The men's basketball coach Moise Mutokambali is determined to guide Rwanda to the finals of the Zone V Afro-basket tournament.
The Zone V Afro-basketball championship scheduled to be held in
Kampala, Uganda from September 21-30 will act as a qualifying platform
for the African Championship as well as the All Africa Games.
The Uganda regional edition will attract hosts Uganda, Tanzania,
Burundi, Kenya and defending champions Egypt. Finalists will earn a
ticket to the African basketball championship to be held next year in
Tunisia while the winner will represent the region in next year's All
Africa Games due in Congo Brazzaville in August.
The team comprising of only local players started preparations last
week. Professional players are expected to join the camp in late August.
"Our target is to at least reach the final as we seek to qualify for
the Afro-basketball finals. And I think this mission is possible,"
"We know we will be facing good, elite teams but with the strength of
players summoned, I believe we will stage a good show in Kampala,"
added Mutokambali.
30 July 2014
RWANDA : Mutokambali Eyes Zone V Afro-Basket Finals
KENYA : Nakuru Register Mixed Results in Premier Ball
By Dann Owerre
NAKURU Club posted mixed results in their
weekend premier league basketball matches after they fell 74-54 to
Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
The self supporting side trailed 27-39 at the break against the students who went on to finish the job with ease. Franklin Delano posted 21 points to pep NAC while James Okerio, who posted 21 in Saturday's victory over Blazers, led his team again with 17. Blades had 21 points from Emmanuel Soja and 16 from Collins Gumba as they cut University of Nairobi "Terrorists" to size winning 66-50. UoN, who trailed 18-32 at the breather, had 11 from Mike Oketch.
Ulinzi Warriors shot down Strathmore 64-53. Equity Bank whipped Mennonites 70-50 as Felix Odhiambo and Ian Wachiye made 14 points each while Evans Ngeno bagged 12 and Casey Collins had 14.
Women champions Kenya Ports Authority returned home with maximum points after a 74-16 drubbing of Mennonites. Safe Spaces had a perfect week sinking Western Delight 77-42.
In the lower division, Trailblazers beat Mount Kenya University Kakamega 58-44. Africa Nazarene University (ANU) scored a 56-47 victory over Lakeside while Kenya College of Accountancy University beat Barclays Bank 50-43.
The self supporting side trailed 27-39 at the break against the students who went on to finish the job with ease. Franklin Delano posted 21 points to pep NAC while James Okerio, who posted 21 in Saturday's victory over Blazers, led his team again with 17. Blades had 21 points from Emmanuel Soja and 16 from Collins Gumba as they cut University of Nairobi "Terrorists" to size winning 66-50. UoN, who trailed 18-32 at the breather, had 11 from Mike Oketch.
Ulinzi Warriors shot down Strathmore 64-53. Equity Bank whipped Mennonites 70-50 as Felix Odhiambo and Ian Wachiye made 14 points each while Evans Ngeno bagged 12 and Casey Collins had 14.
Women champions Kenya Ports Authority returned home with maximum points after a 74-16 drubbing of Mennonites. Safe Spaces had a perfect week sinking Western Delight 77-42.
In the lower division, Trailblazers beat Mount Kenya University Kakamega 58-44. Africa Nazarene University (ANU) scored a 56-47 victory over Lakeside while Kenya College of Accountancy University beat Barclays Bank 50-43.
TANZANIA : Arusha, Moshi to Host New Basketball Tourney
s
Arusha — ARUSHA and Kilimanjaro regions will
take turns in hosting an annual open basketball tournament with the
former staging the maiden event from September 20-27, this year.
The inaugural 2014 Kilimanjaro Open Basketball Tournament to involve 30 teams and over 400 participants will be staged at the Soweto grounds, Kaloleni area in Arusha.
The tournament's organizing committee chairman, Michael Mwita, said on Monday that efforts are being made to identify several other venues for the week-long event.
He said teams from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and hosts Tanzania are expected to take part in the maiden championship but they anticipate more entries as invitations have already been sent to several other African countries.
The first Kilimanjaro Basketball Tournament is organized by the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) in collaboration with the Arusha Region Basketball Association (ARBA).
It aims to cultivate good neighbourhood and cement sporting relations
amongst the participating teams. "Arusha will host this year's
tournament but next year it will be Kilimanjaro's turn to stage it in
Moshi municipality as competitions will be rotating between the two
regions in Northern Tanzania," Mwita said.
More than 20 men's and 10 women's teams from within and outside the country will converge in Arusha for the inaugural championship. The organizers have appealed to potential sponsors to support the event this year.
Mwita said after the tournament players will be taken for a trekking adventure on top of Mount Kilimanjaro as the event is also meant to promote tourism.
Meanwhile, Arusha basketball officials have started to build a strong regional team for the Taifa Cup basketball championship set for November in Dodoma.
ARBA Chairman Barick Kilimba said a regional championship will be held in the city from October 6-27 to pick the team that will take part in the Taifa Cup.
The inaugural 2014 Kilimanjaro Open Basketball Tournament to involve 30 teams and over 400 participants will be staged at the Soweto grounds, Kaloleni area in Arusha.
The tournament's organizing committee chairman, Michael Mwita, said on Monday that efforts are being made to identify several other venues for the week-long event.
He said teams from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and hosts Tanzania are expected to take part in the maiden championship but they anticipate more entries as invitations have already been sent to several other African countries.
The first Kilimanjaro Basketball Tournament is organized by the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) in collaboration with the Arusha Region Basketball Association (ARBA).
More than 20 men's and 10 women's teams from within and outside the country will converge in Arusha for the inaugural championship. The organizers have appealed to potential sponsors to support the event this year.
Mwita said after the tournament players will be taken for a trekking adventure on top of Mount Kilimanjaro as the event is also meant to promote tourism.
Meanwhile, Arusha basketball officials have started to build a strong regional team for the Taifa Cup basketball championship set for November in Dodoma.
ARBA Chairman Barick Kilimba said a regional championship will be held in the city from October 6-27 to pick the team that will take part in the Taifa Cup.
KENYA : KBF to Recall a Few Diaspora Stars to Boost Squad for AAG Qualifiers
KENYA Basketball Federation (KBF) will call
few players from the Diaspora to bolster the national team's chances
during the All Africa Games qualifiers in Uganda in September.
KBF chairman Paul Otula said he has picked a team headed by former chairman and FIBA commissioner Agina Wesonga to help raise funds for the team and supplement the government commitment. The top teams from the Zone Five qualifiers to be held at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala from September 20-25 will also qualify for the FIBA Africa Nations Cup.
"We want to make this a successful outing for the national teams. I have asked Agina to mobilise his financial team and raise money for this venture," said Otula. He explained that the money will also be used to bring few players for the tournament. The KBF supremo also revealed that ex-international Peter Kiganya, who is in the USA, will coordinate the diaspora players and he is also expected to come back home to help out in handling the teams.
The KBF boss named Dankind Academy coach John Coffino as the national team technical director and Immediately after his appointment, the tactician who also coached in USA and the Gulf States, said he is "ready to help".
"Kenyans can make it to the Pan Africa Games. All we need to do is start our preparations early. We must also appeal to friends and well wishers to donate in cash and kind," he said.
Otula said the training programme will start off once the four coaches appointed last week come up with a provisional squad. " We expect the team to alternate training between Nyayo and Safaricom Arena, Kasarani," he said. Anthony Ojukwu (KPA) and Tony Ochieng (Strathmore University) will handle the men's side while Evelyn Kedogo (Eagle Wings) and David Maina (Equity Bank ) will take care of the women.
Agina, who departed for Madagascar yesterday for the FIBA Africa Congress, said he will hit the ground running once he comes back. "I have already held a meeting with some of the members and we hope to roll out our plan once I return. We will need more people in the team," he said.
KBF chairman Paul Otula said he has picked a team headed by former chairman and FIBA commissioner Agina Wesonga to help raise funds for the team and supplement the government commitment. The top teams from the Zone Five qualifiers to be held at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala from September 20-25 will also qualify for the FIBA Africa Nations Cup.
"We want to make this a successful outing for the national teams. I have asked Agina to mobilise his financial team and raise money for this venture," said Otula. He explained that the money will also be used to bring few players for the tournament. The KBF supremo also revealed that ex-international Peter Kiganya, who is in the USA, will coordinate the diaspora players and he is also expected to come back home to help out in handling the teams.
The KBF boss named Dankind Academy coach John Coffino as the national team technical director and Immediately after his appointment, the tactician who also coached in USA and the Gulf States, said he is "ready to help".
"Kenyans can make it to the Pan Africa Games. All we need to do is start our preparations early. We must also appeal to friends and well wishers to donate in cash and kind," he said.
Otula said the training programme will start off once the four coaches appointed last week come up with a provisional squad. " We expect the team to alternate training between Nyayo and Safaricom Arena, Kasarani," he said. Anthony Ojukwu (KPA) and Tony Ochieng (Strathmore University) will handle the men's side while Evelyn Kedogo (Eagle Wings) and David Maina (Equity Bank ) will take care of the women.
Agina, who departed for Madagascar yesterday for the FIBA Africa Congress, said he will hit the ground running once he comes back. "I have already held a meeting with some of the members and we hope to roll out our plan once I return. We will need more people in the team," he said.
27 July 2014
RWANDA : Rusizi face Espoir in final hoops league match
Today
Espoir vs Rusizi - 9am
Espoir host Rusizi in the last basketball league match of the regular season this morning at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology courts.
Rusizi face a tough hurdle to overcome already crowned champions Espoir, who are looking to complete an unbeaten regular season for the third year running.
The South Province-based side (Rusizi) is hoping to stun the three-time reigning champions so as to book a ticket to the playoffs. Defeat for them would hand that spot to United Generation Basketball (UGB).
“We have prepared for this match the best way possible and we know that winning is very important for us, we are going to do everything possible to win but it’s going to be tough against the champions,” Rusizi coach Jean Bosco Bahati told Sunday Sport.
Should Espoir beat Rusizi, UGB will finish fourth and earn ticket to the play-offs at the expense of Bahati’s team thanks to their superior scoring average.
In the first round league game, UGB beat Rusizi 70-64, while the later won the second round clash 90-86 score. Both sides will finish with 32 points apiece in case Rusizi lose today. Espoir, CSK and APR are three teams that have already qualified for play-offs.
Espoir top the standings with 38 points, three ahead of second-placed CSK, while APR finished with 33 points.
Espoir vs Rusizi - 9am
Espoir host Rusizi in the last basketball league match of the regular season this morning at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology courts.
Rusizi face a tough hurdle to overcome already crowned champions Espoir, who are looking to complete an unbeaten regular season for the third year running.
The South Province-based side (Rusizi) is hoping to stun the three-time reigning champions so as to book a ticket to the playoffs. Defeat for them would hand that spot to United Generation Basketball (UGB).
“We have prepared for this match the best way possible and we know that winning is very important for us, we are going to do everything possible to win but it’s going to be tough against the champions,” Rusizi coach Jean Bosco Bahati told Sunday Sport.
Should Espoir beat Rusizi, UGB will finish fourth and earn ticket to the play-offs at the expense of Bahati’s team thanks to their superior scoring average.
In the first round league game, UGB beat Rusizi 70-64, while the later won the second round clash 90-86 score. Both sides will finish with 32 points apiece in case Rusizi lose today. Espoir, CSK and APR are three teams that have already qualified for play-offs.
Espoir top the standings with 38 points, three ahead of second-placed CSK, while APR finished with 33 points.
25 July 2014
NIGERIA : Aderemi Wants to Dominate Africa
ONE could see relief dripping off Adewunmi Aderemi as he walked into
the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, where the DSTV Premier
Basketball League Final Eight was taking place at the weekend.
His club, First Bank Basketball Club, had just wrestled the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League trophy from First Deepwater Basketball Club, after many years of playing second fiddle (four seasons) to the oil girls.
With fans acknowledging his presence with cheers and basketball buffs commending him for having the courage to win the title again after several disappointments, Aderemi could only wave and return their pleasantries because his mind was on a higher challenge.
What could be so important to the veteran coach?
Adewunmi told The Guardian that reclaiming the title, which his club dominated for several years, has made him value the title the more. "It is not easy to stay in the cooler for four seasons after dominating for so long. We were used to winning and falling behind was not a joke," he said.
The veteran coach noted that his team might have taken other teams for granted, while winning the title year in, year out, but he admitted that the emergence of First Deepwater and the good form of Dolphins of Lagos have made the league more competitive.
He said: "I guess the arrival of First Deepwater in the league and the good form of Dolphin has made the league more competitive and I hope other teams can raise their game, so that the league can become more vibrant.
"While I will like to dominate the league with my team once again, I will also want to do so with stiff competition from other teams. Again, I think some of the new teams and others who have been in the elite division, did well this season. With a little bit of polishing and financial backing they will improve tremendously."
On his team, the coach popularly called Owolo, said recruiting new players would help the team do well at the continental level.
"The euphoria of winning the title has died down and we will be back to training on August 4. We want to prepare well for the qualifiers so that we can make it to the finals in Tunis. We are not going to rest on our oars in order to achieve great things now that we are back in our element," he added.
While commending the management of First Bank Plc for backing the team during the turbulent period, he noted that the team needs the management backing more than ever to realize its ambition of ruling Africa.
"What will want now is to recruit good players that can add value to the team. And we will need the support of the management to achieve our set goals," Aderemi added.
His club, First Bank Basketball Club, had just wrestled the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League trophy from First Deepwater Basketball Club, after many years of playing second fiddle (four seasons) to the oil girls.
With fans acknowledging his presence with cheers and basketball buffs commending him for having the courage to win the title again after several disappointments, Aderemi could only wave and return their pleasantries because his mind was on a higher challenge.
What could be so important to the veteran coach?
Adewunmi told The Guardian that reclaiming the title, which his club dominated for several years, has made him value the title the more. "It is not easy to stay in the cooler for four seasons after dominating for so long. We were used to winning and falling behind was not a joke," he said.
The veteran coach noted that his team might have taken other teams for granted, while winning the title year in, year out, but he admitted that the emergence of First Deepwater and the good form of Dolphins of Lagos have made the league more competitive.
He said: "I guess the arrival of First Deepwater in the league and the good form of Dolphin has made the league more competitive and I hope other teams can raise their game, so that the league can become more vibrant.
"While I will like to dominate the league with my team once again, I will also want to do so with stiff competition from other teams. Again, I think some of the new teams and others who have been in the elite division, did well this season. With a little bit of polishing and financial backing they will improve tremendously."
On his team, the coach popularly called Owolo, said recruiting new players would help the team do well at the continental level.
"The euphoria of winning the title has died down and we will be back to training on August 4. We want to prepare well for the qualifiers so that we can make it to the finals in Tunis. We are not going to rest on our oars in order to achieve great things now that we are back in our element," he added.
While commending the management of First Bank Plc for backing the team during the turbulent period, he noted that the team needs the management backing more than ever to realize its ambition of ruling Africa.
"What will want now is to recruit good players that can add value to the team. And we will need the support of the management to achieve our set goals," Aderemi added.
SEYCHELLES ; On the transfer trail
 |
 |
The second round of the basketball season promises to be an exciting affair as some of the top teams have strengthened their squad.
There is no doubt that the first round has produced some surprising results more so the demise of double winners PLS Hawks who have suffered four defeats in eight matches.
Defending champions Hawks have basically allowed their title to slip out of their grasps with some shock performances where they have not been up to the required level allowing Baya and Mont Fleuri Dawgz to rule the roost.
Hawks now have lost one of their star players, namely centre Rodney Lozé who has moved to the Dawgz to link up with coach Nigel Ah-Kong and his technical advisor Roy Noël.
Coach Ah-Kong told Sports Nation that his team are happy to sign such a top calibre player adding that they are in a strong position in the league but must continue to train seriously and keep their focus.
As for PLS Hawks coach Clifford Joubert, he was not too concerned with the departure of Lozé as he is confident they have enough squad players to overcome this setback.
“We will not stand in the way of a player who decides to move on although I must admit it will be difficult for my team to retain our league title. But we will keep trying our best and use the second round to prepare for the Indian Ocean Club Championship (IOCC) as well as the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup. We must admit that we have been below par but the other teams have not been that exceptional. Therefore this gives us hope that we can have a better second round,” coach Joubert said.
The Hawks though have not signed any player and even Premium Cobras have decided to persevere with the squad at their disposition.
Nevertheless, league leaders Baya, who have lost only once this season, have also signed a top class big man in the shape of Robert Léon from Beau Vallon Heat.
Léon left Baya two seasons ago but has decided to return to Baya as they make a title charge.
“We are delighted to have Robert Léon back as his presence will help boost the morale in our camp as we need players in this position,” Baya’s coach Michel Malbrook told Sports Nation.
The transfers
Rodney Lozé from PLS Hawks to Mont Fleuri Dawgz
James Joubert from RC Dynamics to Grand Anse Wolves
Dean Zelime from Premium Cobras to Grand Anse Wolves
Barry Dubignon from Drifters to Grand Anse Wolves
Mamadou Diallo from RC Dynamics to Juniors
Yannick Larue from RC Dynamics to Juniors
Laura Françoise from Mont Fleuri to B. Challenge
Jean-Yves Edmond from Anse Etoile to Baya
Robert Léon from Beau Vallon Heat to Baya
Alf Aglaé from Premium Cobras to Beau Vallon Heat
Biko Biong from Beau Vallon Heat to Cascade Bullets
Ted Jumaye from Razors to Beau Vallon Heat
Sandy Julienne from Baya to Beau Vallon Heat
Steve Allisop from Mont Fleuri Dawgz to Beau Vallon Heat
R. J-L.
24 July 2014
ANGOLA : Lazaré Adingono in Petro for One More Year
Luanda — The Cameroonian coach Lazaré
Adingono will continue to manage the senior males basketball team of
Petro de Luanda for one more year.
This was said to the press on Wednesday in Luanda by the Vice- president of the club for basketball, Artur Barros, during the swearing in act of the new managing board of the Petro de Luanda, elected on Saturday.
"We are not going to change anything because the coach still has a year of contract and we are happy the work he has been developing in the last two days.
In Petro de Luanda since 2012, coach has already won two Angola cups.
This was said to the press on Wednesday in Luanda by the Vice- president of the club for basketball, Artur Barros, during the swearing in act of the new managing board of the Petro de Luanda, elected on Saturday.
"We are not going to change anything because the coach still has a year of contract and we are happy the work he has been developing in the last two days.
In Petro de Luanda since 2012, coach has already won two Angola cups.
23 July 2014
TANZANIA : ABC Withdraw From Zone 5 Championship
TANZANIA People's Defence Forces (TPDF)
basketball team has withdrawn from the Zone 5 Club Championship to be
held in Mombasa from August 25-31, this year.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General, Saleh Zonga, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the team, popularly known as Army Basketball Club (ABC), will not participate in the zonal competition because of other commitments. "Ahead of us, we have the East Africa Military Games in August and the Zone 5 Championship the same month.
So it will be difficult for ABC to take part in both competitions as they have few players," he said. ABC finished runners-up to JKT in the last National League.
Following ABC's withdrawal, Tanzania Mainland will be represented by JKT and Don Bosco in the men's and women's categories respectively.
Zonga further said both teams are currently undergoing intensive training and are looking forward to giving the nation a worthy representation at the Zone 5 Championship.
"Don Bosco players are training at their Upanga-based home ground while JKT are camping at Mgulani in Temeke municipality.
They are both tactically good and I hope they will perform well," he said. Countries expected to participate in the tournament include Tanzania Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan and host Kenya.
The championship will be staged in Mombasa and the Coast Basketball Association (CBA) has already formed an organizing committee.
"We've been informed by FIBA that the tournament will be held in Mombasa and we're very happy for being honoured," CBA Chairman Ali Hilmy said.
"We're now busy with preparations and we have already formed a committee to organise the event," he added. Hilmy said participating teams must be accompanied by an international referee and an official nominated by FIBA.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General, Saleh Zonga, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the team, popularly known as Army Basketball Club (ABC), will not participate in the zonal competition because of other commitments. "Ahead of us, we have the East Africa Military Games in August and the Zone 5 Championship the same month.
So it will be difficult for ABC to take part in both competitions as they have few players," he said. ABC finished runners-up to JKT in the last National League.
Following ABC's withdrawal, Tanzania Mainland will be represented by JKT and Don Bosco in the men's and women's categories respectively.
Zonga further said both teams are currently undergoing intensive training and are looking forward to giving the nation a worthy representation at the Zone 5 Championship.
"Don Bosco players are training at their Upanga-based home ground while JKT are camping at Mgulani in Temeke municipality.
They are both tactically good and I hope they will perform well," he said. Countries expected to participate in the tournament include Tanzania Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan and host Kenya.
The championship will be staged in Mombasa and the Coast Basketball Association (CBA) has already formed an organizing committee.
"We've been informed by FIBA that the tournament will be held in Mombasa and we're very happy for being honoured," CBA Chairman Ali Hilmy said.
"We're now busy with preparations and we have already formed a committee to organise the event," he added. Hilmy said participating teams must be accompanied by an international referee and an official nominated by FIBA.
SOUTH SUDAN : Southern Sudan to Take Part in Fiba Zone 5 Set for Mombasa County in August
WAR-ravaged South Sudan are among eight
countries who have confirmed participation in the forthcoming FIBA Zone 5
basketball championship set for next month in Mombasa.
Coast Basketball Association (CBA) have already finalised the arrangement in conjunction with the Kenya Basketball Federation. CBA chairman Ali Hilmy said the regional event set for August 25-31, will be held at Aga Khan Academy and Kenya Ports Authority's Makande gymnasium.
"A total of 23 teams are expected to battle it out for the coveted tittle in both men and women's categories," said Hilmy.
Hosts Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Tanzania will be represented by four teams-- two each in both the men and women's categories while Burudi will have three teams--two men's and one women. Southern Sudan will have two teams (men and women) same as Rwanda.
The event has been sponsored by KPA, Car & General, Ketty Tours, Rotary Club of Mombasa, Mombasa Maize Millers, Imperial Bank, Inchcape, Fidelity Bank, Coca Cola, Freight Forwarders, Apolo Insurance, Musamali Insurance, Habib Bank, Super Sports, Lota Motors and Grain Bulk.
Hilmy said: "I urge fans to come out in large numbers and cheer our local teams as we showcase our basketball talent in our country."
Coast Basketball Association (CBA) have already finalised the arrangement in conjunction with the Kenya Basketball Federation. CBA chairman Ali Hilmy said the regional event set for August 25-31, will be held at Aga Khan Academy and Kenya Ports Authority's Makande gymnasium.
"A total of 23 teams are expected to battle it out for the coveted tittle in both men and women's categories," said Hilmy.
Hosts Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Tanzania will be represented by four teams-- two each in both the men and women's categories while Burudi will have three teams--two men's and one women. Southern Sudan will have two teams (men and women) same as Rwanda.
The event has been sponsored by KPA, Car & General, Ketty Tours, Rotary Club of Mombasa, Mombasa Maize Millers, Imperial Bank, Inchcape, Fidelity Bank, Coca Cola, Freight Forwarders, Apolo Insurance, Musamali Insurance, Habib Bank, Super Sports, Lota Motors and Grain Bulk.
Hilmy said: "I urge fans to come out in large numbers and cheer our local teams as we showcase our basketball talent in our country."
KENYA : Emyba Shoot Down USIU to Reach the NBA League Summit As Woodley Knights Crash
EMYBA shot to the top of Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) table
after beating United States International University (USIU) 54-43 at
Railways Club.
Collins Ochillo knocked down 25 points for the winners who the previous day had made it two wins with a 83-55 win over Pac University.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika beat Machakos Hawks 61-36 as Benaya Musubi shot 12 points for the winners while Augustine Munica made 14 for the losers.
In other matches, 4-Christ walloped Woodley Knights 76-38 while Neosasa Morans had 31 points from Lewis Wanyoike as they clubbed Feba 57-60.
Legacy felled Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) 52-40 with Pandas beating Embakasi Dynamoz 54-43. JKUA, Karen dismissed Upper Hill School 52-30 with Ulinzi beating Multi Media University 48-34. In the women's category, Strathmore University had 16 from Bianca Nyambura as they hit JKUATS 56-31. Mary Chepkoi had 11 for the Juja side. Parklands Arya Girls got the better of MKU Thika, winning 49-38 as Jackline Tinega registered 15 and Ann Lukongo collected 15 for the losers. Gladiators hit Africa Nazarene University 43-36 in a match where Linda Kimemia scored 13 for the winners and Purity Shelly bagged 17 for the losers
Collins Ochillo knocked down 25 points for the winners who the previous day had made it two wins with a 83-55 win over Pac University.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika beat Machakos Hawks 61-36 as Benaya Musubi shot 12 points for the winners while Augustine Munica made 14 for the losers.
In other matches, 4-Christ walloped Woodley Knights 76-38 while Neosasa Morans had 31 points from Lewis Wanyoike as they clubbed Feba 57-60.
Legacy felled Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) 52-40 with Pandas beating Embakasi Dynamoz 54-43. JKUA, Karen dismissed Upper Hill School 52-30 with Ulinzi beating Multi Media University 48-34. In the women's category, Strathmore University had 16 from Bianca Nyambura as they hit JKUATS 56-31. Mary Chepkoi had 11 for the Juja side. Parklands Arya Girls got the better of MKU Thika, winning 49-38 as Jackline Tinega registered 15 and Ann Lukongo collected 15 for the losers. Gladiators hit Africa Nazarene University 43-36 in a match where Linda Kimemia scored 13 for the winners and Purity Shelly bagged 17 for the losers
NIGERIA : Continental Glory Is Our Target - Coach Ahmed
Abuja — Coach of Kano Pillars Basketball Club
of Kano Sani Ahmed has set his sight on doing the state proud when his
team files out in the African club championship.
He attributed hard work together with concentration as the reason for the fifth consecutive victory in DSTV/NBBF Super 8 Premier league won at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National stadium, Surulere Lagos.
Pillars defeated its arc-rivals Markmentors Basketball Club of Abuja by 89 to 88 points to win the league and the coach told LEADERSHIP Sports that planning for the African club continental championship is their next step.
He, however, said the full commencement towards the Africa Club Continental would start when the right date for the tournament had been given.
"We will make sure to curb what happened to us in last year's inter club FIBA tournament in Tunisia not happen again, because beating the defending champions Agusto de Premiro basketball of Angola got into the players' heads. They were praising themselves on the social networks like Twitter, facebook and before it was known to them they lost concentration.
"We hope to win the next FIBA Africa Club Continental but it is not going to be easy, most of the team that came for that competition brought some foreigners, players from NBA but you know one thing we don't have money in Nigeria to bring any foreigner but we went with local players and we played well which is a good experience for them. At the continental tourney we will try to do well at least to get a medal."
He attributed hard work together with concentration as the reason for the fifth consecutive victory in DSTV/NBBF Super 8 Premier league won at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National stadium, Surulere Lagos.
Pillars defeated its arc-rivals Markmentors Basketball Club of Abuja by 89 to 88 points to win the league and the coach told LEADERSHIP Sports that planning for the African club continental championship is their next step.
He, however, said the full commencement towards the Africa Club Continental would start when the right date for the tournament had been given.
"We will make sure to curb what happened to us in last year's inter club FIBA tournament in Tunisia not happen again, because beating the defending champions Agusto de Premiro basketball of Angola got into the players' heads. They were praising themselves on the social networks like Twitter, facebook and before it was known to them they lost concentration.
"We hope to win the next FIBA Africa Club Continental but it is not going to be easy, most of the team that came for that competition brought some foreigners, players from NBA but you know one thing we don't have money in Nigeria to bring any foreigner but we went with local players and we played well which is a good experience for them. At the continental tourney we will try to do well at least to get a medal."
UGANDA : Vegetarian to count on Otto for UCU clash
Vegetarian are 4-6 and in eighth position on the 12-team league log going into their final first round game against UCU canons.
One of those four victories however came against TigerHead Power, one of the sides with the best roster in the league. It is for that reason that UCU Canons should be wary of their opponents when the two teams meet today at YMCA for their final first round games.
One of those four victories however came against TigerHead Power, one of the sides with the best roster in the league. It is for that reason that UCU Canons should be wary of their opponents when the two teams meet today at YMCA for their final first round games.
Vegetarian also recorded their first win in five on Sunday beating Charging Rhino 67-62.
They will look to John Otto for a fifth victory in
the absence of last year’s regular season MVP Ben Okumu, who is not
expected until the second round because of academic engagements abroad.
Otto is averaging 17 points from his last three games and top scored with 21 points against Rhino with Mark Ongom adding 16.
Otto is averaging 17 points from his last three games and top scored with 21 points against Rhino with Mark Ongom adding 16.
The Canons (6-4) are meanwhile, coming off the
back of a 65-59 loss to Power over the weekend in a game in which they
were competitive but clearly missed Sudi Ulanga.
The star shooting guard has been missing with a knee injury and is likely to sit out today’s encounter as well.
In his absence coach Nicholas Natuhereza will hope for similar or better shifts from power forward/centre Ivan Rumanyika, who led with 12 points and 13 rebounds against Power.
In his absence coach Nicholas Natuhereza will hope for similar or better shifts from power forward/centre Ivan Rumanyika, who led with 12 points and 13 rebounds against Power.
RWANDA : Rwanda picks team for Afro-basketball tourney
THE RWANDA BASKETBALL Federation has picked the men’s and women’s
national teams to start preparations for the Afro-basketball and All
African Games qualifiers.
The men’s team head coach Moise Mutokambali named a 24-man team to start preparations today while eight professional players will join the team in camp next month.
The women basketball coach Jacques Bahige has also named a provisional squad of 26 players to start camp. She summoned 20 local based players and six professionals who will join camp in August.
The men’s team: Aboubacar Ally Barame, Alphonse Habyarimana, Pacifique Habyarimana, Steven Hagumintwari, Lionel Hakizimana, Parfait Ishimwe, Elie Kaje, Pascal Karekezi Rurangirwa, Ali Kubwimana Kazingufu, Aristide Mugabe, Muhizi Olivier, Sunny N. Munyandamutsa, Jean Paul Ndoli, Bienvenu Ngandu, and Olivier Shyaka.
Professional players summoned include; Kami Kabange (City Oilers), Dan Manzi (USA), Adonis Rwabigwi (USA), Nestor Manzi (USA), Patrice Twagirayezu (USA), Bradley Cameroon (USA), Kenneth Gasana (Morocco), Thierry Suku Suku (ACEB France and Hamza Ruhezamihigo (Canada).
The women’s squad is comprised of Chantal Akamuntu, Jovithe Kabarere, Joselyne Munyaneza, Charlotte Umugwaneza, Vanessa Umwizerwa, Denise Uwase, Cecile Nzaramba, Yvette Uwizeye, Christine Uwibambe, Gisele Umutoni, Rosine Micomyiza, Jeanne Yamfashije, Priscilla Dodoo, Claudette Imanishimwe, Clementine Ushizimpumu, Clementine Matungano, Esperance Mukaneza, Alice Muhongerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Martine Umuhoza and Nicole Rwibutso.
The professional women players include; Henderson Tierra Monay (Angola), Ange Kamanyana (USA), Sabine Mugeni (France), Yvonne Kirezi K. (Drc), Laetitia Mahoro (USA) and Nancy Ishimwe (USA).
The men’s team head coach Moise Mutokambali named a 24-man team to start preparations today while eight professional players will join the team in camp next month.
The women basketball coach Jacques Bahige has also named a provisional squad of 26 players to start camp. She summoned 20 local based players and six professionals who will join camp in August.
The men’s team: Aboubacar Ally Barame, Alphonse Habyarimana, Pacifique Habyarimana, Steven Hagumintwari, Lionel Hakizimana, Parfait Ishimwe, Elie Kaje, Pascal Karekezi Rurangirwa, Ali Kubwimana Kazingufu, Aristide Mugabe, Muhizi Olivier, Sunny N. Munyandamutsa, Jean Paul Ndoli, Bienvenu Ngandu, and Olivier Shyaka.
Professional players summoned include; Kami Kabange (City Oilers), Dan Manzi (USA), Adonis Rwabigwi (USA), Nestor Manzi (USA), Patrice Twagirayezu (USA), Bradley Cameroon (USA), Kenneth Gasana (Morocco), Thierry Suku Suku (ACEB France and Hamza Ruhezamihigo (Canada).
The women’s squad is comprised of Chantal Akamuntu, Jovithe Kabarere, Joselyne Munyaneza, Charlotte Umugwaneza, Vanessa Umwizerwa, Denise Uwase, Cecile Nzaramba, Yvette Uwizeye, Christine Uwibambe, Gisele Umutoni, Rosine Micomyiza, Jeanne Yamfashije, Priscilla Dodoo, Claudette Imanishimwe, Clementine Ushizimpumu, Clementine Matungano, Esperance Mukaneza, Alice Muhongerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Martine Umuhoza and Nicole Rwibutso.
The professional women players include; Henderson Tierra Monay (Angola), Ange Kamanyana (USA), Sabine Mugeni (France), Yvonne Kirezi K. (Drc), Laetitia Mahoro (USA) and Nancy Ishimwe (USA).
22 July 2014
TANZANIA : Kisusi Targets Professional Basketball
TANZANIAN ALPHAES Kisusi intends to play professional basketball in the Unted States of America when he completes his studies abroad.
Kisusi, who is currently studying International Business at the Newfound Memorial University in Canada after securing a scholarship in 2012, said that he is keen to go further in the game.
He said during a two-day basketball training he conducted at the Zanaki Secondary School ground in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that after graduating he will not turn down the chance to feature in the highest basketball league in the world.
Kisusi organized the training while on holiday and it brought together about 50 Under-18 boys and girls players from all Dar es Salaambased clubs. He said that basketball is in his blood and hopes that he will get a chance to play in the US one day.
Kisusi said that he is happy that many youths turned up for training and it went out well as expected. The youth displayed skills that prove that if they are encouraged and given the necessary support they will go further.
"My scholarship came through a basketball camp and it makes me feel good to impact my skills to upcoming players who can also follow my footsteps," he said.
During the training Kisusi taught the youth foot work, jump stop, dribbling, passing, receiving drills, lay-up, shooting drill, jump shots, off dribble jump shots, skills challenge games, general warm up, grouping skills challenge and shooting. John Samwel, one of the participants from Mgulani JKT Club, said he was happy to receive such training from Kisusi.
"I'm happy to see Kisusi having a good spirit to help others. We really benefited from the two-day training. I wish to see more like this from other players living abroad if possible," he said.
He said that Kisusi is an example that anything is possible, because he did not sit back and wait for sponsor to do that ... he did it himself. Kisusi thanked basketball coach Bahati Mgunda of Mambo Basketball, for helping him organize the training which was a success.
He won a scholarship in 2012 after doing well at a basketball camp organised by Mambo Basketball in collaboration with the Tanzania Students Achievement Organisation. The camp ran under Newfound Memorial University coach Peter Bonoite.
Kisusi, who is currently studying International Business at the Newfound Memorial University in Canada after securing a scholarship in 2012, said that he is keen to go further in the game.
He said during a two-day basketball training he conducted at the Zanaki Secondary School ground in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that after graduating he will not turn down the chance to feature in the highest basketball league in the world.
Kisusi organized the training while on holiday and it brought together about 50 Under-18 boys and girls players from all Dar es Salaambased clubs. He said that basketball is in his blood and hopes that he will get a chance to play in the US one day.
Kisusi said that he is happy that many youths turned up for training and it went out well as expected. The youth displayed skills that prove that if they are encouraged and given the necessary support they will go further.
"My scholarship came through a basketball camp and it makes me feel good to impact my skills to upcoming players who can also follow my footsteps," he said.
During the training Kisusi taught the youth foot work, jump stop, dribbling, passing, receiving drills, lay-up, shooting drill, jump shots, off dribble jump shots, skills challenge games, general warm up, grouping skills challenge and shooting. John Samwel, one of the participants from Mgulani JKT Club, said he was happy to receive such training from Kisusi.
"I'm happy to see Kisusi having a good spirit to help others. We really benefited from the two-day training. I wish to see more like this from other players living abroad if possible," he said.
He said that Kisusi is an example that anything is possible, because he did not sit back and wait for sponsor to do that ... he did it himself. Kisusi thanked basketball coach Bahati Mgunda of Mambo Basketball, for helping him organize the training which was a success.
He won a scholarship in 2012 after doing well at a basketball camp organised by Mambo Basketball in collaboration with the Tanzania Students Achievement Organisation. The camp ran under Newfound Memorial University coach Peter Bonoite.
UGANDA : From dust to champion: The emergency of Daniel ‘Najja’ Juuko
Courtesy photo
Daniel Juuko aka Najja came to the top through the ranks from way back in 2009. The smart point guard started out from the dusty court of Najja High School battling for a place on the school’s team that was dominated by foreigners (Kenyans & Tanzanians).
Juuko joined (then) Division III side Berkley in 2010 which was promoted to Division II and turned into Rez Life Saints that also advanced to play in the premier division in the 2012 season and were cellar-dwellers all through the season and condemned back to Division II. While the Saints went down, Juuko was picked up by City Oilers.
“These guys (through Silver Rugambwa) came and talked to me, told me about the aspirations of the team and I was convinced. I had to join them and we are”
It was not rosy for the 24 year old at the start of his basketball life at City Oilers. “I was pretty nervous at the start playing with those guys. They had played for a while at the top and I was almost just starting. I think it was clear how nervous I and Sammie (Samuel Kalwanyi) were”
The breakthrough:
They say hard work is a talent itself. If there is no struggle, there is no progress and not many young players here understand that as much as Daniel ‘Najja’ Juuko. You don’t put in hours of workouts and practice without hunger to do great things.
“Getting
here alone is all hard work and of course the trust of the coach. To
earn the trust of the coach you have got to work hard and do what is
right on court. I put in an extra hour outside of the usual team
practice” he says.In the wake of a poor post season from Muhamed Yusuf, tired legs of Ronnie Kalule and Jimmy Enabu’s knee injury, Juuko proved to be a welcome surprise for City Oilers. The diminutive point guard blew the local basketball faithful away with his stellar performance against an experienced Falcons’ back court in last year’s NBL playoffs finals.
“You may say that Moudy (Mohamed Yusuf) had a bad post season but I think that is not true. The turning point for me was when Jimmy got injured. The coach trusted me and I had to take on the responsibility and did quite well”
Najja has seen his minutes on the court reduce this season, not necessarily a consequence of his own play but the result of Ben Komakech, Jeff Omondi and Jimmy Enabu clogging the rotation.
While it would be easy to shrink away from the spotlight after City Oilers brought in the two experienced guards, Juuko has designs of an impact player – when he comes on, he gets the job done.
Juuko is not afraid to talk about his frustration at not getting as much time as he did at the end of last season but believes it is a learning process for him.
“Every player wants to play and obviously I feel disappointed at times but there is always the right time to prove” he says. “I always want to learn from him (Ben Komakech) much as he is a competitor. I like the way he points – calm and composed.”
The third year guard dreams of being the best player in the league and win in the region and on the continent.
“I want to be the best player in this league, I want to be the MVP at some point” he says. “As you win, the aspirations increase. Now that we have the league (and we want to win it again) we want to represent on the continent as well”
UGANDA : Kabangu’s return to form elevates Falcons
The
Serge Kabangu who came to the YMCA court on Sunday is the one Falcons
have not seen in a quite a while, the one who helped them reach the
finals last December.
In his first season here, the Congolese-born
forward was stellar as a side-kick to the six-time champions’ main
offensive weapons. As Philip Ameny, Abdullahi Ramadhan and Stephen Omony
dominated the show, Kabangu established himself as the silent killer,
becoming quite reliable.
Ameny and Dulah left for Tiger Head Power. His
responsibility was immediately elevated only that he hasn’t played like
he had noticed the change just yet. If Sunday is anything to go by,
Kabangu is revitalized.
Season high
He scored a season-high 21 points and 17 rebounds to bury his struggles as Falcons stalled Warriors recently found momentum in an 82-77 victory. Warriors had won their last two, including beating Power 102-92. He did a bit of everything to assume the responsibility of being Falcons’ premier scorer inside the arc even if some incessant three-point attempts could have been avoided.
He scored a season-high 21 points and 17 rebounds to bury his struggles as Falcons stalled Warriors recently found momentum in an 82-77 victory. Warriors had won their last two, including beating Power 102-92. He did a bit of everything to assume the responsibility of being Falcons’ premier scorer inside the arc even if some incessant three-point attempts could have been avoided.
With Herbert Akhitah ejected in the second
quarter, someone had to take charge and Kabangu obliged like many times
last season. Kabangu dwarfed Syrus Kiviri’s 21 points and five rebounds,
Jonah Mukwaba’s 15 and Steven Mwesigye’s 11 and seven rebounds.
Coach Sam Obol’s team led for large periods and
even when Warriors tied it at 68-up and 74-all late in the fourth,
Kiviri was there to finish the job. There was no shame in the way
Warriors lost even if coach Gad Eteu will know consistency must be found
sooner following their lethargic start to the season.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com
21 July 2014
NIGERIA : MVP Usman Inspires Kano Pillars to Victory
ABUBAKAR Usman was the star of the final game
in the DStv Premier Basketball League against Mark Mentors, as his
three point shot in the closing minutes handed his team an 89-88 point
victory.
He was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP), the second in a row, and he also picked the highest scorer award with 138 points in five games, while Mark Mentors' forward Abdul Yahaya went home with the highest rebounder award.
Pillars also became the first team to win four titles in the six-season-old league after edging Mentors in a nail-bitting finale.
The thrilling final, kept fans on the edge of their seat as the Abuja-based Mentors looked set to do the impossible leading by four points (88-84) with nine seconds left. However, lost concentration in the dying moments of the encounter, allowing Pillars energetic point guard, Adeolu Olaiya Ojo to go on a fast-break for two points and an hasty ball-inbound cost them (Mark Mentors) the game as Ojo incepted a pass to set-up Pillars main-man, Usman who made a three-point with three seconds remaining.
Efforts by Mentors to draw a foul or make two points did not yield result as the buzzer went off to signal the end of the game. Scores in the four quarters stood at 20-25, 21-19, 20-18 and 28-26.
Usman recorded the play-off high of 38 points, 5 steal, 4 rebound and 4 assist in 35.27 minutes and was joined in double figure by the duo of Ibrahim Yusuf (11 points, 3 rebounds) and Adeolu Olaiya Ojo (10 points and 3 steal) to hand Pillars the trophy.
Dodan Warriors retained it third position with an 81-71 points (08-16, 14-22, 18-15, 27-14 and 04-14) victory over Gombe Bulls after over-time with both sides garnering 67 points in regulation time.
Meanwhile, the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) Tijjani Umar said umpire Tunde Popoola got the decision to cancel the final basket scored by Mark Mentors right.
After he and the chairman of Mark Mentors, Mark Igoche came out of the OB van of TV right owners SuperSport to review the dying seconds of the epic final match.
"From the replay, it was clear that Musa Usman still had possession of the ball as time expired. The referee dully indicated that, and from the video footage I and Igoche saw, the referee got the decision right".
Controversy ensued at the venue when Popoola cancelled Mark Mentors Usman's basket at the end of the game. Mentors, who led all through the game, led by 4 points with 21 seconds to go. However there was a dramatic twist of fortune when Pillars took the lead by one point, 89-88 points with 5 seconds left on the clock. With the championship title still at stake, Mark Mentors pushed to score within the time left. They did score, but it was too late as time expired before they could get the ball in the basket.
He was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP), the second in a row, and he also picked the highest scorer award with 138 points in five games, while Mark Mentors' forward Abdul Yahaya went home with the highest rebounder award.
Pillars also became the first team to win four titles in the six-season-old league after edging Mentors in a nail-bitting finale.
The thrilling final, kept fans on the edge of their seat as the Abuja-based Mentors looked set to do the impossible leading by four points (88-84) with nine seconds left. However, lost concentration in the dying moments of the encounter, allowing Pillars energetic point guard, Adeolu Olaiya Ojo to go on a fast-break for two points and an hasty ball-inbound cost them (Mark Mentors) the game as Ojo incepted a pass to set-up Pillars main-man, Usman who made a three-point with three seconds remaining.
Efforts by Mentors to draw a foul or make two points did not yield result as the buzzer went off to signal the end of the game. Scores in the four quarters stood at 20-25, 21-19, 20-18 and 28-26.
Usman recorded the play-off high of 38 points, 5 steal, 4 rebound and 4 assist in 35.27 minutes and was joined in double figure by the duo of Ibrahim Yusuf (11 points, 3 rebounds) and Adeolu Olaiya Ojo (10 points and 3 steal) to hand Pillars the trophy.
Dodan Warriors retained it third position with an 81-71 points (08-16, 14-22, 18-15, 27-14 and 04-14) victory over Gombe Bulls after over-time with both sides garnering 67 points in regulation time.
Meanwhile, the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) Tijjani Umar said umpire Tunde Popoola got the decision to cancel the final basket scored by Mark Mentors right.
After he and the chairman of Mark Mentors, Mark Igoche came out of the OB van of TV right owners SuperSport to review the dying seconds of the epic final match.
"From the replay, it was clear that Musa Usman still had possession of the ball as time expired. The referee dully indicated that, and from the video footage I and Igoche saw, the referee got the decision right".
Controversy ensued at the venue when Popoola cancelled Mark Mentors Usman's basket at the end of the game. Mentors, who led all through the game, led by 4 points with 21 seconds to go. However there was a dramatic twist of fortune when Pillars took the lead by one point, 89-88 points with 5 seconds left on the clock. With the championship title still at stake, Mark Mentors pushed to score within the time left. They did score, but it was too late as time expired before they could get the ball in the basket.
KENYA : Champions Co-Operative Bank Roll Over Strathmore Blades
REIGNING national champions Co-op Bank of
Kenya defeated Strathmore Blades 68-57 in KBF Premier league duel at the
Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.
James Mwangi scored 16 points for the bankers while Titus Musembi added 15. For the students' Robert Hope managed to net 14 and Valentine Nyakinda posted 11.
Thunder struck Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) 94-62, behind game high of 43 points from Griffin Ligare. Felix Luke and Frankline Delano managed 18 points and Job Byron made 10 points for NAC.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) went into over drive humiliating Nakuru Club 121-65 in a one-sided demolition. Dickson Aran and Samuel Ochola managed 20 points each. Nakuru's James Okerio collected 23 points.
In the women's matches, Co-op Bank nipped Ulinzi Blades 59-58. Linet Atieno scored 16 points and Grace Wanjiku 12. The soldiers had 22 from Bridgid Nanzala and 15 from Rebecca Serange. At the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, former champions Eagle Wings eclipsed Kenyatta University 'Oryx' 40-27 as veteran Eunice Ouma made 13 points. In the lower division matches, Trailblazers pipped Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 59-58 while Eldonets beat Parklands Baptist 59-42. In the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) provincial matches played at Railways Club, UoN Dynamites beat Gladiators 40-39 while Zetech College trounced JKUATS Juja 31-29.
Other results were as follows: Cuea 43 All Stars 36; Emyba 83 Pac University 55; Anu 35 MKU Thika 51; Parklands Girls 39 Footprints 30, Daystar 29 Equity 65; Dynamoz 44 Upper Hill 50, Our Lady Queen of Peace 38 USIU 31-29.
James Mwangi scored 16 points for the bankers while Titus Musembi added 15. For the students' Robert Hope managed to net 14 and Valentine Nyakinda posted 11.
Thunder struck Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) 94-62, behind game high of 43 points from Griffin Ligare. Felix Luke and Frankline Delano managed 18 points and Job Byron made 10 points for NAC.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) went into over drive humiliating Nakuru Club 121-65 in a one-sided demolition. Dickson Aran and Samuel Ochola managed 20 points each. Nakuru's James Okerio collected 23 points.
In the women's matches, Co-op Bank nipped Ulinzi Blades 59-58. Linet Atieno scored 16 points and Grace Wanjiku 12. The soldiers had 22 from Bridgid Nanzala and 15 from Rebecca Serange. At the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, former champions Eagle Wings eclipsed Kenyatta University 'Oryx' 40-27 as veteran Eunice Ouma made 13 points. In the lower division matches, Trailblazers pipped Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 59-58 while Eldonets beat Parklands Baptist 59-42. In the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) provincial matches played at Railways Club, UoN Dynamites beat Gladiators 40-39 while Zetech College trounced JKUATS Juja 31-29.
Other results were as follows: Cuea 43 All Stars 36; Emyba 83 Pac University 55; Anu 35 MKU Thika 51; Parklands Girls 39 Footprints 30, Daystar 29 Equity 65; Dynamoz 44 Upper Hill 50, Our Lady Queen of Peace 38 USIU 31-29.
KENYA : KU Pirates keen to avoid relegation
Arial Okal of KAA against Kenyatta University Pirates who are keen to stay in the men's KBF Premier league after losing key players last season. The University only fields current students.
Kenyatta University Pirates, one of
the teams promoted to the Kenya Basketball Federation men's premier
league this year, has found itself fighting relegation in their debut
season.
The varsity side had their eyes on the playoffs but a poor start has forced head coach Gitau Waringo to review his goals. Pirates has played twelve matches and won only one against bottom side Blazers.
“The playoffs are out of question for us looking at the performance. Our main objective in the remaining games is to play hard and be among the top fourteen teams and avoid relegation,” he told sportsnewsarena.com.
At the start of the season, Pirates lost five key players who were part of the starting five last season in their division one campaign. Gilbert Obiero (now with Umoja), Douglas Momanyi, Nicodemus Odhiambo, Robert Otieno and Jonathan Lando are not part of the team anymore and Waringo rues their exit.
“Its very difficult for us without the five,” he observed saying his team is equal to the task. “I cannot say competition in the league is big for us but its only that we don't have the key players. If they were there, we could now be playing in the top four and matching these top teams.”
He adds the institution’s policy of releasing players who graduate and picking players from within has put to rest any chances of seeking replacements. The university’s long holiday that begins in March till August has also complicated the team’s chances.
Since the start of the 2014 season in April, players have been operating from home and it is difficult to raise a quorum during training. On Sunday, they lost 55-75 to Thunder after putting up a strong fight.
Griffin Ligare scored 25 points for Thunder, grabbed seven rebounds and five steals with Cliff Alela adding 18 points, 16 rebounds and two steals. Jacktone Agunda was Pirates’ highest scorer with 17 points.Thunder beat Nairobi Aviation College 94-62 on Saturday.
Drama on Sunday
There was drama on Sunday after Equity Bank refused to play Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, at the Nyayo gymnasium which resulted in a 20-0 walkover for the dockers. The match was earlier slated for Friday night at Kasarani but rescheduled to Sunday.
However, Equity players insisted they were prepared to play against Blazers and not KPA occasioning the stalemate. KPA had earlier beaten Nakuru Club 121-65 on Saturday.
Nakuru was on the losing end again on Sunday going down 50-68 to champions Co-operative Bank. Nick Ondinyo had 13 points for the bankers while Nakuru’s top scorer was Robert Kibet with 11 points. Nakuru won the first quarter 15-13 and Co-op Bank the subsequent quarters 18-9, 20-11 and 17-15.
On Saturday, the bankers beat Blades from Strathmore University 68-57.
Lions continued with its resurgence after beating Strathmore University 60-58 at the death on Sunday. It was a comeback win for Lions who trailed 22-33 at the breather.
United States International University- Africa, USIU-A, extended its season record to 10-0 with a 67-35 win over Kenya College of Accountancy- University, KCA-U. Georgia Adhiambo top scored for USIU-A with 11 points while Celestine Isabwa scored 16 for KCA-U.
Ulinzi Blades registered their fourth win of the season beating Safe Spaces 50-40. Safe Spaces featured five players only without any substitutions for the entire game and exhaustion played a key role in their loss.
Rebecca Sarange top-scored for Ulinzi with 13 points and Florence Mbithe for Safe Spaces with 10. Ulinzi’s record stands at 4-5 and head coach Moses Shida remains hopeful of making it to the playoffs.
“The team is generally good only that our bench power is very weak. We don't have quality players to complement the regulars but we must play in the playoffs despite tough competition.”
in another match, Suzanne Akinyi scored 18 points to steer Sprite Storms to a 57-23 win over Western Delights. Jacqueline Chelashaw scored 11 points for Delights who lost all quarters 8-6, 12-4, 17-9 and 20-4. Eagle Wings scored 40-27 against Kenyatta University Oryx.
KBF Weekend Results: KPA 20 Equity Bank 0 (wo), Ulinzi Blades 50 Safe Spaces 40, KCA-U 35 USIU Flames 67, Co-op Bank 68 Nakuru Club 50, Sprite Storms 57 Western Delights 23, Eagle Wings 40 KU Oryx 27, KCA-U 58 Trailblazers 59, Parklands Baptist 42 Eldonetts 59, Lions 60 Strathmore University 58, Thunder 75 KU Pirates 55, Nairobi Aviation College 62 Thunder 94, Co-op Bank 68 Blades 57, KPA 121 Nakuru Club 65.
The varsity side had their eyes on the playoffs but a poor start has forced head coach Gitau Waringo to review his goals. Pirates has played twelve matches and won only one against bottom side Blazers.
“The playoffs are out of question for us looking at the performance. Our main objective in the remaining games is to play hard and be among the top fourteen teams and avoid relegation,” he told sportsnewsarena.com.
At the start of the season, Pirates lost five key players who were part of the starting five last season in their division one campaign. Gilbert Obiero (now with Umoja), Douglas Momanyi, Nicodemus Odhiambo, Robert Otieno and Jonathan Lando are not part of the team anymore and Waringo rues their exit.
“Its very difficult for us without the five,” he observed saying his team is equal to the task. “I cannot say competition in the league is big for us but its only that we don't have the key players. If they were there, we could now be playing in the top four and matching these top teams.”
He adds the institution’s policy of releasing players who graduate and picking players from within has put to rest any chances of seeking replacements. The university’s long holiday that begins in March till August has also complicated the team’s chances.
Since the start of the 2014 season in April, players have been operating from home and it is difficult to raise a quorum during training. On Sunday, they lost 55-75 to Thunder after putting up a strong fight.
Griffin Ligare scored 25 points for Thunder, grabbed seven rebounds and five steals with Cliff Alela adding 18 points, 16 rebounds and two steals. Jacktone Agunda was Pirates’ highest scorer with 17 points.Thunder beat Nairobi Aviation College 94-62 on Saturday.
Drama on Sunday
There was drama on Sunday after Equity Bank refused to play Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, at the Nyayo gymnasium which resulted in a 20-0 walkover for the dockers. The match was earlier slated for Friday night at Kasarani but rescheduled to Sunday.
However, Equity players insisted they were prepared to play against Blazers and not KPA occasioning the stalemate. KPA had earlier beaten Nakuru Club 121-65 on Saturday.
Nakuru was on the losing end again on Sunday going down 50-68 to champions Co-operative Bank. Nick Ondinyo had 13 points for the bankers while Nakuru’s top scorer was Robert Kibet with 11 points. Nakuru won the first quarter 15-13 and Co-op Bank the subsequent quarters 18-9, 20-11 and 17-15.
On Saturday, the bankers beat Blades from Strathmore University 68-57.
Lions continued with its resurgence after beating Strathmore University 60-58 at the death on Sunday. It was a comeback win for Lions who trailed 22-33 at the breather.
United States International University- Africa, USIU-A, extended its season record to 10-0 with a 67-35 win over Kenya College of Accountancy- University, KCA-U. Georgia Adhiambo top scored for USIU-A with 11 points while Celestine Isabwa scored 16 for KCA-U.
Ulinzi Blades registered their fourth win of the season beating Safe Spaces 50-40. Safe Spaces featured five players only without any substitutions for the entire game and exhaustion played a key role in their loss.
Rebecca Sarange top-scored for Ulinzi with 13 points and Florence Mbithe for Safe Spaces with 10. Ulinzi’s record stands at 4-5 and head coach Moses Shida remains hopeful of making it to the playoffs.
“The team is generally good only that our bench power is very weak. We don't have quality players to complement the regulars but we must play in the playoffs despite tough competition.”
in another match, Suzanne Akinyi scored 18 points to steer Sprite Storms to a 57-23 win over Western Delights. Jacqueline Chelashaw scored 11 points for Delights who lost all quarters 8-6, 12-4, 17-9 and 20-4. Eagle Wings scored 40-27 against Kenyatta University Oryx.
KBF Weekend Results: KPA 20 Equity Bank 0 (wo), Ulinzi Blades 50 Safe Spaces 40, KCA-U 35 USIU Flames 67, Co-op Bank 68 Nakuru Club 50, Sprite Storms 57 Western Delights 23, Eagle Wings 40 KU Oryx 27, KCA-U 58 Trailblazers 59, Parklands Baptist 42 Eldonetts 59, Lions 60 Strathmore University 58, Thunder 75 KU Pirates 55, Nairobi Aviation College 62 Thunder 94, Co-op Bank 68 Blades 57, KPA 121 Nakuru Club 65.
UGANDA : Dulah thrills to lift Power over UCU Canons
When Abdullahi Ramadhan first came to Uganda in 2009, Fuba president and
Warriors boss Ambrose Tabshobya had a glowing description of the
Tanzanian.
“He is probably one the best players I have ever seen in this region,” Tashobya said. The guard didn’t disappoint then, helping Warriors to their first Airtel National Basketball League title in his first season.
In that season, all we saw was ‘Dulah’, the match-winner. While the first cut was deep, he has since oscillated from brilliant to lethargic and individualistic, or even annoying.
On Friday at YMCA, Dulah was individualistic. However, Tiger Head Power, his current team having joined from Krishna Falcons, needed him to be exactly that, bordering on selfish.
They struggled offensively. His 17 points, most of them tough driving lay-ups, were crucial to Power beating UCU Canons 65-59. Paul Odong added 14.
This was an important result as the five-time champions lost 102-92 to Warriors seven days prior. Also, the game could be remembered for the depletion of the two rosters.
Philip Ameny and Norman Blick were missing due to suspension and injury respectively. UCU, already without Desmond Owili until November, had Sudi Ulanga join the treatment room with a knee problem.
“Someone had to try and win the game,” Dulah said. And he was dead right as UCU weren’t much better in terms of creating plays and penetration except when Dulah attacked, changed hands.
In the absence of Owili and Ulanga, Ivan Lumanyika scored 12 and 13 rebounds and Jonathan Engwau contributed 12 off the bench.
“He is probably one the best players I have ever seen in this region,” Tashobya said. The guard didn’t disappoint then, helping Warriors to their first Airtel National Basketball League title in his first season.
In that season, all we saw was ‘Dulah’, the match-winner. While the first cut was deep, he has since oscillated from brilliant to lethargic and individualistic, or even annoying.
On Friday at YMCA, Dulah was individualistic. However, Tiger Head Power, his current team having joined from Krishna Falcons, needed him to be exactly that, bordering on selfish.
They struggled offensively. His 17 points, most of them tough driving lay-ups, were crucial to Power beating UCU Canons 65-59. Paul Odong added 14.
This was an important result as the five-time champions lost 102-92 to Warriors seven days prior. Also, the game could be remembered for the depletion of the two rosters.
Philip Ameny and Norman Blick were missing due to suspension and injury respectively. UCU, already without Desmond Owili until November, had Sudi Ulanga join the treatment room with a knee problem.
“Someone had to try and win the game,” Dulah said. And he was dead right as UCU weren’t much better in terms of creating plays and penetration except when Dulah attacked, changed hands.
In the absence of Owili and Ulanga, Ivan Lumanyika scored 12 and 13 rebounds and Jonathan Engwau contributed 12 off the bench.
20 July 2014
KENYA : USIU Disqualified
KENYA's United States University Africa (USIU-A) team was locked out
of the All Africa Games basketball final match against Uganda for
allegedy fielding ineligible players.
Ugandan coach Albert Aciko lodged a complaint on Wednesday evening to the tournament's technical committee to the effect that USIU-A had fielded non-Kenyan players, which is against the championships rules. The technical committee then held a meeting to deliberate on the issue and found USIU-A guilty of the offence before subsequently disqualifying them from the tournament.
The Ugandan coach claimed that USIU-A had fielded four non-Kenyan players including--Ghyslane Uwimana, Magnifique Ndayikengerutse, Cynthia Irankunda (from Burundi), and South Sudanese Manuela Biel in their four matches of the tournament.
Reached for comment, the USIU-A coach George Mayiega declined to speak to the media on the matter. The players too were a non-committal on the unfortunate unfolding.
Effort to reach the director of the technical committee, Bonifas Salano to explain why the non-Kenyan players had been accredited to participate in the event were also futile.
The move saw Uganda pitted against Mozambique in the ladies' final and won the 48-44 to take home the gold medal. Though Uganda trailed 15-20 at the breather, they resumed the second half in high spirit to beat Mozambique 20-12 in the third quarter. It was a neck-to-neck affair in the fourth quarter with the two sides sharing spoils at 12-12.
Commenting on the game, Uganda's coach Aciko praised the girls for their hard work throughout the tournament. "I am happy the girls played so well to win the title. This is the first International Championships title for the team and this gives us joy and reason to celebrate," said the cheerful Aciko.
"I came to learn about USIU-A's ineligible players on the second day of the tournament and I had to be very sure that the girls we suspected were indeed not Kenyans. It was yesterday (Wednesday) that I was certain the four players were non-Kenyans and I immediately lodged a complaint with the technical committee. My complain was not malicious at all," added Aciko.
Clair Lamunu top-scored for Uganda with 18 points while Joy Chemtai came second with 8 points. Monica Tembo and Sousa Cita topped Mozambique's score sheet with 10 and 8 points respectively.
In the men's spirited final, pitting Egypt and Mozambique, the latter routed the North Africans 71-54 to emerge the 2014 All Africa University Games basketball champions.Meanwhile, Egypt retained the games overall title for the second time after they bagged 112 medals as the curtains came down on the week-long show at the University of Nairobi grounds. Egypt won the bi-annual event in 2012 in Namibia.
The pharaohs bagged 66 medals--20 gold, 38 silver and 8 bronze to finish ahead of hosts Kenya who bagged (68 )medals--8 gold medals, 33 silver and 27 bronze. Neighbours Uganda finished third with 48 medals--4 medals, 9 silver and 35 bronze.
Kenya won five gold, eight silver and six bronze in athletics and 11 silver and 16 bronze in swimming. In basketball, Kenya bagged bronze while in chess the hosts settled for four silver and two silver in football. Other Kenya medals came through Karate (two silver), handball (silver), tennis (one gold and three silver), and table tennis (silver).
Ghana finished fourth with 19 medals, 11 gold, four silver and four bronze while South Africa were fifth with seven medals--six gold and a silver. Senegal had four silver and 2 bronze while Cameroon and Zimbabwe tied in the seventh position with five medals apiece.
Ugandan coach Albert Aciko lodged a complaint on Wednesday evening to the tournament's technical committee to the effect that USIU-A had fielded non-Kenyan players, which is against the championships rules. The technical committee then held a meeting to deliberate on the issue and found USIU-A guilty of the offence before subsequently disqualifying them from the tournament.
The Ugandan coach claimed that USIU-A had fielded four non-Kenyan players including--Ghyslane Uwimana, Magnifique Ndayikengerutse, Cynthia Irankunda (from Burundi), and South Sudanese Manuela Biel in their four matches of the tournament.
Reached for comment, the USIU-A coach George Mayiega declined to speak to the media on the matter. The players too were a non-committal on the unfortunate unfolding.
Effort to reach the director of the technical committee, Bonifas Salano to explain why the non-Kenyan players had been accredited to participate in the event were also futile.
The move saw Uganda pitted against Mozambique in the ladies' final and won the 48-44 to take home the gold medal. Though Uganda trailed 15-20 at the breather, they resumed the second half in high spirit to beat Mozambique 20-12 in the third quarter. It was a neck-to-neck affair in the fourth quarter with the two sides sharing spoils at 12-12.
Commenting on the game, Uganda's coach Aciko praised the girls for their hard work throughout the tournament. "I am happy the girls played so well to win the title. This is the first International Championships title for the team and this gives us joy and reason to celebrate," said the cheerful Aciko.
"I came to learn about USIU-A's ineligible players on the second day of the tournament and I had to be very sure that the girls we suspected were indeed not Kenyans. It was yesterday (Wednesday) that I was certain the four players were non-Kenyans and I immediately lodged a complaint with the technical committee. My complain was not malicious at all," added Aciko.
Clair Lamunu top-scored for Uganda with 18 points while Joy Chemtai came second with 8 points. Monica Tembo and Sousa Cita topped Mozambique's score sheet with 10 and 8 points respectively.
In the men's spirited final, pitting Egypt and Mozambique, the latter routed the North Africans 71-54 to emerge the 2014 All Africa University Games basketball champions.Meanwhile, Egypt retained the games overall title for the second time after they bagged 112 medals as the curtains came down on the week-long show at the University of Nairobi grounds. Egypt won the bi-annual event in 2012 in Namibia.
The pharaohs bagged 66 medals--20 gold, 38 silver and 8 bronze to finish ahead of hosts Kenya who bagged (68 )medals--8 gold medals, 33 silver and 27 bronze. Neighbours Uganda finished third with 48 medals--4 medals, 9 silver and 35 bronze.
Kenya won five gold, eight silver and six bronze in athletics and 11 silver and 16 bronze in swimming. In basketball, Kenya bagged bronze while in chess the hosts settled for four silver and two silver in football. Other Kenya medals came through Karate (two silver), handball (silver), tennis (one gold and three silver), and table tennis (silver).
Ghana finished fourth with 19 medals, 11 gold, four silver and four bronze while South Africa were fifth with seven medals--six gold and a silver. Senegal had four silver and 2 bronze while Cameroon and Zimbabwe tied in the seventh position with five medals apiece.
KENYA : Fiba Zone Five Africa Show Attracts 23 Clubs
A RECORD 23 clubs have confirmed participation in the FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championships slated for Mombasa next month.
Coast Basketball Association (CBA) chairman Hilmi Ali yesterday confirmed everything is in place for the first international tournament to be staged at the coastal city.
This will be the biggest entry since the event was held in Kampala, Uganda in 2009. The six-day tournament throws off on August 25 and will bring together teams from Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and host Kenya. "Mombasa is all set for this big championships. Everything is in place and we are all raring to go. We have got some sponsorship and we still hope other sponsors will come on boar," Said Ali.
Hilmi revealed they will use two venues with the men playing at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Welfare Hall at Makande and the ladies battling it out at the Aga Khan Academy. Reigning national champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya and KPA together with last year's runners up United States International University (USIU) KPA men have confirmed participation. Women reigning champions Eagle Wings participation is still in doubt as they await clearance from FIBA. Urunani of Burundi are the defending men champions having won the title at home during last year's show in Bujumbura.
Coast Basketball Association (CBA) chairman Hilmi Ali yesterday confirmed everything is in place for the first international tournament to be staged at the coastal city.
This will be the biggest entry since the event was held in Kampala, Uganda in 2009. The six-day tournament throws off on August 25 and will bring together teams from Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and host Kenya. "Mombasa is all set for this big championships. Everything is in place and we are all raring to go. We have got some sponsorship and we still hope other sponsors will come on boar," Said Ali.
Hilmi revealed they will use two venues with the men playing at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Welfare Hall at Makande and the ladies battling it out at the Aga Khan Academy. Reigning national champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya and KPA together with last year's runners up United States International University (USIU) KPA men have confirmed participation. Women reigning champions Eagle Wings participation is still in doubt as they await clearance from FIBA. Urunani of Burundi are the defending men champions having won the title at home during last year's show in Bujumbura.
KENYA : Kenya's Clean Run at Stake as They Face Off With Uganda Aces
KENYA's United States University of Africa (USIU-A) women basketball
team will face off with Uganda in the final match scheduled for today in
on-going All Africa University Games at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya ladies have had a stellar run winning all their matches in the tournament that was played on a home and away basis. Kenya United States USIU-A beat Uganda 59-39 and Mozambique 46-42 to sail to the finals having won all their matches. Zipporah Odhiambo and Cynthia Irankunda topscored for Kenya with 11 points apiece while Hilda Indasi followed in with 9 points against Uganda.
Against Mozambique, Indasi scored 19points while the skipper Odhiambo slotted in 18 points. For the Mozambique side, Alice Timba contributed five baskets to lead the score sheet while Chiziawe Nisa had 9 points.
In the men's category, Egypt booked their berth in today's final after beating hosts Kenya University of Nairobi 55-52 their return match in the second fixture of the day. The game started off on a sour note amid tension as Kenya sough to upset the Pharaohs for the second time in a row.
The Egyptians won the first quarter 17-12 as their star Ahmed Mohieb chipped in three baskets to contribute 6 out of the 17 points. Kenya bounced back in the second quarter with the sharp shooter Moses Wanjala commanding the attacks to lead the North Africans 17-10 at the interval.
On resumption, Hillary Kubai and Dan Nabuya slotted in a basket and a half each to fire the 'Comrades' 6-0 lead over Egypt. Wanjala then fouled Egyptian Abdelrahman Yosien in the 'D' earning him two free throws--allowing the Pharaohs to trail 2-6. The third quarter was full of stoppages as both teams' players and technical bench contested the calls made by the referees.
Seven minutes into the third quarter, the game came to a standstill for 90 seconds when a technical foul was called following a foul by Mohieb and Karim Dahshan against Kenya's George Omenda. This saw Omenda garner half a basket from the two free throws to help Kenya extend the lead 11-7. Nicholas Anyang' scored his first three-pointer of the match within four seconds of counter attack to take the lead to 18-14 after capitalising on poor handling of the ball by Ahmed Elgendy in Kenya's backyard.
Egypt put forth a water-tight defence in the last quarter with University of Nairobi (UoN) only managing two and a half baskets against Egypt's 14. Kenya's situation was made worse after Anyang' and Collins Gumba failed to convert two free throws each.
James Nyaribari topscored for UoN with 11points, Valentine Nyakinda was second with 10 . Dan Nabuya chipped in 8. Dahshan topped Egypt's score sheet with 18points while Yosien contributed 14.
Kenya ladies have had a stellar run winning all their matches in the tournament that was played on a home and away basis. Kenya United States USIU-A beat Uganda 59-39 and Mozambique 46-42 to sail to the finals having won all their matches. Zipporah Odhiambo and Cynthia Irankunda topscored for Kenya with 11 points apiece while Hilda Indasi followed in with 9 points against Uganda.
Against Mozambique, Indasi scored 19points while the skipper Odhiambo slotted in 18 points. For the Mozambique side, Alice Timba contributed five baskets to lead the score sheet while Chiziawe Nisa had 9 points.
In the men's category, Egypt booked their berth in today's final after beating hosts Kenya University of Nairobi 55-52 their return match in the second fixture of the day. The game started off on a sour note amid tension as Kenya sough to upset the Pharaohs for the second time in a row.
The Egyptians won the first quarter 17-12 as their star Ahmed Mohieb chipped in three baskets to contribute 6 out of the 17 points. Kenya bounced back in the second quarter with the sharp shooter Moses Wanjala commanding the attacks to lead the North Africans 17-10 at the interval.
On resumption, Hillary Kubai and Dan Nabuya slotted in a basket and a half each to fire the 'Comrades' 6-0 lead over Egypt. Wanjala then fouled Egyptian Abdelrahman Yosien in the 'D' earning him two free throws--allowing the Pharaohs to trail 2-6. The third quarter was full of stoppages as both teams' players and technical bench contested the calls made by the referees.
Seven minutes into the third quarter, the game came to a standstill for 90 seconds when a technical foul was called following a foul by Mohieb and Karim Dahshan against Kenya's George Omenda. This saw Omenda garner half a basket from the two free throws to help Kenya extend the lead 11-7. Nicholas Anyang' scored his first three-pointer of the match within four seconds of counter attack to take the lead to 18-14 after capitalising on poor handling of the ball by Ahmed Elgendy in Kenya's backyard.
Egypt put forth a water-tight defence in the last quarter with University of Nairobi (UoN) only managing two and a half baskets against Egypt's 14. Kenya's situation was made worse after Anyang' and Collins Gumba failed to convert two free throws each.
James Nyaribari topscored for UoN with 11points, Valentine Nyakinda was second with 10 . Dan Nabuya chipped in 8. Dahshan topped Egypt's score sheet with 18points while Yosien contributed 14.
Mali: Côte d'Ivoire Clinches the Ticket for Mali
Côte d'Ivoire win their ticket for the finals
of the women Afrobasket U18. Led by a sparkling Salange Irene Bognigni,
the Ivorian team won the qualifying tournament for Zone III which was
held in Abidjan on 13 and 14 July. Côte d'Ivoire have dominated the
double confrontation that pitted them to Burkina Faso, the only
selection on the banks of the Ebrié lagoon for these playoffs Zone III.
Beaten 48-16 in the first leg match Sunday, the Burkinabe junior shattered in the second leg. It heavily tilted 10-76. These tussles took place at the Sports Hall in Treichville.
Member of the Five Major at Afrobasket U16 Maputo 2013, Irene Bognigni finished top scorer over the two games. Côte d'Ivoire therefore qualifies for the 13th edition of the U18 Afrobasket to be held in September in Mali.
Note that Uganda has also validated the qualification for junior African women's basketball championship.
Beaten 48-16 in the first leg match Sunday, the Burkinabe junior shattered in the second leg. It heavily tilted 10-76. These tussles took place at the Sports Hall in Treichville.
Member of the Five Major at Afrobasket U16 Maputo 2013, Irene Bognigni finished top scorer over the two games. Côte d'Ivoire therefore qualifies for the 13th edition of the U18 Afrobasket to be held in September in Mali.
Note that Uganda has also validated the qualification for junior African women's basketball championship.
NIGERIA : Nigeria Men's Basketball League Semi-Finals Hold Friday
Group A leaders and defending champions, Kano
Pillars basketball club, will take on Group B runners-up, Gombe Bulls
basketball club, in the first semi-final.
Group B winners, Mark Mentors basketball club of Abuja, will meet Group A runners-up, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos, in the second semi-final game at the venue.
Pillars, led by Abubakar Usman who scored 31 points in the 84-79 win over Dodan Warriors on Tuesday, had won all their three group games.
They beat the Warriors (84-79), Union Bank of Lagos (88-71) and defeated Plateau Peaks of Jos (93-53) to earn the maximum points in the group.
Gombe Bulls posted an impressive 2-1 record with wins over Lagos Islanders (45-42) and Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan (53-34), and lost 58-76 to Mark Mentors.
The Mentors won all their Group B games - Oluyole Warriors (82-61), Gombe Bulls (76-58) and Islanders (53-50).
On their part, Dodan Warriors finished the preliminary round with a 2-1 record just like Gombe Bulls, by defeating Plateau Peaks and Union Bank (71-57 and 65-52 respectively).
They however went down 79-84 to Pillars.
Group B winners, Mark Mentors basketball club of Abuja, will meet Group A runners-up, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos, in the second semi-final game at the venue.
Pillars, led by Abubakar Usman who scored 31 points in the 84-79 win over Dodan Warriors on Tuesday, had won all their three group games.
They beat the Warriors (84-79), Union Bank of Lagos (88-71) and defeated Plateau Peaks of Jos (93-53) to earn the maximum points in the group.
Gombe Bulls posted an impressive 2-1 record with wins over Lagos Islanders (45-42) and Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan (53-34), and lost 58-76 to Mark Mentors.
The Mentors won all their Group B games - Oluyole Warriors (82-61), Gombe Bulls (76-58) and Islanders (53-50).
On their part, Dodan Warriors finished the preliminary round with a 2-1 record just like Gombe Bulls, by defeating Plateau Peaks and Union Bank (71-57 and 65-52 respectively).
They however went down 79-84 to Pillars.
RWANDA : Ubumwe win women basketball league title
Saturday
WomenRAPP 43-67 Ubumwe
MenGisenyi 62-56 30-Plus
Today
MenRusizi vs UGB 9amIPRC vs Gisenyi 11am
UBUMWE Basketball Club are the champions of this year’s women basketball league.
They claimed the crown after easily registering victory over RAPP in their final game of the season played at KIST courts yesterday.
Ubumwe BBC who also won the pre-season tournament in February won their first league title prior to thrashing 67-43 Rwandan Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) in the last match of the women’s national basketball championship.
Ubumwe BBC head coach Jacques Habige told Sunday Sport that he was extremely happy with the milestone achievement. “I can’t believe we won this title dethroning a dominant APR who were reigning champions since 2008. Thanks to my players for this success.”
Ubumwe won the title with 15 points, on level with APR but the latter had a less score average.
RAPP and UR-Huye campus finished third and fourth-placed with 11 points respectively while UR-college of education finished bottom in the fifth position with seven points. The first four will feature in the forthcoming play-offs set for early August.
In men’s league, new entrants Gisenyi BBC beat 62-56 struggling 30-Plus and are back in action this morning playing IPRC-Kicukiro at 11am KIST courts while Rusizi BBC is hosting UGB this morning at 9am in Rusizi District.
WomenRAPP 43-67 Ubumwe
MenGisenyi 62-56 30-Plus
Today
MenRusizi vs UGB 9amIPRC vs Gisenyi 11am
UBUMWE Basketball Club are the champions of this year’s women basketball league.
They claimed the crown after easily registering victory over RAPP in their final game of the season played at KIST courts yesterday.
Ubumwe BBC who also won the pre-season tournament in February won their first league title prior to thrashing 67-43 Rwandan Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) in the last match of the women’s national basketball championship.
Ubumwe BBC head coach Jacques Habige told Sunday Sport that he was extremely happy with the milestone achievement. “I can’t believe we won this title dethroning a dominant APR who were reigning champions since 2008. Thanks to my players for this success.”
Ubumwe won the title with 15 points, on level with APR but the latter had a less score average.
RAPP and UR-Huye campus finished third and fourth-placed with 11 points respectively while UR-college of education finished bottom in the fifth position with seven points. The first four will feature in the forthcoming play-offs set for early August.
In men’s league, new entrants Gisenyi BBC beat 62-56 struggling 30-Plus and are back in action this morning playing IPRC-Kicukiro at 11am KIST courts while Rusizi BBC is hosting UGB this morning at 9am in Rusizi District.
19 July 2014
UGANDA : Okello eager for UCU to inflict more damage on Power
KAMPALA- Boniface Okello believes UCU Canons
stand a chance of inflicting a second straight defeat on Tiger Head
Power when the two teams meet today in the Airtel National basketball
league.
“We stand a good chance if we can stop their fast prevent fast break offense,” said the small forward who also won two titles with Power in
2010 and 2011
“We stand a good chance if we can stop their fast prevent fast break offense,” said the small forward who also won two titles with Power in
2010 and 2011
UCU(6-3) have had a decent start to the season and are the only team to have beaten champions City Oilers this season.
Their roster is also expected to be beefed up by
the additions of centre Francis Ogola and Martin Okwako who have been
away from their recent games.
Power will meanwhile hope to bounce back from last Friday’s 102-92 defeat to Riham Warriors which left the five time champions with a 5-4 record.
Power will meanwhile hope to bounce back from last Friday’s 102-92 defeat to Riham Warriors which left the five time champions with a 5-4 record.
In the continued absence of big man Phillip Ameny,
Power will look once again look to shooting guard Paul Odong who is
averaging 19 points from his last three games.
On Wednesday, Riham Warriors continued their renaissance with an 88-56 straight forward victory over Sharing Youth.
Guard Jude Ochen led all scorers with 16 points
with three other players, Stephen Okias 12, Brian Gumisiriza 11 and Eric
Malinga 10 all getting into double figures.
Stephen Otoa meanwhile scored 12 and Tony Okello 11 points as Caleb Ernest’s Sharing slumped to 4-6 this season.
The other game had six time winners Krishna Falcons, hold Nkumba Marines’ 24-12 third quarter surge to prevail 76-65.
Syrus Kiviiri continued his blistering start to
the season with a game high 23 points coupled with able assistance from
Peter Elungat’s 19 points.
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com
RWANDA : Espoir, APR set for Zone V Club tourney
Reigning champions Espoir BBC have started preparations for next month's regional club tourney. Courtesy.
REIGNING CHAMPIONS Espoir and APR women
basketball clubs are set to represent Rwanda at this year’s Fiba/Africa
Zone Five club championships set for next month in Kenya.The one-week competition will run from August 25 to 31 at the KPA Makande Hall in Mombasa, Kenya. Burundi’s Urunani BBC are the defending champions in the men’s category while Eagle Wings are holders of the women’s title.
Speaking to Saturday Sport yesterday, Espoir BBC head coach Jean Bahufite who doubles as national men’s senior team assistant said that his side is ready for the regional competition.
“We are ready for the tournament. Preparations are already underway. We have started early so as to get enough time to put our team in an excellent shape,” Bahufite said.
He also added that his side will build on the performance staged in the last two editions, having won the tournament in 2012 and reaching the final in 2013 to reclaim the zonal crown for the second time, adding that the target is attainable.
However, APR women’s team which also represented the country at the 2013 edition in Burundi did not perform well as they consecutively lost 50-35 to Burundi’s Les Gazelles and 65-51 to Tanzania’s Don Bosco to get knocked-out in the group stages
16 July 2014
KENYA : Co-op Bank, USIU, Ulinzi Win Big
Shem Otieno of KAA in a KBF men's Premier League action against Lions in a past match. KAA dropped to the third spot after losing to Aviation at the weekend (SNA File Photo)
United States International University
- Africa ascended to the leadership of the Kenya Basketball Federation
men's league after winning all their matches at the weekend.
Equally impressive were Co-operative Bank (the defending champions) and Ulinzi Warriors who also won their two league matches.
Following their wins at the weekend, USIU-A now lead the league with 22 points. The students kicked off their weekend harvest with a 73-42 win over Kenyatta University Pirates in a game they led 47-20 at halftime.
Abel Nson scored 27 points to lead USIU-A in winning all quarters 19-7, 28-13, 14-11 and 12-11 respectively. Pirates’ highest scorer was Jackton Agunda with 17 points.
On Sunday, USIU-A beat Nakuru Club 80-60 to bag maximum points. Samuel Odera scored 11 points for the students with James Okerio top scoring for Nakuru on 14.
Co-op Bank convincingly beat Blazers 84-40 on Saturday. The top scorers for the bankers were Frederick Odongo and Titus Musembi who had 30 points each.
The champions led 44-18 at the breather and swept home all the quarters 22-10, 22-8, 12-8 and 28-14. Joel Wafula scored 13 points for Blazers.
In their second match, Co-op Bank rallied from 27-29 down at half time to overcome KU Pirates 68-39. The bankers won first quarter 16-15 and Pirates’ the second 14-11.
A dominant display upon resumption saw Co-op Bank overpower their opponents with 23-2 and 18-8 wins in the third and fourth quarters. James Mwangi had 14 points for the bankers while Mike Oketch top scored for Pirates with 11 points.
Biggest mover
Ulinzi was the biggest mover going to the second spot with 21 points from eleven matches. The soldiers beat Equity Bank 62-46 on Saturday. They led 33-16 at half time. Ancette Wafula scored 24 points while Vincent Onsogo had 11 for Equity.
On Sunday, Ulinzi beat Nairobi Aviation College 60-47, a comeback win after trailing 25-29 at the breather. Aviation won the first quarter 18-11 and the second went to Ulinzi 14-11.
The soldiers’ turnaround came in the second half after winning the third and fourth quarters 15-8 and 20-10 to nail down maximum points. Victor Odendo scored 12 points for Ulinzi while Felix Luke notched 11 for Aviation.
Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, dropped to the third spot after losing 58-65 to Aviation. They have 20 points.
Ben Oluoch scored a game high of 26 points for Aviation who led 28-22 at the breather. Shem Otieno was KAAs top scorer with 17 points.
KCB Lions beat Mennonite 65-52 in a match which saw Victor Ochieng, the captain score 20 points. The Lions led 34-20 at halftime after winning the first two quarters 21-14 and 13-6.
They won the third quarter 18-14 but Mennonite bounced back to win the fourth quarter 18-13. Erick Wawire top scored for Mennonite with 16 points.
Thunder inflicted the 10th loss to Blazers whom they narrowly beat 67-60 on Sunday. Griffin Ligare scored 30 for Thunder who led 38-29 at the breather. Joel Wafula was the highest scorer for Blazers on18 points and Joe Koech added 17.
Sprite Storms and Strathmore University were on the winning end in women's Premier League beating Kenyatta University Oryx and Kenya College of Accountancy- University KCA-U) respectively.
Mercy Wanyama scored 14 points and Sylvia Omollo 11 to steer Storms to a 56-40 win over Kenyatta University Oryx. The top scorer for Oryx was Betty Kamau on 19 points.
Melissa Akinyi scored 20 points to lead Strathmore to a 73-18 win over KCA-U after a low-scoring first half. Strathmore was the superior of the two sides restricting KCA-U to a 16-0 score in the third quarter and 39-9 score in the fourth.
Strathmore University led 18-9 at halftime winning the opening quarters 11-6 and 7-3. Celestine Isambwa scored nine points for KCA-U.
On Saturday, KCA-U lost 30-56 to Eagle Wings with Annerose Atieno scoring 19 points for the winners and Helen Okwiri nine for the losers. Ulinzi Blades beat KU Oryx 58-44 to take their season's tally to 11 points.
Results
Saturday: ANU 67 World Hope 74, Ulinzi Blades 58 KU Oryx 44, Trailblazers 64 JKUAT 51, Eagle Wings 56 KCA-U 30, Little Prince 54 Baraka Xtreme 51, Mennonite 52 Lions 65, Blazers 40 Co-op Bank 84, KU Pirates 42 USIU-A Tigers 73, Nairobi Aviation College 65 KAA 58, Ulinzi Warriors 62 Equity Bank 46.
Sunday: Parklands Baptist 41 ANU 76, Little Prince 53 JKUAT 47, KU Pirates 39 Co-op Bank 68, Sprite Storms 56 KU Oryx 40, Strathmore University 73 KCA-U 18, USIU-A Tigers 80 Nakuru Club 60, Thunder 67 Blazers 60, Ulinzi Warriors 60 Nairobi Aviation College 47.
Equally impressive were Co-operative Bank (the defending champions) and Ulinzi Warriors who also won their two league matches.
Following their wins at the weekend, USIU-A now lead the league with 22 points. The students kicked off their weekend harvest with a 73-42 win over Kenyatta University Pirates in a game they led 47-20 at halftime.
Abel Nson scored 27 points to lead USIU-A in winning all quarters 19-7, 28-13, 14-11 and 12-11 respectively. Pirates’ highest scorer was Jackton Agunda with 17 points.
On Sunday, USIU-A beat Nakuru Club 80-60 to bag maximum points. Samuel Odera scored 11 points for the students with James Okerio top scoring for Nakuru on 14.
Co-op Bank convincingly beat Blazers 84-40 on Saturday. The top scorers for the bankers were Frederick Odongo and Titus Musembi who had 30 points each.
The champions led 44-18 at the breather and swept home all the quarters 22-10, 22-8, 12-8 and 28-14. Joel Wafula scored 13 points for Blazers.
In their second match, Co-op Bank rallied from 27-29 down at half time to overcome KU Pirates 68-39. The bankers won first quarter 16-15 and Pirates’ the second 14-11.
A dominant display upon resumption saw Co-op Bank overpower their opponents with 23-2 and 18-8 wins in the third and fourth quarters. James Mwangi had 14 points for the bankers while Mike Oketch top scored for Pirates with 11 points.
Biggest mover
Ulinzi was the biggest mover going to the second spot with 21 points from eleven matches. The soldiers beat Equity Bank 62-46 on Saturday. They led 33-16 at half time. Ancette Wafula scored 24 points while Vincent Onsogo had 11 for Equity.
On Sunday, Ulinzi beat Nairobi Aviation College 60-47, a comeback win after trailing 25-29 at the breather. Aviation won the first quarter 18-11 and the second went to Ulinzi 14-11.
The soldiers’ turnaround came in the second half after winning the third and fourth quarters 15-8 and 20-10 to nail down maximum points. Victor Odendo scored 12 points for Ulinzi while Felix Luke notched 11 for Aviation.
Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, dropped to the third spot after losing 58-65 to Aviation. They have 20 points.
Ben Oluoch scored a game high of 26 points for Aviation who led 28-22 at the breather. Shem Otieno was KAAs top scorer with 17 points.
KCB Lions beat Mennonite 65-52 in a match which saw Victor Ochieng, the captain score 20 points. The Lions led 34-20 at halftime after winning the first two quarters 21-14 and 13-6.
They won the third quarter 18-14 but Mennonite bounced back to win the fourth quarter 18-13. Erick Wawire top scored for Mennonite with 16 points.
Thunder inflicted the 10th loss to Blazers whom they narrowly beat 67-60 on Sunday. Griffin Ligare scored 30 for Thunder who led 38-29 at the breather. Joel Wafula was the highest scorer for Blazers on18 points and Joe Koech added 17.
Sprite Storms and Strathmore University were on the winning end in women's Premier League beating Kenyatta University Oryx and Kenya College of Accountancy- University KCA-U) respectively.
Mercy Wanyama scored 14 points and Sylvia Omollo 11 to steer Storms to a 56-40 win over Kenyatta University Oryx. The top scorer for Oryx was Betty Kamau on 19 points.
Melissa Akinyi scored 20 points to lead Strathmore to a 73-18 win over KCA-U after a low-scoring first half. Strathmore was the superior of the two sides restricting KCA-U to a 16-0 score in the third quarter and 39-9 score in the fourth.
Strathmore University led 18-9 at halftime winning the opening quarters 11-6 and 7-3. Celestine Isambwa scored nine points for KCA-U.
On Saturday, KCA-U lost 30-56 to Eagle Wings with Annerose Atieno scoring 19 points for the winners and Helen Okwiri nine for the losers. Ulinzi Blades beat KU Oryx 58-44 to take their season's tally to 11 points.
Results
Saturday: ANU 67 World Hope 74, Ulinzi Blades 58 KU Oryx 44, Trailblazers 64 JKUAT 51, Eagle Wings 56 KCA-U 30, Little Prince 54 Baraka Xtreme 51, Mennonite 52 Lions 65, Blazers 40 Co-op Bank 84, KU Pirates 42 USIU-A Tigers 73, Nairobi Aviation College 65 KAA 58, Ulinzi Warriors 62 Equity Bank 46.
Sunday: Parklands Baptist 41 ANU 76, Little Prince 53 JKUAT 47, KU Pirates 39 Co-op Bank 68, Sprite Storms 56 KU Oryx 40, Strathmore University 73 KCA-U 18, USIU-A Tigers 80 Nakuru Club 60, Thunder 67 Blazers 60, Ulinzi Warriors 60 Nairobi Aviation College 47.
LIBERIA : 'Our District Needs Basketball Court' - Montserrado County Youth
Monrovia — Youth of District 14 Montserrado
County has called on Montserrado County Senatorial aspirant Robert A.
Sirleaf to help build a basketball court in their community especially
the Samuel Kanyon Doe community on the Bushrod Island.
Freeman B. Manubah Jr. speaking on behalf of the district youth said he is urging Mr. Sirleaf to help build a basketball court in their community because the district is very large and made up of both football and basketball players.
"Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Liberia and all over the world and Mr. Sirleaf himself is a basketball player, so we hope he will come to our aid and make our dreams come to reality."
Manubah said through Mr. Sirleaf's help several communities in and out of Montserrado County now have access to good football playing pitches and he thinks the same should be done for basketball players because there are several basketball players in all of the districts that he has built football pitches for.
Freeman B. Manubah Jr. speaking on behalf of the district youth said he is urging Mr. Sirleaf to help build a basketball court in their community because the district is very large and made up of both football and basketball players.
"Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Liberia and all over the world and Mr. Sirleaf himself is a basketball player, so we hope he will come to our aid and make our dreams come to reality."
Manubah said through Mr. Sirleaf's help several communities in and out of Montserrado County now have access to good football playing pitches and he thinks the same should be done for basketball players because there are several basketball players in all of the districts that he has built football pitches for.
Egypt: Kenya Hit Egypt
KENYA beat Egypt in basketball for the first time ever on Monday
evening in the on-going All Africa Games at the Nyayo National Stadium
gymnasium.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) men's team also known as Terrorists beat Egypt 64-51 to become the first Kenyan side to break the Egyptian dominance over Kenya. Under the guidance former Kenyan International coach Eugene Genga, the team played their hearts-- locking all avenues for the Pharaohs.
"It was a tough game and I'm happy the boys played very well to become the first Kenyan side to beat Egypt. We are taking a game at a time and we hope to make it to the Global University Games in China next year," said Genga, an alumni of the University of Nairobi.
Towering South Sudanese Nicholas Anyang' scored the game's high of 14 points while the captain Hillary Kubai contributed 11 points. Ahmed Dahshan led Egyptians with 9 baskets.
Kenya trailed Egypt 9-15 at the end of the first quarter with the Pharoahs leading 29-26 at the break. Kenya returned to the second half of play with a lot of determination and aggression--scoring two and a half baskets before Egypt could find their way to UoN's rim through Ahmed Gazav five minutes into the second half.
With the introduction of Dan Nabuya, Moses Wanjala powered the 'Comrades' side to cruise past the Pharaohs 20-15 at the end of the third quarter. The last quarter went the Kenyan way after the Egyptians yielded to the crowd's jeers whenever they gained ball possession. Anyang, Geoffry Oteki, Franklyne Nyakinda and George Omenda put up an impermeable defense for Egypt to close the last quarter at 18-07.
Against Mozambique yesterday, Kenya lost 50-59 with astute Anyang' scoring the game high of 11 points and Omenda adding 9. Jassias Nelson and Matos Pio top scored for Mozambique with 19 and 15 baskets respectively.
In the women's category, Kenya's United States International university-Africa triumphed in their second match of the tournament, beating Mozambique 59-51. The sharp and determined Hilda Indasi scored 33 baskets to lead Manuela Biel and Cynthia Irankunda, who posted 7 and 6 respectively.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) men's team also known as Terrorists beat Egypt 64-51 to become the first Kenyan side to break the Egyptian dominance over Kenya. Under the guidance former Kenyan International coach Eugene Genga, the team played their hearts-- locking all avenues for the Pharaohs.
"It was a tough game and I'm happy the boys played very well to become the first Kenyan side to beat Egypt. We are taking a game at a time and we hope to make it to the Global University Games in China next year," said Genga, an alumni of the University of Nairobi.
Towering South Sudanese Nicholas Anyang' scored the game's high of 14 points while the captain Hillary Kubai contributed 11 points. Ahmed Dahshan led Egyptians with 9 baskets.
Kenya trailed Egypt 9-15 at the end of the first quarter with the Pharoahs leading 29-26 at the break. Kenya returned to the second half of play with a lot of determination and aggression--scoring two and a half baskets before Egypt could find their way to UoN's rim through Ahmed Gazav five minutes into the second half.
With the introduction of Dan Nabuya, Moses Wanjala powered the 'Comrades' side to cruise past the Pharaohs 20-15 at the end of the third quarter. The last quarter went the Kenyan way after the Egyptians yielded to the crowd's jeers whenever they gained ball possession. Anyang, Geoffry Oteki, Franklyne Nyakinda and George Omenda put up an impermeable defense for Egypt to close the last quarter at 18-07.
Against Mozambique yesterday, Kenya lost 50-59 with astute Anyang' scoring the game high of 11 points and Omenda adding 9. Jassias Nelson and Matos Pio top scored for Mozambique with 19 and 15 baskets respectively.
In the women's category, Kenya's United States International university-Africa triumphed in their second match of the tournament, beating Mozambique 59-51. The sharp and determined Hilda Indasi scored 33 baskets to lead Manuela Biel and Cynthia Irankunda, who posted 7 and 6 respectively.
15 July 2014
KENYA : USIU March On
KENYA cruised past Uganda in their opening basketball match played at the Nyayo Stadium yesterday.
Representing Kenya, United States International University of Africa women's team, hammered Uganda National University 63-55. Kenya's attack was led by the never-say-die Hilda Indasi, who slotted in the game's high of 20 points while compatriot Emma Nyakweba followed with 10 baskets. Uganda won the first quarter 14-10 but Kenya changed the tide seven minutes before the break after the introduction of inspirational Georgia Adhiambo. The move saw Kenya win the second quarter 28-25.
On resumption, both teams offered water-tight defence kind of game and settled the third quarter 8-7 in favour of Kenya. Uganda's captain Maurine Amoding and Claire Lamunu led in the attacks, scoring 16 and 14 points respectively while Sylvia Nakazibwe, Joy Chemtai and Immaculate Kyalisima put up solid defence in the back-line.
With Uganda leading 14-10 in the last quarter, Kenya called for a time-out to put their house in order and it indeed, this worked wonders. Cynthia Irankunda and captain Zipporah Odhiambo scored three and two baskets respectively to help Kenya take a 15-14 lead barely a minute after time-out. Irankunda was then substituted and replaced by Manuel Biel, who bolstered the attack to close the last quarter leading 27-23.
"It is good that we have won our first match and we look forward to do well in the rest of our games," said the elated Odhiambo.
In a tightly contested second match of the day, Egypt battled hard to beat fit Mozambique 57-55. The match was so tensed from the onset and aroused lots of emotions from both the players and the bench.
Mozambique trailed Egypt 13-17 in the first quarter but bounced back in the second quarter to lead the Pharaohs 28-25 at half time. In the third quarter, Mozambique lost 11 points through Cossa Ivan and Koko Sika, who failed to score when they had clear chances to garner points. The quarter ended 21-16 in favour of Egypt.
With six minutes to the final whistle, Egypt lost Karim Eldahshan to injury and was carried out of the field of play. He was replaced by the team captain, Ibrahim Abokhadha who then led the side to winning the match. With 30 seconds to go and tying at 54-54, Mozambique were awarded a free throw and garnered half a basket, to lead 55-54.
Abokhadha turned out to be Egypt's saviour when he scored from the centre line (three-pointer) in the last three seconds of the game to earn three points and elevate them to win 57-55. In the other women's match played at the gymnasium, Uganda crushed Mozambique 59-33.
Representing Kenya, United States International University of Africa women's team, hammered Uganda National University 63-55. Kenya's attack was led by the never-say-die Hilda Indasi, who slotted in the game's high of 20 points while compatriot Emma Nyakweba followed with 10 baskets. Uganda won the first quarter 14-10 but Kenya changed the tide seven minutes before the break after the introduction of inspirational Georgia Adhiambo. The move saw Kenya win the second quarter 28-25.
On resumption, both teams offered water-tight defence kind of game and settled the third quarter 8-7 in favour of Kenya. Uganda's captain Maurine Amoding and Claire Lamunu led in the attacks, scoring 16 and 14 points respectively while Sylvia Nakazibwe, Joy Chemtai and Immaculate Kyalisima put up solid defence in the back-line.
With Uganda leading 14-10 in the last quarter, Kenya called for a time-out to put their house in order and it indeed, this worked wonders. Cynthia Irankunda and captain Zipporah Odhiambo scored three and two baskets respectively to help Kenya take a 15-14 lead barely a minute after time-out. Irankunda was then substituted and replaced by Manuel Biel, who bolstered the attack to close the last quarter leading 27-23.
"It is good that we have won our first match and we look forward to do well in the rest of our games," said the elated Odhiambo.
In a tightly contested second match of the day, Egypt battled hard to beat fit Mozambique 57-55. The match was so tensed from the onset and aroused lots of emotions from both the players and the bench.
Mozambique trailed Egypt 13-17 in the first quarter but bounced back in the second quarter to lead the Pharaohs 28-25 at half time. In the third quarter, Mozambique lost 11 points through Cossa Ivan and Koko Sika, who failed to score when they had clear chances to garner points. The quarter ended 21-16 in favour of Egypt.
With six minutes to the final whistle, Egypt lost Karim Eldahshan to injury and was carried out of the field of play. He was replaced by the team captain, Ibrahim Abokhadha who then led the side to winning the match. With 30 seconds to go and tying at 54-54, Mozambique were awarded a free throw and garnered half a basket, to lead 55-54.
Abokhadha turned out to be Egypt's saviour when he scored from the centre line (three-pointer) in the last three seconds of the game to earn three points and elevate them to win 57-55. In the other women's match played at the gymnasium, Uganda crushed Mozambique 59-33.
KENYA : Equity Bank Hit Nazarene University in NBA League
EQUITY Bank sunk Africa Nazarene University
77-23 in a Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) women's league match at
the Railways Club. Irene Ondego led the chart unbeaten bankers with 14
points with Samba Mjomba contributing 17.
Gladiators beat Daystar University 39-31 with Stella Opondo nailing 17 while Linda Kimemia made a strong presence with 14. Daystar had eight from Claire Syokau. MKU Thika hit JKUATS 40-30, behind 15 points from Anne Lukongo while Mary Chepkoi had 10 for Juja girls. Don Bosco beat 4-Christ 69-58 as Joel Atebe provided game high of 21 points for the winners. Daniel Imbali shot the losers' 17.
Mt Kenya University, Thika beat Old Pirates 57-43 as Lameck Namwini nailed 13 points and Paul Kimathi hit Pirates' 12. JKUATS, Karen dimmed Pandas 47-39. Darlington Getuno was good for 17 while Denis Maluli managed 14 for Pandas. Collins Ochilo nailed 16 points as Emyba nipped Our Lady Queen of Peace 54-53.
Moses Nyandega made 13 for the losers. Machakos Hawks bagged maximum points as they eclipsed Upper Hill School 59-42. Augustine Munica nailed 21 points and Garang Deng posted 18 for the school boys. Strathmore University won 58-49 over Woodley Knights as Keith Adams collected 24. Arol Run made 15 for Knights. United States International University pipped Mt Kenya University Nairobi 47-42 as Amos Njue shot 15 points while Isaac Muraya scored the losers 13.
Gladiators beat Daystar University 39-31 with Stella Opondo nailing 17 while Linda Kimemia made a strong presence with 14. Daystar had eight from Claire Syokau. MKU Thika hit JKUATS 40-30, behind 15 points from Anne Lukongo while Mary Chepkoi had 10 for Juja girls. Don Bosco beat 4-Christ 69-58 as Joel Atebe provided game high of 21 points for the winners. Daniel Imbali shot the losers' 17.
Mt Kenya University, Thika beat Old Pirates 57-43 as Lameck Namwini nailed 13 points and Paul Kimathi hit Pirates' 12. JKUATS, Karen dimmed Pandas 47-39. Darlington Getuno was good for 17 while Denis Maluli managed 14 for Pandas. Collins Ochilo nailed 16 points as Emyba nipped Our Lady Queen of Peace 54-53.
Moses Nyandega made 13 for the losers. Machakos Hawks bagged maximum points as they eclipsed Upper Hill School 59-42. Augustine Munica nailed 21 points and Garang Deng posted 18 for the school boys. Strathmore University won 58-49 over Woodley Knights as Keith Adams collected 24. Arol Run made 15 for Knights. United States International University pipped Mt Kenya University Nairobi 47-42 as Amos Njue shot 15 points while Isaac Muraya scored the losers 13.
ZAMBIA : MTN, Basketball Body Partner
MTN Zambia has partnered with the Zambia
Basketball Association (ZBA) to help improve the sport at the grassroots
level, especially in various schools on the Copperbelt.
The partnership will see the mobile service company funding the refurbishment of basketball courts in schools beginning with Chingola and Chikola high schools in Chingola, which will later be rolled out to other parts of the province.
ZBA northern region vice-president, Andrew Nyirenda said in an interview yesterday that MTN had offered to help promote the sport in schools in the northern region.
"MTN Zambia has come on board to partner with us and we are happy that the corporate world is showing interest in supporting the development of basketball in the country.
"As ZBA north executive, we are trying to strengthen basketball on the grassroots in schools and we would like to commend MTN for the gesture. Under this partnership, MTN will rehabilitate basketball courts in schools where they will also be donating sets of jerseys," he said.
Meanwhile, the 2014 basketball league season in Northern and Muchinga provinces will commence next weekend.
Last week, the ZBA held season-opening tournaments in the two provinces in an effort to popularise the sport.
"The tournaments saw a massive turnout, and served to mark as the flagging off of basketball leagues in the said provinces. The tournament in Kasama was held at St John's Parish, while the one in Mpika was held at Tazara Club," he said.
Kasama Eagles won the tournament and Saint Francis Secondary School scooped the Boys' Secondary schools category with Mpande Academy emerging winners in the girls' schools category.
The tournament in Mpika was scooped by Tazara, who beat Mad Skills Basketball Club to claim the top prize.
The partnership will see the mobile service company funding the refurbishment of basketball courts in schools beginning with Chingola and Chikola high schools in Chingola, which will later be rolled out to other parts of the province.
ZBA northern region vice-president, Andrew Nyirenda said in an interview yesterday that MTN had offered to help promote the sport in schools in the northern region.
"MTN Zambia has come on board to partner with us and we are happy that the corporate world is showing interest in supporting the development of basketball in the country.
"As ZBA north executive, we are trying to strengthen basketball on the grassroots in schools and we would like to commend MTN for the gesture. Under this partnership, MTN will rehabilitate basketball courts in schools where they will also be donating sets of jerseys," he said.
Meanwhile, the 2014 basketball league season in Northern and Muchinga provinces will commence next weekend.
Last week, the ZBA held season-opening tournaments in the two provinces in an effort to popularise the sport.
"The tournaments saw a massive turnout, and served to mark as the flagging off of basketball leagues in the said provinces. The tournament in Kasama was held at St John's Parish, while the one in Mpika was held at Tazara Club," he said.
Kasama Eagles won the tournament and Saint Francis Secondary School scooped the Boys' Secondary schools category with Mpande Academy emerging winners in the girls' schools category.
The tournament in Mpika was scooped by Tazara, who beat Mad Skills Basketball Club to claim the top prize.
RWANDA : Ubumwe On Verge of Winning League Title
UBUMWE are one-match away from winning their
maiden national women basketball league title after edging defending
champions APR over the weekend.
APR, seven-time league champions - since 2007 - lost 61-69 to Ubumwe basketball club, who were established only two years ago.
Ubumwe now need to win their last fixture of the season - against Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) --, on July 20, to be crowned new champions.
Reigning champions now lead the standings with 15 points in eight matches, two points better than Ubumwe who have only played seven matches while RAPP are placed third with 11 points secured from seven matches.
In men's league, Rusizi bounced back from Saturday's 68-83 defeat to APR to thrash Gisenyi 91-68 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the battle for the play-offs position is still on. Rusizi and United Generation Basketball club (UGB) are battling for the only slot to complete the format for the play-offs round.
Champions Espoir, Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) and APR booked the other slots.
Espoir lead the standings with 38 points, four ahead of second-placed APR, while CSK are in third place with 33 points and a game in hand. UGB are in fourth with 31 points, while Rusizi are fifth with 29 points and with two games in hand.
If Rusizi beat UGB on July 20 and Espoir on 26, they will snatch an automatic ticket to the play-offs round. However, should they lose to archrivals UGB then the latter will qualify to the play-offs set for August.
Sunday:
Rusizi 91-68 Gisenyi
Women
APR 61-69 Ubumwe
APR, seven-time league champions - since 2007 - lost 61-69 to Ubumwe basketball club, who were established only two years ago.
Ubumwe now need to win their last fixture of the season - against Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) --, on July 20, to be crowned new champions.
Reigning champions now lead the standings with 15 points in eight matches, two points better than Ubumwe who have only played seven matches while RAPP are placed third with 11 points secured from seven matches.
In men's league, Rusizi bounced back from Saturday's 68-83 defeat to APR to thrash Gisenyi 91-68 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the battle for the play-offs position is still on. Rusizi and United Generation Basketball club (UGB) are battling for the only slot to complete the format for the play-offs round.
Champions Espoir, Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) and APR booked the other slots.
Espoir lead the standings with 38 points, four ahead of second-placed APR, while CSK are in third place with 33 points and a game in hand. UGB are in fourth with 31 points, while Rusizi are fifth with 29 points and with two games in hand.
If Rusizi beat UGB on July 20 and Espoir on 26, they will snatch an automatic ticket to the play-offs round. However, should they lose to archrivals UGB then the latter will qualify to the play-offs set for August.
Sunday:
Rusizi 91-68 Gisenyi
Women
APR 61-69 Ubumwe
14 July 2014
TANZANIA : TBF Needs Sh35 Million to Prepare Teams
THE Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) needs over 35 million/- for
the national team's preparations for the All Africa Games and African
Basketball Cup of Nations qualifiers.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga disclosed to the 'Daily News' that the federation needs over 35m/- to prepare the two senior national teams -- men's and women's -- for the All Africa Games qualifiers to be held in Kampala, Uganda in September, this year.
"The amount is required to facilitate not only preparations for the All Africa Games but also the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to be held simultaneously in Uganda," he said.
"We pledge to all sports stakeholders to support us in the preparations by sponsoring the teams in terms of training camp costs and participation in the two events," he added.
Popularly known as 2014 Afro-Basket Zone V qualifiers to be played in Uganda involve teams from East and Central African nations will determine two countries that will advance to the finals of the African Basketball Nations Cup, popularly known as the Afro- Basket.
Sixteen countries that are members of the African Basketball Federation will compete at the showpiece African basketball event. The 2015 All Africa Games will be in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. This is an auspicious occasion for the All Africa Games because it will be its 50th anniversary.
The first Games were also held in Brazzaville back in 1965. Meanwhile, TBF President John Bandie and Zonga are expected to represent the Tanzania at the FIBA Africa and Zone V meetings to be held in Madagascar.
According to Zonga, Zone V meeting which will discuss the sport's development and problems will be held on July 29, preceding the two-day FIBA Africa meeting scheduled for July 30-31. In another development, the Zone V basketball championship is set for August 25-31 in Mombasa, Kenya.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga disclosed to the 'Daily News' that the federation needs over 35m/- to prepare the two senior national teams -- men's and women's -- for the All Africa Games qualifiers to be held in Kampala, Uganda in September, this year.
"The amount is required to facilitate not only preparations for the All Africa Games but also the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to be held simultaneously in Uganda," he said.
"We pledge to all sports stakeholders to support us in the preparations by sponsoring the teams in terms of training camp costs and participation in the two events," he added.
Popularly known as 2014 Afro-Basket Zone V qualifiers to be played in Uganda involve teams from East and Central African nations will determine two countries that will advance to the finals of the African Basketball Nations Cup, popularly known as the Afro- Basket.
Sixteen countries that are members of the African Basketball Federation will compete at the showpiece African basketball event. The 2015 All Africa Games will be in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. This is an auspicious occasion for the All Africa Games because it will be its 50th anniversary.
The first Games were also held in Brazzaville back in 1965. Meanwhile, TBF President John Bandie and Zonga are expected to represent the Tanzania at the FIBA Africa and Zone V meetings to be held in Madagascar.
According to Zonga, Zone V meeting which will discuss the sport's development and problems will be held on July 29, preceding the two-day FIBA Africa meeting scheduled for July 30-31. In another development, the Zone V basketball championship is set for August 25-31 in Mombasa, Kenya.
UGANDA : City Oilers aiming to continue ruthless run
TODAY AT YMCA
W: A1 Challenge vs. Crane High (11.30am)
W:Nkumba vs. UCU (1.30pm)
M: Vegetarian vs. City Oilers (3.30pm)
W: Sparks vs. Stormers (5:30pm)
M: KIU Titans vs. Ndejje (7.30pm)
BY
Kampala
W: A1 Challenge vs. Crane High (11.30am)
W:Nkumba vs. UCU (1.30pm)
M: Vegetarian vs. City Oilers (3.30pm)
W: Sparks vs. Stormers (5:30pm)
M: KIU Titans vs. Ndejje (7.30pm)
BY
Kampala
City Oilers have won three straight games and are 7-0 since losing to UCU Canons on the opening day of the season.
Vegetarian, meanwhile, are winless in three games since the shock 66-54 win over Tiger Head Power.
Both sides’ contrasting fortunes are expected to continue today when the champions City Oilers and Vegetarian face off in the pick of the games of the Airtel National Basketball League at YMCA court.
Both sides’ contrasting fortunes are expected to continue today when the champions City Oilers and Vegetarian face off in the pick of the games of the Airtel National Basketball League at YMCA court.
Oilers showed, last week that they are still the
team to beat after a 66-60 triumph over six time champion Falcons in
which MVP Kami Kabange had 18 points and 16 rebounds and Ben Komakech
16.
The second men’s game will have Ndejje University
Angels, 61- 47 winners over Vegetarian, hoping to kick-start what has
been a poor start to the season.
The same though cannot be said of their opponents KIU Titans, who at 6-3 have had a decent start to the season.
The Kansanga-based side will once again look to
Francis Kasekende and guard Chris Omanye, who scored 17 and 13 points
respectively in the 79-63 over Charging Rhino in their last game.
13 July 2014
UGANDA : Swarming Warriors overwhelm Power
Courtesy Photo
Charging Rhinos 68-60 Diamonds in the Sun
During the last shooting practice prior to Friday’s show down between Riham Warriors and Tiger Head Power, Gad Eteu told Ronnie Kasewu he needs him to score. Kasewu did exactly that. The guard turned forward got out of his shell for game and season high 23 points including four 3-pointers to lead Riham Warriors to a 102-92 win over Power at YMCA.
Warriors started the game with 3 treys from Steven Okiasi (2) and Kasewu as they registered the biggest first quarter performance of the season with a 29 points outburst.
“Our strategy was to start well and build the game from there” Eteu said “It was about creating space for comfortable shots”
Steven Okiasi added 21 points for Warriors (4-4) going 5-for-7 from beyond the arc.
Ivan Enabu played his first game of the season and water-marked it. The quick point guard netted 17 points and constantly kept the tempo of the game each time he was on. “I told him to play good defense first and offense follow. It paid off” Eteu said.
Power were without Philip Ameny who was serving his second of the 8 game ban and clearly missed as the guys who stepped in didn’t contribute as much for the team offensively. Micheal Kojo, Isac Afidra, Derrick Mbusi and David Kiberu combined for a mere 21 points.
“I think his (Ameny) absence affected us as well. He had been averaging almost 20 points and we need to get that from the guys that came on but didn’t get as much.” “Derrick (Mbusi) and Daniel (Owiti) played well. Afidra and Kojo returned prematurely from their back problems because we needed them and am happy they are getting back”
Paul Odong scored team high 21 points including a score leveling 3-pointer at 74 with just over six minutes to the final buzzer for Power (4-5), Abdullahi Ramadhan had 15 points and Norman Blick contributed 12 points.
Meanwhile, Charging Rhinos overcame Diamonds in the sun for their fourth victory of the season
RWANDA : APR BBC power into play-offs
Today Rusizi vs Gisenyi 9am
WomenAPR vs Ubumwe 10am
THREE-TIME Fiba/Africa zone five champions APR booked a place in the play-offs tournament after finishing the local basketball league on a high note with a win away to Rusizi BBC yesterday in Rusizi District.
The Former champions APR beat Rusizi, last year’s second runners-up, 83-68 to ensure their participation in the forthcoming play-offs which will be contested by the best four teams in the league.
Espoir in men and APR in women’s category are the play-offs defending champions.
APR’s skipper Deo Nkurikiyinka scored 28 points while his teammate Sanny Niyomugabo added 16 points for the military side.
“We are pleased by the victory; my players successfully executed the mission. Winning our last league match means a lot for us, thanks to everyone who’s been with us this whole championship. Play-offs preps are starting soon,” Kenyan-born APR’s tactician Cliff Owuor told Sunday Sport after the match.
Action continues today with Rusizi hosting new league entrants Gisenyi BBC at 9am while in women’s championship, seven-time champions APR battle Ubumwe BBC in a title-decider clash at Amahoro indoors stadium at 10am.
Champions Espoir lead the standings with 38 points, four ahead of second-placed APR while CSK and UGB are third and fourth with 33 and 31 points respectively.
12 July 2014
KENYA : USIU-A could go top of KBF league
Shem Otieno of KAA avoids Victor Ochieng of KCB Lions in a KBF men's premier league match. KAA are top of the table but could be toppled by USIU-A at the weekend. (Photo By Shutterspeed)
United States International
University- Africa (USIU-A), could go top of the Kenya Basketball
Federation men's premier league standings after this weekend's matches.
The students are currently second on the log with 18 points from 10 matches, one less than Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, who are perched at the top. USIU-A has won eight matches and lost two with their twin fixtures for the weekend offering a huge advantage.
On Saturday, they play against Kenyatta University Pirates before facing Nakuru Club on Sunday. Wins in both matches will take them to 22 points.
KAA, who have one match this weekend against Nairobi Aviation College, can only attain 21 points in case of a win. KAA could end up joint second with Ulinzi Warriors who are third on 17 points, nine matches played and have two matches lined up.
They face Equity Bank on Saturday and Nairobi Aviation College on Sunday. Double wins will take the soldiers to 21 points.
Regardless of the results at the weekend, the top three spots are secured with only movements up and down expected.
Blades and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), are joint fourth with 16 points and both teams have one match each. Blades play Terrorist on Sunday while KPA will host Strathmore University on Saturday. Equity Bank is also at 16 points and will play Ulinzi on Saturday.
Defending champions Co-operative Bank, the only team with an unbeaten run, will be looking to extend its record when they play Blazers and Kenyatta University Pirates.
The bankers are currently seventh with 14 points and have played the least number of matches numbering seven. Winning both matches could see the bankers go joint second but it will depend on the outcome of other matches.
Disastrous start
Thunder, eighth on the log with 14 points, will play Blazers hoping to make a turnaround after a disastrous start that has seen them lose eight matches out of eleven. Blazers sits at the lower end of the table with eight points from eight losses.
They are still winless and play Thunder and Co-op Bank this weekend. KU Pirates has won one match and lost eight and has a second match against USIU-A.
Nairobi Aviation College is another team with two matches against KAA and Ulinzi. Their second season in the league has been well balanced so far collecting 13 points from four wins and five losses.
KBC Lions, with three wins and six losses, play Mennonite who have won three matches and lost seven. USIU-A maintains a perfect run in the women premier with nine wins out of nine while champions KPA are second on 17 points.
Both teams are out of action this weekend but are assured of retaining their respective positions. Third-placed Co-op Bank with 14 points misses out this weekend and could be overtaken by Eagle Wings and Strathmore University who are all on 13 points.
Wings and Strathmore will play Kenya College of Accountancy- University, KCA-U, on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Sprite Storms, sixth with ten points, will play Kenyatta University Oryx who are eighth with eight points.
In division one, Upper Hill School will have a long weekend outing in Western Kenya where they have three marathon matches lined up. On Saturday, they will play MKU Eldonets in the morning and travel to play Lakeside in Kisumu in the afternoon.
On Sunday, they will be in Kakamega for a tough one against MKU Kakamega.
KBF Weekend Fixtures
MKU Eldonets vs Upper Hill (8:30am, Eldoret), Lakeside vs Upper Hill (3pm, Kisumu), KPA vs Strathmore University (4pm, Makande gymnasium), ANU vs World Hope (9am, Upper Hill School), Ulinzi Blades vs KU Oryx (10:30am), Trailblazers vs JKUAT (12pm), Eagle Wings vs KCA-U (2pm), Little Prince vs Baraka Xtreme (4pm), Mennonite vs Lions (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Blazers vs Co-op Bank (10:30am), KU Pirates vs USIU Tigers (12pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Equity Bank (2pm), Nairobi Aviation College vs KAA (4pm).
Sunday: MKU Kakamega vs Upper Hill (9am, Kakamega), Parklands Baptist vs ANU (9am, Upper Hill School), Little Prince vs JKUAT (10:30am), Thunder vs Blazers (12pm), KU Pirates vs Co-op Bank (2pm), Sprite Storms vs KU Oryx (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Strathmore University vs KCA-U (10:30am), USIU Tigers vs Nakuru Club (12pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Nairobi Aviation College (2pm), Blades vs Terror (4pm).
The students are currently second on the log with 18 points from 10 matches, one less than Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, who are perched at the top. USIU-A has won eight matches and lost two with their twin fixtures for the weekend offering a huge advantage.
On Saturday, they play against Kenyatta University Pirates before facing Nakuru Club on Sunday. Wins in both matches will take them to 22 points.
KAA, who have one match this weekend against Nairobi Aviation College, can only attain 21 points in case of a win. KAA could end up joint second with Ulinzi Warriors who are third on 17 points, nine matches played and have two matches lined up.
They face Equity Bank on Saturday and Nairobi Aviation College on Sunday. Double wins will take the soldiers to 21 points.
Regardless of the results at the weekend, the top three spots are secured with only movements up and down expected.
Blades and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), are joint fourth with 16 points and both teams have one match each. Blades play Terrorist on Sunday while KPA will host Strathmore University on Saturday. Equity Bank is also at 16 points and will play Ulinzi on Saturday.
Defending champions Co-operative Bank, the only team with an unbeaten run, will be looking to extend its record when they play Blazers and Kenyatta University Pirates.
The bankers are currently seventh with 14 points and have played the least number of matches numbering seven. Winning both matches could see the bankers go joint second but it will depend on the outcome of other matches.
Disastrous start
Thunder, eighth on the log with 14 points, will play Blazers hoping to make a turnaround after a disastrous start that has seen them lose eight matches out of eleven. Blazers sits at the lower end of the table with eight points from eight losses.
They are still winless and play Thunder and Co-op Bank this weekend. KU Pirates has won one match and lost eight and has a second match against USIU-A.
Nairobi Aviation College is another team with two matches against KAA and Ulinzi. Their second season in the league has been well balanced so far collecting 13 points from four wins and five losses.
KBC Lions, with three wins and six losses, play Mennonite who have won three matches and lost seven. USIU-A maintains a perfect run in the women premier with nine wins out of nine while champions KPA are second on 17 points.
Both teams are out of action this weekend but are assured of retaining their respective positions. Third-placed Co-op Bank with 14 points misses out this weekend and could be overtaken by Eagle Wings and Strathmore University who are all on 13 points.
Wings and Strathmore will play Kenya College of Accountancy- University, KCA-U, on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Sprite Storms, sixth with ten points, will play Kenyatta University Oryx who are eighth with eight points.
In division one, Upper Hill School will have a long weekend outing in Western Kenya where they have three marathon matches lined up. On Saturday, they will play MKU Eldonets in the morning and travel to play Lakeside in Kisumu in the afternoon.
On Sunday, they will be in Kakamega for a tough one against MKU Kakamega.
KBF Weekend Fixtures
MKU Eldonets vs Upper Hill (8:30am, Eldoret), Lakeside vs Upper Hill (3pm, Kisumu), KPA vs Strathmore University (4pm, Makande gymnasium), ANU vs World Hope (9am, Upper Hill School), Ulinzi Blades vs KU Oryx (10:30am), Trailblazers vs JKUAT (12pm), Eagle Wings vs KCA-U (2pm), Little Prince vs Baraka Xtreme (4pm), Mennonite vs Lions (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Blazers vs Co-op Bank (10:30am), KU Pirates vs USIU Tigers (12pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Equity Bank (2pm), Nairobi Aviation College vs KAA (4pm).
Sunday: MKU Kakamega vs Upper Hill (9am, Kakamega), Parklands Baptist vs ANU (9am, Upper Hill School), Little Prince vs JKUAT (10:30am), Thunder vs Blazers (12pm), KU Pirates vs Co-op Bank (2pm), Sprite Storms vs KU Oryx (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Strathmore University vs KCA-U (10:30am), USIU Tigers vs Nakuru Club (12pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Nairobi Aviation College (2pm), Blades vs Terror (4pm).
RWANDA : Rusizi eye crucial win against APR in basketball league
KBC vs 30-Plus 10am
UGB vs CSK 12pm
Sunday
Rusizi vs Gisenyi 9am
Women
APR vs Ubumwe 10am
LAST YEAR’S LEAGUE second runners-up, Rusizi basketball club need a win over former champions APR today in Rusizi district, Western province to be assured of a place in the play-offs round.
This year’s play-offs are scheduled for early August and Rusizi are determined to sacrifice anything they possess to win the APR encounter.
Apart from the clash against APR today, Rusizi will also be up against UGB tomorrow in Rusizi.
Coach Jean Bosco Bahati is hoping to depend on Patrick Karimushi, Olivier Iradukunda, Emmanuel Ishimwe and Captain Leo Ngaboyakena for a victory over the military side.
“We are in need of the two wins over APR and Gisenyi. My players are fit and ready for both encounters and if we can secure three wins in the remaining four matches, then we will feature in the Play-offs,” added Bahati.
Rusizi are currently placed eighth in the 11-team table with 26 points from sixteen matches. A win over APR and Gisenyi will see them jump into the fourth position with 30 points.
Rusizi will face champions Espoir and UGB before the league climaxes.
08 July 2014
UGANDA : Falcons fade against City Oilers’ depth
Falcons haven’t done too badly in their journey
the wrongs of last year when they ‘wasted’ their Airtel National
Basketball League regular season.
They have led the 12-team log for most of the
season thus far. But, even if Friday loss to champions City Oilers was
only their second in nine, it exposed them.
Oilers beat the six-time league winners 77-66 at YMCA court in a repeat of last year’s final which went the distance.
Coach Sam Obol lacks depth as their scoring
options are so limited, even predictable, compounded by Serge Kabangu’s
astonishing loss of form. Whereas Stephen Omony scored a game-high 20
points and eight rebounds and Syrus Kiviri had 13 on a labored night, no
one else crossed six points.
It’s something we have always known. Oilers only
magnified it. Reigning MVP Kami Kabange had 18 and 16 rebounds and Ben
Komakech 16. Jimmy Enabu added nine, most of the them during crucial
phases and former Falcon Geoff Omondi also made the same number.
The champions led by double figures for most of
the game and the margin will flatter Falcons who were also out-rebounded
41-54. They never looked like scoring beyond Omony, literally!
In the early game, Sharing Youth won the clash of
newcomers, beating Diamonds in the Sun 77-66 in a thriller that tested
their mental toughness.
KENYA : USIU teams win league matches at Nyayo Stadium
USIU-A’s Flames (in blue) battle with KPA in a past match. The Flames
upset former champions Eagle Wings 57-51 in the basketball Premier
League at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium at the weekend. PHOTO/KEVIN ODIT
NATION MEDIA GROUP
USIU-Africa's men's and women’s
basketball teams won their first-leg matches in the basketball Premier
League at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium at the weekend. The Flames of the
USIU-A upset former champions Eagle Wings 57-51.
The Tigers of the USIU-A had earlier rocked the Mennonites 82-40 on Saturday.
The
Blades needed 13 points from Samuel Mugoko while George Okoth also sunk
12 to beat the Thunder 66-63 in another entertaining men’s Premier
League tie.
The Blades had an edge from the first
whistle to lead 36-31 at half time in a match Thunder guard Griffins
Ligare emerged top scorer with a record 40 points.
Women’s champions KPA had a successful tour of Kakamega, beating hosts Western Delight 94-24.
At Nyayo Stadium, Parklands Baptist lost their second match in a row, falling 73-31 to Umoja in men’s Division One league.
Parklands
Baptist lost 37-65 to World Hope at Upper Hill School on Saturday. In
Thika, hosts Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology failed
to use the home-court advantage when Zetech College defeated them 69-44.
Baraka
Xtreme also suffered a 64-26 loss to Dankind Academy from Nairobi in
Thika on Saturday. Dankind Academy kept their impressive record to pip
Upper Hill School (68-67) after trailing 33-25 at the break.
RESULTS
Parklands
Baptist 31 Umoja 73, Upper Hill School 67 Dankind Academy 68, KCA-U 48
Zetech College 61, Flames of the USIU-A 57 Eagle Wings 51, Blades 66
Thunder 63, Strathmore University 43 Co-op Bank 36, Tigers 82 Mennonites
40, Umoja 55 KCA-U 57, Africa Nazarene University 42 Trailblazers 56,
World Hope 65 Parklands Baptist 37, KPA 94 Western Delight 24, JKUAT 44
Zetech College 69, Baraka Xtreme 26 Dankind Academy 64.
06 July 2014
KENYA : Eagle Wings, USIU lock horns
Eagle Wings coach Everlyn Kedogo.(Photo by Shutterspeed)
Eagle Wings could be without four key
players when they play United States International University- Africa,
USIU-A, in a national classic league match on Sunday at the Nyayo
gymnasium.
Annerose Atieno, Linda Nyikuli, Lucy Machuma and Salma Akinyi are all nursing injuries that are likely to rule them out of the game.
Despite the setback, head coach Evelyne Kedogo believes the available players will be up to the task “We will approach the game like any other and the girls are prepared for it. We are taking everything serious and will play to win,” she said.
Eagle Wings has so far lost two matches and a win against USIU will be top on their options. USIUs only setback is Doreen Nyaga who is out for two weeks injured but the rest of the squad is fully fit.
“With one key player injured, we will have to be cautious considering we will be facing an experienced side,” said head coach George Mayienga.
“We respect them but will do our best because that is what every coach and player wants in such a game.”
Any game bringing the two teams together is always a crowd puller and comes with high stakes.
To some extent, there is usually something to settle between the teams. It was Eagle Wings who dashed USIU's hopes of a maiden league title in 2012 by beating them in the playoffs final.
Come 2013, USIU avenged by knocking out Wings in the playoffs semifinals but went on to lose the final to KPA. USIU-A has only lost Linda Mfuchi who decamped to Equity Bank and will parade a more familiar side on Sunday.
To the contrary, Eagle Wings was weakened after the departure of inspirational captain Silalei Shani who retired as well as point guards Samba Mjomba and Natalie Akinyi who joined other clubs.
They still have experienced hands in Everlyne Nora and Debra Obunga who will combine well with new recruits that Kedogo says have impressed thus far.
USIU-A is still unbeaten in the league on eight matches and will be on a mission to sustain their record. Hilda Indasi and Zipporah Adhiambo are the standout players for the varsity side.
Co-operative Bank will play host to Strathmore University in the other tough match of the women premier.
The bankers’ point guard Grace Wanjiku will come up against her former side while Melissa Akinyi will lead Strathmore’s fight.
League champions Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, will travel to Kakamega for a date with Western Delights on Saturday.
The dockers have failed to maintain their unbeaten run but the western tour might end up being an easy one.
Delights has lost all its home matches this season and KPA might be the next beneficiary of their losing consistency.
Brenda Angeshi and Helen Oketch for KPA and Celia Okumu for Delights will be the key players in the game.
Co-op face Nakuru
The men premier action has champions Co-operative Bank tackling Nakuru Club in a match of total contrast.
The bankers are yet to lose a match or forfeit points this season while Nakuru has had a tough outing thus far.
Co-op Bank is always at its best when playing at home while Nakuru’s away record is wanting which could be a key determinant in the match.
Thunder will host Blades from Strathmore University with the hope of getting their campaign back on track.
The Shauri Moyo side has failed to replicate the good performance of last season and has struggled in getting points. However, it can be a different Thunder with their star player Griffin Ligare on the court while Blades will rely on Emmanuel Soja.
Apart from upsetting their senior Strathmore side, it has not been sweet ride for Blades who lost 56-60 to Lions over the weekend.
USIU-A will play Mennonite on Sunday as Strathmore University entertain Kenya Airports Authority, KAA.
Weekend Fixtures: Saturday- World Hope vs Parklands Baptist (10:30am, Upper Hill School), Trailblazers vs ANU (12pm), Upper Hill vs KCA-U (2pm), Umoja vs Barclays Bank (4pm), JKUAT vs Zetech College (10am, Thika High School), Baraka Xtreme vs Dankind Academy (12pm), Western Delights vs KPA (10am, KPC); Sunday- Barclays Bank vs JKUAT (9am, Upper Hill School), KCA-U vs Zetech College (10:30am), Upper Hill vs Dankind Academy (12pm), Parklands Baptist vs Umoja (2pm), Strathmore University vs KAA (4pm), USIU Tigers vs Mennonite (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Co-op Bank vs Strathmore University (10:30am), Thunder vs Blades (12pm), Co-op Bank vs Nakuru Club (2pm), USIU Flames vs Eagle Wings (4pm).
Annerose Atieno, Linda Nyikuli, Lucy Machuma and Salma Akinyi are all nursing injuries that are likely to rule them out of the game.
Despite the setback, head coach Evelyne Kedogo believes the available players will be up to the task “We will approach the game like any other and the girls are prepared for it. We are taking everything serious and will play to win,” she said.
Eagle Wings has so far lost two matches and a win against USIU will be top on their options. USIUs only setback is Doreen Nyaga who is out for two weeks injured but the rest of the squad is fully fit.
“With one key player injured, we will have to be cautious considering we will be facing an experienced side,” said head coach George Mayienga.
“We respect them but will do our best because that is what every coach and player wants in such a game.”
Any game bringing the two teams together is always a crowd puller and comes with high stakes.
To some extent, there is usually something to settle between the teams. It was Eagle Wings who dashed USIU's hopes of a maiden league title in 2012 by beating them in the playoffs final.
Come 2013, USIU avenged by knocking out Wings in the playoffs semifinals but went on to lose the final to KPA. USIU-A has only lost Linda Mfuchi who decamped to Equity Bank and will parade a more familiar side on Sunday.
To the contrary, Eagle Wings was weakened after the departure of inspirational captain Silalei Shani who retired as well as point guards Samba Mjomba and Natalie Akinyi who joined other clubs.
They still have experienced hands in Everlyne Nora and Debra Obunga who will combine well with new recruits that Kedogo says have impressed thus far.
USIU-A is still unbeaten in the league on eight matches and will be on a mission to sustain their record. Hilda Indasi and Zipporah Adhiambo are the standout players for the varsity side.
Co-operative Bank will play host to Strathmore University in the other tough match of the women premier.
The bankers’ point guard Grace Wanjiku will come up against her former side while Melissa Akinyi will lead Strathmore’s fight.
League champions Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, will travel to Kakamega for a date with Western Delights on Saturday.
The dockers have failed to maintain their unbeaten run but the western tour might end up being an easy one.
Delights has lost all its home matches this season and KPA might be the next beneficiary of their losing consistency.
Brenda Angeshi and Helen Oketch for KPA and Celia Okumu for Delights will be the key players in the game.
Co-op face Nakuru
The men premier action has champions Co-operative Bank tackling Nakuru Club in a match of total contrast.
The bankers are yet to lose a match or forfeit points this season while Nakuru has had a tough outing thus far.
Co-op Bank is always at its best when playing at home while Nakuru’s away record is wanting which could be a key determinant in the match.
Thunder will host Blades from Strathmore University with the hope of getting their campaign back on track.
The Shauri Moyo side has failed to replicate the good performance of last season and has struggled in getting points. However, it can be a different Thunder with their star player Griffin Ligare on the court while Blades will rely on Emmanuel Soja.
Apart from upsetting their senior Strathmore side, it has not been sweet ride for Blades who lost 56-60 to Lions over the weekend.
USIU-A will play Mennonite on Sunday as Strathmore University entertain Kenya Airports Authority, KAA.
Weekend Fixtures: Saturday- World Hope vs Parklands Baptist (10:30am, Upper Hill School), Trailblazers vs ANU (12pm), Upper Hill vs KCA-U (2pm), Umoja vs Barclays Bank (4pm), JKUAT vs Zetech College (10am, Thika High School), Baraka Xtreme vs Dankind Academy (12pm), Western Delights vs KPA (10am, KPC); Sunday- Barclays Bank vs JKUAT (9am, Upper Hill School), KCA-U vs Zetech College (10:30am), Upper Hill vs Dankind Academy (12pm), Parklands Baptist vs Umoja (2pm), Strathmore University vs KAA (4pm), USIU Tigers vs Mennonite (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Co-op Bank vs Strathmore University (10:30am), Thunder vs Blades (12pm), Co-op Bank vs Nakuru Club (2pm), USIU Flames vs Eagle Wings (4pm).
