Basketball in Africa

The Gambia Basketball Association (GBA) on 29 November 2013 held its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Bamboo Hotel & Resort.
The AGM, which brought together GBA executives, delegates from the national basketball teams and stakeholders in basketball, was witnessed by the president, the secretary general and the treasurer, who all delivered their reports, as part of their efforts at promoting and developing basketball in the country.
The AGM also saw the signing of close to US$6,000 between the GBA and the US Embassy in Banjul meant for the GBA to stage a 3 and 3 basketball tournament and also organised a training course for referees.
Speaking at the AGM, Muhammed Musa Njie (Papa Njie), president of the GBA, said it is collective effort that would get them to where they want to, while thanking everyone who worked with them for the success they registered over the year.
They are just restarting, after basketball has been dormant in the country for a couple of years, he said, adding that they need to double up their efforts.
"It was difficult but we were able to stage a national league and played game on various venues," he stated, while thanking their partners and sponsors for their support.
Without collective efforts they would not be able to revive basketball, he reiterated, saying his vision is to see Gambian basketball teams take part in international tournaments.
He also highlighted the need to have an indoor basketball court to be able to play year round as well as host international tournaments.
US Embassy Banjul Charge d'-Affaires Richard Yoneaka said in this statement after signing ceremony that it was a pleasure for him, the US Embassy in Banjul and the Government of the United States to sign the sponsorship.
He noted that it is wonderful for the Peace Corps to be working with the GBA and sharing their experience.
Sports leads to success and gives youth mental discipline, he says, while expressing their gratefulness to the GBA.
Abdul Aziz Titawo Mendy, acting-Executive Secretary of National Sports Council, said he was pleased with the GBA observing their constitutional mandate, while expressing his office's readiness to partner with all associations.They have written to all associations to submit their activity plan for 2014, he disclosed, saying they want plans that can give indications and operations with values.
"We must understand that we do not own associations but they are entrusted to us by people," he noted, saying they want sports to be used as a tool to serve the youth.
"We must reach to communities," he went on, saying they believe the little resources they have can move the sport.
Titawo also expressed their readiness to support basketball to see to it that it gets to its highest in the country.
Momodou Dibba, president of the Gambia National Olympic Committee, said no organisation or business can run well if it is bankrupt, saying he has no doubt the GBA would put the grant given to them by the US Embassy in Banjul into good use.
Dibba revealed that The Gambia will be hosting the Zone II and national sub-regional basketball tournament in 2014, but the GBA executive have to decide a date for hosting it.
They want to see The Gambia take part in international basketball competitions and bring glory to the country, he emphasised, saying: "We will give you the support we have to see that you participate in international tournaments."