organizing committee taking his exit from the meetings, but promised to get all documents from the association at all cost.
The source also hinted this paper that Mr. Anderson's administration failed to give match officials allotment prompting them to leave with high degree of heavy hearts thereby placing them in a squeeze that forced them to travel by road.
All efforts to get Mr. Abraham Samukai was fruitless, but it war learned that Mr. Anderson denied the report stating that his administration did not collect a cent from an institution and also stressed that match officials were paid in full. "We did not go behind the committee to collect anything, we're still awaiting their report," he maintained, "any information given from elsewhere is false, we dealt with the match officials" he concluded.
According to report, Mr. Samukai accused the president of the Liberia Basketball Association T. Rufus Anderson and his Secretary General Allan Goodrige of allegedly collecting 150 SIM cards and cash from Cellcom GSM Company for the hosting of the league.
A well-placed source at the basketball house stated that Liberia Coca Cola Bottling Company (LCCBC) formerly USTC, National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) amongst many institutions donated to the LBA to reinforce the institution's strength to host the prestigious club tournament on the West African Bloc.
The report says series of meetings have been held with the LFA boss and his SG to give full report of donors' contributions, but all the meetings ended in dispute with the chairman of the organizing committee taking his exit from the meetings, but promised to get all documents from the association at all cost.
The source also hinted this paper that Mr. Anderson's administration failed to give match officials allotment prompting them to leave with high degree of heavy hearts thereby placing them in a squeeze that forced them to travel by road.
All efforts to get Mr. Abraham Samukai was fruitless, but it war learned that Mr. Anderson denied the report stating that his administration did not collect a cent from an institution and also stressed that match officials were paid in full. "We did not go behind the committee to collect anything, we're still awaiting their report," he maintained, "any information given from elsewhere is false, we dealt with the match officials" he concluded.
Zimbabwe/Mozambique: Gloom for Zim Basketball Clubs
Varsity Leopards women's basketball team have withdrawn from participating in the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) Zone VI Club Championships which kick-off this Friday in Mozambique, after failing to secure funding for the trip.
Cameo men and JBC women's chances of taking part in the week-long tournament are also slim as both clubs are yet to raise money to travel.
With just five days to go before the championships begin, the clubs are still moving around with a begging bowel. Only Mutare-based Mercenaries, are hopeful of making it to Mozambique.
As of yesterday, the club was still locked in meetings with prospective sponsors and was expected to conclude a deal that could see them fulfilling the trip.
Leopards coach, Spencer Nyamadzawo, is upset at the club's failure to fulfill the tournament.
"It is disheartening for the players, because we had gone to South Africa for preparations last month. But it is something beyond our control," Nyamadzawo said.
But it is Cameo who could feel hard done after their preparations underlined their credentials when they beat Graquas de Boca and Ferroviário last month, winning the Swaziland Invitational Tournament to become the first Zimbabwean side to beat Mozambican teams.
Cameo public relations officer, Brian Muyengwa, said chances of securing US$15 000 were slowly fading. "Technically we are out of the competition unless a miracle happens. This week we continued preparing for the tournament because maybe we could get something," Muyengwa said.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe president, Addison Chiware, felt the corporate world had also battled to meet the club's expenses.
"Economic challenges have left most companies unable to sponsor sporting activities. Some years ago, we never missed these tournaments," said Chiware.
Over the recent years, Zimbabwean clubs have been struggling to raise money to participate in the regional competition.
Mbare Heats men were the only team that made it to the competition in South Africa last year, where they came last.
Cameo men and JBC women's chances of taking part in the week-long tournament are also slim as both clubs are yet to raise money to travel.
With just five days to go before the championships begin, the clubs are still moving around with a begging bowel. Only Mutare-based Mercenaries, are hopeful of making it to Mozambique.
As of yesterday, the club was still locked in meetings with prospective sponsors and was expected to conclude a deal that could see them fulfilling the trip.
Leopards coach, Spencer Nyamadzawo, is upset at the club's failure to fulfill the tournament.
"It is disheartening for the players, because we had gone to South Africa for preparations last month. But it is something beyond our control," Nyamadzawo said.
But it is Cameo who could feel hard done after their preparations underlined their credentials when they beat Graquas de Boca and Ferroviário last month, winning the Swaziland Invitational Tournament to become the first Zimbabwean side to beat Mozambican teams.
Cameo public relations officer, Brian Muyengwa, said chances of securing US$15 000 were slowly fading. "Technically we are out of the competition unless a miracle happens. This week we continued preparing for the tournament because maybe we could get something," Muyengwa said.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe president, Addison Chiware, felt the corporate world had also battled to meet the club's expenses.
"Economic challenges have left most companies unable to sponsor sporting activities. Some years ago, we never missed these tournaments," said Chiware.
Over the recent years, Zimbabwean clubs have been struggling to raise money to participate in the regional competition.
Mbare Heats men were the only team that made it to the competition in South Africa last year, where they came last.
UGANDA : Falcons beat Warriors to underline ambition
Falcons shooting guard Omony (right) is closed down by Warriors small forward Blick at YMCA on Friday. Omony played an impressive game to help Falcons triumph.PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA In Summary
Finally Falcons do have the feel of old. They have a good starting five, rich depth as well as experience
It’s five years and counting since Falcons last won the Airtel National Basketball League title and four since they were contenders.
This season, they are much closer than they have been to adding to their six crowns, the last of which came in 2007, than they have been in perhaps two years.
Friday’s 73-65 win over Warriors at a packed YMCA court will be treated as a statement, far bigger than just being a 14th consecutive victory.
Stephen Omony’s game-high 18 points and 10 points elevated Falcons to a league-best 18-2 as Warriors fell to 17-2.
Stephen Omony’s game-high 18 points and 10 points elevated Falcons to a league-best 18-2 as Warriors fell to 17-2.
He eventually fouled out in the final two minutes. The damage was done by then. Falcons got sweet revenge for 73-53 rout in May, the last time they lost a game.
“I respect Falcons,” Warriors coach Mandy Juruni noted. The feeling is mutual. “We know Warriors will bounce back. We will respect every opponent,” said Omony.
Geoff Omondi added 14 points and 12 rebounds while centre Philip Ameny, towing a thin line with four fouls, added 12. “It’s good we lost a game at this stage so players can re-focus on the task,” Juruni added. His 11-game winning streak dating back to June was snapped. It was a slow start to topsy-turvy game until Omony blew it open with two sequential 3s. In the twinkle of an eye, Falcons built an 11-point lead at the end of third period. Even if it wasn’t the most spectacular of returns for Abdullahi Ramadhan to the Falcons’ roster for the first time since last November, Warriors only responded with brief scares.
Dulah, clearly lacking match practice, finished with five points, six rebounds, three assists and five turnovers. The losing finalists from the past two years, chasing the prospect of a fourth straight final appearance, must have wished guard Cyrus Kiviiri was fit. He was really missed.
“Our big men didn’t play well and that translated to the guards,” Juruni noted. Inside players Michael Kariuki (13), Sam Gombya (6) and Henry Malinga (6) shared 25 points in all.
The latter fouled out as they were outrebounded by a 31-46 margin. Warriors should still finish top of the log having beaten Falcons by 20 points earlier this season.
The view from the top will be hazier than it was last year when they finished the regular season 17-1, losing to only Charging Rhino, now in Division Two.
RWANDA : KBC win Agaciro basketball tourney
Final
Men
Espoir 56-75 KCB
Women
APR 67-32 NUR
Third place
CSK 60-84 APR
Kigali Basketball Club overcame rivals Espoir 75-65 in the final to win the ‘Agaciro Development Fund’ tournament at Amahoro indoor stadium courts on Sunday.
En-route to the final, KBC beat their fiercest rivals APR in the semi-final 76-63, while Espoir thrashed CSK 81-53 in the other semi-final game on Saturday.
In the women’s fray, league champions APR won the tournament after beating newcomers Rwandans Allied for Peace (RAPP) 67-32. RAPP also lost to National University of Rwanda 52-47.
Already, Rwanda Basketball Federation Executive members have collected Rwf3 million, which will be added to the gate collections and the contributions from of the teams for the Agaciro Fund. This week, the Ferwaba committee will announce the whole contribution to the Agaciro Development Fund.
Ferwaba is the second sporting federation, after Ferwafa, which has organised competitions aimed at raising funds to contribute towards the national solidarity fund. Volleyball federation is also keen to organise a tournament for the same cause.
Men
Espoir 56-75 KCB
Women
APR 67-32 NUR
Third place
CSK 60-84 APR
Kigali Basketball Club overcame rivals Espoir 75-65 in the final to win the ‘Agaciro Development Fund’ tournament at Amahoro indoor stadium courts on Sunday.
En-route to the final, KBC beat their fiercest rivals APR in the semi-final 76-63, while Espoir thrashed CSK 81-53 in the other semi-final game on Saturday.
In the women’s fray, league champions APR won the tournament after beating newcomers Rwandans Allied for Peace (RAPP) 67-32. RAPP also lost to National University of Rwanda 52-47.
Already, Rwanda Basketball Federation Executive members have collected Rwf3 million, which will be added to the gate collections and the contributions from of the teams for the Agaciro Fund. This week, the Ferwaba committee will announce the whole contribution to the Agaciro Development Fund.
Ferwaba is the second sporting federation, after Ferwafa, which has organised competitions aimed at raising funds to contribute towards the national solidarity fund. Volleyball federation is also keen to organise a tournament for the same cause.
22 September 2012
KENYA : Shitsama exudes confidence as KCB travels to Western
Updated on 21/09/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Morris Shitsama the Kenya Commercial Bank ‘Lions’ coach is confident that his team will win their league fixtures on travel this weekend when they head to Kakamega for a Masinde Muliro University face off and later on Sunday against Kisumu based Lakeside.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com, Shitsama pointed out that his aim is to finish the 2nd leg just as they did in the first, unbeaten, “We managed to go unbeaten in the 1st leg and according to my plans we want to do the same in the 2nd leg. This will give us the best confidence ahead of the play-offs.”
KCB arch rivals who are also the reigning champions played MMUST and Lakeside last weekend and won both matches.Shitsama acknowledges that indeed Coop bank are in good form and they will have to approach them cautiously when that time arrives.
“Co-op Bank are now ahead of us with a game in a hand considering their wins last weekend in Western, what we are looking for is to pile the pressure on them. Since they beat us in the Tom Munyama tournament they have been unstoppable but I am hopeful we shall be the team to stop them.”
KCB will play Co-op Bank next weekend in what will decide who tops the KBF Premier League log before play offs.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com, Shitsama pointed out that his aim is to finish the 2nd leg just as they did in the first, unbeaten, “We managed to go unbeaten in the 1st leg and according to my plans we want to do the same in the 2nd leg. This will give us the best confidence ahead of the play-offs.”
KCB arch rivals who are also the reigning champions played MMUST and Lakeside last weekend and won both matches.Shitsama acknowledges that indeed Coop bank are in good form and they will have to approach them cautiously when that time arrives.
“Co-op Bank are now ahead of us with a game in a hand considering their wins last weekend in Western, what we are looking for is to pile the pressure on them. Since they beat us in the Tom Munyama tournament they have been unstoppable but I am hopeful we shall be the team to stop them.”
KCB will play Co-op Bank next weekend in what will decide who tops the KBF Premier League log before play offs.
