31 October 2012
UGANDA : Crucial night for KIU in Fuba play-offs
KIU Titans’ Francis Kasekende (R) was limited to five points in Game One against Eagles on Saturday. Game Two between KIU and Eagles is due tonight at YMCA Wandegeya. Photo by Ismail Kezaala.
It’s bound to be a draining evening for Nimrod Kaboha as his two KIU sides chase different targets as the Fuba Basketball League playoffs reach Game Two today.
Women’s side KIU Rangers is on the brink of elimination as they trail 1-0 in the best-of-three quarterfinals against Magic Stormers following a 43-31 loss at the Lugogo MTN Arena at the weekend.
On the other hand, men’s Division One side KIU Titans will advance to the semifinals with victory over tough-as-nails Miracle Eagles. KIU took Game One 60-52 to lead their series 1-0. Fuba have had to move the games to YMCA court as Lugogo is booked for Game Two of the ongoing National Volleyball League finals.
Eagles out-rebounded their opponents 45-28 but even that wasn’t enough. Ivan Rumanyika led the onslaught with a game-high 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The productivity of their guards is a spot of bother. Since the acquisition of Mohammed Yusuf several games into the regular season, other guards have not been as effective.
It’s either the brilliance of Yusuf, 11 points and five rebounds in Game One, that has choked them or the failure to raise their game.
“Sometimes, we let him (Yusuf) do too much so everyone should step up,” Eagles’ team manager-cum-player Chris Kyebambe said. That message should go straight into Ronald Bajunga’s heart.
Bajunga has not taken charge of games like he used to before Yusuf arrived. Their defence will be tested as KIU have descent perimeter shooters in Nelson Naju and Francis Kasekende. Njau had 10 points in Game One and Kasekende is almost bound to have more than the five he managed on Saturday.
“At this stage of the season, every team plays better than they have all season,” KIU talisman Richard Osano warned. He must choose to play inside and not outside the arc like he has done in physical games.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com
30 October 2012
UGANDA : Hatima returns with a bang as Desmond dunks power to the sick bay!
A1 Challenge 67-36 Gladiators
UCU canons 80-64 D mark Power
Her comeback underlines that basketball is played in the head, after a season long absence from the court Hatima Kassim’s ball management overshadowed Victoria Ntale’s 20 points though she did drop 14 on the night with Mbazira liz adding on 10 points. But the night belonged to Uganda’s upcoming prospects, Gladiators’ Claire Lamunu who had 9 points and 5 blocks and queen of the night A1’s youngstar, Nakazibwe Sylva who dazzled the crowd with her ball handling and saucy dishes drawing the curtain for the main act of the night where back to back reigning champions D mark Power locked horns with UCU canons in game 1 of best of 3 quarter final series.
Desmond’s poster on David Kiberu inside the first 3 minutes set the mode for the night as a collected class act from the canons made it seem they were in a well rehearsed opera. UCU led from the 1st to the last quarter 23-17, 17-16, 21-13 and finishing 19-18. Power had caught up in the 2nd quarter, courtesy of Isaac Lugudde’s containing of UCU’s Innocent Odour with Koma sinking in the big 3 that tied it at 31 all though UCU’s coach had called for a timeout with the score at 31-25. Koma led on the score seat for Power with 16 points while Isaac Afidra registering a double-double sinking 15points and collecting a massive 21 rebounds. Desmond wasn’t just turning the game into a slum contest with his 4 dunks but sunk a game high 22 points with 8 rebounds while Sudi Ulanga had 18 points and 6 rebounds with Martin Okwako droping 14 points and collecting 4 rebounds.
Power find themselves on the back foot and will have to dig deep to bounce next Friday against UCU who continue with their record of winning all their 1st games of the post season. Vital will be how they tame UCU’s prowess in the key.
With suspect calls especially in the 1st quarter, Manano, had his plate full but managed to keep talking sense into the umps who improved as the game went on. The umps strike over 7milion shillings arrears was to be cleared today though we gather some umps might be blacklisted, about 70m shillings had already been paid by the federation to the umps who earn 15,000 per game in the regular season while making 30,000 shillings per game in the post season.
On a good note, the contested 5 game rule has been suspended until next season, so all players are set to feature.
UCU canons 80-64 D mark Power
Her comeback underlines that basketball is played in the head, after a season long absence from the court Hatima Kassim’s ball management overshadowed Victoria Ntale’s 20 points though she did drop 14 on the night with Mbazira liz adding on 10 points. But the night belonged to Uganda’s upcoming prospects, Gladiators’ Claire Lamunu who had 9 points and 5 blocks and queen of the night A1’s youngstar, Nakazibwe Sylva who dazzled the crowd with her ball handling and saucy dishes drawing the curtain for the main act of the night where back to back reigning champions D mark Power locked horns with UCU canons in game 1 of best of 3 quarter final series.
Desmond’s poster on David Kiberu inside the first 3 minutes set the mode for the night as a collected class act from the canons made it seem they were in a well rehearsed opera. UCU led from the 1st to the last quarter 23-17, 17-16, 21-13 and finishing 19-18. Power had caught up in the 2nd quarter, courtesy of Isaac Lugudde’s containing of UCU’s Innocent Odour with Koma sinking in the big 3 that tied it at 31 all though UCU’s coach had called for a timeout with the score at 31-25. Koma led on the score seat for Power with 16 points while Isaac Afidra registering a double-double sinking 15points and collecting a massive 21 rebounds. Desmond wasn’t just turning the game into a slum contest with his 4 dunks but sunk a game high 22 points with 8 rebounds while Sudi Ulanga had 18 points and 6 rebounds with Martin Okwako droping 14 points and collecting 4 rebounds.
Power find themselves on the back foot and will have to dig deep to bounce next Friday against UCU who continue with their record of winning all their 1st games of the post season. Vital will be how they tame UCU’s prowess in the key.
With suspect calls especially in the 1st quarter, Manano, had his plate full but managed to keep talking sense into the umps who improved as the game went on. The umps strike over 7milion shillings arrears was to be cleared today though we gather some umps might be blacklisted, about 70m shillings had already been paid by the federation to the umps who earn 15,000 per game in the regular season while making 30,000 shillings per game in the post season.
On a good note, the contested 5 game rule has been suspended until next season, so all players are set to feature.
UGANDA : “Do not take me and my boys for granted”-Sudi Ulanga warns!
He has the aura of a loved baby with seemingly flawless character but when Sudi Ulanga woke on the 11th of October with such a post on his wall, be sure, the underdog clout is finally up his throat. One would say UCU canons were unlucky not to have made it to the play-off finals last season and the season before but to win the lottery you have to buy a ticket, this time around, the canons have been loaded.
Of the 5 teams with a chance to win the championship, UCU canons have by many been regarded outsiders, however if you have watched UCU in the post season for the last 2 seasons, you will wonder what they add to that water of theirs. Their roster might have greatly changed, Jeff Omondi’s absence might be felt but if Okot Sunday steps up and Inocent Oduor unveils his true self, a “surprise” is on the table. Former MVP Okello Boniface might hurt D mark Power, Desmond Owili has grown from being just a “dunker”, senior Okwako Martin might not be the Okwako of 2009, but in class you can trust.
Will Brian Kamate sign his name in the league? I think so. This lanky Kenyan who did away with his Afro, a 2011 champion with cooperative bank in the Kenyan league, has shown the diamond in him. The only player to have suffocated Salim Ali in that 10+ points dubbing of KIU titans in the second round, he not only wipes the boards but dials from down town and his ball IQ is certainly above average, used well, he might just become the Moses of this university side that the championship has eluded despite having top notch players.
They will certainly miss Perimeter assassin Robert Ogweno courtesy of a FIBA rule FUBA invoked that doesn’t allow players who have not appeared on the team sheet for atleast 5 times in the regular season to feature in the post season. One thing for sure is 4th quarter basketball will surely determine who progresses to the semis. In Africa they say never laugh at anyone as long as they are still alive! You might undermine them, but under lugogo they might have planted a mine that will switch off Power.
Of the 5 teams with a chance to win the championship, UCU canons have by many been regarded outsiders, however if you have watched UCU in the post season for the last 2 seasons, you will wonder what they add to that water of theirs. Their roster might have greatly changed, Jeff Omondi’s absence might be felt but if Okot Sunday steps up and Inocent Oduor unveils his true self, a “surprise” is on the table. Former MVP Okello Boniface might hurt D mark Power, Desmond Owili has grown from being just a “dunker”, senior Okwako Martin might not be the Okwako of 2009, but in class you can trust.
Will Brian Kamate sign his name in the league? I think so. This lanky Kenyan who did away with his Afro, a 2011 champion with cooperative bank in the Kenyan league, has shown the diamond in him. The only player to have suffocated Salim Ali in that 10+ points dubbing of KIU titans in the second round, he not only wipes the boards but dials from down town and his ball IQ is certainly above average, used well, he might just become the Moses of this university side that the championship has eluded despite having top notch players.
They will certainly miss Perimeter assassin Robert Ogweno courtesy of a FIBA rule FUBA invoked that doesn’t allow players who have not appeared on the team sheet for atleast 5 times in the regular season to feature in the post season. One thing for sure is 4th quarter basketball will surely determine who progresses to the semis. In Africa they say never laugh at anyone as long as they are still alive! You might undermine them, but under lugogo they might have planted a mine that will switch off Power.
KENYA : Kedogo: Abidjan experience is an eye opener
Updated on 30/10/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Eagle Wings deputy coach Evelyn Kedogo says their outing in Abidjan where they took part in the just concluded African Women Club championships was an eye opener and comes back with massive lessons learned from the experience.The team returned home on Tuesday morning at 5:30AM and will now shift their attention to defending their KBF League title.
Kedogo admits that Kenya’s standards are way below the rest of Africa and has challenged stakeholders to pull strings towards improving the game to match up with the rest of Africa.
“It was a great outing, good for us and an eye opener for Kenya. We gave it our all but our best was not good enough” She says.
“Clubs out there take basketball seriously and with a lot of professionalism some of them inviting back their top professionals from America and Europe for the championships. Their structures back in their countries are well developed and there is a lot of financial investment in the clubs.” She adds.
This was the second appearance for Eagle Wings at the competition with their first outing having been in 2008 where they finished 10th.Havin g beaten Ndella in classification matches in Abidjan , Eagle Wings finished 9th overall above Ndella and Kedogo says,
“Compared to our last outing, we have greatly improved but we need to work harder if at all we are to catch up with the rest of the continent.”
Kenya dominates Zone 5 that Brings together East African Clubs but her performance at the continental scene is yet to find a breath of good results. Last year, regional champions KPA also lost all matches during the same competition hosted by Nigeria.
“There is a lot we learned. First is the investment in the sport and clubs. Then there is the element of physique where their players are well built and tall. Our tallest players Silalei Shani ended up being like a dot amongst our opponents. Their shooting prowess is so perfect and accurate that is where we were beaten in most of those matches- Shooting.” She says.
Eagle Wings is a self supported club that mostly depended on well wishers and the government to finance their trip to Abidjan with the players struggling to find time in between their jobs for training sessions.
“Compared to us here in Kenya, players in these top clubs play professionally. The teams have been at this level of competition for many years and are well experienced, for example there was this 42 year old lady in the winning team from Mozambique who was voted the most valuable player of the competition .We had also not prepared ourselves for the physical exhaustion because of playing heavy matches back to back.”
“ We are used to our standards here at home where at times we don’t struggle to win matches, but here we needed to put in all our energies at times playing two matches with less than ten hours of rest.” Kedogo explains.
But all the same. Kedogo, herself a former player, says the girls played their hearts out and tried their best. She thanks all those who contributed towards their travel and participation in a competition that has opened Kenya’s eyes to work harder towards attaining higher standards of basketball.
Kedogo admits that Kenya’s standards are way below the rest of Africa and has challenged stakeholders to pull strings towards improving the game to match up with the rest of Africa.
“It was a great outing, good for us and an eye opener for Kenya. We gave it our all but our best was not good enough” She says.
“Clubs out there take basketball seriously and with a lot of professionalism some of them inviting back their top professionals from America and Europe for the championships. Their structures back in their countries are well developed and there is a lot of financial investment in the clubs.” She adds.
This was the second appearance for Eagle Wings at the competition with their first outing having been in 2008 where they finished 10th.Havin g beaten Ndella in classification matches in Abidjan , Eagle Wings finished 9th overall above Ndella and Kedogo says,
“Compared to our last outing, we have greatly improved but we need to work harder if at all we are to catch up with the rest of the continent.”
Kenya dominates Zone 5 that Brings together East African Clubs but her performance at the continental scene is yet to find a breath of good results. Last year, regional champions KPA also lost all matches during the same competition hosted by Nigeria.
“There is a lot we learned. First is the investment in the sport and clubs. Then there is the element of physique where their players are well built and tall. Our tallest players Silalei Shani ended up being like a dot amongst our opponents. Their shooting prowess is so perfect and accurate that is where we were beaten in most of those matches- Shooting.” She says.
Eagle Wings is a self supported club that mostly depended on well wishers and the government to finance their trip to Abidjan with the players struggling to find time in between their jobs for training sessions.
“Compared to us here in Kenya, players in these top clubs play professionally. The teams have been at this level of competition for many years and are well experienced, for example there was this 42 year old lady in the winning team from Mozambique who was voted the most valuable player of the competition .We had also not prepared ourselves for the physical exhaustion because of playing heavy matches back to back.”
“ We are used to our standards here at home where at times we don’t struggle to win matches, but here we needed to put in all our energies at times playing two matches with less than ten hours of rest.” Kedogo explains.
But all the same. Kedogo, herself a former player, says the girls played their hearts out and tried their best. She thanks all those who contributed towards their travel and participation in a competition that has opened Kenya’s eyes to work harder towards attaining higher standards of basketball.
KENYA : Eagle Wings return from Abidjan experience
Kenya Basketball champions Eagle Wings are back home from the just concluded African senior women Basketball club championships in Abidjan Ivory Coast where they finished 9th.The team landed back in Nairobi on Tuesday morning at 5:30 AM.
Eagle Wings who are the regional champions were in Pool B and lost all preliminary matches to CSS Faxien from Tunisia, Inter Clube of Angola, hosts ABC and Deep Waters from Nigeria. Arc En Ciel from DRC did not show up for the competition despite being drawn up in the fixtures.
Eagle Wings won one match against Ndella from Gabon in the classification matches to finish 9th an improvement from their last appearance where they finished 10th in 2008.
Eagle Wings who are the regional champions were in Pool B and lost all preliminary matches to CSS Faxien from Tunisia, Inter Clube of Angola, hosts ABC and Deep Waters from Nigeria. Arc En Ciel from DRC did not show up for the competition despite being drawn up in the fixtures.
Eagle Wings won one match against Ndella from Gabon in the classification matches to finish 9th an improvement from their last appearance where they finished 10th in 2008.
Liberia: Youth and Sports to Re-Launch Up Country Basketball
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) in partnership with the Liberia Basketball Federation says it is poised to re-launch the Up-Country Basketball Tournament from October 31 to November 4, 2012 in Gbarnga, Bong County. According to a MYS press release, the re-launch of the tournament is in a bid to revamp basketball as part of its (MYS) overall national sports revitalization agenda.
The Up-Country basketball competition is a sporting festival initiated in the 1970s to help promote the game among high school students in the central region, which at the time comprised of Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties. The tournament, the MYS said, will be renamed: "The McGowan Basketball Tournament". It is in honor of Mr. Herald Emmet McGowan.
Mr. McGowan is a former American Peace Corp, who dedicated 20 years of voluntary services to the development of basketball in the country.
The event will restart with a number of targeted schools from counties across the region, which now includes Margibi County. Some of the schools are: Booker Washington Institute (BWI), St. Christopher and Konola High Schools of Margibi County; Lutheran Training Institute, Zorzor and Voinjama High Schools in Lofa County; W.V.S. Tubman-Gray, St. Martin and Gboveh High Schools of Bong County; and ArcelorMittal, J.W. Pearson and Ganta United Methodist High Schools in Nimba County.
Former national basketball star Caleb Dormah, who has been hired to coordinate the re-launch of the exercise, has stated that all is on course to restart the event on schedule. To guarantee that all the rules of modern basketball are properly applied during the re-launch of the once famous tournament, MYS over weekend sponsored a three-day preparatory workshop for game officials and coaches of the participating schools to update them with the new regulations.
Coaches William B. Brown and James W.S. Wrokpoh of Lutheran Training Institute and ArcelorMittal High School told reporters on behalf of other participants that the exercise was an eye-opener for them. They said workshop, facilitated by Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) Coaches Association's President Varfley and LBF chief referee Solomon Johnson, taught them not only to serve as trained coaches, but also as mentors, guardians and motivators for students who show interest in the game.
The Up-Country basketball competition is a sporting festival initiated in the 1970s to help promote the game among high school students in the central region, which at the time comprised of Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties. The tournament, the MYS said, will be renamed: "The McGowan Basketball Tournament". It is in honor of Mr. Herald Emmet McGowan.
Mr. McGowan is a former American Peace Corp, who dedicated 20 years of voluntary services to the development of basketball in the country.
The event will restart with a number of targeted schools from counties across the region, which now includes Margibi County. Some of the schools are: Booker Washington Institute (BWI), St. Christopher and Konola High Schools of Margibi County; Lutheran Training Institute, Zorzor and Voinjama High Schools in Lofa County; W.V.S. Tubman-Gray, St. Martin and Gboveh High Schools of Bong County; and ArcelorMittal, J.W. Pearson and Ganta United Methodist High Schools in Nimba County.
Former national basketball star Caleb Dormah, who has been hired to coordinate the re-launch of the exercise, has stated that all is on course to restart the event on schedule. To guarantee that all the rules of modern basketball are properly applied during the re-launch of the once famous tournament, MYS over weekend sponsored a three-day preparatory workshop for game officials and coaches of the participating schools to update them with the new regulations.
Coaches William B. Brown and James W.S. Wrokpoh of Lutheran Training Institute and ArcelorMittal High School told reporters on behalf of other participants that the exercise was an eye-opener for them. They said workshop, facilitated by Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) Coaches Association's President Varfley and LBF chief referee Solomon Johnson, taught them not only to serve as trained coaches, but also as mentors, guardians and motivators for students who show interest in the game.
Kenya: Kisumu Lake-Side Kicked Out of the Premier League
KISUMU Lake-side have been bundled out of the National basketball Premier League after missing their weekend's game against Strathmore University at Upper Hill School.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko said the self sponsored team have missed the stipulated number of matches and are now out of the running.
Strathmore were awarded the match on a 20-0 basis. According to Amoko, Lakeside have not appeared to honour four of their 20 matches on card this year.
Out of that, they have won only 6 and lost 11. Meanwhile, United States International University (USIU) continued their impressive run in the league after whipped University of Nairobi "Terrorists" 68-46 in a one-sided game.
The "Tigers" had on the previous day demolished national champions Co-op Bank of Kenya 77-67 to send a warning that they are going for nothing short of their first premier league crown.
The losers coach Emmanuel Ochieng attributed the team's collapse to lack of established personnel. "I have been unable to parade my main players due various reasons and that is why we haven't been doing well lately," he noted.
Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST) dismissed Blazers 60-51. The Kakamega-based students recovered from a 77-51 loss to Strathmore University to end the weekend with mixed results--a win and a loss. Kenyatta University "Pirates" beat Trailblazers 73-67 in a lower division match.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko said the self sponsored team have missed the stipulated number of matches and are now out of the running.
Strathmore were awarded the match on a 20-0 basis. According to Amoko, Lakeside have not appeared to honour four of their 20 matches on card this year.
Out of that, they have won only 6 and lost 11. Meanwhile, United States International University (USIU) continued their impressive run in the league after whipped University of Nairobi "Terrorists" 68-46 in a one-sided game.
The "Tigers" had on the previous day demolished national champions Co-op Bank of Kenya 77-67 to send a warning that they are going for nothing short of their first premier league crown.
The losers coach Emmanuel Ochieng attributed the team's collapse to lack of established personnel. "I have been unable to parade my main players due various reasons and that is why we haven't been doing well lately," he noted.
Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST) dismissed Blazers 60-51. The Kakamega-based students recovered from a 77-51 loss to Strathmore University to end the weekend with mixed results--a win and a loss. Kenyatta University "Pirates" beat Trailblazers 73-67 in a lower division match.
Angola: Interclube Dethroned As African Champions League Cup Title Holders
Mozambican side Liga Muçulmana beat defending Champions Interclube of Angola 53-43 to be crowned winners of the 2012 Africa Champions Cup for Women that ended in Abidjan on Saturday.
Abidjan Basketball Club defeated 1º de Agosto by 51-49 to finish third and fourth respectively.
The Angolans Astrida Vicente (Interclube) and Nacissela Mauricio (1º de Agosto) are parto f top 5 team
Abidjan Basketball Club defeated 1º de Agosto by 51-49 to finish third and fourth respectively.
The Angolans Astrida Vicente (Interclube) and Nacissela Mauricio (1º de Agosto) are parto f top 5 team
UGANDA : FUBA: A Malinga-brother affair as playoffs intensify
DMARK Powers Richard Balemwa (R) lays up past UCU Canons Brian Namake during a FUBA quarter final play-off game at Lugogo. UCU won 80-64. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
By Charles Mutebi
It was business as usual as the Kyambogo Warriors and Falcons started their respective 2012 FUBA Playoffs journeys ahead of a potential meeting in the men’s top division Finals.
Henry Malinga displayed his postseason character with a team-high 13 points as the Warriors defeated the Victoria Heaters 75-53 in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals Sunday at the MTN Arena.
The Falcons equally took a 1-0 series lead after thumping the lethargic Ndejje Angels 70-40, with the legendary Steven Omony draining a game-high 16 points.
Abdullah Ramadan added 12 for the Falcons, who confronted a Ndejje side painfully missing talismanic captain Geoffrey Soro. Jonah Otim led Walker Obedi’s Angels with 13 points.
The Warriors did not have it as easy as the Falcons but there was never any doubt they would defeat Victoria, who were led by Derrick Mbusi with a game-high 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Norman Blick and Michael Karuiki scored 12 and 11 apiece for Mandy Juruni’s Kyambogo, who are looking forward to the return of Eric Malinga.
The 2011 regular-season MVP was sidelined with a knee injury early in the season but he is line to return, possibly in Game 2 on Saturday. “My knee has got better and I am ready for Game 2,” Eric told the New Vision on Monday.
“It is not completely healed but it is in a condition where I can give good minutes to the team.”
It was business as usual as the Kyambogo Warriors and Falcons started their respective 2012 FUBA Playoffs journeys ahead of a potential meeting in the men’s top division Finals.
Henry Malinga displayed his postseason character with a team-high 13 points as the Warriors defeated the Victoria Heaters 75-53 in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals Sunday at the MTN Arena.
The Falcons equally took a 1-0 series lead after thumping the lethargic Ndejje Angels 70-40, with the legendary Steven Omony draining a game-high 16 points.
Abdullah Ramadan added 12 for the Falcons, who confronted a Ndejje side painfully missing talismanic captain Geoffrey Soro. Jonah Otim led Walker Obedi’s Angels with 13 points.
The Warriors did not have it as easy as the Falcons but there was never any doubt they would defeat Victoria, who were led by Derrick Mbusi with a game-high 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Norman Blick and Michael Karuiki scored 12 and 11 apiece for Mandy Juruni’s Kyambogo, who are looking forward to the return of Eric Malinga.
The 2011 regular-season MVP was sidelined with a knee injury early in the season but he is line to return, possibly in Game 2 on Saturday. “My knee has got better and I am ready for Game 2,” Eric told the New Vision on Monday.
“It is not completely healed but it is in a condition where I can give good minutes to the team.”
UGANDA : Big sides stroll in playoffs
Falcons power forward Ameny (right) dunking over Ndejje’s Jonah Otim at the Lugogo MTN Arena on Sunday evening. Falcons triumphed in Game 1. Photo by ISMAIL KEZAALA.
By ISMAIL DHAKABA KIGONGO
Sunday ResultsWarriors 79-53 Heaters
Falcons 70-40 Ndejje
W: KCCA 57-36 Mak Sparks
(Warriors, Falcons and KCCA lead series 1-0)
Div. 2: Shooters 42-71 Rhino
Gulu 52-54 UCU JV
(Rhino and UCU JV win series 2-0)
Diamonds 77-65 City Oil
Sharing 77-65 Bush Court
(Both series tied 1-1)
Div. 3: B. Jackets 27-52 Emperors
UMU Flames 68-66 Stone
Phenoms 40-47 Silver Force
(All three series tied 1-1)
LC Hovers 42-49 Ssaku
(Ssaku win series 2-0)
Falcons 70-40 Ndejje
W: KCCA 57-36 Mak Sparks
(Warriors, Falcons and KCCA lead series 1-0)
Div. 2: Shooters 42-71 Rhino
Gulu 52-54 UCU JV
(Rhino and UCU JV win series 2-0)
Diamonds 77-65 City Oil
Sharing 77-65 Bush Court
(Both series tied 1-1)
Div. 3: B. Jackets 27-52 Emperors
UMU Flames 68-66 Stone
Phenoms 40-47 Silver Force
(All three series tied 1-1)
LC Hovers 42-49 Ssaku
(Ssaku win series 2-0)
Three former champions - KCCA Leopards, Falcons and Warriors - made predictable starts to postseason, easily winning to take 1-0 leads in the best-of-three quarterfinals at the Lugogo MTN Arena on Sunday. Two-time women’s champions KCCA, seeded second at the end of the regular season, set the tone with a 57-36 rout of Makerere Sparks, who finished seventh.
Former MVP Flavia Oketcho scored a game-high 13 points, Martha Soigi had 10 points and 10 rebounds while Carol Badaru dropped 10 in a one-sided contest. The pattern continued as Warriors, the 2009 champions, beat Victoria Univerity Heaters 79-53 inside a near-empty venue.
Coach Mandy Juruni’s side, top seeds for two years running now, had four players in double figures including Henry Malinga (13), Norman Blick (12), Michael Kariuki (11) and Jude Ochen (10). Derrick Mbusi staged a one-man brigade to make it a contest with 15 points for the eighth seeded Heaters whose postseason debut is headed for a rather forgettable clean sweep.
As Lugogo emptied further, record champions Falcons, chasing their first crown since 2007, gave the few fans little reason to stay. Their 70-40 win over Ndejje University Angels felt like practice.
Stephen Omony led with 16 points and Abdullahi Ramadhan, only cleared to play following the suspension of a controversial rule on eligibility, added 12 points. “I loved the way we played as a team but in playoffs you want to leave room for improvement,” Dulah said after the game. Falcons rotated all 12 players who made the team.
The injury to Geoffrey Soro last month, that ruled him out of the playoffs, made Ndejje’s hill a mountain. They never really competed after a timid start and found themselves 6-19 down at the end of the first period. Falcons, Warriors and KCCA should complete their sweeps this weekend.
In Division Two, Charging Rhino and UCU JV advanced to the semifinals with 2-0 series’ victories.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com
RWANDA : Espoir will win league, says coach Bahufite
It is seven years since Espoir Basketball Club last won the league title but head coach Jean Bahufite is confident his current side is more than capable of ending that drought this season.
It may be still too early in the season but Bahufite, who has guided the Nyamirambo based outfit to a seven game winning streak, believes his team will win the league.
The three-time champions are the only unbeaten team in the national league after beating rivals and reigning champions Kigali Basketball Club 72-57 at the weekend.
“I am confident with my team, and without sounding overconfident, I believe we will win the league. We have very good players, who know what it takes to be successful,” he told this paper on Monday.
He noted, “It has been a long time since Espoir won the league and our focus is to make sure we end that (drought). We are more hungry to win it than any of our rivals.”
The former champions will end their first round matches this weekend against UGB, defending champions KBC meet former champion APR, while 30-Plus will be battling Rusizi in Kimisagara.
The action will continue on Sunday when National University of Rwanda take on Rusizi while Kigali Institute of Education host Circle Sportif de Kigali.
After seven matches, Espoir lead the league table standing with 14 points with Kigali Basketball Club on second position with 13 points, while APR are third with 12 points.
UGB, 30-Plus and National University of Rwanda are on nine points; Rusizi is in position 8 with 7pts while Kigali Institute of Education comes last with 6pts.
It may be still too early in the season but Bahufite, who has guided the Nyamirambo based outfit to a seven game winning streak, believes his team will win the league.
The three-time champions are the only unbeaten team in the national league after beating rivals and reigning champions Kigali Basketball Club 72-57 at the weekend.
“I am confident with my team, and without sounding overconfident, I believe we will win the league. We have very good players, who know what it takes to be successful,” he told this paper on Monday.
He noted, “It has been a long time since Espoir won the league and our focus is to make sure we end that (drought). We are more hungry to win it than any of our rivals.”
The former champions will end their first round matches this weekend against UGB, defending champions KBC meet former champion APR, while 30-Plus will be battling Rusizi in Kimisagara.
The action will continue on Sunday when National University of Rwanda take on Rusizi while Kigali Institute of Education host Circle Sportif de Kigali.
After seven matches, Espoir lead the league table standing with 14 points with Kigali Basketball Club on second position with 13 points, while APR are third with 12 points.
UGB, 30-Plus and National University of Rwanda are on nine points; Rusizi is in position 8 with 7pts while Kigali Institute of Education comes last with 6pts.
29 October 2012
UGANDA : POWERLESS
NO WAY: Power’s Richard Batemwa (R) had a terrible time on the court against UCU Canons
On their day, Power is a joy to watch but on an off day, they can be annoyingly erratic. Whether it’s a premature streak of ill luck or just the natural progression that all basketball teams experience at one point in the season, the defending champions are caught up in a tight spot. Being a game away from elimination is a situation Power probably never gave a thought.
So with an uncharacteristically poor defence, they head into Game 2 with an insurmountable task, but one that they know is certainly not impossible. Game 1 had all the makings of a classic ‘Power show.’ See, the individual brilliance of Power players thrives most against teams without genuine star men. Yet, the teamwork of UCU’s Sudi Ulanga, Desmond Owili and Martin Okwako neutralised Power’s offensive strengths.
Power was expected to dictate the tempo of play but the Canons had them chasing shadows for most part of the game. In the end, the 16-point margin reflects the reckless approach of Power’s star players, in particular Ben Komakech, who converted just one of his eleven three-point attempts.
What Power must do
It’s win Game 2 or bust for Power. But to even dream of that scenario, Power needs to start strongly. It’s that simple, right? Seems like it would be but, Power are natural slow starters. They like playing catch-up in the first three quarters before exploding in the fourth,
Yet, against a team with a huge work ethic, Power coach Barnes Ankunda needs to give his starting five a solid head start. Only that way will Power be able to contain an aggressive UCU if it is to push the series to the decisive Game three. Anything less and Power will become the first defending champ to miss out on the playoffs semis.
jeff@observer.ug
jeff@observer.ug
UGANDA : Fuba turn to Kenyans as referees strike
FUBA league
SATURDAY RESULTS
KIU 60-52 Eagles
(KIU lead series 1-0)
W: Stormers 43-31 KIU
(Stormers lead series 1-0)
Div. 2: UCU 55-41 Gulu
(UCU JV win series 2-0)
City Oil 62-61 Diamonds
Bush Court 87-84 Sharing
(Series tied 1-1)
Rhino 91-50 Shooters
(Rhino led 1-0)
Div. 3: Ssaku 76-68 LC Hovers
Emperors 39-62 B.Jackets
Livingstone 69-61 UMU Flames
Phenoms 60-56 Silver Force
(Ssaku, Blue Jackets, Livingstone and Phenoms led series 1-0)
KAMPALA.
KIU 60-52 Eagles
(KIU lead series 1-0)
W: Stormers 43-31 KIU
(Stormers lead series 1-0)
Div. 2: UCU 55-41 Gulu
(UCU JV win series 2-0)
City Oil 62-61 Diamonds
Bush Court 87-84 Sharing
(Series tied 1-1)
Rhino 91-50 Shooters
(Rhino led 1-0)
Div. 3: Ssaku 76-68 LC Hovers
Emperors 39-62 B.Jackets
Livingstone 69-61 UMU Flames
Phenoms 60-56 Silver Force
(Ssaku, Blue Jackets, Livingstone and Phenoms led series 1-0)
KAMPALA.
Two Kenyan umpires were ferried in to fill the void as a section of local officials continued to strike over unpaid arrears.
The strike that threatened the start of the Fuba League playoffs on Friday stretched into the weekend as the body postponed payment of Shs7m.
Peter Kirabo and Baker Kyambadde, the two most qualified umpires here, are among the most notables to have laid down their tools. Ambrose Tashobya, the Fuba president, had earlier promised to pay the bills on Saturday. That agreed upon deadline wasn’t met.
“We have paid up to Shs70m so that shows willingness to pay,” Tashobya said. “I think some are striking to fail the league which is unfortunate.”
A solution is expected today though the striking umpires seem to have toned down on their demands.
A solution is expected today though the striking umpires seem to have toned down on their demands.
“After receiving communication from Fuba, we decided to officiate again but they refused to assign us games for Sunday,” one of the striking umpires said yesterday.
In the meantime, Fuba footed bills to get Andrew Kihumba and Brian Okutoi from across the border.
In the meantime, Fuba footed bills to get Andrew Kihumba and Brian Okutoi from across the border.
The Kenyans took charge as KIU Titans defeated Miracle Eagles 60-52 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three quarterfinals at the Lugogo MTN Arena on Saturday. Richard Osano, Moses Olobo and Nelson Njau scored 10 points apiece as the third seeded KIU made a routine start despite being out-rebounded 28-45.
Ivan Rumanyika bagged a futile game-high 14 points and 10 rebounds for Eagles. The start to the postseason was even made more eventful as Fuba repealed a controversial rule on eligibility of players.
Rule 2.2.1 which demands that every player features in five regular season games to make the playoffs has been suspended until a review is done next year. “The federation noticed that the rule does not sufficiently cater for players wishing to return after injury, maternity leave, study leave, transitional employment or any other genuine reasons,” Fuba’s Donnan Byabazeire said.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com
RWANDA : Espoir beat KBC to remain only unbeaten side
National basketball league
Sunday
UGB 81-78 Rusizi
30 Plus 74-56 KIE
NUR 65-67 CSK
Saturday
KBC 57-72 Espoir
APR 98-77 KIE
CSK 86-81 Rusizi
30-Plus 65-63 NUR
Three-time champions Espoir remained the only unbeaten team in the national league with a 72-57 win over reigning champions Kigali Basketball Club on Saturday.
Both sides went into the game with a perfect record and with so much at stake; it was the former champions, who came out on top.
Aristide Mugabe netted 23 points which helped Espoir to secure the win, while Mike Buzangu scored a game high 26 points for the defending champions.
After seven matches, Espoir lead the league table standing with 14 points with Kigali Basketball Club on second position with 13 points, while APR are third with 12 points. Espoir are seeking their first league title since 2005.
In other matches, former champions APR overcame Kigali Institute of Education 98-77, while Circle Sportif de Kigali beat Rusizi 86-81.
New comers 30-Plus secured their first win of the season with a 65-63 victory over the National University of Rwanda.
Sunday
UGB 81-78 Rusizi
30 Plus 74-56 KIE
NUR 65-67 CSK
Saturday
KBC 57-72 Espoir
APR 98-77 KIE
CSK 86-81 Rusizi
30-Plus 65-63 NUR
Three-time champions Espoir remained the only unbeaten team in the national league with a 72-57 win over reigning champions Kigali Basketball Club on Saturday.
Both sides went into the game with a perfect record and with so much at stake; it was the former champions, who came out on top.
Aristide Mugabe netted 23 points which helped Espoir to secure the win, while Mike Buzangu scored a game high 26 points for the defending champions.
After seven matches, Espoir lead the league table standing with 14 points with Kigali Basketball Club on second position with 13 points, while APR are third with 12 points. Espoir are seeking their first league title since 2005.
In other matches, former champions APR overcame Kigali Institute of Education 98-77, while Circle Sportif de Kigali beat Rusizi 86-81.
New comers 30-Plus secured their first win of the season with a 65-63 victory over the National University of Rwanda.
28 October 2012
UGANDA : Power hit by loose Canon
Almost everyone always knew UCU Canons have the game to beat anyone. It’s their temperament that many doubt with Desmond Owili among the main culprits.
On Friday night, as Fuba League playoffs returned to the Lugogo MTN Arena after two years, the Kenyan centre did more than keep his head.
On Friday night, as Fuba League playoffs returned to the Lugogo MTN Arena after two years, the Kenyan centre did more than keep his head.
Owili scored 22 points and eight rebounds as UCU beat two-time defending champions DMark Power 80-64. They now lead the short best-of-three quarterfinals 1-0. Game Two is Friday.
He pounded Power on the inside and found a gaping hole. Sudi Ulanga added 18 points and Martin Okwako had 14. Power barely got a look in.
He pounded Power on the inside and found a gaping hole. Sudi Ulanga added 18 points and Martin Okwako had 14. Power barely got a look in.
Save for when Ben Komakech, 16 points, shot a three to tie the game at 31-up early in the second quarter, this was one-way traffic for a crowd skewed greatly in support of UCU.
The ‘underdog’, fifth at the end of the regular season just behind Power, is in control. “We knew Game One was very important but so did UCU,” Power’s Isaac Afidra said. “We didn’t prepare well on Thursday.”
The ‘underdog’, fifth at the end of the regular season just behind Power, is in control. “We knew Game One was very important but so did UCU,” Power’s Isaac Afidra said. “We didn’t prepare well on Thursday.”
Afidra had 15 points and 21 rebounds. What Power coach Bernice Ankunda referred to as “our second home” turned out to be a venue his opposite Nicholas Natuhereza would love to call “a good battleground.”
27 October 2012
KENYA : Eagle Wings defeat Gabonese champions
Updated on 26/10/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Eagle Wings on Friday collected their first win of the competition after a hard fought battle beating Ndella of Gabon 59-51 in one of the classification matches. The Kenyan champions had lost all her Group B preliminary matches but the girls had vowed to post at least a win before the end of the championships.
The win against Ndella therefore means the Kenyan basketball champions did not finish in the last place.
“We fought hard, it was a learning experience playing against the best of African basketball teams and we have collected massive vital positive points from this outing. We were so determined to win and this is a great motivator to us.” Said Samba Mjomba.
Other results.
CSS Faxien Tunisia 53 Liga Desportivo Mozambique 72
CSA cote D Ivoire 41 Interclube Angola 65
First Bank Nigeria 51 ABC Cote D Ivoire 59
First Deep Water Nigeria 51 D Agosto Angola 58
Classifications and Semi Finals to be played on Saturday
SFaxien vs First Bank
CSA VS First Deep Water
Semi Finals
Liga vs ABC
Interclube vs DAgosto
The win against Ndella therefore means the Kenyan basketball champions did not finish in the last place.
“We fought hard, it was a learning experience playing against the best of African basketball teams and we have collected massive vital positive points from this outing. We were so determined to win and this is a great motivator to us.” Said Samba Mjomba.
Other results.
CSS Faxien Tunisia 53 Liga Desportivo Mozambique 72
CSA cote D Ivoire 41 Interclube Angola 65
First Bank Nigeria 51 ABC Cote D Ivoire 59
First Deep Water Nigeria 51 D Agosto Angola 58
Classifications and Semi Finals to be played on Saturday
SFaxien vs First Bank
CSA VS First Deep Water
Semi Finals
Liga vs ABC
Interclube vs DAgosto
Tanzania: Dar Ready to Host Zone Five Basketball Meet
TANZANIA is ready to host more than 12 teams which have so far confirmed their participation in this year's Zone Five Basketball Championship to be staged in Dar es Salaam from December 15 to 22, this year.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), Vice-President, Phares Magesa said that preparations for the event are progressing well with host keeping on early training for their national sides.
Magesa named the teams which have confirmed to participate for the event as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt, Sudan and Southern Sudan.
He said a team of four local coaches has embarked on a scouting exercise for talented basketball players, who will form a men and women national team that will benefit the technical skills from the newly hired US coach Albert Sokaitis.
Magesa named the local coaches as Everist Mapunda (Pazi), Leonard Kwale (ABC), Agnella Semwaiko (Don Bosco Lioness) and Bahati Mgunda (Vijana). He said they have called in the services of a coach from the US, one of the world's best basketball playing nations, in efforts to turn around Tanzania's basketball fortunes.
The coach is expected in the country next week from where he will go straight to Tanga where the national championship, Taifa Cup will be staged to see the talents and skills.
"His first task will be to guide the national team the next edition of FIBA Zone Five Championship, which Tanzania will host in December with twelve African countries expected to compete in the championship," said Magesa. Sokaitis will be assisted by his compatriot Jocquis Sconiers to ensure that the host make it in December and effectively utilise the home ground advantage.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), Vice-President, Phares Magesa said that preparations for the event are progressing well with host keeping on early training for their national sides.
Magesa named the teams which have confirmed to participate for the event as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Egypt, Sudan and Southern Sudan.
He said a team of four local coaches has embarked on a scouting exercise for talented basketball players, who will form a men and women national team that will benefit the technical skills from the newly hired US coach Albert Sokaitis.
Magesa named the local coaches as Everist Mapunda (Pazi), Leonard Kwale (ABC), Agnella Semwaiko (Don Bosco Lioness) and Bahati Mgunda (Vijana). He said they have called in the services of a coach from the US, one of the world's best basketball playing nations, in efforts to turn around Tanzania's basketball fortunes.
The coach is expected in the country next week from where he will go straight to Tanga where the national championship, Taifa Cup will be staged to see the talents and skills.
"His first task will be to guide the national team the next edition of FIBA Zone Five Championship, which Tanzania will host in December with twelve African countries expected to compete in the championship," said Magesa. Sokaitis will be assisted by his compatriot Jocquis Sconiers to ensure that the host make it in December and effectively utilise the home ground advantage.
Angola: Teams Through to Quarterfinals of African League
The Angolan teams of Interclube and 1º de Agosto guaranteed their presence in the quarterfinals of the African Champion Clubs Cup in senior females basketball, which is happening in Cote d'Ivoire, after finishing the group stage in the first and second positions, respectively.
In the quarterfinals, Interclube will play this Friday the CS of Cote d'Ivoire, whereas 1º de Agosto wil face the First Deepwater team of Nigeria.
In the group stage, Interclube won all the games (four) while 1º de Agosto won three and lost one.
In the quarterfinals, Interclube will play this Friday the CS of Cote d'Ivoire, whereas 1º de Agosto wil face the First Deepwater team of Nigeria.
In the group stage, Interclube won all the games (four) while 1º de Agosto won three and lost one.
UGANDA : FUBA: KIU Titans on trial against Miracle
By Charles Mutebi
FUBA Playoffs: Today at Lugogo
Men’s Division 1
KIU v Miracle
Women
Stormers v Rangers
UCU v Nabisunsa
Men’s Division 2
UCU v Gulu
Bush Court v Sharing
Oilers v Diamonds
Rhinos v Makindye
KAMPALA - The KIU Titans are chasing after the 2012 FUBA men’s championship. The Miracle Eagles just want to justify their presence in the playoffs.
That should lead to a fiercely contested best-of-three quarterfinal playoff series between the two teams, who meet for game 1 today at Lugogo.
KIU’s clash with Miracle is the peak of today’s action, which includes two women’s matches, four games in the men’s division 2 and another four in the men’s third division.
KIU coach Nimrod Kaboha is pleased with the quality of his team and has gone on record about their title credentials.
“We are not in the playoffs to pass time, we want to compete for the title,” Kaboha asserted.
Miracle lost both their regular-season encounters with the Titans but the Eagles were very competitive in the second meeting, which ended 56-48 in KIU’s favour.
Veteran Eagle Chris Kyebambe has warned against writing off Miracle’s chances, saying the evidence has pointed to a progressively improving team.
“People can write us off but as we have shown all season, we keep on getting better with time,” Kyebambe.
“We are going to surprise people.”
FUBA Playoffs: Today at Lugogo
Men’s Division 1
KIU v Miracle
Women
Stormers v Rangers
UCU v Nabisunsa
Men’s Division 2
UCU v Gulu
Bush Court v Sharing
Oilers v Diamonds
Rhinos v Makindye
KAMPALA - The KIU Titans are chasing after the 2012 FUBA men’s championship. The Miracle Eagles just want to justify their presence in the playoffs.
That should lead to a fiercely contested best-of-three quarterfinal playoff series between the two teams, who meet for game 1 today at Lugogo.
KIU’s clash with Miracle is the peak of today’s action, which includes two women’s matches, four games in the men’s division 2 and another four in the men’s third division.
KIU coach Nimrod Kaboha is pleased with the quality of his team and has gone on record about their title credentials.
“We are not in the playoffs to pass time, we want to compete for the title,” Kaboha asserted.
Miracle lost both their regular-season encounters with the Titans but the Eagles were very competitive in the second meeting, which ended 56-48 in KIU’s favour.
Veteran Eagle Chris Kyebambe has warned against writing off Miracle’s chances, saying the evidence has pointed to a progressively improving team.
“People can write us off but as we have shown all season, we keep on getting better with time,” Kyebambe.
“We are going to surprise people.”
UGANDA : Dulah, Malinga to miss Fuba League play-offs
Dulah (R)tries to lay up past Power’s Brandon Ru’nanga. PHOTO BY ismail kezaala PLAYING TODAY AT LUGOGO
KIU vs. Eagles (7pm)
W: Stormers vs. KIU (5.30pm)
UCU vs. Nabisunsa (4pm)
Div. 2: UCU JV vs. Gulu (2.30pm)
Bush Courts vs. Sharing (1pm)
City Oilers vs. D’onds (11.30am)
Rhino vs. Shooters (10am)
AT YMCA
Div. 3: Stone vs. UMU Flames (4pm)
Silver Force vs. Phenoms (2.30pm)
Emperors vs. B. Jackets (1pm)
Ssaku vs. LC Hovers (11.30am)
Div. 3: Stone vs. UMU Flames (4pm)
Silver Force vs. Phenoms (2.30pm)
Emperors vs. B. Jackets (1pm)
Ssaku vs. LC Hovers (11.30am)
Kampala.
Several teams spent the past few days trying to repeal a rule that bars players who have not featured in five games during the regular season from the Fuba League play-offs.
Record men’s champions Falcons and women giants KCCA Leopards are among the most affected. Unless something drastic happens, Tanzanian guard Abdullahi Ramdahan will miss the playoffs.
Dulah, in his second season with Falcons, featured in only three games having stayed away for most of the season for personal reasons. The controversial rule 2.2.1 states that: “A player must be listed on at least 5 preliminary or regular game score sheets for that team in order to play for that team in the quarter final, semifinal and final playoff games”.
Similar to Dulah, KIU Titans’ Markmot Orom has only played twice. “We knew this rule but hoped things would be different. Anyway, he (Dulah) won’t play and we will still win,” Falcons boss Dennis Mbidde said. DMark Power’s Carol Bisereko has also been absent due to work.
Other cases involve Warriors’ Eric Malinga and UCU Canons Robert Ogweno. Malinga injured his knee on the opening day of the season whereas Ogweno only recovered from an injury sustained during last year’s playoffs not too long ago.
In the women’s league, former MVP Miriam Hamala, who works upcountry and has featured intermittently for KCCA, will be sorely missed as the City ladies try to wrestle the title from UCU Lady Canons.
Her teammates Becky Akullo and Linda Tamale, both of whom have had maternity leave, are also ineligible. The state is repeated in divisions two and three. It’s possible the spirit of the rule was to protect the local game by preventing teams from signing players just before playoffs or even cases where some have featured in more than one league in the region in a calendar year. “I don’t think they foresaw all these other scenarios,” KCCA coach Timothy Odeke said.
The play-offs started last night.
RWANDA : Espoir, KCB battle it out
National basketball league
Saturday
CSK vs. Rusizi (CSK)
30 Plus vs. NUR (Kimisagara)
APR vs. KIE (Amahoro)
Espoir vs. KBC (Amahoro)
Sunday
UGB vs. Rusizi (Kimisagara)
30 Plus vs KIE (Kimisagara
NUR vs. CSK (NUR)
THREE-TIME national league champions Espoir takes on joint league leaders and reigning champions KBC in the battle to retain summit of the national basketball league this afternoon at Amahoro indoor stadium.
The game was initially slated to be played on Friday but the local basketball federation decided to shift the game to Saturday following the unavailability of the stadium during the weekday.
Both KBC and Espoir are unbeaten since the league started last month after six matches played so far.
Espoir coach Jean Bahufite who is beaming with lots of confidence is convinced the Nyamirambo side can pull out one of the exciting victories against KBC today so as to extend the club’s unbeaten run.
“I have confidence with my team that they can beat KBC. We had a bright start to the season and we hope my boys will keep up the winning spirit. We are ready to overcome any challenge this season,” added Bahufite.
His KBC counterpart Jacques Kimenyi could not be reached for a comment yesterday by press time as his phone was off.
Espoir were previous champions in 1999, 2004 and 2005. Their most recent silverware came in August, this year, when they beat Urunani of Burundi 90-39 to win the Zone V club title in Kampala.
In other matches due today, CSK will clash Rusizi at Circle Sportif Courts; 30 Plus hosts National University of Rwanda at Kimisagara gymnasium while APR will be entertaining Kigali Institute of Education at Amahoro stadium later in the afternoon.
Action will prolong to Sunday with UGB taking on Rusizi at Kimisagara gymnasium before 30-Plus goes head to head with Kigali Institute of Education while National University of Rwanda will be up against CSK in Huye.
Espoir and KBS are joint leaders of the national basketball league with 12 points each. They are closely followed by APR who are third on 10pts, CSK stand fourth with 8pts, UGB is fifth with 7pnts, NUR is sixth with 6points, Rusizi and 30-Plus have 5points each while KIE lies bottom of the log with 4 points.
Saturday
CSK vs. Rusizi (CSK)
30 Plus vs. NUR (Kimisagara)
APR vs. KIE (Amahoro)
Espoir vs. KBC (Amahoro)
Sunday
UGB vs. Rusizi (Kimisagara)
30 Plus vs KIE (Kimisagara
NUR vs. CSK (NUR)
THREE-TIME national league champions Espoir takes on joint league leaders and reigning champions KBC in the battle to retain summit of the national basketball league this afternoon at Amahoro indoor stadium.
The game was initially slated to be played on Friday but the local basketball federation decided to shift the game to Saturday following the unavailability of the stadium during the weekday.
Both KBC and Espoir are unbeaten since the league started last month after six matches played so far.
Espoir coach Jean Bahufite who is beaming with lots of confidence is convinced the Nyamirambo side can pull out one of the exciting victories against KBC today so as to extend the club’s unbeaten run.
“I have confidence with my team that they can beat KBC. We had a bright start to the season and we hope my boys will keep up the winning spirit. We are ready to overcome any challenge this season,” added Bahufite.
His KBC counterpart Jacques Kimenyi could not be reached for a comment yesterday by press time as his phone was off.
Espoir were previous champions in 1999, 2004 and 2005. Their most recent silverware came in August, this year, when they beat Urunani of Burundi 90-39 to win the Zone V club title in Kampala.
In other matches due today, CSK will clash Rusizi at Circle Sportif Courts; 30 Plus hosts National University of Rwanda at Kimisagara gymnasium while APR will be entertaining Kigali Institute of Education at Amahoro stadium later in the afternoon.
Action will prolong to Sunday with UGB taking on Rusizi at Kimisagara gymnasium before 30-Plus goes head to head with Kigali Institute of Education while National University of Rwanda will be up against CSK in Huye.
Espoir and KBS are joint leaders of the national basketball league with 12 points each. They are closely followed by APR who are third on 10pts, CSK stand fourth with 8pts, UGB is fifth with 7pnts, NUR is sixth with 6points, Rusizi and 30-Plus have 5points each while KIE lies bottom of the log with 4 points.
26 October 2012
KENYA : Alex Lugasi aiming to achieve MVP status
Updated on 26/10/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Kenya Ports Authority point guard Alex Lugasi has expressed his desire to be the Most Valuable Player in the 2012 Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League. Lugasi who shifted his allegiance to Mombasa from Kakamega based Masinde Muliro University (MMUST) has assisted the side to move to an impressive 3rd position in the current table standings after a bad start to the league.
While speaking to michezoafrika.com Lugasi stated that it has been a long journey and he hopes his efforts would be recognized, “I have really worked hard for the past three years and I feel like I can help my team win the league and hopefully also gain MVP status. Last season while playing for MMUST I had a good season, even making sure the team does not face relegation to the Division One but I got nothing at the end of the season.” He explained.
“KPA has 5 matches to go in the 2nd leg of the league after that we have the play-offs I hope to make an impact in the remaining matches and maybe just maybe I will have something to look forward to.” Lugasi concluded.
The point guard is still a student at the Masinde Muliro University but has managed to balance both his studies and turning out for KPA in KBF Premier League.
While speaking to michezoafrika.com Lugasi stated that it has been a long journey and he hopes his efforts would be recognized, “I have really worked hard for the past three years and I feel like I can help my team win the league and hopefully also gain MVP status. Last season while playing for MMUST I had a good season, even making sure the team does not face relegation to the Division One but I got nothing at the end of the season.” He explained.
“KPA has 5 matches to go in the 2nd leg of the league after that we have the play-offs I hope to make an impact in the remaining matches and maybe just maybe I will have something to look forward to.” Lugasi concluded.
The point guard is still a student at the Masinde Muliro University but has managed to balance both his studies and turning out for KPA in KBF Premier League.
KENYA : Basketball; Trouble at the docks?
Updated on 26/10/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Mombasa based Kenya Ports Authority men’s basketball team seem to be having internal problems after veteran point guard and undoubtedly one of the est players in the team Dan Okwiri has been notably missing in the side’s few matches under unclear circumstances.
Sources close to michezoafrika.com intimate that Okwiri had some issues with the technical team and thus had been sidelined for those matches that he has missed so far. Michezoafrika.com managed to get a hold of Okwiri and he explained what was happening to the side that had resurgence in form after a number of new signings like Alex Lugasi and Abel Nson.
“After losing a match that we were not supposde to lose considering our caliber, I aired out my concerns and the technical team had issue with this. After that I have been sidelined ever since and when I enquire about it I am told that the orders to keep me out came from “above”. Okwiri explained.
He had a particular concern with Antony Ojuku who coaches the KPA women’s side but recently joined the men’s technical bench, “he usually has a tendency of joining the men’s technical team when we are about to enter the play-offs and the day we lost I challenged some of the technical decisions made in that day.” The men’s coach has been Samuel Kiki since the onset of the league in April.
On the other hand Ojuku maintains that as far as he is concerned Okwiri is still part of the KPA team, “I took over both teams (men and women) officially just last week and what I know is that Okwiri is still part of the team. The players have been given a two week off and when training resumes I expect everybody to be back including Okwiri.”
According to Okwiri who was named MVP in the last Friday Night Basketball (September edition) held in Nairobi he has now resorted to training by himself, “ I have been training by myself while I await to hear from the technical team, once the issues have been sorted I hope to get back.”
Sources close to michezoafrika.com intimate that Okwiri had some issues with the technical team and thus had been sidelined for those matches that he has missed so far. Michezoafrika.com managed to get a hold of Okwiri and he explained what was happening to the side that had resurgence in form after a number of new signings like Alex Lugasi and Abel Nson.
“After losing a match that we were not supposde to lose considering our caliber, I aired out my concerns and the technical team had issue with this. After that I have been sidelined ever since and when I enquire about it I am told that the orders to keep me out came from “above”. Okwiri explained.
He had a particular concern with Antony Ojuku who coaches the KPA women’s side but recently joined the men’s technical bench, “he usually has a tendency of joining the men’s technical team when we are about to enter the play-offs and the day we lost I challenged some of the technical decisions made in that day.” The men’s coach has been Samuel Kiki since the onset of the league in April.
On the other hand Ojuku maintains that as far as he is concerned Okwiri is still part of the KPA team, “I took over both teams (men and women) officially just last week and what I know is that Okwiri is still part of the team. The players have been given a two week off and when training resumes I expect everybody to be back including Okwiri.”
According to Okwiri who was named MVP in the last Friday Night Basketball (September edition) held in Nairobi he has now resorted to training by himself, “ I have been training by myself while I await to hear from the technical team, once the issues have been sorted I hope to get back.”
KENYA : Nakuru Club, Nairobi Aviation on brink of promotion to Premier League
The Nakuru Club basketball team is certain to be promoted to the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League for the coming season as they comfortably lead the table standings in the Division One league. With only one match to go Nakuru Club has 38 points while the second placed team Nairobi Aviation has 35 points with 2 matches remaining.
This means that even if Nakuru Club loses its last match they will still have 39 points same as Nairobi Aviation that is if they (Aviation) win their last two matches. If Nakuru Club wins the match then they will have 40 points placing them top of the table.
For Nairobi Aviation they only have themselves to blame if they fail to get promoted since the nearest team to them are KCA University with 33 points with two matches also in hand, therefore meaning Aviation only needs to win one of their matches and are guaranteed a spot in the top league.
The first two teams in the league are the teams that qualify to head to the Premier League.
Umoja, KAA and high school Students Upper Hill are at the 4th, 5th and 6th position respectively while at the bottom of the table African Nazarene University are sure of relegation after failing to win a single match in the league. They have 18 points from 19 matches played and one forfeited match.
Above them are EMYBA and World Hope who have 23 and 26 points respectively. The last two teams will be relegated to the Division Two League and that means KU Pirates (3 matches), EMYBA (3) and World Hope (2) all have to win their remaining fixtures in order to increase their chances of avoiding relegation.
This means that even if Nakuru Club loses its last match they will still have 39 points same as Nairobi Aviation that is if they (Aviation) win their last two matches. If Nakuru Club wins the match then they will have 40 points placing them top of the table.
For Nairobi Aviation they only have themselves to blame if they fail to get promoted since the nearest team to them are KCA University with 33 points with two matches also in hand, therefore meaning Aviation only needs to win one of their matches and are guaranteed a spot in the top league.
The first two teams in the league are the teams that qualify to head to the Premier League.
Umoja, KAA and high school Students Upper Hill are at the 4th, 5th and 6th position respectively while at the bottom of the table African Nazarene University are sure of relegation after failing to win a single match in the league. They have 18 points from 19 matches played and one forfeited match.
Above them are EMYBA and World Hope who have 23 and 26 points respectively. The last two teams will be relegated to the Division Two League and that means KU Pirates (3 matches), EMYBA (3) and World Hope (2) all have to win their remaining fixtures in order to increase their chances of avoiding relegation.
Tanzania: U.S. Basketball Coaches Ready for Taifa Cup
THE hired coaches from the USA, one of the world's best basketball playing nations are expected in the country next Tuesday ready to take up the task of picking and coaching the national sides.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), Vice-President Phares Magesa told reporters that coach -- Albert Sokaitis alongside his compatriot Jocquis Sconiers will take up their new task during the national championship, Taifa Cup planned for Tanga next week.
Magesa said the duo will be assigned to pick and train both the men and women national sides towards the Zone Five championship to be in Dar es Salaam in December. "Their first task will be to guide the national team in this year's FIBA Zone Five Championship, though they will officially take charge of our national basketball teams after the Taifa Cup," said the TBF official.
Sokaitis, now head coach of Post University team in Connecticut in the US, has vast knowledge of the sport. He said their technical support to the country is courtesy of the US embassy in the country, which offered to foot accommodation costs for the new coach.
They duo will also be tasked to conduct numerous courses for local coaches. Magesa also said that this year's Taifa Cup basketball championship preparation were on a good course and the coaches will use the week-long event to select players who would form part of the national team for various international competitions.
He named regions which have confirmed participation as Iringa, Mbeya, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Shinyanga, Singida, Mara, Dodoma, Pemba, Unguja, Tanga, Mtwara, Lindi and Dar es Salaam. However, Mwanza decided to pull out of the event for what has been termed as the region's attempt to get over the predicament it suffered in the previous tournament.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), Vice-President Phares Magesa told reporters that coach -- Albert Sokaitis alongside his compatriot Jocquis Sconiers will take up their new task during the national championship, Taifa Cup planned for Tanga next week.
Magesa said the duo will be assigned to pick and train both the men and women national sides towards the Zone Five championship to be in Dar es Salaam in December. "Their first task will be to guide the national team in this year's FIBA Zone Five Championship, though they will officially take charge of our national basketball teams after the Taifa Cup," said the TBF official.
Sokaitis, now head coach of Post University team in Connecticut in the US, has vast knowledge of the sport. He said their technical support to the country is courtesy of the US embassy in the country, which offered to foot accommodation costs for the new coach.
They duo will also be tasked to conduct numerous courses for local coaches. Magesa also said that this year's Taifa Cup basketball championship preparation were on a good course and the coaches will use the week-long event to select players who would form part of the national team for various international competitions.
He named regions which have confirmed participation as Iringa, Mbeya, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Shinyanga, Singida, Mara, Dodoma, Pemba, Unguja, Tanga, Mtwara, Lindi and Dar es Salaam. However, Mwanza decided to pull out of the event for what has been termed as the region's attempt to get over the predicament it suffered in the previous tournament.
Kenya: Wings Bow Out of Africa Club Tourney
EAGLE Wings crushed out of the 18th women's Fiba Africa Club Championships after falling 46-66 to Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC) in Abidjan on Tuesday night.
The Kenyan champions, who did not win any of their four preliminary round matches, must now go back to the drawing board and ponder on where things might have gone wrong.
With their last opponent Arc En Ciel of DR Congo failing to travel for the tournament, Wings will now play their classification match against a team from the other pool.
In the other matches played on Tuesday, home girls CSA (Ivory Coast) nipped Liga Desportivo (Mozambique) 80-74, First bank (Nigeria) lost 45-55 to De Agosto (Angola) while Interclube (Angola) whipped First Deep Water (Nigeria).
Team official Agina Wesonga said should have wonthe match against Abidjan side but the players looked fatigued throughout the game. "The event was too
The Kenyan champions, who did not win any of their four preliminary round matches, must now go back to the drawing board and ponder on where things might have gone wrong.
With their last opponent Arc En Ciel of DR Congo failing to travel for the tournament, Wings will now play their classification match against a team from the other pool.
In the other matches played on Tuesday, home girls CSA (Ivory Coast) nipped Liga Desportivo (Mozambique) 80-74, First bank (Nigeria) lost 45-55 to De Agosto (Angola) while Interclube (Angola) whipped First Deep Water (Nigeria).
Team official Agina Wesonga said should have wonthe match against Abidjan side but the players looked fatigued throughout the game. "The event was too
UGANDA : Playoffs fever
It’s the time of the season fans crave for; a time to separate boys from men as well as contenders from pretenders.Felix Eupal previews the four playoffs quarterfinal matchups in the men’s basketball topflight.
Dmark Power v UCU Canons
Defending champions Power endured their worst regular season performance in over a decade, losing five times to finish fourth. They face an unpredictable Canons side in what is perhaps the closest of the four ties.
Canons lost eight games and finished fifth but their coach Nick Natuhereza promises to rise to the occasion. “Playoffs are a different ball game,” he says.
Indeed, Canons stretched Warriors to the limit last season despite playing with only eight men.
Falcons v Ndejje University Angels
Falcons v Ndejje University Angels
Going by their regular season performance, Blue Cube Falcons are overwhelming favourites to progress. In fact, it will be a shocker if the Angels avoid a clean sweep.
Falcons dropped only four games all season and set a new record by winning 14 straight games. Compared to the Angles’ dismal record of 12 losses, it’s easy to see why this is a mismatch.
KIU Titans v Miracle
Falcons dropped only four games all season and set a new record by winning 14 straight games. Compared to the Angles’ dismal record of 12 losses, it’s easy to see why this is a mismatch.
KIU Titans v Miracle
The Kasanga-based Titans have every ingredient to believe that they can clinch a title. In coach Nimrod Kaboha, they have a ship captain who has been there, done that. On the court, the deadly duo of Richard Osano and Salim Ali have proved all season they can bring any team down on any given day.
That said, Miracle have of late produced miracles of their own. Written off at the start of the season after losing nine players, the Rubaga-based side fought their way to the playoffs for the second year running. However, they lack the maturity to offset this Titan team.
Warriors v Victoria Heaters
Warriors v Victoria Heaters
This is a classic David versus Goliath battle. So lopsided this matchup looks that 2009 champions Warriors – which topped the regular season log – will most likely choose to experiment the best-of-three series against playoffs first timers
UGANDA : D'Mark Power start title defence
By Charles Mutebi & Johnson Were
FUBA Playoffs
Today at Lugogo
Game 1 of best-of-3 quarterfinals
Women, 6.30pm
A1 v Gladiators
Men Division 1, 8.30pm
Power v UCU
Entrance fee: sh5000
D’Mark Power and the UCU Canons admit they have not been at their best in the regular season.
Both claim they will be in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series as the 2012 FUBA Playoffs tip-off today at Lugogo.
“We have not played our best basketball yet but that is mainly because of injuries that have prevented us from having everyone at their best,” said Power captain Isaac Afidra yesterday.
“When one player was getting better, another was getting injured. But right now we are in good shape.” Canons’ coach Nick Natuhereza also admits that his team, who are entering the postseason as the fifth seed, have been below par but expects that to change.
There is no option, he says. “We have to play our best game yet if we are to have a chance of defeating Power,” said the studious coach.
“The problem was we weren’t able to have all of our players together for a good period of time but we have been able to do recently.”
Power, going for a third consecutive FUBA title, go into the men’s top division playoffs as the fourth seed but Afidra says the champions are not short of hunger, which has been cited as a possible explanation for their regular season struggles.
“Our performances will depend on how badly we want it and I believe we want it badly,” said the legendary player.
In the first game of the day, A1 Challenge battle the Gladiators in a clash between the fourth and fifth seeds in the women’s league playoffs.
Fans will have to pay sh5000 while two need one ticket in a move meant to attract as many fans as possible.
“Unlike the past the playoffs will be at sh5000 and two students will buy one ticket to enter the stadiums.
The venues will Makerere, YMCA and Lugogo,” chairman of FUBA technical commitee, Sunday Manano, explained.
Meanwhile, FUBA referees are threatening to boycott the playoffs if the federation does not clear their arrears, which they claim stretch back to last year.
Negotiations are underway.
FUBA Playoffs
Today at Lugogo
Game 1 of best-of-3 quarterfinals
Women, 6.30pm
A1 v Gladiators
Men Division 1, 8.30pm
Power v UCU
Entrance fee: sh5000
D’Mark Power and the UCU Canons admit they have not been at their best in the regular season.
Both claim they will be in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series as the 2012 FUBA Playoffs tip-off today at Lugogo.
“We have not played our best basketball yet but that is mainly because of injuries that have prevented us from having everyone at their best,” said Power captain Isaac Afidra yesterday.
“When one player was getting better, another was getting injured. But right now we are in good shape.” Canons’ coach Nick Natuhereza also admits that his team, who are entering the postseason as the fifth seed, have been below par but expects that to change.
There is no option, he says. “We have to play our best game yet if we are to have a chance of defeating Power,” said the studious coach.
“The problem was we weren’t able to have all of our players together for a good period of time but we have been able to do recently.”
Power, going for a third consecutive FUBA title, go into the men’s top division playoffs as the fourth seed but Afidra says the champions are not short of hunger, which has been cited as a possible explanation for their regular season struggles.
“Our performances will depend on how badly we want it and I believe we want it badly,” said the legendary player.
In the first game of the day, A1 Challenge battle the Gladiators in a clash between the fourth and fifth seeds in the women’s league playoffs.
Fans will have to pay sh5000 while two need one ticket in a move meant to attract as many fans as possible.
“Unlike the past the playoffs will be at sh5000 and two students will buy one ticket to enter the stadiums.
The venues will Makerere, YMCA and Lugogo,” chairman of FUBA technical commitee, Sunday Manano, explained.
Meanwhile, FUBA referees are threatening to boycott the playoffs if the federation does not clear their arrears, which they claim stretch back to last year.
Negotiations are underway.
UGANDA : Power’s treble quest rolls off against Canons
Power’s Isaac Lugudde (R) beats UCU Canons star guard Sudi Ulanga to a lay-up last season. Power and UCU meet in the pick of the quarterfinal series. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
Today is the opening Friday of this year’s Fuba Basketball League playoffs which will involve a mammoth 32 teams in all as the local governing body has introduced quarterfinals for the first time.
It marks the start of a momentous period geared towards deciding who wins the various championships across the four divisions; three men’s and one women’s. The scheduling that has DMark Power-UCU Canons and A1 Challenge-Gladiators opening the stage today has a basic pointer – this series is expected to be the closest.
The four teams finished season fourth and fifth in the respective men’s and women’s divisions at the end of the regular season a fortnight ago. The return to the Lugogo MTN Arena after two years away adds to the excitement. In finishing fourth, two-time defending champions Power ‘chose’ the tougher path, on paper. “Regular season things don’t matter now. This is playoffs,” Bernice Ankunda, the Power coach, threw a reminder our way.
Power cannot look too far ahead even if the ultimate target is to win a third successive title to take their tally to six and be as successful as Falcons, the record champions. “It’s important to take it one game at a time,” Ankunda said.
Size will remain a disadvantage for Power as they are a team of guards. Like leopards never change their spots, reigning MVP Isaac Afidra and Ben Komakech should constitute their primary weapons.
UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza is well aware of this challenge and more. “Those two will be targets but we know that with the way Power play, anyone can hurt you,” Natuhereza acknowledged. The Lugogo floor will relatively be new to UCU as they last played there during the 2010 semifinals whereas Power were there just two months ago during the two-week Zone V Club Championship.
Cool heads is everything UCU need more than anything.
25 October 2012
Tunisia: Nation's Basketball Championship - Results of Two Delayed Matches
Tunis — Here are the results of two delayed matches of Tunisia's Basketball Championship (1st phase), played on Wednesday:
Pool "A"
AS Hammamet - ES Sahel 53-63
Pool "B"
JS Manazah - SS Kasserine 70-66
Pool "A"
AS Hammamet - ES Sahel 53-63
Pool "B"
JS Manazah - SS Kasserine 70-66
Tanzania: Mwanza Pulls Out of Taifa Cup
THIS year's National Basketball Championship, Taifa Cup, has experience an unexpected blow following the decision by Mwanza to pull out of the event for what has been termed as the region's attempt to get over the predicament it suffered in the previous tournament.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has organized the Taifa Cup Championship, which is expected to take place in Tanga from October 29 to November 5, this year. Mwanza Regional Basketball Association (MRBA) Vice-Chairman, Vincent Shinda, told the 'Daily News' that his body has willingly decided not to send the Mwanza regional basketball squad to Tanga as part of efforts to put the body in order and seek better ways to manage the sport in the region.
He said MRBA is now talking to the region's basketball stakeholders in a bid to convince the latter to support the association's projects for the next season after the stakeholders had opted to stop supporting the body when it came to conflict with TBF during the last year's Taifa Cup in Dar es Salaam.
Mwanza encountered the wrath of TBF, in which the latter handed a section of MRBA officials a variety of punishments after the region's men's basketball team was involved in chaos that led to the delay of the last year's men's category final of the Taifa Cup at the Leaders Club venue. "We have decided to pull out of this year's Taifa Cup Championship because we want to get over the crisis we suffered during the last year's event.
We felt that we need to put our house in order and revive the cooperation we had with basketball stakeholders that have been supporting us," said Shinda.He noted that some of the stakeholders, who have been meeting Mwanza's expenses whenever the region participates in competitions in and outside the country, had decided to stop supporting the region's basketball squad after it, was involved in the Taifa Cup chaos last year.
"Some of our sponsors had even stopped supporting us when we encountered suspensions from TBF as the sponsors felt our team was the reason behind the last year's chaos in the Taifa Cup final. We have been talking to the sponsors and some of them have understood our explanations and have promised to support us next season," he said.
"For that matter, we have decided to reorganize our body in a bid to be truly committed to developing basketball in Mwanza and ensure the region performs well in both domestic and regional competitions," added Shinda.He said MRBA is currently supervising a regional basketball clubs tournament involving ten clubs in a bid to put the region's basketball players in great shape ahead of the next season.
"We have decided to organized this tournament so that players could participate regularly in competitive basketball and, in the process, put themselves in great shape ahead of the next season," he said, adding that MRBA will organize the Robert Cup early next month with the same motive.
He said the tournament's matches are played on weekends in four venues namely Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Butimba Teachers Training College, Pasiansi and Kiloleli.Participating clubs include Bugando Heat, Bugando Planet, Bugando Warriors, Butimba Spiders, Dolphin Pasiansi, Dragon, Eagles, St Francis, SAUT Stars and SAUT Warriors.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has organized the Taifa Cup Championship, which is expected to take place in Tanga from October 29 to November 5, this year. Mwanza Regional Basketball Association (MRBA) Vice-Chairman, Vincent Shinda, told the 'Daily News' that his body has willingly decided not to send the Mwanza regional basketball squad to Tanga as part of efforts to put the body in order and seek better ways to manage the sport in the region.
He said MRBA is now talking to the region's basketball stakeholders in a bid to convince the latter to support the association's projects for the next season after the stakeholders had opted to stop supporting the body when it came to conflict with TBF during the last year's Taifa Cup in Dar es Salaam.
Mwanza encountered the wrath of TBF, in which the latter handed a section of MRBA officials a variety of punishments after the region's men's basketball team was involved in chaos that led to the delay of the last year's men's category final of the Taifa Cup at the Leaders Club venue. "We have decided to pull out of this year's Taifa Cup Championship because we want to get over the crisis we suffered during the last year's event.
We felt that we need to put our house in order and revive the cooperation we had with basketball stakeholders that have been supporting us," said Shinda.He noted that some of the stakeholders, who have been meeting Mwanza's expenses whenever the region participates in competitions in and outside the country, had decided to stop supporting the region's basketball squad after it, was involved in the Taifa Cup chaos last year.
"Some of our sponsors had even stopped supporting us when we encountered suspensions from TBF as the sponsors felt our team was the reason behind the last year's chaos in the Taifa Cup final. We have been talking to the sponsors and some of them have understood our explanations and have promised to support us next season," he said.
"For that matter, we have decided to reorganize our body in a bid to be truly committed to developing basketball in Mwanza and ensure the region performs well in both domestic and regional competitions," added Shinda.He said MRBA is currently supervising a regional basketball clubs tournament involving ten clubs in a bid to put the region's basketball players in great shape ahead of the next season.
"We have decided to organized this tournament so that players could participate regularly in competitive basketball and, in the process, put themselves in great shape ahead of the next season," he said, adding that MRBA will organize the Robert Cup early next month with the same motive.
He said the tournament's matches are played on weekends in four venues namely Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Butimba Teachers Training College, Pasiansi and Kiloleli.Participating clubs include Bugando Heat, Bugando Planet, Bugando Warriors, Butimba Spiders, Dolphin Pasiansi, Dragon, Eagles, St Francis, SAUT Stars and SAUT Warriors.
TUNISIA : Tunisia's Basketball Championship - Day 8 Games Postponed
Tunis — Tunisia's Basketball Championship day 8 games which were scheduled to be played next Sunday, October 28, have been postponed to next November 3 on account of the celebration of Eid el Idha (feast of sacrifice), says a press release of Tunisia's Basketball Federation (FTBB) on Wednesday.
UGANDA : UCU still the team to beat
Until UCU Lady Canons lost 75-64 to Kenya’s Eagle Wings during the Zone 5 Club Championships in August, some air of invincibility had built around the university side.
Before that tournament held in Kampala, they were untouchable and talk of them lifting the Airtel National Basketball League title unbeaten had become ripe.
But the Kenyans put brakes on their run and local rivals KCCA Leopards picked a leaf by beating UCU 62-55 in the Zone 5 bronze match. If that was smoke screen, better was to come from KCCA as they prevented UCU from completing the regular season league unbeaten with a 70-60 victory. That was the best basketball KCCA played in more than a year.
The blanket conclusion is that this year’s finals will be closer than last December when UCU swept away KCCA 4-0 in an anticlimactic finish. Nonetheless, one result doesn’t change the tide completely.
It only took the two-time defending champions out of their step. UCU still possess the quality in depth to win a third successive title and fourth in five years.“Our goal this year is to win three in a row,” UCU shooting guard Maureen Amoding, the 2010 MVP, said. Their strength is depth on the inside helped by the development of Peace Prosocovia. The player UCU must keep an eye on, however, is KCCA’s Flavia Oketcho.
It only took the two-time defending champions out of their step. UCU still possess the quality in depth to win a third successive title and fourth in five years.“Our goal this year is to win three in a row,” UCU shooting guard Maureen Amoding, the 2010 MVP, said. Their strength is depth on the inside helped by the development of Peace Prosocovia. The player UCU must keep an eye on, however, is KCCA’s Flavia Oketcho.
UGANDA : Play-offs return to Lugogo
The Fuba Basketball League playoffs will return to the MTN-Arena Lugogo for the first time in two years following a green light from National Council of Sports (NCS).
Former women’s champions A1 Challenge and post-season debutantes Gladiators will get the first feel of the stadium this Friday before men’s defending champions DMark Power and UCU Canons clash in the quarterfinals.
The facility has been at the centre of controversy since its renovation funded by the telecom company, MTN, three years ago. An undulating floor after the initial rehabilitation led to another closure during the 2010 finals. It was re-opened earlier this year.
Other sports disciplines have had access to the facility but when basketball attempted to use it, scheduling the Falcons-UCU match-up there on August 8, they were blocked. “NCS has given us a go-ahead though the new hoops are still at the port in Mombasa so we shall still use the old ones,” Ali Balunywa, the Fuba publicist, said.
UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza doesn’t think Power’s having played in Lugogo during the Zone V gives the latter an advantage. The floor is significantly different from 2010 when UCU last played there during the 3-2 semifinal loss to Warriors.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com
24 October 2012
KENYA : Hosts Clip Eagle Wings
Updated on 24/10/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Eagle Wings on Tuesday night lost their 4th consecutive match of the tournament after going down 66-46 to hosts ABC in the ongoing FIBA African Women club championships in Abidjan Ivory Coast. Eagle Wings lost in all quarters but the third in which they drew 10 all (12-19, 07-09, 10-10, 17-19).
In earlier matches, the Kenyan league defending champions who are also regional champions lost to CSS Faxien from Tunisia, Inter Clube of Angola and Deep Waters from Nigeria. Their next scheduled match is against Arc En Ciel from DRC who are not taking part in the competition after withdrawing in the last minute. This therefore means they will get a walk over and await their next match against Ndella from Gabon.
Bridgid Nanzala scored 12 points for Eagle Wings and Angela Okoth had 09 points. Berte Salimata had 17 and Ebonji Salange Hellen 18 for the opponents.
In earlier matches, the Kenyan league defending champions who are also regional champions lost to CSS Faxien from Tunisia, Inter Clube of Angola and Deep Waters from Nigeria. Their next scheduled match is against Arc En Ciel from DRC who are not taking part in the competition after withdrawing in the last minute. This therefore means they will get a walk over and await their next match against Ndella from Gabon.
Bridgid Nanzala scored 12 points for Eagle Wings and Angela Okoth had 09 points. Berte Salimata had 17 and Ebonji Salange Hellen 18 for the opponents.
KENYA : Flames and Lions maintain firm grip of KBF Leagues
Updated on 24/10/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
KCB Lions are in firm grip of the KBF Premier League table standings with 39 points after 20 matches having experienced a single defeat courtesy of arch rivals and fellow bankers Co-op Bank who beat.
After a convincing 44-35 win over Strathmore last Saturday Morris Shistama’s charges remain the team to beat as the league stretches towards the play offs.
Co-op Bank follows in second place 4 points adrift after suffering a shock loss to KPA 2 weeks ago at the Nyayo gymnasium, they however managed to bounce back after a 68-37 drubbing of Blazers on Sunday.
In the women’s category Hilda Indasi’s USIU Flames still maintain the summit of the log with 36 points followed by Co-op Bank’s Kingdom Queens with 30 points. 2011 Defending Champions Eagle Wings are 3rd with a far 28 points but have only played 15 matches compared to Flames (19) and Co-op Bank (18).
After a convincing 44-35 win over Strathmore last Saturday Morris Shistama’s charges remain the team to beat as the league stretches towards the play offs.
Co-op Bank follows in second place 4 points adrift after suffering a shock loss to KPA 2 weeks ago at the Nyayo gymnasium, they however managed to bounce back after a 68-37 drubbing of Blazers on Sunday.
In the women’s category Hilda Indasi’s USIU Flames still maintain the summit of the log with 36 points followed by Co-op Bank’s Kingdom Queens with 30 points. 2011 Defending Champions Eagle Wings are 3rd with a far 28 points but have only played 15 matches compared to Flames (19) and Co-op Bank (18).
RWANDA : Espoir Coach Bahufite Targets Unbeaten Season
After seven years without winning the league trophy Espoir Basketball Club coach Jean Bahufite is confident his team can bring an end to that long drought this season.
The Nyamirambo-based side has won their first six games, a feat that has made one of the oldest teams in the country to dream again after years of being in the shadows of first APR and more recently CSK and KBC.
In his first interview with Times Sport since the start of the season, Bahufite said his team is prepared to fight for the league title, and the fact that they have won six games in a row was an indication they are ready to push favourites KBC and APR all the way.
Espoir signed two Congolese players from APR before the start of the season. They are point guards Bienvenu Ngambi and Kami Kabange. And both have made instant impact.
"In the last couple of years, we have struggled to compete with the big teams (APR, CSK and KBC), but we have made a few good signings and I believe this is our season," said the 34-year old.
He added, "Both KBC and APR have started the season well but we fear no one this season. Our mentality has changed and I feel we are capable of beating anyone and possibly go the entire season unbeaten."
"We have signed two of the best players in the country, who have made the difference for our team this season, so I hope we will continue our winning streak for as long as possible," added the former Espoir player.
The three-time national league champions Espoir will come up against joint league leaders and reigning champions KBC, this Friday, in a clash between the only two unbeaten teams.
Espoir lead the league table standing with 12 points, along with KBC but the former have averaged more points after six games.
The Rafiki side won the league title in 1999, 2004 and 2005. Their most recent silverware came in August, this year, when they beat Urunani of Burundi 90-39 to win the Zone V club title in Kampala.
The Nyamirambo-based side has won their first six games, a feat that has made one of the oldest teams in the country to dream again after years of being in the shadows of first APR and more recently CSK and KBC.
In his first interview with Times Sport since the start of the season, Bahufite said his team is prepared to fight for the league title, and the fact that they have won six games in a row was an indication they are ready to push favourites KBC and APR all the way.
Espoir signed two Congolese players from APR before the start of the season. They are point guards Bienvenu Ngambi and Kami Kabange. And both have made instant impact.
"In the last couple of years, we have struggled to compete with the big teams (APR, CSK and KBC), but we have made a few good signings and I believe this is our season," said the 34-year old.
He added, "Both KBC and APR have started the season well but we fear no one this season. Our mentality has changed and I feel we are capable of beating anyone and possibly go the entire season unbeaten."
"We have signed two of the best players in the country, who have made the difference for our team this season, so I hope we will continue our winning streak for as long as possible," added the former Espoir player.
The three-time national league champions Espoir will come up against joint league leaders and reigning champions KBC, this Friday, in a clash between the only two unbeaten teams.
Espoir lead the league table standing with 12 points, along with KBC but the former have averaged more points after six games.
The Rafiki side won the league title in 1999, 2004 and 2005. Their most recent silverware came in August, this year, when they beat Urunani of Burundi 90-39 to win the Zone V club title in Kampala.
23 October 2012
KENYA : Co-op Bank extinguishes Blazers
Updated on 22/10/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Kenya Basketball Federation 2011 Premier League champions Co-op Bank added mystery to bottom placed Blazers when they crushed them 68-37 at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.
In what was a one side encounter, Co-op Bank stamped their dominance right from the 1st quarter sinking in 19 points against Blazers 7. Blazers had a hard time trying to stop the Bankers offences and by the 5th minute of the quarter they had managed only 1 point as their opponents had 8.
Blazers tried to up their game in the second quarter but the defending champions were too strong especially in securing the rebounds earning 23 points against Blazers 12. Blazers were badly affected by poor possession as they easily lost the ball to their opponents who enjoyed a 42—19 lead by half time.
In a low scoring 3rd quarter, Blazers pushed the champions managed a slim win of 8 points against Co-op’s 7.
Titus Musembi who has been in top form for the Bankers gave his side 10 points while Eugene Genga also sunk in the same number of points. Joseph Kosgei had 10 points for Blazers.
With a strong bench to their side Co-op Bank managed to finish off Blazers in the last quarter with a convincing 19-10 win to take the day. The loss to Co-op Bank means Blazers are still rooted at the base of the standings while Co-op Bank are second since league leaders KCB won their match (44-35) against Strathmore on Saturday.
In what was a one side encounter, Co-op Bank stamped their dominance right from the 1st quarter sinking in 19 points against Blazers 7. Blazers had a hard time trying to stop the Bankers offences and by the 5th minute of the quarter they had managed only 1 point as their opponents had 8.
Blazers tried to up their game in the second quarter but the defending champions were too strong especially in securing the rebounds earning 23 points against Blazers 12. Blazers were badly affected by poor possession as they easily lost the ball to their opponents who enjoyed a 42—19 lead by half time.
In a low scoring 3rd quarter, Blazers pushed the champions managed a slim win of 8 points against Co-op’s 7.
Titus Musembi who has been in top form for the Bankers gave his side 10 points while Eugene Genga also sunk in the same number of points. Joseph Kosgei had 10 points for Blazers.
With a strong bench to their side Co-op Bank managed to finish off Blazers in the last quarter with a convincing 19-10 win to take the day. The loss to Co-op Bank means Blazers are still rooted at the base of the standings while Co-op Bank are second since league leaders KCB won their match (44-35) against Strathmore on Saturday.
KENYA : Eagle Wings up against ABC in Abidjan
Updated on 22/10/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
After losing their first three matches at the ongoing Africa women basketball club championships in Abidjan, East African champions Eagle Wings will on Tuesday play hosts ABC in their fourth Group B match. Monday was rest day.
The Kenyan team is expected to post better results in their remaining two matches against ABC and Arc En Cell to stand chances of improving their ranks compared to 20008 when they finished 10th overall during their debut at the competition.
In their first matches, Eagle Wings lost to CSS Faxien from Tunisia 47-64, lost to Inter Clube of Angola 48-62 and against Nigerian champions Deep Waters 45-78.
POOL A: CSA, Liga Disportivo, First Bank, Radi, Ndela, De Agosto
Pool B : Interclub, Deep Water, Arc En Cell, Eagle Wings, ABC and CSS Faxiene
The Kenyan team is expected to post better results in their remaining two matches against ABC and Arc En Cell to stand chances of improving their ranks compared to 20008 when they finished 10th overall during their debut at the competition.
In their first matches, Eagle Wings lost to CSS Faxien from Tunisia 47-64, lost to Inter Clube of Angola 48-62 and against Nigerian champions Deep Waters 45-78.
POOL A: CSA, Liga Disportivo, First Bank, Radi, Ndela, De Agosto
Pool B : Interclub, Deep Water, Arc En Cell, Eagle Wings, ABC and CSS Faxiene
RWANDA : KBC Regain Top Spot, Espoir Remain Unbeaten
KIGALI Basketball Club (KBC) fought their way back to the helm of the national league standings with an 87-56 victory over National University of Rwanda (NUR) on Sunday at the latter's backyard in Huye.
The reigning champions remain unbeaten after securing their sixth successive win of the season with Congolese-naturalised Rwandan Mike Buzangu emerging the top scorer with a game high 35 points.
On Saturday, KBC also snatched an 89-50 victory over UGB.
Former champions APR overcame newcomers 30-Plus with 64-56, while Rusizi had no mercy for Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) whom they beat 100-60 with Patrick Kuribashi scoring a career high 42 points.
Another former champion, Espoir, also still unbeaten this season, remained on course with two important wins over Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) 86-42 and APR 80-47.
KBC and Espoir jointly lead the league table with 12 points each, followed by APR with 10pts while CSK and KIE have with 8pts each; UGB and Rusizi are also tied on 7 points each, with NUR and 30-Plus lying bottom of the table with 5 points apiece.
Sunday
NUR 56-87 KBC
30-Plus 56-64 APR
Rusizi 100-60 KIE
The reigning champions remain unbeaten after securing their sixth successive win of the season with Congolese-naturalised Rwandan Mike Buzangu emerging the top scorer with a game high 35 points.
On Saturday, KBC also snatched an 89-50 victory over UGB.
Former champions APR overcame newcomers 30-Plus with 64-56, while Rusizi had no mercy for Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) whom they beat 100-60 with Patrick Kuribashi scoring a career high 42 points.
Another former champion, Espoir, also still unbeaten this season, remained on course with two important wins over Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) 86-42 and APR 80-47.
KBC and Espoir jointly lead the league table with 12 points each, followed by APR with 10pts while CSK and KIE have with 8pts each; UGB and Rusizi are also tied on 7 points each, with NUR and 30-Plus lying bottom of the table with 5 points apiece.
Sunday
NUR 56-87 KBC
30-Plus 56-64 APR
Rusizi 100-60 KIE
22 October 2012
EGYPT : Egyptian League season 2012 \ 2013
The Egyptian Basketball Federation decided to change the Egypatian league structure for the season 2012/2013 to include 4 groups each composed of 4 teams instead of two groups of 8 teams only as it was originally intended. The league is expected to start on November 3rd 2012. Group A includes teams Al-Ahly (the chpampion), Olympy, Police, and Maadi Clubs. Group B includes teams Al-Ittehad, Army, Telecommunication, and Damanhour. Group C includes teams Gezira, Zamalek, Eastern Tobacco Co., and Heliopolis. Group D includes teams Sporting, Smouha, Tanta, and El-Shams.
By eurobasket.com
KENYA : Thunder strikes Terrorists at Nyayo
Updated on 22/10/12 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Shauri Moyo based Thunder basketball team on Sunday afternoon beat UON Terrorists 59-41 with Thunder captain Griffins Ligare marshaling his side with 11 points to get the much deserved win.
Terror had managed to hold off Thunder with a one point margin in the 1st quarter getting 12 points against Thunder’s 11 points. It was the second quarter that Terrorist slumped getting 6 points while Ligare’s side stepped up their defense and capitalised on the rebounds to get 15 points to put the half time scores 26-18.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com Ligare was delighted with his sides win and was hoping if they could replicate the same form they would be in a better position in finishing among the play offs bracket, “ We played well and we hope to continue so as to have a have chance to play in the play-offs.”
Thunder continued to dominate in the second half taking both quarters (3nd quarter 13-7) and (4th quarter 20-16) in which was a clear tactical warfare between the two coaches of both teams.
In the last match of the day arch rivals USIU Tigers beat Madaraka based Strathmore University 63-61 when they hosted them at the same venue.
Collated results for matches played at the Nyayo Gymnasium are as follows:
KCA-U 27/48 VS K.A.A. 28/52
15/12/11/10 11/17/15/09
16 pts Martin Okaka 11 pts mark Ouko
08 pts Victor Okello 10 pts Vito Khote
UPPER HILL 21/57 VS TRAILBLAZERS 28/56
05/16/19/17 13/15/15/13
19 pts Domnic Osale 17 pts Shem Otieno
14 pts Samuel Dede
GLADIATORS 17/35 VS SAFE SPACES 22/42
10/07/07/11 14/08/11/09
19 pts Anne Liambila 16 pts Lynette Atieno
07 pts Emilly Ongoro 11 pts Florence Mbithe
Terror had managed to hold off Thunder with a one point margin in the 1st quarter getting 12 points against Thunder’s 11 points. It was the second quarter that Terrorist slumped getting 6 points while Ligare’s side stepped up their defense and capitalised on the rebounds to get 15 points to put the half time scores 26-18.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com Ligare was delighted with his sides win and was hoping if they could replicate the same form they would be in a better position in finishing among the play offs bracket, “ We played well and we hope to continue so as to have a have chance to play in the play-offs.”
Thunder continued to dominate in the second half taking both quarters (3nd quarter 13-7) and (4th quarter 20-16) in which was a clear tactical warfare between the two coaches of both teams.
In the last match of the day arch rivals USIU Tigers beat Madaraka based Strathmore University 63-61 when they hosted them at the same venue.
Collated results for matches played at the Nyayo Gymnasium are as follows:
KCA-U 27/48 VS K.A.A. 28/52
15/12/11/10 11/17/15/09
16 pts Martin Okaka 11 pts mark Ouko
08 pts Victor Okello 10 pts Vito Khote
UPPER HILL 21/57 VS TRAILBLAZERS 28/56
05/16/19/17 13/15/15/13
19 pts Domnic Osale 17 pts Shem Otieno
14 pts Samuel Dede
GLADIATORS 17/35 VS SAFE SPACES 22/42
10/07/07/11 14/08/11/09
19 pts Anne Liambila 16 pts Lynette Atieno
07 pts Emilly Ongoro 11 pts Florence Mbithe
NIGERIA : Continental Basketball - First Deepwater in Last Eight
Nigeria women league champion have maintained an unbeaten record in the ongoing final round of the Africa Champions Cup for Women holding in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire. After two games in the preliminary round of the continent's biggest women club competition, they have made it to the last eight.
The Oil and Gas ladies laboured to beat Club Sportif SFAXIEN of Tunisia 57-55 points on Saturday and came back in their second group-B game with a 79-45 points win over Kenya Eagle Wings.
The coach Lateef Erinfolami tutored side outplayed the Kenyans in all departments and won all four quarters 19-10, 22-16, 18-09 and 20-10 points respectively. Points guard Upe Atosu lead her team into today's quarter finals against Arc-En-Ciel of Democratic Republic of Congo with 24 points, 4 assist, 3 steal and 2 rebound.
The Nigerian side grabbed 26 rebounds, 15 assists, 18 steals and 15 turn-overs. Coach Erinfolami says the goal of the team is to finish well in the group. Nigeria's golden girl Nkechi Akashili also contributed immensely to her team's victory recording 15 points, 4 steals and 3 assists while Magdalene Ukato added 14 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
They will take on defending champions and group-B seeded team Interclube basketball club of Angola on tomorrow before rounding up preliminary engagement against Abidjan basket club of Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday.
The Oil and Gas ladies laboured to beat Club Sportif SFAXIEN of Tunisia 57-55 points on Saturday and came back in their second group-B game with a 79-45 points win over Kenya Eagle Wings.
The coach Lateef Erinfolami tutored side outplayed the Kenyans in all departments and won all four quarters 19-10, 22-16, 18-09 and 20-10 points respectively. Points guard Upe Atosu lead her team into today's quarter finals against Arc-En-Ciel of Democratic Republic of Congo with 24 points, 4 assist, 3 steal and 2 rebound.
The Nigerian side grabbed 26 rebounds, 15 assists, 18 steals and 15 turn-overs. Coach Erinfolami says the goal of the team is to finish well in the group. Nigeria's golden girl Nkechi Akashili also contributed immensely to her team's victory recording 15 points, 4 steals and 3 assists while Magdalene Ukato added 14 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.
They will take on defending champions and group-B seeded team Interclube basketball club of Angola on tomorrow before rounding up preliminary engagement against Abidjan basket club of Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday.
RWANDA : National Hoops Coach Sacked
Nenad Amanovic's reign as national basketball coach is over following face to face talks with the national basketball governing body, Ferwaba.
The sack comes just four months into his new one-year renewable contract and Ferwaba's Secretary General Richard Mutabazi revealed that the Croatian's departure is a result of Rwanda's disastrous display in the Afrobasket U-18 boy's tournament which was held in Maputo, Mozambique back in August.
After beating the hosts (62-34) in their opening fixture, the team went on to lose their remaining Group A matches (Tunisia 43-38 Rwanda, Mali 47-33 Rwanda and Rwanda 43-48 Ghana) to finish bottom of the group and miss out on a place in the quarter-finals.
Their 66-74 loss against Morocco in the classification matches ultimately pushed them to the bottom of the overall standings which to Mutabazi was unacceptable considering the fact Ferwaba had met all Amanovic's demands in the build-up to the tournament.
"After carefully assessing the junior hoops performance in Maputo, we had no choice but to let the coach go," the official said.
"It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take Rwandan basketball forward."
The sack comes just four months into his new one-year renewable contract and Ferwaba's Secretary General Richard Mutabazi revealed that the Croatian's departure is a result of Rwanda's disastrous display in the Afrobasket U-18 boy's tournament which was held in Maputo, Mozambique back in August.
After beating the hosts (62-34) in their opening fixture, the team went on to lose their remaining Group A matches (Tunisia 43-38 Rwanda, Mali 47-33 Rwanda and Rwanda 43-48 Ghana) to finish bottom of the group and miss out on a place in the quarter-finals.
Their 66-74 loss against Morocco in the classification matches ultimately pushed them to the bottom of the overall standings which to Mutabazi was unacceptable considering the fact Ferwaba had met all Amanovic's demands in the build-up to the tournament.
"After carefully assessing the junior hoops performance in Maputo, we had no choice but to let the coach go," the official said.
"It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take Rwandan basketball forward."
21 October 2012
RWANDA : Espoir Maintain Unbeaten Run
FORMER champions Espoir continued with their fine form of the season by beating Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) on the fifth day of the national basketball league played at Amahoro indoor stadium on Friday.
Espoir routed CSK 86-42 in Kigali to take full control of the standings with 12 points, two ahead of rivals Kigali Basketball club (KBC) which also snatched an 89-50 victory over UGB. In their second game on Saturday, Espoir beat APR 80-47 respectively.
On the same day, Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) beat National University of Rwanda (NUR) 55-48 away in Huye.
Action continues today with Rusizi host Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) in Rusizi; new comers 30-Plus will host former defending champion APR at Kimisagara and National University of Rwanda (NUR) will entertain with Kigali Basketball Club in Huye.
Espoir lead the league table with 12 points, followed by KBC on 10 points who have a game in hand. APR and CSK have 8pts; UGB have 7pts while KIE, NUR and Rusizi and newcomers 30-Plus share four points each.
National Basketball League
Friday
KBC 89-50 UGB
Espoir 86-42 CSK
Saturday
NUR 48-55 KIE
Espoir 80-47 APR
Today
Rusizi vs KIE
30-Plus vs APR
NUR vs KBC
Espoir routed CSK 86-42 in Kigali to take full control of the standings with 12 points, two ahead of rivals Kigali Basketball club (KBC) which also snatched an 89-50 victory over UGB. In their second game on Saturday, Espoir beat APR 80-47 respectively.
On the same day, Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) beat National University of Rwanda (NUR) 55-48 away in Huye.
Action continues today with Rusizi host Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) in Rusizi; new comers 30-Plus will host former defending champion APR at Kimisagara and National University of Rwanda (NUR) will entertain with Kigali Basketball Club in Huye.
Espoir lead the league table with 12 points, followed by KBC on 10 points who have a game in hand. APR and CSK have 8pts; UGB have 7pts while KIE, NUR and Rusizi and newcomers 30-Plus share four points each.
National Basketball League
Friday
KBC 89-50 UGB
Espoir 86-42 CSK
Saturday
NUR 48-55 KIE
Espoir 80-47 APR
Today
Rusizi vs KIE
30-Plus vs APR
NUR vs KBC
KENYA : Eagle Wings fail to fly past Nigerian champions in Abidjan
Updated on 21/10/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Kenya’s representatives to this year’s FIBA African women club championships Eagle Wings on Sunday went down to Nigerian champions Deep Waters falling with a 45-78 scoreline after losing in all quarters ( 10-19,16-22,09-16, 16-20).
Silalei Shani was Eagle Wings’ highest points’ scorer with 16 followed by Samba Mjomba with 6 points.
This was the third straight loss for Eagle Wings after losing to CSS Faxien of Tunisia on Friday and defending champions Interclub on Saturday night. The loss to Nigerians was attributed to fatigue.
“The girls looked very exhausted as they had very little time to rest between the two matches, playing against the defending champions the previous night and running again back to the court early on Sunday morning.” Said Agina Wesonga, team official.
Monday will be rest day before Eagle Wings take on Ivory Coast’s ABC on Tuesday in their final group B match.
Silalei Shani was Eagle Wings’ highest points’ scorer with 16 followed by Samba Mjomba with 6 points.
This was the third straight loss for Eagle Wings after losing to CSS Faxien of Tunisia on Friday and defending champions Interclub on Saturday night. The loss to Nigerians was attributed to fatigue.
“The girls looked very exhausted as they had very little time to rest between the two matches, playing against the defending champions the previous night and running again back to the court early on Sunday morning.” Said Agina Wesonga, team official.
Monday will be rest day before Eagle Wings take on Ivory Coast’s ABC on Tuesday in their final group B match.
KENYA : Hard fighting Eagle Wings fall to champions InterClub
Updated on 21/10/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Kenyan Basketball champions Eagle Wings on Saturday evening put up a hard fighting performance against African champions InterClube from Angola to whom they lost 62-48.This was the second loss for the East African queens who play their third group B match against Nigerian champions on Sunday.
Having lost the first three quarters to the defending champions (16-09, 16-13, 22-07), Eagle Wings never lost hope as they came back in the final quarter with some shocking power pinning down the champions in dramatic style with a 19-08 scoreline. However, it was too late to cover the margin and they lost with a 14 points’ gap 62-48.
Interclub had advantage over Wings with 58-54 rebounds and were also the better side in assists (22-15), steal (17-5) and had fewer turn-overs with sixteen compared to Eagle Wings’ twenty-three.
Having lost the first three quarters to the defending champions (16-09, 16-13, 22-07), Eagle Wings never lost hope as they came back in the final quarter with some shocking power pinning down the champions in dramatic style with a 19-08 scoreline. However, it was too late to cover the margin and they lost with a 14 points’ gap 62-48.
Interclub had advantage over Wings with 58-54 rebounds and were also the better side in assists (22-15), steal (17-5) and had fewer turn-overs with sixteen compared to Eagle Wings’ twenty-three.
Eagle Wings next match will be on Sunday at 10:00AM Abidjan time that is 1:00PM Kenyan time against Nigeria’s First Deepwater while Inter Clube plays Arc-En-Ciel basketball club of Democratic Republic of Congo
