Basketball in Africa

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.