Basketball in Africa

Finally the lock and chains at NASDEC will be cut. Coaches, Players, Officials, Fans and Journalist will walk into an Arena that was "locked down" by Teams led by a courageous group of men and women. The people had again proved that real power rests in them. It's the dawn of a new era. One in which all involved would be called to higher levels of accountability. And what a way to end the lockout. Southern Region League Champions Matero Magic come face to face with their rivals, the University of Zambia Pacers in Game 3 of the National Championship tonight. With the series tied at 1 all, the scene is set for what will be an explosive encounter between 2 evenly matched teams but with different Basketball styles. With a blend of youth and experience that includes over 8 National Championship Titles and many individual accolades, the Magicians of Matero are by far one of the most dangerous sides to face on any day. Yet their opponents, with 3 finals ...appearances, 1 championship and arguably the country's most potent backcourt, have established themselves as perennial championship contenders and are no pushovers. As if this were not enough, tomorrows visit to the Arena will start with Pacers B taking on Magic B in a deciding game 5 with the series tied at 2 all. The rivalry between the two clubs has already been passed on to their juniors and is likely to last for many years to come. In the Femine League, Defending National Champions UNZA Honeys might have thought they had only a game to play after their late but narrow win in Game 2 that put the series at 2-0. The Shells were having non of it though. In 24hours, they tied the series with fine basketball and great instincts. These rivals will lock horns in a game 5 that promises to be the highlight of Saturday afternoon. Games between these two teams have been rather close in the last 3 seasons. Make a date. Tell your neighbor and pull a friend to Nasdec this weekend and you will have no regrets.

BY Cuthbert Kondwelani Tembo