Basketball in Africa

THE National Basketball League (NBL) takes off on Saturday at the Indoor National Stadium in Dar es Salaam where over 30 teams will battle for the national championship.
The league which is organised by the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) was earlier scheduled to start on Tuesday this week.
However, it was postponed to today and fans are bracing for a thrilling and tight competition as for the first time after many years, more teams from upcountry have confirmed their participation in the event.
TBF Secretary General, Saleh Zonga said the league will involve teams from Tanga, Dodoma, Mororogo, Lindi, Arusha, Mbeya, Mtwara and dominant Dar es Salaam.
He named some of the teams which have already confirmed their participation in the event as Vijana popularly known as 'City Bulls', ABC ,Chui, Don Bosco, Oilers , Chang'ombe , JKT , Jogoo Kurasini Hits , Ilala Flats, Don Bosco Lioness, Jeshi Stars and JKT all from Dar es Salaam for men and women categories.
While from Tanga region are Tanga Wanted, Tanga Kings and Risasi, from Dodoma is University of Dodoma (UDOM) and Mzinga from Morogoro. NBL reigning champions for men's category are ABC and ladies category are Don Bosco Lioness.
According to Zonga other teams will be known today after the release of the league fixtures. The event champions in men and women categories will battle with their compatriots from Zanzibar for the tickets to represent the country in Zone Five tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Mombasa, Kenya later on August.