30 November 2013

UGANDA : Nyakasura to get basketball courts

Nyakasura to get basketball courts
Nyakasura School old students strategise for a game during the tourney. Courtesy Photo.  Fort Portal - Nyakasura School will finally get standard basketball courts following a funds drive by old students.

The old students, most of whom featured for the school’s basketball team, held a tournament to launch the drive in Fort Portal early this month. The tournament was held on the existing marrum court although players struggled to deal with the surface, which gradually became slippery as the event progressed into the latter stages. Despite the challenging surface, Elvis Okello fought against all odds to emerge top scorer in the boy’s category. Samuel Kalwanyi was the other outstanding performer.                
Doreen Bonabana and Rebecca Mpumwirwe stood out in the girls’ category. During the tournament, graced by the school’s Parents Teacher Association (PTA) chairperson Rhoda Kemigisa and head teacher Frank Manyindo, 30 bags of cement were raised to kick off construction of the two basketball courts.
 According to the organisers, the whole project is expected to cost about Shs50m. Early next year, the old students, have pledged to organise another tournament during which more resources will be mobilised to get the work started.
 Coca-cola and Tracker Uganda Limited supported the initial fund-raThe school headmaster said he was very pleased with the old students’ gesture.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com


            

29 November 2013

UGANDA : Oilers dare Falcons


Oilers dare Falcons
Oilers’ James Okello (left) is fouled by Falcons’ Herbert ‘Shaq’ Akhita during regular season. The two teams play Game One of the 2013 final tonight. Photo by Ismail Kezaala. 

Today at Lugogo:
Finals Game One
M: City Oilers vs Falcons (7.30pm)
W: UCU vs KCCA (9.30pm)

It’s been six long years since Falcons were champions of the national basketball league and their record of titles stands at six, one more than DMark Power.
That period has had too few highs and bundles of lows, among them a player exodus in 2009 and a torrid regular season this year due to management strife.
They did reappear in the final in 2008, losing 3-1 to Power in a five-game series. From then on, they waited another four years until 2012. n a year many remember for the death of club founder John Ssimbwa (RIP), Falcons failed to add to their titles, beaten 4-2 by Riham Warriors in a seven-game final series.
Amid the troubles of this term highlighted by a seventh-place finish in regular season, they will appear in another final. Their opponent is newcomers City Oilers. Game One of a possible seven at Lugogo today.
The last time Falcons were champions, Oilers were not even a concept in mind let alone on paper. Just 12 months ago, Falcons were fighting to add to their record as Oilers slugged it out in Division Two. Surely, fifth seeds Oilers should come to be mauled. Not that easy. Copying from the exact manner in which Falcons earned revenge on Warriors in the semis, Oilers won three in a row to beat Power .
“At the start of the season, our target was to reach the final and then look at the title,” Jimmy Enabu, who scored 53 points in the semis despite missing Game One, said.Enabu’s arrival from Power, the acquisition of Rwandese ‘big man’ Kami Kabange and Mandy Juruni, a champion with Warriors last year, has elevated arguably the best organized club to the pinnacle.

Unlike during the regular season when they split their two games, Juruni is getting a lot more contributions from the peripheral players especially forward Ramadhan Arou and Daniel ‘Najja’ Juuko.
Power didn’t have the weapons to limit Oilers but Falcons will. It’s fairly balanced among the guards even if the latter’s pair of Abdullahi Ramadhan and Geoff Omondi are more experienced. Coach Gad Eteu’s inside players – Philip Ameny, Peter Elungat, Herbert ‘Shaq’ Akhitah, Serge Kabangu and Stephen Omony – are expected to challenge Kabange and Arou more than any other team.
Omony’s 78 points in semifinals also signify a return to the player many last saw in the early 2000s before he turned pro in Seychelles.

Falcons want this badly having taken a tough path in beating second seed UCU Canons in the quarters and dethroning Warriors at the semis.

What a story it will be if Oilers win the national title, two years after they entered the league at the bottom in Division Three.

28 November 2013

KENYA : Eagle Wings to face InterClub in Africa Cup semis

 
 Updated on 28/11/13  |    By MICHEZOAFRIKA
Kenya and regional basketball queens Eagle Wings will face Interclub from Angola in the semi finals of the ongoing women Africa Club championships in Morocco. Eagle Wings defeated rivals USIU Flames also from Kenya 83-66 in the quarter  finals played on Wednesday.
Eagle Wings had to stage a powerful comeback after first quarter loss (12-25) winning the remaining three quarters (26-15,21-11,24-15). This served as sweet revenge for Eagle Wings less than two weeks after losing to the same side in the semi finals of the domestic league campaign in Nairobi.
“ We have given this tournament our best and reaching the semi finals is not an easy feat in a continent full of top class clubs. We appreciate this far we have come and hopefully we will get to the medals bracket this year round. It has been a long journey.” Says Samba Mjomba a member of the Eagle Wings team.
Despite their team’s loss, USIU’s duo of Emma Nyakweba and Hilda Indasi were the highest scorers of the match with 26 points each. Eagle Wings’ Silalei Shani had 18 points and Brigid Nanzala had 14 points.

GAMBIA : Gambia Basketball Federation AGM Slated for Friday

As the 2013-2014 Gambia Basketball Federation (GBF) National Basketball league is fast approaching, the GBF will on Friday 29 November 2013 hold its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Bamboo Hotel & Resort.
The AGM will bring together GBF executives, delegates from the national basketball teams as well as stakeholders in basketball.
The president, the secretary general, the treasurer and the auditor are all expected to deliver their reports to the delegates during the AGM, as part of their efforts at promoting and developing basketball in the country.

KENYA : Eagle Wings Clipped in Morocco Africa Tourney

EAGLE Wings fell 69-41 to Inter Clube of Angola at the ongoing Africa club championships for women in Makanese, Morocco. The former Kenyan champions trailed 20-33 at the break and did not recover.
Rose Ouma nailed 15 points and Samba Mjomba made 9. The winners had 22 from Maina Makanaro. This result saw them book a quarters final date with compatriots United States International University (USIU) who had beaten Dolphins of Nigeria 61-44 as Hilda Indasi managed 17 points.
USIU had rolled over home girls CODM 77-61. Only eight teams managed to take part in this event. Meanwhile Ulinzi "Blades" won the 2013 Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) crown when they beat Footprints 51-44 at Nairobi Railways Club.
The soldiers swept the losers 3-0 in the best of five series. Leading the soldiers onslaught was Rose Akech who scored 24 points and Sarah Anyango who recorded another 11 points.
Footprints, who gave a good account of themselves had 15 from the league's second top scorer Seline Okumu who nailed 14 points while guard Peris Magembe also added a similar number to pep Juma Kent's side. The two teams gained promotion to the national premier league

ZAMBIA : Magic Smells Title, As Trotters and Magnet Get Promotion

MATERO Magic trounced Green Buffaloes 74-61 to open up a three-point lead over second placed UNZA Pacers at the summit of the Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) South league table after Week 16 games played.
With two games to go before the end of the 2013 campaign, Pacers whose game against Mazabuka Comets was abandoned due to rains, need to win their remaining games and hope for a Magic slip up to defend their title.
Magic are unbeaten in the 16 games played so far, while Pacers have managed 13 wins, losing three. LCC Looters with a game in hand beat Heroes Play United 90-58 to maintain third position on 25 points but have got a game in hand, while Buffaloes remain stuck on 24 points in fifth place.
Heroes suffered their second defeat, going down 66-57 to Green Eagles to drop into seventh place with 18 points, while the latter are on 20 points.
Spartans continued leading the B league on 42 points, thanks to a 55-47 win over Junior Hurricanes.
Second placed Junior Looters suffered a 74-59 defeat to Pacers B but recovered well in the second match to beat Hurricanes 71-66 to move to 37 points.
Other results saw third positioned Earthroll Bulldogs losing 35-63 to Chinzam Dragons to remain on 37 points, while Pacers B, who also thumped Nkwazi 78-61 are on 36 points.
Buffaloes beat ZCAS Blazers 68-48 as Magic B thrashed Dragons 31-80, while Nkwazi overcame Lusaka Rockets 63-47.
In the women's league, defending champions Shells posted an emphatic 108-31 victory over Hot Spurs before demolishing Spartress 127-17 to move up to 27 points, two clear off UNZA Honeys who beat Napsa Breeze 69-62 and have played a game less than the leaders.
Buffaloes were 58-50 winners over LCC Lootressess to move to 24 points with their victims on 22 points, while Breeze remained on 18 points, Hot Spurs on 17 and Lootressess are rooted on 12 points.
Meanwhile, in the northern region, Konkola Trotters and Mufulira Magnets celebrated their promotion to the A league, Riverside Titans and Ndola Celtics recorded their second tier in the league after a series of poor runs during the 2013 season.
Trotters won promotion after topping the B league with 20 points from 10 games played, losing only one game to runners up, Magnets.
Titans produced a series of poor runs recording only one win and nine draws to end the season on 11 points, while Celtics on the other hand could only manage to fulfil three fixtures, losing all the matches to finish bottom of the log on two points.

UGANDA : A final series of thin margins

A final series of thin margins
Leopards’ star player Flavia Oketcho (R) is fouled as she tries to shoot against her former side UCU in last year’s final series. Oketcho will again have a big say in this year’s final series starting tomorrow. Photo by Ismail Kezaala.

UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards are oases in the desert that is women’s basketball as they hardly find competition.
On three occasions this season, UCU beat KCCA, a team who guarantee that purple perch every season thanks to unpaid allowances from management.But, that hasn’t deterred them from booking a third successive appearance in the seven-game final starting tomorrow.
Last year, UCU led 2-0 only to lose 4-3. UCU coach Boniface Okello, unbeaten this year, and his opposite Ronnie Owino will have to get these matchups right to snatch what promises to be a close series.

‘Big men’
Peace Proscovia and Martha Soigi define everything the best rebounders should have – height, anticipation and unrelenting appetite to fight.
You are almost guaranteed double figures for both. However, UCU’s Proscovia could edge it with scoring as seen in her 49-point and 23-rebound show against feeble Nabisunsa. Limiting is one thing Soigi will do and the support of Mahayimina Namuwaya will be crucial. EVENLamunu vs. Odhiambo
Claire Lamunu (KCCA) is an upstart in comparison to UCU’s Purity Odhiambo, the 2011 MVP.
The latter’s absence following the death of her mother contributed greatly to UCU losing last year. Odhiambo has bullied Lamunu thrice already on both ends of the floor and expect her to be as smart as ever. ADVANTAGE UCU

Amoding vs. Oketcho
Together, Maureen Amoding and Flavia Oketcho start for the national women’s team on the backcourt and share two of the last three MVP titles.
Oketcho is slightly smarter with the ball whereas Amoding prefers to take the scoring burden. Both coaches will be smart enough to keep them apart for as long as possible but they will clash in phases. EVEN

Akullo factor
Becky Akullo’s return to the KCCA roster changes the dimensions entirely as she is a reliable scoring option who bagged 20 points to sweep Magic Stormers 80-72. Her left hand is both a strength and weakness as it’s an extra facet for the team but also bares a mark of predictability. Ruth Kirungi and Brenda Mboine will come off the bench to stop her drive. MY VERDICT: UCU TO WIN SERIES 4-2

27 November 2013

KENYA : Strathmore to conduct basketball Scholarship trials



Strathmore Blades are set to conduct Basketball trials for all those interested in joining the side from December the 13th at the University’s Madaraka Sports Complex. The University, famous for its investment in Sports will use the chance to select the students who will join the team and who shall also benefit from a Sports Scholarship that tunes to 75% of successful players’ tuition fee.
While making the announcement, the team’s head coach however said the minimum requirement for students who will be interested in landing the slots in his side and eventually be handed scholarships must have a minimum grade of B+ in KCSE and must be very disciplined.
The program has seen former players of the side grow into professional in the business world among them former Captains Joshua Oswani and Allela Clifford secure jobs at DTB Bank and Deloitte respectively just to mention a few.

KENYA : USIU, Eagle Wings to meet in Africa Cup quarters

Eagle Wings in Morocco
Eagle Wings in Morocco
 
 Updated on 26/11/13  |    By MICHEZOAFRIKA

Less than two weeks after USIU Flames scorched Eagle Wings’ hopes of retaining the domestic Kenyan premier league title in Nairobi, the two teams are set to face off again this time in Morocco in the quarter finals at the ongoing 19th edition of the FIBA Africa Cup for Women competition at the Salle Couverte Al-Massira gymnasium in Meknes, Morocco.
Eagle Wings on Tuesday lost to Inter Club of Angola 69-41 in a match Malina of Angola had 22 points. The winners led Eagle Wings 33-20 by half time and dominated all quarters of the match against the Zone 5 Champions. Eagle Wings on Monday defeated IRT 60-41 (17-07, 24-09, 10-08, 09-13).
USIU Flames on the other hand defeated Nigeria Dolphins 61-44 to finish second in Pool A and qualify for the quarter finals.
The finals of the tournament will be played on Friday with Thursday set aside as rest day.
At home, USIU Flames defeated Eagle Wings in the best of 5 semi final match at the Nyayo stadium and will meet KPA in the finals once they return from Morocco.
Wednesday Fixtures
IR TANGE(MAR) Vs PRIMEIRO DE AGOSTO (ANG)
DOLPHINS (NGR) Vs INTERCLUBE (ANG)
EAGLE WINGS (KEN) Vs U.S.I.U (KEN)
COD MEKNES (MAR) Vs FIRST DEEPWATER (NGR)

Classification matches  (5th-8th place);-
Loser Game 13 Vs Loser Game 16
Loser Game 14 Vs Loser Game 15
The Semi's will be;-
Winner Game 13 Vs Winner game 16
Winner Game 14 Vs Winner Game 15

Nigeria: First Deepwater Cruise Into Quarter-Final in Morocco

After a sloppy start in the first quarter, Nigeria's First Deepwater basketball club yesterday rose to the occasion to defeat Moroccan Ittihad Raidi De Tanger basketball club 88-44 points to finish second in group-B in the ongoing 19th Africa Champions Cup for Women in Meknes, Morocco.
The Nigerian side continued the progression from the second quarter with a 17-10 points win to take a 10 points advantage going into the break (35-25).
The complete break came from the start of the third quarter as First Deepwater basketball club side put paid to the ambition of the I.R Tanger of springing any surprises winning the third and fourth quarters convincingly by 29-10 and 24-09 points for a cumulative score-line of 88-44 points.
With the second place finish, First Deepwater will play host Club Omnisports De Meknes today while I. R. Tanger fourth place finisher in group-B will battle Primeiro D'Agosto basketball club of Angola in the quarter finals pairing.

UGANDA : City Oilers revel in uncharted waters

City Oilers revel in uncharted waters
Kabange (R) beats Power’s Norman Blick (L) and Derrick Mbusi in Game Four of the semis at Lugogo. Photo by Ismail Kezaala. 

The palpable excitement after Game 4 of City Oilers’ series triumph over DMark Power told half the story for the victors.
As underwhelming underdogs against champions in three of the last five years, Oilers had already overachieved by the time they reached the semi-finals.                
In fact it could be argued that reaching the playoffs in their first season in Division One amounted to a satisfactory season.
Their ambition on promotion in December last year was to lift the title in two years. Now, they are in the finals in their first year.
Only 12 months ago, their roster was awash with part-timers.
The team that gained promotion in 2012 had enlisted several pickup caliber players
To make the competitive grade of the top division, it necessitated making recruitments that would match the scale offered by powerhouses Power, Falcons, UCU and Warriors.

The smart signings of Kami Kabange, Jimmy Enabu and Daniel ‘Najja’ Juuko elevated their prowess in an instant. Kami’s talismanic presence has particularly been priceless. With his intelligence and leadership, Oilers are genuine title contenders. Without him, they are at less than half mast. For Oilers though, the ambition was not just to win but to grow basketball in the country.                
“We want to make basketball competitive,” Oilers President Mohammed Ghedi said on promotion to Division One.
“We want the Division to be competitive, exciting and colourful. We don’t want to just prioritise winning as City Oilers.” Seen as money bags because of being bankrolled by City Oil under the Mandela group, their advent can only bode well for the ball game. Oilers’ plan is not to buy success. They intend to earn it by building their capacity.
“We want to earn respect in the league,” club patron Hassan Ahmed reiterated. “We will continue looking around to offer young players chance to make a fair product for all fans of the sport.” Ghedi is intent on the club growing organically. “A better Oilers overtime means a better national league because the number of strong teams increases. We hope to be spoken of in the same breath as Power, Warriors, Falcons, UCU and KIU in years to come.” For now, their focus is on the small matter of Game One of the 2013 finals against Falcons on Friday.

mnamanya@ug.nationmedia.com

26 November 2013

KENYA : USIU storm Africa Champions cup quarters

  • 17 points from Hilda Indasi helped United States International University- Africa qualify for the quarterfinals of the 19th Africa Champions Cup for Women with a 61-44 win over Dolphins of Nigeria.
    The match played on Monday at the Salle Couverte Al-Massira gymnasium in Meknes, Morocco was the second win for the Kenyan ladies who now finish second in Group A with five points.
    Angola’s Premeiro D’Agosto was the group winner with six points from three wins.
    USIU set the tempo from the onset taking home the first quarter 20-12 and the second 13-9 for a 33-21 halftime lead.
    The third quarter was a more one-sided affair for USIU winning 19-8 as they proved unstoppable. Dolphins won the last quarter 15-9 but had no effect on the final scoreline.
    USIU had won the opening match 77-61 against host side COD Meknes before falling 45-71 in the second against D’Agosto.
    The George Mayienga side is likely to meet Kenyan rivals Eagle Wings in the quarterfinals on Wednesday if the Thomas Olumbo girls manage to finish third in Group B.
    Currently, Wings lie joint second with First Deepwater of Nigeria as both sides have three points each from one win and one loss.
    A second place finish will see Wings play COD Meknes in the quarters and are set to finish their group matches against Angola’s Interclube on Tuesday.
    Wings overcome Moroccan Tanger
    Ittihad Radi De Tanger will play Deepwater in the other match of the group. Wings beat local side Ittihad Radi De Tanger 60-37 in their opening match but narrowly lost 69-71 to First Deepwater in their second match on Monday.
    It was a match that the Kenyans showed real fighting spirit playing second fiddle to the Nigerians for the entire match.
    They trailed 38-46 at the breather and were 14 points down at the start of the fourth quarter. Captain Silalei Shani contributed eleven of the team’s 39 rebounds while Samba Mjomba and Evelyn Nora scored a three-pointer each from 13 attempts.
    Deepwater was victorious in the first three quarters winning 24-20, 22-18 and 15-09 respectively while Wings won the last 22-10. The result was encouraging to Wings who played Nigerians for the second year in a row at the tournament.
    “Last year in the same championship, we played Deepwaters and to say they thrashed us is an understatement. Today, we went down fighting,” assistant coach Evelyne Kedogo said from Morocco.  “A medal bracket in this championship is achievable, I believe in the ladies.”
    The quarterfinals are set for Wednesday with D'Agosto, Dolphins, USIU and COD Meknes having already qualified. D’Agosto will play the fourth placed team in Group B while USIU face off with the third place finisher.
    Dolphins will have a date with the top side in Group B with COD Meknes playing the second best side. Classification matches and the semifinals will be played on November 28 and finals on November 30.
    Collated Results: Group A- USIU 77 COD Meknes 61, Primeiro D’Agosto 72 Dolphins 52, USIU 45 Primeiro D’Agosto 71, USIU 61 Dolphins 44, COD Meknes 53 Primeiro D’Agosto 84; Group B- First Deepwater 39 Intercube 65, Eagle Wings 60 Ittihad Radi De Tanger 37, Eagle Wings 69 First Deepwater 71, Interclube 87 Ittihad Radi De Tanger 30.

    UGANDA : Oilers’ fairytale rolls into playoff final with Falcons

    City Oilers and Falcons will meet in the 2013 basketball final.
    City Oilers and Falcons will meet in the 2013 basketball final. Game One is scheduled for Friday. Photo by I. Kezaala Over the past eight seasons, Riham Warriors and DMark Power built hegemony over the national basketball league. That could be change, albeit only time will tell for how long.

    Neither will appear in the finals of this year’s Castle Lite playoffs, the first time that has happened since 2005. This could be the beginning of the end of an era, accelerated by Falcons and City OilersThe manner in which the two finalists did it was all the more impressive, winning three in a row after losing the opener in their respective best-of-five semifinals thereby clinching the series 3-1.

    Warriors’ reign as champions came to an end in gallant fashion, losing 87-83 to Falcons in repeat of last year’s final which ended  4-2.
    But, perhaps the bigger fairytale is City Oilers who beat a spineless Power 72-68. When Power won the last of their five titles in 2011, Oilers were only being constituted to make an entry in Division Three!
    It’s a testament of the solid financial backing from City Oil, organisation, luring big man Kami Kabangu (Espoir, Rwanda) and guard Jimmy Enabu (Power) and probably above all coach Mandy Juruni.                 
    The elimination game was not even close as the margin suggests. Power forward Ramadhan Arou completed his towering dominance of this series for the fifth seeds with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
    Kabangu had nine and 15 rebounds, ourebouding Power 55-49. Enabu scored 15 as Juruni delivered a men’s team to the final for a third year running, the previous two with Warriors.
    In celebration, his players carried him shoulder high in the changing room and he deserved it. “At the start of the season, our target was to reach the final and then look at the title,” Enabu said.
    Adding that; “I have grown to love the responsibility now.” Either top-seeded Power didn’t have the weapons to challenge the might of the Oilers or didn’t understand the importance of an elimination game.

    Ben Komakech is the only who gave it real fight, scoring 29 points and six rebounds. Paul Odong added 18. The rest folded like flowers. “We have to start all over again,” is all coach Bernes Ankunda could say.On the other hand, Warriors should be pleased with their effort but never really had the talent to stop coach Gad Eteu’s Falcons from revenge for the loss 12 months ago. Stephen Omony led all scorers with 22 points and seven rebounds, Abdullahi Ramadhan added 18 and five assists and Serge Kabangu had 15 and eight boards.

    A barrage of threes from Ronnie Kasewu, 20 and nine rebounds, and Jude Ochen, 19 points, served as scanty consolation for coach Ronnie Owino, signed to defend this title after Warriors finished third in the regular season under Emmy Samanya.

    Seventh seeds Falcons limited Henry Malinga to 17 and Ivan Enabu to 12. That was the key. It will be a final of stark contrasts – Oilers – the party crashers – and Falcons – the most successful team – seeking a seventh title – the first since 2007.

    FINALS SINCE 2005
    2005: Nkumba beat Falcons
    2006: Nkumba beat Power
    2007: Falcons beat Warriors
    2008: Power beat Falcons
    2009: Warriors beat Power
    2010: Power beat Warriors
    2011: Power beat Warriors
    2012: Warriors beat Falcons

    25 November 2013

    KENYA : Equity are new KBF Division One champions

     
    Equity Bank are new Division 1 champions after beating Strathmore Blades 59-54 in a final of of debutants played yesterday at the Kasarani gymnasium. Equity who forced a tie of the series on Saturday courtesy of a 80-55 win again showed intention of winning the series tie-breaker with a narrow 14-13 win in the first quarter.
    The second quarter saw Equity play one guard after point guard George Omenda fell into foul trouble in the first quarter at the end of the first. Blades went ahead to close on Equity with an 11-13 win to take a one-point lead at the halftime break.
    The third quarter saw fans of both sides endure tense moments with each sides trading leads that did not exceed a one-point lead but Equity fans had the last laugh forcing Blades to crucial turnovers to extend their lead to three points after a 20-18 win in the quarter.
    The final quarter was to serve as Blades’ moment of upset but their shots failed to go down in the crucial quarter and Equity’s ability to grab offensive rebounds could not be any worse for Blades who lost the final quarter 14.10.
    Speaking after his side’s victory, Equity’s head coach Barry Apudo who also emerged as the coach of the year praised his charges for the mental strength coming from a game down to win the series and also promised to beef up his squad with experienced forwards.

    UGANDA : City Oilers, Falcons make 2013 FUBA Castle Lite playoff finals

    Steven Omonyi will face City Oilers in the finalsSteven Omonyi will face City Oilers in the finalsPhoto Credits: Daily Monitor      
    Riham Warriors 83-87 Falcons (Falcons win series 3-1)
    Dmark Power 68-72 City Oilers (Oilers win series 3-1)
    Not many of us saw this coming after City Oilers going down quite easily in the first game against Dmark Power. The response to that loss has been winning three successive games to clinch a spot in the finals in their first season in the premier division like they did in the lower divisions.
    Arou Ramadhani scored team high 17 points and picked 10 rebounds as City Oilers beat Dmark Power 72-68 at the MTN Arena. Jimmy Enabu added 15 points including a free throw with a second to the buzzer that put the game out of Power’s reach. Kami Kabange contributed 9 points, hauled in 15 rebounds and blocked 2 shots.
    After a promising start from Power, the five-time champions were limited to 7 points in the second quarter as Oilers took control of the game. Former MVP Ben Komakech fought valiantly throughout, trying to keep Power in the game with a flurry of threes piling up game high 29 points but got no significant contribution from the teammates and had his big night in a losing effort. Paul Odong added 18 points and no other power scored more than 5 points.
    City Oilers will face the six time champions – Falcons who held on to beat Riham Warriors 87-83 in the first game of the evening. Steven Omony stellar post season continued as the forward netted game high 22 points and picked 7rebounds to lead the way for Falcons.
    Abdulahi ‘dulah’ Ramadhani added 19. Serge Kabangu who has been big in that key since returning in game two chipped in with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Philip Ameny contributed 10 points and 8 boards.
    Ronnie Kasewu paced Warriors with playoffs high 20 points and 9rebounds. Jude Ochen added 19 points including a 3-pointer that brought Warriors within 82-83 with 30 seconds before Steven ‘Duxx’ Tumwesigye’s free throws dumped Warriors. Henry Malinga contributed 17 points and picked 8 rebounds. Sam Gombya game high 15 rebounds went along with 9 points.

    24 November 2013

    KENYA : Co-op Bank win record eighth League title

  • Co-operative Bank of Kenya on Friday retained the national classic league men premier title after sealing a 3-0 series win over Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, at the Kasarani gymnasium.
    It was a bitter ending for the Dockers who had a good run in the regular season finishing top in the 12-teams league.
    They had hoped to win their first title since 1991 when they last won but could not match the tempo of their experienced opponents.
    Friday's win was Co-op Bank’s eighth overall title to become the most successful side in the league and was their fourth straight after winning in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
    The performance matched the earlier achievement in 1995 when they won for four consecutive seasons until 1998.
    Ulinzi Warriors is the second in achievement having won the title six times while Lions are four times champions.
    In this year’s playoffs final, KPA qualified as the hot favorite having beaten highly-rated Lions 3-0 in the semifinals while the bankers had a comeback 3-1 win over USIU-A. Co-op won games one and two 88-72 and 74-64 and had an upper hand going to the third game.
    James Mwangi wins MVP
    Prior to the finals, head coach Carey Odhiambo had promised to take the series without conceding a game and this dream was realized after his side beat KPA 85-72 on Friday.
    Odhiambo retained his coach of the year award he won last year while James Mwangi was named the most valuable player.
    “I am very excited because that shows what am capable of doing,” said odhiambo. The bankers endured a poor start going down 18-23 in the opening quarter but came out strongly in the second to win 23-13 and lead 41-36 at the breather.
    A dominant 24-9 win in the third quarter for Co-op Bank made matters difficult for KPA who had to win game three to avoid early elimination.
    Winning 24-18 in the fourth quarter could not salvage fortunes for KPA. Odhiambo termed the just concluded season as the most competitive for his side.
    “This was a very tough season because we started poorly losing the opening match against Thunder. The champions spirit saw us recover and finish in the top four bracket from where we took it over in the playoffs.” He laughed off claims that his side beat an inexperienced opponent saying any team reaching the finals is a competitor.
    USIU finish third
    “They did not fall into the finals from nowhere. They beat other teams to reach there so the notion that they lacked experience can't be true.”
    USIU finished third after outclassing Lions 75-62 in their classification match played Saturday. The students trailed 19-31 at halftime and a spirited comeback saw the David Maina team secure a podium finish.
    Both teams slipped one position from last season when USIU finished second and Lions third. Division One champion will be known on Sunday when Equity Bank and Strathmore University play in game five.
    Both teams are tied at 2-2 and the decider will determine who lifts the crown. Equity won game one 54-43 but Strathmore won games two and three 56-46 and 69-65.
    The bankers leveled the series with a 80-55 win in game four. Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, has already secured the third spot after edging out Kenyatta University Pirates 67-62 in their classification match.
    Weekend Results: Co-op Bank 85 KPA 72, KU Pirates 62 KAA 76, Lions 62 USIU Tigers 75, Strathmore University 55 Equity Bank 80.

    UGANDA : ANBL Playoffs: It’s win or bounce for Warriors and Power

    ANBL Playoffs: It’s win or bounce for Warriors and PowerPhoto Credits: Daily Monitor      
    Falcons Vs Riham Warriors 5:30pm (Falcons lead series 2-1)
    City Oilers Vs Dmark Power 7:30pm (Oilers lead series 2-1)
    If Riham Warriors and Dmark Power have something in common at the moment, it's that they both face exit from the Castle Lite playoffs if they lose game 4 of the best-of-five series coming on back-to-back losses from Falcons and City Oilers respectively. Another lackluster performance will result in Warriors and Power kissing their season goodbye.
    “We know Power will come all out. It’s not over because they will play twice as hard as they did today (Friday) and we have to over-match that” City Oilers’ coach Mandy Juruni said after game 3.
    Falcons that have managed to keep at bay one of the league's best interior threats and looked the better side in the last couple of games will make the finals for a second successive year with a win and the Oilers can lock up a spot in the finals in their debut season with a similar result over the Power, whose key interior presence has not felt any bit in these series.
    “We are coming back to play another basketball game but looking at the finals” City Oilers guard Jimmy Enabu told Kawowo Sports.
    While a lot can be said on how Warriors or Power can force deciders – talk of defending, shooting better, limiting turnovers, trying to shut key players – one thing for sure, a player or two have got to take up responsibility for the team and get significant contribution from the teammates.
    It was and still may be difficult for Malinga to make a real impact as he will be forced even further from the hoop and his touches on the ball limited. Ivan Enabu and Ronnie Kasewu have got to push Warriors in all ways.
    Something similar has to happen with Power. Norman Blick, Isaac Afidra and Ben Komakech are very much capable of carrying Power offensively and they have to do it today or until next season.
    While looking at how Power and Warriors can stretch the series to full length, you can't overlook how good their opponents are with what they have already demonstrated in the three games and what they are capable of doing. Falcons showed they can turn any team into a miss match in the game 3 demolition of Warriors and can defend to near perfection.
    City Oilers are equally a scoring team and can defend.

    23 November 2013

    KENYA : Eagle Wings finally depart for Morocco

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     Updated on 22/11/13  |    By DENNIS MACHIO

    Regional basketball champions Eagle Wings finally left Nairobi for Morocco on Friday night for the 2013 edition of the FIBA Africa women basketball Club championships. Eagle Wings' trip to North Africa had to be delayed by three days as the team officials ran around town to raise One Million shillings that will facilitate the self sponsored team’s participation in the competition.
    “We received a lot of support from the government who gave us air tickets worth 1.8 Million but we needed to raise another 1 Million shillings to finance our accommodation, meals and logistics while in Morocco for the matches.” Said team chairman Agina Wesonga.
    The team on Thursday received a big boost when Equity bank donated 100,000 shillings towards their campaign in Morocco.
    “We appreciate everyone who has contributed towards our trip and we look forward to a better performance this year.” Said team member Samba Mjomba ahead of their departure on Friday night.
    Eagle Wings are Kenya’s three times league champions having won in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and Zone 5 (regional Title) 2010, 2012 and 2013. They have participated in Africa Club championships two times ie 2008 hosted in Nairobi, Kenya and Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 2012.The team failed to travel to Tunisia for the 2012 edition due to lack of funds.
    United States International University (USIU) Flames is the other Kenyan team that is taking part in the competition having left Nairobi on Tuesday. USIU lost to Eagle Wings in the Zone 5 Finals.

    Zimbabwe: Raiderz Date Struggling Black Rhinos

    SECOND-placed Raiderz will take on Black Rhinos tomorrow in the Harare Basketball League at Arcadia courts seeking to collect maximum points. Raiderz are currently on second position with 12 points after winning five of the seven matches they have played so far and they will be hoping for a win tomorrow when they take on struggling Black Rhinos.
    Raiderz coach Martin Mukweva said they were ready for the match.
    "We are actually looking forward to that game and we can safely say we are okay.
    "We had one practice session on Tuesday due to the weather conditions because we were using an open court but these guys have been playing for the past two weeks," said Mukweva.
    Fixtures:
    Today:
    A League: JBC V Airforce Falcons (Richwood), Cameo v UZ Stars (Richwood), Cheetahs v Pistons Richwood).
    B League: Cubs v Pacers (Richwood), Arcadia v Swagou (Richwood).
    Women's league: GS Academy v UZ Stars (Richwood), Arcadia v Green Stars (Richwood).
    Tomorrow:
    A League: Black Rhinos v Raiderz (Arcadia).
    B League: Mablazo v Platinum Ballers (Richwood), F.M.L v South Central (Richwood), City Hornets v G.A (Arcadia), Arcadia v Cameo Sikaale (Arcadia).
    Women's League: Hornet Queens v Black Rhinos (Arcadia), Stanbic RR v Platinum Ballers (Richwood), F.M.L v Vixens, Arcadia v Raiderz (Arcadia).

    UGANDA : Oilers continue to stretch Power, Lady Canons sweep A1

    Arou Ramadhan (L) and Kami Kabange (R) led Oilers in game 3Arou Ramadhan (L) and Kami Kabange (R) led Oilers in game 3Photo Credits: ChimpReports 
    Dmark Power 77-88 City Oilers (Oilers lead series tied 2-1)
    UCU Lady Canons 54-34 A1 Challenge (Lady Canons win series 3-0)
    Jimmy Enabu’s return and Kami’s stellar fourth quarter performance in game 2 last Sunday against a disjointed Dmark Power guaranteed us atleast more two games. One of those came last in night’s thrilling game 3 at the Lugogo MTN Arena in which City Oilers used a big fourth quarter to drown Power 88-77 and take a 2-1 lead in the best of five series .
    Arou Ramadhani paced Oilers with game high 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The forward nailed 13 of 16 foul shots. Kami Kabange added 20 points hitting 9-of-12 shots from the floor and picked 10 rebounds. Daniel Jukko contributed 15 points going 4-for-6 from down town.
    Trailing 33-43 at halftime, Power opened the third quarter with four unanswered baskets to clear the double digit deficit.  The former champions went ahead for the first time on reserve center Daniel Owiti’s free throws with 3 minutes and Norman Blick (11 points) closed the period with back-to-back 3s and Power went into the final quarter leading 55-53.
    “We lost a little bit of rhythm in the third quarter but we became composed again and got the win” Oilers' guard Jimmy Enabu who netted 19 points said.
    In the fourth quarter the teams matched shot for shot until the final two minutes when Arou’s pair of throws with 2:10 took City Oilers up 79-73. Ikong brought Power within 4 points with a pair of free throws. Oilers closed the game with a 9-2 run.
    Joseph Ikong matched game high 21 points to lead Power. David Kiberu added 13 points.
    Meanwhile UCU Lady Canons completed the sweep of A1 Challenge following the 54-34 win in game 3. Peace Proscovia, Purity Odhiambo and Moreen Amoding led the way for Lady Canons with 11, 10 and 10 points respectively. Angella Namirimu added 7 points.
    Vickie Ntale had game high 12 points to lead A1. Sylvia Mulwana added 8 points as the 2010 finalists crashed out.
    UCU will face KCCA in the finals for a third successive year and have shared the previous two meetings.

    22 November 2013

    KENYA : Blades force a tie against Equity

     

    Strathmore Blades forced a tie in their five-game series against Equity Bank after a 56-46 win over the Bankers yesterday at the Kasarani gymnasium. Blades who were thirsty for a win won the first quarter 14-8 before dropping the second a narrow 11-12 taking a five-point lead to the locker room at halftime.
    Strathmore regrouped for the second half nailing the first six points of the third quarter to end the quarter at 16-10 and take an eleven-point lead over Equity who failed to replicate their game one form over the students.
    The fourth quarter was a nervous affair with Equity threatening Blades’ lead with 37.3 seconds to play when they cut their lead to seven points and had possession. Strathmore’s defensive grip and their powerful forwards duo of Hugh Ayara and Oscar Muge bailed them out on defensive rebounds.
    Statistically, Strathmore had 20 turnovers during the entire game that rewarded Equity 15 points while Equity also had 20 turnovers rewarding Blades 10 points. Equity shot 1 for 14 arc shots equivalent to 7.1% while Blades replied with 2 for 13 from outside the perimeter an equivalent of 15.4%.
    Both teams struggled on the line with Blades drilling 9 for 19 free throws while Equity had 8 for 17 from the line an equivalent of 47.1% slightly lower than Blades by 0.03%. Strathmore was the better side on the board grabbing 43 rebounds compared to Equity’s 35 in the entire game.
    On the score sheet, Blades’ Peter Shilton was the highest scorer with 23 points while Equity’s George Omenda drilled in 13 points.

    RWANDA : KBCs Buzangu Credits Teammates for Award

    AFTER finishing the just concluded league season with the highest numbers, Kigali Basketball Club forward Mike Buzangu has credited his teammates for his achievement.
    "Basketball is a team sport, so without full support and contribution of your teammates, there is no way you're going to succeed as an individual, nonetheless I am delighted to have won the award and I hope to do even better next season," Buzangu said in an interview.
    The former APR player finished the 2013 season as top scorer with 294 points, while Espoir's Guard Bievenu Ngandu was named the Most Valuable Player.
    Buzangu helped the 2011 league champions KBC to finish in second position in the regular season league and was also instrumental in pushing the team to the final of the Playoffs finals, where defending champions Espoir won 3-1.
    "I am happy with the award, but what is most important is that the team has been growing in the last two years or so, the whole team played so well throughout the season," he told Times Sport on the courtside after receiving his award.
    He added, "I must congratulate my teammates for the effort each one of us put in even if we didn't win the title, and we have to congratulate Espoir for retaining the title, they have been outstanding the whole season. Next season, we (KBC) want to go all the way and lift the title."
    He said his success has been built on team effort where everyone connected to the club, from players, coaching staff, management and the fans, played an important role.
    "We didn't start the season very well but the team grew stronger as the season progressed, we did our best to win all games but we failed at times because the opponents were better."

    UGANDA : Falcons decimate Warriors

    Muhayimina Namwaya of KCCA Leopards (C) tries to get past Magic
    Muhayimina Namwaya of KCCA Leopards (C) tries to get past Magic Stormers’ blocks during their semifinal play-offs. Leopards are in the final. Photo by Ismail Kezaala  KAMPALA- Falcons showed how you win a Castle Lite playoff game and probably a series, lessons which DMark Power and City Oilers would have taken handy.
    The record champions completely decimated Riham Warriors 85-66 at YMCA court on Wednesday night to assume a 2-1 lead in the five-game semifinal series.
    Power and Oilers clash in Game Three of the other semifinal today at the Lugogo MTN Arena with the series tied at 1-all. Neither would want to leave red-faced, like Warriors.“We were terrible,” Warriors’ Kenyan coach Ronnie Owino said.
    Those words summed up how poor the champions were but more importantly, how good Falcons can be
    After only five points decided the first two games of this matchup between last year’s finalists, Warriors edging the first 76-75 and Falcons nicking the second 80-76, the latter took charge.
    A brisk start saw Geoff Omondi nail three of his four from beyond the arc with the six-time champions taking the opening period 32-11.
    That was game-set-match and the margin should have been at least 20 points. The rest was normal service with Abdullahi ‘Dulah’ Ramadhan leading all scorers with 18 points and seven assists.                 
    Omondi and Stephen Omony had an identical 16 points and six rebounds. But, it’s the return from a four-match ban of Serge Kabangu that had the most telling contribution, way beyond his 16 points and six rebounds. “He was big,” that’s all his coach Gad Eteu said. Kabangu lessened the burden on Philip Ameny, ran the baseline and limited the damage that veteran Henry Malinga has caused Falcons in this series.
    When they fouled, Kabangu made six of seven from the free throw line. Malinga, who made 42 through the first two games, scored a team-high 14 points, converting only four of 10 from the charity-line.
    Sylvain Yunzu also scored 14 in his first game in months, Ivan Enabu and Sam Gombya made 12 apiece but this was never a contest as Falcons came close to their full potential.
    Eteu opted to “let them enjoy the result” and not conduct those lengthy post-game meetings. However, one word reverberated in their minds and it should till Sunday – “focus.”

    Meanwhile, Claire Lamunu, Martha Soigi, Flavia Oketcho and Becky Akullo scored 20, 18, 18 and 18 as KCCA Leopards beat Magic Stormers 80-72 to win the series 3-0 and move on to the final.

    UCU Lady Canons should join them with victory against A1 Challenge tonight. The Lady Canons lead the series 2-0.

    21 November 2013

    UGANDA : ANBL Playoffs: Falcons blow out cold Warriors to take series lead

    ANBL Playoffs: Falcons blow out cold Warriors to take series lead
     
    Riham Warriors 66-85 Falcons (Falcons lead series 2-1)
    KCCA Leopards 80-72 Magic Stormers (Leopards win series 3-0)
    Between hot shooting, a diverse offensive attack and an effective help defense, Falcons once again looked the part of a championship-caliber team on Wednesday night in their game 3 of the best-of-five series against Riham Warriors.
    Shortly after tip-off all was nothing but done as Falcons pulled away early in the frame to open up a big lead at take control of the game. After a 32-11 first quarter lead, Falcons did not let Warriors any closer than 15 points all the way.
    Point guard, Abdulahi Ramadhan led Falcons’ balanced attack with 18 points and dropped 7 dimes, Serge Kabangu and Geoffrey Omondi contributed 16 points apiece and Steven Omony had 15 on the night.
    It is now advantage Falcons as they are one win away from making the finals for a second successive year. “We don’t look at it like that (advantage Falcons). There is still one more game to win to get there. We can’t be complacent because they can win the next game.” Falcons’ coach Gad Eteu cautiously said.
    Shooting guard, Sylvian Yunzu led Warriors with 14 points off the bench that was matched by Henry Malinga who was double and time triple teamed all night. Ivan Enabu and Sam Gombya contributed 12 points apiece.
    Meanwhile, KCCA Leopards for the first time in the series broke some sweat to beat Magic Stormers 80-72 in game 3 and swept the best-of-five series to make the finals for a third successive year.
    Forward, Claire Lamunu scored team high 20 points and picked 7 rebounds to lead the way for Leopards. Martha Soigi added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Rebecca Akullo and Flavia Oketcho contributed 18 points.
    Carol Nyafwono had game high 22 points and 14 rebounds for Stormers and Racheal Nanyonga added 13 points.

    20 November 2013

    KENYA : History at fore when KPA take on Coop bank

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     Updated on 20/11/13  |    By NOEL ROBERT

    Kenyan Basketball men’s Classic League was first ever played in 1987 and the first champions were KPA. Barclays Eagles and Posta then ruined KPA’s dominance in the league for the next two years winning the men’s titles in 1988 and 1989 respectively.
    KPA bounced back in 1990 and 1991 winning back to back titles to stamp their authority as the kings of Kenyan basketball….that was the last time they ruled Kenyan courts. Posta would then reclaim their glory from 1992 to 1993 winning triples becoming the then dreaded side.
    COOP Bank then emerged in 1994 ruling the courts for four consecutive seasons until 1998 when Ulinzi Warriors emerged in 1999 as the champions. Warriors were not allowed to defend their title again as NSSF Stars became the champions in 2000.
    KCB Lions then emerged as a new basketball powerhouse winning the league title in 2001 before Ulinzi Warriors returned to be crowned the Kenya Basketball Champions for a record five times in a row between 2002 and 2006.
    Lions would get their clutch back in 2007 winning the Classic League for three years in a row to take their championship tally to four. COOP Bank were still not letting go their supremacy in the Basketball floor whipping Lions twice in the finals and last season taming a surging USIU Tigers to win the Classic League for a third time in a row.
    Now you know, defending champions COOP Bank has the highest league titles in the men’s classic League while KPA was the first champions in the Classic League inaugural year. Some sort of History will be at fore when this two sides tussle in game 1 of this year’s finals from 7pm today.

    KENYA : Season evolution for finalists KPA

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     Updated on 20/11/13  |    By NOEL ROBERT

    KPA’s season began with defensive concerns because of the team's lack of forwards and a roster with too many guards and small forwards.Those problems were defensively magnified with the team losing some games that shocked them early on the season.
    KPA’s guards were allowing too much dribble-penetration which led to their big men and small forwards attempting to help. That in turn left KPA susceptible to easy points around the paint on put-backs, or giving up offensive rebounds which then allows their opponents a chance to reset and run another play. Then Coach Anthony Ojukwu brought in Ariel Okal on the board, Samwel Ochola got his flare back and Joseph Ouma reduced his turnover rate that cost KPA from the back court. Shooting guard Alex Lugasi also returned to the dock.
    Of interest was Ochola’s sudden prowess to nail three point shots a rare feat for a four-man. Mid-range jumper is an inherently inefficient shot, one that most teams in the Classic League teams try to de-emphasize.  And yet, Ochola has largely made his living off pull-up jumpers out of pick-and-rolls this season.
    Indeed, roughly half of his points this season have been pull-up jumpers within the perimeter and expect Ochola specifically, to give COOP Bank serous matchup problems today. On the flip side, KPA’s defense has been surprisingly efficient in the playoffs that saw them dismiss Nairobi Aviation and lions with ease in the first and second rounds respectively. KPA’s speed on the floor consistently has perhaps been the most surprising part of this whole ordeal. This team does not need more time to settle for anything less than a championship this season.
    KBF Play offs fixtures
    Equity vs Strathmore  06.00pm
    Coopbank  vs KPA   08.00pm
    21/11/2013 Kasarani
    Strathmore vs Equity 06.00pm
    KPA  vs  Coopbank  08.00pm
    22/11/2013 Kasarani
    equity vs strathmore  06.00pm
    coopbank  vs  kpa  08.00pm
    23/11/20-13 Kasarani
    KAA  vs  KU pirates  10.00am
    USIU Tigers  vs  Lions  12 noon
    Equitybank vs Strathmore 6pm
    KPA vs  Coopbank  08.00pm

    KENYA : USIU look to gain from continental championships at Club tourney

  • USIU and Eagles Wings will compete at Africa Cup of Clubs for women in Morocco.(Photo:SNA File)
  • United States International University- Africa, USIU-A, ladies basketball team flies out of the country left the country late Tuesday for Morocco to take part in their maiden Champions Cup for women.
    This will be the first time for the varsity side to compete at a continental tourney. USIU qualified after finishing runners-up to Eagle Wings at the Zone V qualifiers held in August.
    Wings, the other representative for the zone, will leave the country on Wednesday. USIU, fresh from qualifying for the local league playoffs final, will use the tournament as a learning platform.
    Head coach George Mayienga says this being their debut year, there is nothing much that can be expected from his young side.
    “I have told my girls to go out there and give their best. It is our first time so i can't say what our target is or the teams to beat.”
    Hilda Indasi and Emma Nyakweba are the most experienced players in the side and will be counted heavily to offer leadership.
    Burundian trio of Cynthia Irankunda, Magnifique Urutse and Marlene Bukuru as well as Sarah Chan from Sudan are the only foreigners in the 14-man travelling party.
    With lack of experience being the team’s main weak area, Mayienga believes there is more for the players to get other than just participating and winning.
    “Some of our prospective opponents play professional basketball but for us we are not even amateurs. This is a good opportunity for my team to learn how others do it,” he said.
    Eagles Wings yet to secure accommodation 
    Eagle Wings’ Wednesday departure might be pushed to earlyThursday morning if they will not have secured money for accommodation.
    The government offered them air tickets but they still lack a sponsor to foot their accommodation expenses.
    The technical bench has selected a relatively experienced team bringing on board guest players as they seek to better last year’s results.
    Rose Ouma who plays professional basketball in Dubai, Co-operative Bank’s Eleanor Musundi and Ulinzi Blades duo of Rebecca Sarange and Bridgit Nanzala will all be part of the traveling squad.
    Sarange and Nanzala formerly played for the team before breaking away to play for their military side this season.
    Assistant coach Evelyn Kedogo defended the selection saying they are well within FIBA rules.
    “Other teams bring professional players only that in Kenya we are a bit mean. Unless a team like USIU raises objection or we object to their selection then there is no problem at all.”
    Wings took part in the 2008 edition of the tournament hosted in Nairobi and 2012 in Cote d’Ivoire but failed to get past the group stage on both occasions.
    The team is determined to do things differently this year. “Every team remains keen on a medal bracket finish. For us, making it to the quarters will be welcome since no Kenyan team has ever achieved that,” Said Kedogo.
    Captain Silalei Shani, point guard Samba Mjomba and Annerose Atieno are some of the regular faces making the trip.
    Angela Akoth is the only star player missing owing to personal commitments but her sister Janet Okoth has made the cut.
    This year’s tourney is the 19th edition and will be held in the city of Meknes from November 22 to December 1 that will comprise teams from Angola,Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and the host clubs.
     The reigning champions of African Clubs Cup for Women Liga Desportiva de Maputo will not defend their title due to administrative reasons. Champions Cup for Women Squads: Eagle Wings- Rebecca Sarange, Bridgit Nanzala, Natalie Akinyi, Samba Mjomba, Linda Nyikuli, Janet Okoth, Silalei Shani, Evelyn Nora, Velma Achieng, Annerose Atieno, Rose Ouma, Eleanor Musundi; Management: Thomas Olumbo (Coach), Evelyn Kedogo (Ass. Coach), Nelly Odera (Team Manager), Agina Wesonga (Ass. Team Manager), Kennedy Shikuku (Team Doctor);
    USIU-A- Hilda Indasi, Lucy Akinyi, Georgia Otieno, Lynda Nyongesa, Clarice Odhiambo, Emma Nyakweba, Doreen Nyaga, Zipporah Odhiambo, Cynthia Irankunda, Magnifique Urutse, Catherine Ndung’u, Sarah Chan, Marlene Bukuru, Stephanie Muluka; Management- George Mayienga (Coach), Bonfas Salano (Team Manager).

    KENYA : Ulinzi 'Blades' Cut Footprints to Close in On League Crown

    ULINZI "Blades" moved closer to winning the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) women's title after beating Footprints 62-27 in Game Two match at Railways Club. Sarah Anyango led the soldiers with 18 points while Peris Magembe hit 11 including 3-three pointers. Scoring leader Bridgit Nanzala had nailed 39 points to guide Ulinzi to a 69-25 Game One victory. Magembe shot the losers 9 points.
    Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUATS) Juja reached the men's finals after beating Baraka Xtreme 72-62 for a 3-1 series win. Guyton Kijuba was on fire sinking 28 points while Amos Wachira limped for 26 points. JKUATS will now meet either Dankind Academy or Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika. Dankind and MKU are 2-2 in the series after the former won 59-49.
    In the classification matches, BBK Eagles flew over Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 59-40 while BBK Eaglets also had the better of ANU 38-15.

    UGANDA : Crucial series lead at stake

    Crucial series lead at stake
    Warriors star man Henry Malinga (L) flies to lay up over Falcons Phillip Amenyi (R) and Steven Mwesigye in Game Two at Lugogo on Sunday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala.  Today at YMCA
    Men
    Warriors vs. Falcons (8.30pm)
    (Series tied at 1-all)

    Women
    Stormers vs. KCCA (6.30pm)
    (KCCA lead series 2-0)

    A combined five points have decided the first two games of the Castle Lite playoff semifinal series between Warriors and Falcons.
    Warriors took Game One 76-75 on the back of Henry Malinga’s foul basket with eight seconds to play which needed the umpires to consult before giving it.Sunday’s Game Two was won by a bigger margin but with the same thriller.
    Stephen Omony’s lay-up with 20 seconds on the clock gave Falcons a 79-96 lead and eventually an 80-76 victory.
    It’s tied at 1-1 with the series moving to YMCA court today for Game Three.
    This is probably the most significant contest of this five-game series as the winner will be one win away from the final
    “Of course the game or series will always come down to small things. One who controls the ball better or rebounds will win. It’s about going the extra mile,” said Falcon coach Gad EteuOmony, 40 points in the series so far, a tally only bettered by Malinga’s 42, concurred. “We have to do the small things right as a team,” Omony said.
    Since the start of the post-season, Falcons have shipped in at least 76 points if you factor in the quarterfinals series against UCU Canons which they won 2-1. The record champions, whose last title came six years ago, won that series 88-77 (OT), 63-83 and 82-76 probably under the theme – we can outscore any team.
    However, they haven’t been tough enough on defence. “That’s one area we need to work on going forward,” Eteu admitted.
    You feel there is a lot more to come from coach Ronnie Owino’s team.

    In Game Two, Ronnie Kasewu showed glimpses of what he can do on offense with a team-high 17 points, going 4 for 7 from beyond the arc, though such games have been few and far between.

    The two-time MVP can win games in so many ways other than scoring but he could relieve Malinga, Sam Gombya and Ivan Enabu some of the burden much to the benefit of Warriors.In the end, however, it could again turn out to be another Malinga-Omony show and the game will be better for it.
    Elsewhere, KCCA Leopards, with a 2-0 series lead, will seal their place in the women’s finals with victory over Stormers in the night’s opening game.

    18 November 2013

    KENYA : Eagle Wings surrender women’s league title

  • Women premier league defending champions Eagle Wings have all but lost the title after being locked out of the playoffs final by USIU-A on a 1-3 series loss.
    The win was a sweet revenge for the students who lost 2-0 to Wings in last year’s final as well as both matches in the regular season this year.
    They also lost the Zone V title to the same team in Burundi in August. USIU-A will now play Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, in the final after the Dockers eliminated Sprite Storms 3-0.
    Leading 2-0 after winning the first two games in Nairobi last weekend, KPA only needed a win at their Makande gymnasium to seal qualification.
    They managed to overpower the visitors with a 45-34 win on Saturday helped by 14 points each from Brenda Angeshi and Yvonne Akinyi. Angela Luchivya scored 9 for Storms.
    At the Nyayo gymnasium, USIU proved to be the superior side beating their opponents in speed to add on to their 60-51 win in game three played Saturday.
    Blind passes cost Wings heavily gifting USIU a huge chunk of possession mostly in the second half. With a 13-11 win in the opening quarter, things seemed bright for Wings until they began to lose focus inside the second quarter that USIU won 14-7.
    The students built on their 25-20 halftime lead to outplay Wings and at one point had opened up a 19 points lead.
    They enormously won the third quarter 22-12 and not even the 19-16 win in the fourth quarter could help Wings force game five.
    Hilda Indasi top scored for USIU with 18 points and ten rebounds while Emma Nyakweba had 15 points and seven rebounds. Angela Akoth scored 13 points for Wings and Natalie Akinyi added 12.
    George Mayienga, USIU head coach, said; “This is all because of hard work. Playing against a team with five international players and massive experience was not easy considering we won three consecutive games.”
    Indasi was the most used player in the USIU side playing for 40 minutes and Mayienga justified his decision which paid off. “She deserved it. With Emma fouling too much, she was the right person to cover for that.”
    USIU, Eagles off to Morocco 
    The two teams will fly out of the country on Tuesday to take part in the FIBA Champions Cup for Women in Morocco from November 20-30.
    Wings will now play Storms in the third place playoff while KPA will be represented in both categories heading to the finals. KPA men will play champions Co-op Bank in the men premier final.
    Melissa Akinyi scored a game high 25 points to help Strathmore University finish fifth after beating Co-operative Bank 67-66 in their ranking match. The bankers will be contented with the sixth spot. Spaces take up the seventh after Western Delight failed to show up as the Westerners finish eighth.
    In division one, Umoja finished fifth with a 54-41 win over Little Prince who take up sixth. The seventh position was taken by Zetech College after beating Trailblazers 76-62 in their ranking match. Trailblazers are eighth.
    Playoffs final for men premier and division one begin November 20 at the Kasarani gymnasium.
    Collated Results: Saturday- Umoja 70 Zetech College 54, Trailblazers 58 Little Prince 65, Co-op Bank 87 Safe Spaces 60, Strathmore University 48 Nairobi Aviation College 47, Eagle Wings 51 USIU Flames 60, KPA 45 Sprite Storms 34; Sunday- Strathmore University 67 Co-op Bank 66, Umoja 54 Little Prince 41, Zetech College 76 Trailblazers 62, USIU Flames 63 Eagle Wings 51.

    UGANDA : ANBL Playoffs: Falcons, Oilers level terms

    Falcons' coach Gad Eteu issueing instructions during a time outFalcons' coach Gad Eteu issueing instructions during a time outPhoto Credits: Daily Monitor
    City Oilers 66-63 Dmark Power (Series tied 1-1)
    Falcons 80-76 Riham Warriors (Series tied 1-1)
    A1 Challenge 40-57 UCU Lady Canons (Lady Canons lead series 2-0)
    Magic Stormers 44-64 KCCA Leopards (Leopards lead series 2-0)
    “It is about the mental strength. How you recover from losses is important and we know it” Steven Omony said prior to game 2.
    After a not so Omony performance in game 1, the forward was fired up for the second game and nailed game high 26 points, picked 9 rebounds and swiped 5 steals as Falcons beat Warriors 80-76 to level the best of five series. “At this stage every game is important we had to go this one” Omony told Kawowo Sports.
    Philip Ameny added 21 points including a hammer down on the tallest player in the league, Sam Gombya. The Falcons bigman also picked 9 rebounds.
    “We came to take the ball at them. We always want to stop the five he rotates” Falcons coach Gad Eteu said.
    With 1:38 in the fourth quarter and Warriors leading 76-75, Falcons called for a time out that was followed by Omony’s pair of free throws that took Falcons up 77-76 with 1:22. Warriors called for a timeout that followed by Andrew Okot’s turnover and Omony increased Falcons’ lead with a lay-up. Japhet Muhanguzi missed a pair of throws to pull Warriors with in a point 6 seconds from the buzzer and Geoffrey Omondi put the game out of Warriors reach.
    “They played well, we made a few mistakes.  We were up with just over a minute and we just had to stay a little bit composed” Warriors coach Ronnie Owino said.
    Ronnie Kasewu scored team high 17 points for Warriors, Henry Malinga added 16 points and Ivan Enabu contributed 13 points and assisted 7 baskets. Sam Gombya scored 10 points and picked game high 12 rebounds off the bench.
    Meanwhile, Jimmy Enabu returned with a bang as City Oilers beat Dmark Power 66-63 to level their series. The shooting guard, scored game high 22 points, handed out 4 helpers and blocked two shots.
    Kami Kabange added 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and swatted 4 shots. Despite an off night the Oilers’ center found his groove in the fourth quarter knocking down 5 of his 8 attempts for 10 points in the period. Guard, Daniel Jukko contributed 11 points.
    Ben Komakech led a disjointed Power side with 19 points, 9 coming off 3-point play that tried to bring Power into the game in the fourth quarter. Norman Blick added 13 points and Isaac Afidra picked 11 rebounds.
    In the women’s division, UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards continued their dominance, took command of their respective series and are both a win away from making the finals for a third successive year. UCU beat A1 Challenge 57-40 with a scorching fourth quarter. KCCA beat Magic Stormers 64-44.

    UGANDA : UWBA roots for women’s basketball growth

    Kampala- Sports administrator Peninah Kabenge has called on female basketball players and officials to stand up and take a visible role in the game.

    “We need to reclaim our voices in the game,” Makerere University sports tutor Kabenge said while launching the Uganda Women’s Basketball Association (UWBA) at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala on Saturday. “This association should help us address the issues affairs.
    Men’s basketball in Uganda continues to attract massive crowds compared to the women’s game. Recently, the local basketball body, Fuba, signed a deal to have the men’s topflight playoffs broadcast live on television. The women were not catered for in the arrangement.                 
    These, among other issues like lack of female coaches and referees, continue to bother observers who feel the women’s game is as good. “It’s time for us to stand and produce on the court,” Kabenge noted. Headed by Joy Olinga, UWBA plans to organise coaching and refereeing clinics for women starting with schools.
    Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya welcomed the development. UWBA crowned KCCA Leopards player Claire Lamunu as the 2012 Queen of Basketball. The award, for outstanding and disciplined players, will be given out annually. Frances Nabulobi, Rice Nsiime, Sandra Mundru, Proscovia Nagganya, Brenda Khanali are the other UWBA executive

    KENYA : KPA Romp Into National Basketball Play-Off Final

    FORMER national champions Kenya Ports Authority romped into the national play off finals when they beat Sprite Storms 45-34 at the Makande Welfare hall in Mombasa.
    The porters, who took the best of five series 3-0, now await the winners of the other semi between champions Eagle Wings and United States International (USIU).
    Storms put up a brave fight and had nine points from former national player Angela Luchivya. KPA had 14 points each from Brenda Angechi and Yvonne Akinyi.
    At the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, United States International University (USIU) beat reigning champions Eagle Wings 60-51 to take a 2-1 series lead.
    The "Flames" now lead the series 2-1 and will dethrone the champions with a win in Game Four. Hilda Indasi nailed 14 points and Sarah Chan added 12 for USIU who trailed 25-26 at the breather. Co-op Bank hit Safe Spaces 87-65. Strathmore University nipped Nairobi Aviation 48-47, Umoja beat Zetech College 70-54 and Trailblazers lost 58-65 to Litte Prince.

    17 November 2013

    UGANDA : ANBL Playoffs: Oilers, Falcons seek to bounce back

    Oilers' guard Jimmy Enabu may return todayOilers' guard Jimmy Enabu may return today
    A1 Challenge Vs UCU Lady Canons 1:30pm (Lady Canons lead series 1-0)
    Magic Stormers Vs KCCA Leopards 3:30pm (Leopards lead series 1-0)
    City Oilers Vs Dmark Power 5:30pm (Power lead series 1-0)
    Falcons Vs Riham Warriors 7:30pm (Warriors lead series 1-0)
    Dmark Power did not have much trouble winning the first game of the best of five playoffs semi finals against City Oilers because of the players being mentally short at least according to according to the team coach Mandy Juruni.
    City Oilers did not lose games in succession all through the season and a loss in game 2 at the Lugogo MTN Arena will be the first for the debutants.
    “We have always responded well to losses and i am hopeful the guys will. We lost by just 7 points so it is nothing to worry about” Oilers coach Mandy Juruni said after game 1.
    The game 1 score looked a bit deceptive as Power dominated the game but some lapse gave Oilers hope in the game and tried to come back something Isaac Afidra thinks Power should not repeat.
    “They (lapses) happen a lot but it is something we need to work on. We can’t let it happen again” he said.
    Power has let in at least 70 points in each post season game.  Jimmy Enabu may be back for Oilers and may change the whole set up of the game and may be make City Oilers better.
    “We approach every game the way it comes and we always want to win every game. They are a obviously a good team and we won’t be complacent in any way” Joseph Ikong told Kawowo Spots
    Now, most of the people (if not all) associated with Falcons believe game 1 was gifted to Riham Warriors with all their arguments rotating around Henry Malinga’s and 1. It is something the Falcons’ coach Gad Eteu hoped his team would get over going into the all important second game of the series.
    “If we recover mentally we will beat them and we should. We got our selves here (in a must win)” he said after the loss.
    Peter Elungat has struggled through the post season. The power forward averaged 3.7 points in 22 minutes against UCU Canons and managed just 4 points in game 1 and Eteu demands him to step up.
    “Of course peter has to step up. I have given him a lot of minutes” Eteu said.
    It was clear in game 1 that Serge Kabangu (suspended) would probably fair better against Malinga as the veteran dominated the inside. “We miss him but i hoped we win this game (1) and have at least a win before he comes back” Eteu said on Kabangu’s absence.
    Meanwhile the defending champions, Warriors return to the Arena with reams of confidence after the all important win.
    “We need a better start, move the ball better and defend well in the second game” Warriors skipper said Jude Ochen on game 2.
    In the women’s division, last year's finalists UCU Lady Canons and defending champions KCCA Leopards are set to extend their leads in the respective series as they got no trouble winning the opening games

    Angola: Amigos De Viana Win Inaugural Match of Second Division Basketball Championship

    The Amigos de Viana team last Friday in Lubango City, southern Huila Province, won the group A inaugural game of the second division senior males basketball championship.
    Amigos de Viana beat Misto da Huíla by 95-85.
    On a different match, Desportivo da Huíla beat 1º de Maio de Benguela by 70-53.
    The second division championship is being led by Amigos de Viana with three points, followed by Desportivo da Huíla, with three points as well, while Misto da Huíla and 1º de Maio have one point.

    Angola: 1º De Agosto Starts Basketball Championship With Defeat

    1º de Agosto, defending champions, started with a defeat the 2013/2014 edition of the national first division basketball championship (dubbed BAI-Basket), losing 88-93 to Petro de Luanda, a game played in Cidadela Pavilion, in Luanda.
    Although the defending champions, who are also the African champion clubs cup holders, dominated most of the game, Petro de Luanda squad managed to gain momentum in the last quarter, drawing the game (73-73) and then getting ahead of the score.
    In the end of the first half, 1º de Agosto were winning the match by 54-46.

    16 November 2013

    UGANDA : Warriors, Power look to stretch advantages

    Warriors, Power look to stretch advantages
                                                                                       
    Henry Malinga snatched a game-high 26 points. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
    newvision
     By Charles Mutebi
    National Basketball League Playoffs
    Results
    Women: KCCA 58 Gladiators 32 (KCCA lead series 1-0)
    Men: Warriors 76 Falcons 75 (Warriors lead series 1-0)
    Game 2 (Sunday)
    Women
    UCU v A1
    KCCA v Gladiators
    Men
    Power v City Oil
    Falcons v Warriors
    FUBA Div 1
    Women: Crane High v YMCA
    Men: Gulu v Diamond
    THE Riham Warriors and D’Mark Power can move 2-0 ahead in their respective National Basketball League semi-final playoff series on Sunday at Lugogo.
    The Warriors face the Falcons while Power battle City Oil in Game 2 of the two best-of-five semi-finals, which look capable of going the distance. The Warriors took the series lead after rallying from a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat the Falcons 76-75 in Game 1.
    Henry Malinga snatched a game-high 26 points, including an offensive rebound with nine seconds left in regulation time, which he converted into a three-point play that won the game.
    The Falcons had the chance to win it at the death but Steven Tumwesigye’s desperate attempt was blocked by Malinga before time expired.
    Ivan Enabu nailed 16 points for the Warriors while Tumwesigye with 12, was one of four Falcons in double digits. Abdullah Ramadan, Steven Omony and Phillip Ameny were the others, with 18, 14 and 13 points respectively.
    Defending champions Warriors showed great character in, not only overturning the halftime deficit, but closing a five-point hole in the last minute of regulation. It is that sort of character needed by the Falcons and for that matter City Oil if they are to avoid losing control of the semi-finals.
    City Oil lost Game 1 to Power on Wednesday 79-72 but they were without talismanic guard Jimmy Enabu, who was sidelined with illness but will be back for Game 2.
    In the women’s semis, defending champions KCCA Leopards and UCU Canons seem bound to meet in the finals for the third successive year after bagging commanding victories in Game 1 of their respective series.
    On Sunday, UCU are huge favourites to beat A1 and take a 2-0 series lead while KCCA, who hammered the Gladiators 58-32, in Game 1 on Friday should similarly strengthen their grip with a Game 2 triumph.

    ANGOLA : Libolo Beat Interclube in Opening of Bai - Basket

    The team of Recreativo do Libolo defeated Friday night Interclube by 70-63 in the opening game of the national men basketball championship, held at Cidadela Pavilion in Luanda.
    In the halftime, the club of Kwanza Sul province was leading by three points (27-24).
    1 º de Agosto and Petro de Luanda, the teams with more titles won, will have their matches in the first round postponed "sine die" , since they have to play two teams to be qualified to the national championship.
    For the opening of the 36th edition of the BAI Basket, to be contested by 10 teams, the games are still scheduled between Progresso do Sambizanga - Atletico Sport Aviação (ASA) , Vila Clotilde - Lusiada University.
    On Saturday, Petro de Luanda take on 1 º de Agosto, in the main pavilion of Cidadela. There will also be matches between Libolo - Progresso and Vila Clotilde - ASA . Interclub and Lusiada University will not play due to calendar imperative.

    UGANDA : Owili banned for one year

    Owili (L) fouls Oilers’ Kami Kabangu with one hand and tries to steal
    Owili (L) fouls Oilers’ Kami Kabangu with one hand and tries to steal the ball with the other in a regular season clash at Lugogo. Owili’s Ugandan fans won’t see him in action for a year. Photo by Ismail Kezaala  Kampala- Desmond Owili knows he should never have swung his arm in the direction of umpire Peter Kirabo last Sunday.

    Now, the UCU Canons Kenyan centre has been banned for 365 days, precisely one year for abusing and physically assaulting a Fuba referee after the 82-76 loss to Falcons.
    The four-member competitions council found Owili guilty of violating article 15.01 sub-section (b) of the Fuba rules and regulations.

    The ban runs from November 13, 2013 to November 14, 2014. “You shall be suspended for 365 days,” the letter signed by council head Sande Manano reads in part. “During this time, you will not be allowed to do any of the following; attend any Fuba organized activities.                
    “Register with any team in the Fuba leagues as a player, coach or manager. And or associate with Fuba in any other ways not highlighted here.”
    Just like Owili’s actions, the disciplinary measure is unprecedented.
    But while the ban is hefty, it could be a case of Fuba trying to clamp down on extreme cases of indiscipline

    As the clock wound down in Game Three of the quarterfinals and his team already beaten, Owili elbowed Falcons’ Geoff Omondi in the spine. He wanted more. When the buzzer sounded, he then hit the umpire Kirabo on the chin before walking passed the officials’ table warning them, “I am the one.”Inconsistency
    Fuba have not been known to be strict disciplinarians as players have often fought or got involved and those incidents have been brushed under the carpet.
    Consistency is a paradox that has dominated debates within teams and highly unlikely that UCU will appeal decision as coach Nicholas Natuhereza chose to stay silent.

    “The rules are there so people should read them instead of arguing without information,” Donnan Byabazeire, the council secretary, told Saturday Monitor.
    During the same UCU-Falcons series, the former’s Martin Okwako and the latter’s Serge Kabangu fought in Game One and were banned for four games.

    In the series involving Riham Warriors and Ndejje University Angels, Andrew Okot and Jeje Chaka, players in those respective teams, were involved in an altercation.
    Chaka stepped on Okot and he stood up enraged only for teammates to hold them back before the fist-fight could start. Both were exonerated.

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