Basketball in Africa

THE National Basketball League (NBL), which was scheduled to start from Tuesday in Dar es Salaam, has been rescheduled to April 12, next month.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General Saleh Zonga told the 'Daily News on Saturday' that the event has been rescheduled to enable more teams to confirm their participation in the tournament, which for the first time will be an open event.
"We have been forced to delay the event for two weeks so as to enable more regional teams to take part in the event," Zonga said, adding that the tournament is expected to involved over 20 teams from all over Tanzania Mainland.
He named some of the teams which has already confirmed their participation in the event as Vijana 'City Bulls,' ABC, Chui, Don Bosco, Oilers, Chang'ombe, JKT, Jogoo and Kurasini Hits for men's category.
Women category has Don Bosco Lioness, Jeshi Stars and JKT all from Dar es Salaam, while other teams from Arusha, Tanga, Mbeya, Morogoro, Tabora, Iringa, Shinyanga, Dodoma, Mara, Lindi and Kagera are expected to make their confirmation after the rescheduling of the event.
"We are expecting more teams from upcountry to confirm their participation in the NBL and they should make necessary preparations for the event," said Zonga.
According to Zonga, winners of the tournament in both men and women categories will battle with their colleagues from Zanzibar for the tickets to represent the country in the Zone Five tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Mombasa, Kenya in August, this year.
NBL reigning champions for men's category are ABC and ladies category holders are Don Bosco Lioness. Meanwhile, three Tanzanians youngsters are expected to jet off to United States early next month after grabbing a scholarship to attended further basketball training and higher studies.
According to TBF the scholarship programmes have been made possible by the former national basketball team coach from US Albert Sokaitis.