31 December 2014
NIGERIA : Mark d'Ball - Lagos Teams to Battle for Female Title
By Olawale Ajimotokan
Otukpo — Two Lagos-based teams will contest for the female honours of the 14th Mark D'Ball Basketball Tournament in Otukpo after they won their respective semi final matches last night.
The highly fancied Pearls outplayed Plateau Rockers 54-42 to set up an-all Lagos female finale with Baby Seals. Pearls are the only female side with 100 percent performance in the series.
With the experience of Chidinma Nwakanma, coupled with their international exposure where they recently finished fourth in the African Championship in Tunisia, the odds favour Pearls.
They prevailed in earlier meeting with Seals, winning 27-23 in Group A. Baby Seals overcame a resilient FCT Angels 49-46 in the second semi final that was packed with entertainment to reach the final. The encounter seemed like a blowout for Seals, inspired by the technical ability of Patience Ope, the rebounding of Burkina Faso import, Cecil Niambenaidougou and the leadership of Juliet Currency, until the Angels increased the tempo in the final quarter to the delight of the spectators. They will now meet Rockers in the third place match that will be played this morning.
Otukpo — Two Lagos-based teams will contest for the female honours of the 14th Mark D'Ball Basketball Tournament in Otukpo after they won their respective semi final matches last night.
The highly fancied Pearls outplayed Plateau Rockers 54-42 to set up an-all Lagos female finale with Baby Seals. Pearls are the only female side with 100 percent performance in the series.
With the experience of Chidinma Nwakanma, coupled with their international exposure where they recently finished fourth in the African Championship in Tunisia, the odds favour Pearls.
They prevailed in earlier meeting with Seals, winning 27-23 in Group A. Baby Seals overcame a resilient FCT Angels 49-46 in the second semi final that was packed with entertainment to reach the final. The encounter seemed like a blowout for Seals, inspired by the technical ability of Patience Ope, the rebounding of Burkina Faso import, Cecil Niambenaidougou and the leadership of Juliet Currency, until the Angels increased the tempo in the final quarter to the delight of the spectators. They will now meet Rockers in the third place match that will be played this morning.
30 December 2014
NIGERIA : FCT Angels, Pearls Reach Mark D Ball Semis
By Joshua Odeyemi
FCT Angels Basketball Club have qualified for the semifinals of the female category of the ongoing 2014 edition of 'Mark D Ball' Basketball Tournament in Otukpo, Benue State.
The Angels top Group B table, having won their three games.
They defeated Plateau Rockers 39-29 in their first match while also coming top in the second match against Purple Mart of Otukpo with 38-26 win.
The FCT girls continued their good form in their third group match against Sweeties of Makurdi, winning all the quarters to come top 38-24.
Pearls of Lagos also made the last four after winning all their group matches.
Pearls whitewashed One Wing of Kaduna State 61-10 in their first match, spanked Apa Queens of Otukpo 41-17 before edging Baby Seals of Lagos State 27-23 to top the group.
Though, fell to the overwhelming Pearls, Baby Seal ended up second in Group A with two wins. They won Apa Queens and One Wing 44-24 and 58-15 respectively.
They will now lock horns against FCT Angels in the second semifinal match.
Baby Seal's head coach Ochuko Okworogun told Daily Trust after their win against One Wing that she was always confident her team would make the cut.
She said her team will not be intimidated by the record of the FCT girls, assuring that her girls will overcome their opponents in the semifinals.
"We are not scared of them (FCT Angels). We will put up a fight and we will come out top," Okworogun assured.
Plateau Rockers are the fourth team to qualify for the semi-finals after their hard-earned 25-21 win over Sweeties.
They had earlier edged Purple Mart 20-15 and the second win against Sweeties guaranteed their place in the last four. They will meet Pearls in the first semifinals.
FCT Angels Basketball Club have qualified for the semifinals of the female category of the ongoing 2014 edition of 'Mark D Ball' Basketball Tournament in Otukpo, Benue State.
The Angels top Group B table, having won their three games.
They defeated Plateau Rockers 39-29 in their first match while also coming top in the second match against Purple Mart of Otukpo with 38-26 win.
The FCT girls continued their good form in their third group match against Sweeties of Makurdi, winning all the quarters to come top 38-24.
Pearls of Lagos also made the last four after winning all their group matches.
Pearls whitewashed One Wing of Kaduna State 61-10 in their first match, spanked Apa Queens of Otukpo 41-17 before edging Baby Seals of Lagos State 27-23 to top the group.
Though, fell to the overwhelming Pearls, Baby Seal ended up second in Group A with two wins. They won Apa Queens and One Wing 44-24 and 58-15 respectively.
They will now lock horns against FCT Angels in the second semifinal match.
Baby Seal's head coach Ochuko Okworogun told Daily Trust after their win against One Wing that she was always confident her team would make the cut.
She said her team will not be intimidated by the record of the FCT girls, assuring that her girls will overcome their opponents in the semifinals.
"We are not scared of them (FCT Angels). We will put up a fight and we will come out top," Okworogun assured.
Plateau Rockers are the fourth team to qualify for the semi-finals after their hard-earned 25-21 win over Sweeties.
They had earlier edged Purple Mart 20-15 and the second win against Sweeties guaranteed their place in the last four. They will meet Pearls in the first semifinals.
NIGERIA : Governorship Promises to Boost Mark d' Ball Basketball Competition
Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship
candidate in Benue, has assured the organisers of Mark d' Ball
Basketball competition that football match would be part of the event in
2015.
He stated this on Sunday in Otukpo at the ongoing Mark d' Ball basketball competition.
He promised that if he won the governorship election, his government would make the tournament more competitive with the inclusion of football match.
"We will ensure that government will throw its weight on Mark d' Ball as a tournament to ensure it is enlarged from only basketball to include football," Tarzoor said.
He said that the Mark d' Ball should be supported in its entirety since it represented the symbol of the Senate President David Mark.
Tarzoor noted that any support for Mark d' Ball was not wasted as the competition had been used to discover talents that represented the country at international basketball competitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 19 basketball teams from across the country, comprising 11 male and eight female teams are participating in the 2014 Mark d' Ball competition.
The male category has six teams from Otukpo, which include Experience, St. Marks, Bethlehem, Apa Flames, Blazers and ESPN.
Others are T. Joba Talent from Uyo, Zuba S.S from Suleja, Full Force from Abuja, Orkland of Okene and Benue Braves of Markurdi.
The female category has Apa Queens and Purple Mat from Otukpo; Sweeties from Markurdi, Angels of Abuja, Rockers of Plateau and One Wing from Kaduna.
Lagos teams, Baby Seals and Pearls are also participating in the competition which started on December 26 and expected to end on December 31.
He stated this on Sunday in Otukpo at the ongoing Mark d' Ball basketball competition.
He promised that if he won the governorship election, his government would make the tournament more competitive with the inclusion of football match.
"We will ensure that government will throw its weight on Mark d' Ball as a tournament to ensure it is enlarged from only basketball to include football," Tarzoor said.
He said that the Mark d' Ball should be supported in its entirety since it represented the symbol of the Senate President David Mark.
Tarzoor noted that any support for Mark d' Ball was not wasted as the competition had been used to discover talents that represented the country at international basketball competitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 19 basketball teams from across the country, comprising 11 male and eight female teams are participating in the 2014 Mark d' Ball competition.
The male category has six teams from Otukpo, which include Experience, St. Marks, Bethlehem, Apa Flames, Blazers and ESPN.
Others are T. Joba Talent from Uyo, Zuba S.S from Suleja, Full Force from Abuja, Orkland of Okene and Benue Braves of Markurdi.
The female category has Apa Queens and Purple Mat from Otukpo; Sweeties from Markurdi, Angels of Abuja, Rockers of Plateau and One Wing from Kaduna.
Lagos teams, Baby Seals and Pearls are also participating in the competition which started on December 26 and expected to end on December 31.
29 December 2014
TANZANIA : TBF - 2014 Was Successful
THE Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has disclosed that the year
2014 has been successful as it has managed to conduct all tournaments in
its calendar despite various obstacles.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga told the 'Daily News' that after carrying out an evaluation of how the federation has performed this year, they have realised that they have done extremely well after conducting all major tournaments.
He said they are happy they have not cancelled any competition envisaged in their calendar despite facing financial constrains and lack of sponsorship.
"We have conducted all major tournaments as per our calendar. They include the National Basketball Championship (Taifa Cup), Union League, Nyerere Cup and Kilimanjaro Cup.
This is a big achievement," Zonga said. He said during the evaluation they also dwelt on the challenges that arose when staging various competitions.
The focus was on how to end the sponsorship problem, which has been the major obstacle in implementing the federation's calendar to the letter.
"Most of our tournaments were conducted without having sponsors and this was the major problem we faced this year but, fortunately, we managed to carry on by requesting the regions or clubs to share the costs with the federation and grateful we were successful," said the TBF secretary.
According to Zonga, TBF is looking forward to alleviating the problem of lack of sponsorship in the New Year so as to enable the sport to retain its popularity among the youth and develop it countrywide.
He said the TBF plans to organise a grand basketball bash to bid farewell the year 2014 and welcome the New Year 2015, if they get sponsorship.
Meanwhile, Zonga has been appointed Zone V Commission of Wheelchair Basketball president effective September this year.
Zone V basketball member- countries are Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga told the 'Daily News' that after carrying out an evaluation of how the federation has performed this year, they have realised that they have done extremely well after conducting all major tournaments.
He said they are happy they have not cancelled any competition envisaged in their calendar despite facing financial constrains and lack of sponsorship.
"We have conducted all major tournaments as per our calendar. They include the National Basketball Championship (Taifa Cup), Union League, Nyerere Cup and Kilimanjaro Cup.
This is a big achievement," Zonga said. He said during the evaluation they also dwelt on the challenges that arose when staging various competitions.
The focus was on how to end the sponsorship problem, which has been the major obstacle in implementing the federation's calendar to the letter.
"Most of our tournaments were conducted without having sponsors and this was the major problem we faced this year but, fortunately, we managed to carry on by requesting the regions or clubs to share the costs with the federation and grateful we were successful," said the TBF secretary.
According to Zonga, TBF is looking forward to alleviating the problem of lack of sponsorship in the New Year so as to enable the sport to retain its popularity among the youth and develop it countrywide.
He said the TBF plans to organise a grand basketball bash to bid farewell the year 2014 and welcome the New Year 2015, if they get sponsorship.
Meanwhile, Zonga has been appointed Zone V Commission of Wheelchair Basketball president effective September this year.
Zone V basketball member- countries are Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
NIGERIA : 19 Teams Lock Horns at 2014 'Mark D Ball' Basketball Tournament
By Joshua Odeyemi
Otukpo — 19 teams drawn from within Nigeria will be slugging it out at the 2014 edition of 'Mark D Ball' basketball tournament in Otukpo, Benue State.
Programme coordinator of the event, Obande Ogbole this to on Saturday at the Otukpo basketball arena ahead of start of hostilities.
The number of contesting teams this year is short by three of that of last edition, but Ogbole said some invited teams couldn't make it to Otukpo.
He explained that 11 teams will compete in the male category while eight teams will battle for glory in the female category.
"We got to this number by circumstances beyond our control. They [male teams] suppose to be 12."
Those competing in the male category include; Apa Flames, Blazzers, Bethlehem, St. Mark, Blame it on experience, ESPN, Okland Blaze of Okene, T-Jobber talents from Uyo, Braves of Makurdi amongst others.
The female category has; Baby zeals from Lagos, One Win Academy from Kaduna, Sweeties from Makurdi, Pearls from Lagos, Apa queens of Otukpo, Purple Mart of Otukpo and Rockers of Jos among those who will be challenging for glory at the competition.
The coordinator explained that: "The defending champions are not part of this year's edition because it is an invitational tournament. It is at the prerogative of the host to make that decision because we want to spread the invitation to accommodate others."
He said restriction has also been placed on the number of premier league players allowed to participate in the competition.
"We won't take more than three premier league players per team. This is to allow for wider participation. It is an exposure to some of these kids whom without a forum like this will not be scouted by anyone."
Speaking on why no international team is taking part in this year's edition, Ogbole explained that: " we suppose to have a female team from Burkina Faso but because of the political issues in Burkina Faso, they couldn't come.
Otukpo — 19 teams drawn from within Nigeria will be slugging it out at the 2014 edition of 'Mark D Ball' basketball tournament in Otukpo, Benue State.
Programme coordinator of the event, Obande Ogbole this to on Saturday at the Otukpo basketball arena ahead of start of hostilities.
The number of contesting teams this year is short by three of that of last edition, but Ogbole said some invited teams couldn't make it to Otukpo.
He explained that 11 teams will compete in the male category while eight teams will battle for glory in the female category.
"We got to this number by circumstances beyond our control. They [male teams] suppose to be 12."
Those competing in the male category include; Apa Flames, Blazzers, Bethlehem, St. Mark, Blame it on experience, ESPN, Okland Blaze of Okene, T-Jobber talents from Uyo, Braves of Makurdi amongst others.
The female category has; Baby zeals from Lagos, One Win Academy from Kaduna, Sweeties from Makurdi, Pearls from Lagos, Apa queens of Otukpo, Purple Mart of Otukpo and Rockers of Jos among those who will be challenging for glory at the competition.
The coordinator explained that: "The defending champions are not part of this year's edition because it is an invitational tournament. It is at the prerogative of the host to make that decision because we want to spread the invitation to accommodate others."
He said restriction has also been placed on the number of premier league players allowed to participate in the competition.
"We won't take more than three premier league players per team. This is to allow for wider participation. It is an exposure to some of these kids whom without a forum like this will not be scouted by anyone."
Speaking on why no international team is taking part in this year's edition, Ogbole explained that: " we suppose to have a female team from Burkina Faso but because of the political issues in Burkina Faso, they couldn't come.
NIGERIA : Mark D Ball - FCT Angels, Pearl, Experience Maintain Winning Run
By Olawale Ajimotokan
FCT Angels, Pearls and Blame it on Experience on Sunday maintained their 100 per cent start to the 14th edition of the Mark D Ball tournament at Otukpo with a well-deserved 38-26 victory Purple Mark of Otukpo on the second day of the event.
The Angels won their first match in the female contest late Saturday night with a 10-point cushion by beating Rockers 39-29.
It was a hard blow for Purple Mark who beat Sweety of Makurdi 33-31 with two seconds left on the clock in their opening fixture.
The star-studded Experience side, winner of the 2012 edition and parading the likes of Ejike Ugboaja, Tunji Awojobi, Osita Nwajah, Igoche Mark and Ogor Odaudu underlined their credentials by narrowly beating Zuba by 36-34 in the second fixture.
The experience the glossed featuring for the national team and top sides in the USA truly counted in their game one against Bethlehem which they also closely won 32-28.
Pearls proved they are contenders for the female crown after they beat Apa Queens at a canter by 41-17.
The Lagos based side clearly ran the rule against One Wing in their one sided first match which they won by an emphatic 61-10 scoreline.
Blazers could not halt their poor run after were gunned down 60-25 by ESPN.
The side had earlier lost two matches on the trot to Apa Flames and Oakland.
Mark D Ball tournament is an annual basketball tournament with a touch of entertainment on Boxing Day through the New Year Eve.
It officially started with a Basketball Clinic for school children numbering over 400.
Twenty coaches led by Adeeka Daudu of Dodan Warriors aren putting the kids through the basics of the game.
One the event coordinators, Mrs Ada Mark Ogbole said they created a data base where the profiles of the children were stored.
"It is not just basketball but lifetime skills that will help in the education of the children. The programme is getting better as some of the products of the clinic from Jesus College, Otukpo and Government Girls Secondary School Gboko, recently triumphed at the Milo Basketball tournament in Lagos, " Ogbole said.
Senate President David Mark who was one of the dignitaries that graced the opening ceremony remarked that he was encouraged to see youth turn up at the annual event, promising that an indoor basketball hall will be built in Otukpo to promote the game.
Senator Mark advised the youth to channel their energy into sport instead of crime.
FCT Angels, Pearls and Blame it on Experience on Sunday maintained their 100 per cent start to the 14th edition of the Mark D Ball tournament at Otukpo with a well-deserved 38-26 victory Purple Mark of Otukpo on the second day of the event.
The Angels won their first match in the female contest late Saturday night with a 10-point cushion by beating Rockers 39-29.
It was a hard blow for Purple Mark who beat Sweety of Makurdi 33-31 with two seconds left on the clock in their opening fixture.
The star-studded Experience side, winner of the 2012 edition and parading the likes of Ejike Ugboaja, Tunji Awojobi, Osita Nwajah, Igoche Mark and Ogor Odaudu underlined their credentials by narrowly beating Zuba by 36-34 in the second fixture.
The experience the glossed featuring for the national team and top sides in the USA truly counted in their game one against Bethlehem which they also closely won 32-28.
Pearls proved they are contenders for the female crown after they beat Apa Queens at a canter by 41-17.
The Lagos based side clearly ran the rule against One Wing in their one sided first match which they won by an emphatic 61-10 scoreline.
Blazers could not halt their poor run after were gunned down 60-25 by ESPN.
The side had earlier lost two matches on the trot to Apa Flames and Oakland.
Mark D Ball tournament is an annual basketball tournament with a touch of entertainment on Boxing Day through the New Year Eve.
It officially started with a Basketball Clinic for school children numbering over 400.
Twenty coaches led by Adeeka Daudu of Dodan Warriors aren putting the kids through the basics of the game.
One the event coordinators, Mrs Ada Mark Ogbole said they created a data base where the profiles of the children were stored.
"It is not just basketball but lifetime skills that will help in the education of the children. The programme is getting better as some of the products of the clinic from Jesus College, Otukpo and Government Girls Secondary School Gboko, recently triumphed at the Milo Basketball tournament in Lagos, " Ogbole said.
Senate President David Mark who was one of the dignitaries that graced the opening ceremony remarked that he was encouraged to see youth turn up at the annual event, promising that an indoor basketball hall will be built in Otukpo to promote the game.
Senator Mark advised the youth to channel their energy into sport instead of crime.
NIGERIA : 600 Kids for 2014 'Mark D Ball' Basketball Clinic
By Joshua Odeyemi
No fewer than 600 kids are presently taking part in the 2014 edition of Mark D Ball basketball clinic, an official has said.
The coordinator of the programme, Obande Ogbole told Daily Trust on Saturday at the Otukpo basketball arena that the kids were drawn from all over the country.
"There are above 600 kids here up from 300 last year," he said.
The clinic is divided into two categories, the teenagers and the minors.
The Programme coordinator who said there won't be any coach from the USA to train the kids this year, expressed confidence in the ability of the local ones.
"This year, no international coach is coming because of the political situation in the country but the local coaches will do well."
He said since the inception of the programme, tons of kids have been identified and moved up the basketball ladder.
"At the just concluded Milo basketball championship, all the kids of Jesus College of Otukpo who won the competition in Lagos, came from 'Mark D Ball'," Ogbole noted.
He also added that a lot of the kids identified at 'Mark D Ball' have traveled out to pursue their carrier in basketball.
Basically, the kids at this year's edition will be taught the basics of basketball which includes shooting, blocking, passing, movement on the ball, guarding amongst others.
The clinic which started Saturday afternoon, 27th December 2014 will end on Wednesday 31st December, 2014.
No fewer than 600 kids are presently taking part in the 2014 edition of Mark D Ball basketball clinic, an official has said.
The coordinator of the programme, Obande Ogbole told Daily Trust on Saturday at the Otukpo basketball arena that the kids were drawn from all over the country.
"There are above 600 kids here up from 300 last year," he said.
The clinic is divided into two categories, the teenagers and the minors.
The Programme coordinator who said there won't be any coach from the USA to train the kids this year, expressed confidence in the ability of the local ones.
"This year, no international coach is coming because of the political situation in the country but the local coaches will do well."
He said since the inception of the programme, tons of kids have been identified and moved up the basketball ladder.
"At the just concluded Milo basketball championship, all the kids of Jesus College of Otukpo who won the competition in Lagos, came from 'Mark D Ball'," Ogbole noted.
He also added that a lot of the kids identified at 'Mark D Ball' have traveled out to pursue their carrier in basketball.
Basically, the kids at this year's edition will be taught the basics of basketball which includes shooting, blocking, passing, movement on the ball, guarding amongst others.
The clinic which started Saturday afternoon, 27th December 2014 will end on Wednesday 31st December, 2014.
23 December 2014
ZIMBABWE : JBC, Lakers Win Garura Unity Day Cup
By Ellina Mhlanga
HARARE-based JBC and Lakers from Bulawayo are this year's winners of the Ronald Garura Unity Day Cup basketball tournament held over the weekend at Prince Edward and Richwood. The tournament launched last year commemorates the Unity Day as well as celebrates the life of the late national team coach and local basketball legend Ronald Garura, who passed away in 2012.
This year's edition saw eight men and eight women's teams fighting for honours with each category having two pools of four teams. JBC emerged winners in the men's category when they beat last year's champions Cameo45 -42 in a closely contested match at Richwood, while Hustlers beat Mutare's Mercenaries in the third and fourth play-offs to claim bronze.
In the women's section, Lakers defeated Green Stars made up mostly of former Girls High School students in another tightly contested tie and Real Returners beat JBC 52-42 to finish third.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe athletes commission president, Shinga Magede said they were impressed with the turnout for the tournament.
"The tournament went well. I think it was well attended, the response was amazing and I think it was fantastic.
"Clubs came through especially under this economic environment.
"In the women's section we even had the defending champions travelling all the way from Bulawayo to come and defend their title and they did so successfully.
"We also had representatives from Mutare, Mercenaries and in honouring a legend, this was fantastic.
"The men's section was won by JBC, who played Cameo in the final. It was a tough match. Apparently it was their first meeting for this season, so in terms of bragging rights JBC have taken the bragging rights.
"They have not yet met in the league for this season, however, Cameo are the reigning national champions while JBC are the provincial league champions and in terms of the bragging rights, it's still game on," said Magede.
Magede said for next year they are hoping to turn the tournament into a big event celebrating not only the life of Garura but also other basketball legends that made a difference in the sport.
"As for the future, we have lobbied as the athletes commission to the BUZ executive to have this tournament played not only for Ronald Garura but also for legends that made a difference in basketball.
"So it will be good if we could also have that because running the Ronald Garura tournament was an initiative of the BUZ athletes' commission. So our lobby to BUZ is now to run a tournament that is inclusive of all legends, past and present," said Magede.
The BUZ athletes' commission president said the third edition of the tournament is guaranteed but they are looking forward to involve families of other basketball legends. Tatenda Mature of JBC, who had 21 points, five rebounds and two assists and Jackie Mupanduki of Lakers were voted the most valuable players in the men and women's categories respectively.
Mupanduki managed 12 points, three rebounds and two assists for her side.
The tournament was also graced by the late Garura's brothers Caleb and Itai.
HARARE-based JBC and Lakers from Bulawayo are this year's winners of the Ronald Garura Unity Day Cup basketball tournament held over the weekend at Prince Edward and Richwood. The tournament launched last year commemorates the Unity Day as well as celebrates the life of the late national team coach and local basketball legend Ronald Garura, who passed away in 2012.
This year's edition saw eight men and eight women's teams fighting for honours with each category having two pools of four teams. JBC emerged winners in the men's category when they beat last year's champions Cameo45 -42 in a closely contested match at Richwood, while Hustlers beat Mutare's Mercenaries in the third and fourth play-offs to claim bronze.
In the women's section, Lakers defeated Green Stars made up mostly of former Girls High School students in another tightly contested tie and Real Returners beat JBC 52-42 to finish third.
Basketball Union of Zimbabwe athletes commission president, Shinga Magede said they were impressed with the turnout for the tournament.
"The tournament went well. I think it was well attended, the response was amazing and I think it was fantastic.
"Clubs came through especially under this economic environment.
"In the women's section we even had the defending champions travelling all the way from Bulawayo to come and defend their title and they did so successfully.
"We also had representatives from Mutare, Mercenaries and in honouring a legend, this was fantastic.
"The men's section was won by JBC, who played Cameo in the final. It was a tough match. Apparently it was their first meeting for this season, so in terms of bragging rights JBC have taken the bragging rights.
"They have not yet met in the league for this season, however, Cameo are the reigning national champions while JBC are the provincial league champions and in terms of the bragging rights, it's still game on," said Magede.
Magede said for next year they are hoping to turn the tournament into a big event celebrating not only the life of Garura but also other basketball legends that made a difference in the sport.
"As for the future, we have lobbied as the athletes commission to the BUZ executive to have this tournament played not only for Ronald Garura but also for legends that made a difference in basketball.
"So it will be good if we could also have that because running the Ronald Garura tournament was an initiative of the BUZ athletes' commission. So our lobby to BUZ is now to run a tournament that is inclusive of all legends, past and present," said Magede.
The BUZ athletes' commission president said the third edition of the tournament is guaranteed but they are looking forward to involve families of other basketball legends. Tatenda Mature of JBC, who had 21 points, five rebounds and two assists and Jackie Mupanduki of Lakers were voted the most valuable players in the men and women's categories respectively.
Mupanduki managed 12 points, three rebounds and two assists for her side.
The tournament was also graced by the late Garura's brothers Caleb and Itai.
KENYA : Women premier league playoffs resume January 17
Cooperative Bank\'s Celia Auma in action against Strathmore\'s Barkita Awour.(Photo by Shuuterspeed)
The rescheduled Kenya Basketball
Federation women premier league playoffs for the 2014 season will resume
on January 17, 2015 with semi final fixtures.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Sprite Storms, Co-operative Bank and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) will all battle out for the crown.
The feminine playoffs had to be delayed after KPA and USIU-A were involved in international assignments.
KPA and Storms played two games over the weekend in Nairobi with game three slated for January 17 in Mombasa.
The dockers lead series 2-0 after 67-41 win in game one and 61-24 in the second played Sunday. KPA led 29-13 at the breather.
Helen Oketch scored 16 points for KPA and Yvonne Akinyi 12. Storms’ highest scorer was Mercy Wanyama with 9. USIU-A and Co-op Bank will play back-to-back games from January 17- 21 in the best-of-five series second semifinal.
The finals will commence on January 24 and run all the way to February 8. In case defending champions KPA make it to the final, they will enjoy homeground advantage in the first two games.
USIU third
Meanwhile, USIU-A finished third in men premier after defeating Co-op Bank 60-56 in the playoff game played on Sunday. Victor Bosire had a game high 18 points for USIU-A while James Mwangi scored 10 points for Co-op Bank.
It was a game of two halves. The students won quarter one and two 9-8 and 20-11 respectively.
The bankers scored 16-15 in the third and 21-16 in the fourth. Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) took up third place in division one after edging out Dankind Academy 57-48 in the playoff.
Alphonce Muchiri top scored for KCA-U with 21 points and Joel Ntambwe for Dankind with 19 points.
KCA-U led 27-26 at halftime after winning first quarter 12-11 and the second tied at 15-all. The students won remaining quarters 14-13 and 16-9.
Weekend Results: Storms 41 KPA 67, Storms 24 KPA 61, Co-op Bank 56 USIU Tigers 60, KCA-U 57 Dankind Academy 48; Women Premier League Playoffs- Jan 17- USIU vs Co-op Bank (4pm, Nyayo gymnasium), KPA vs Storms (4pm, KPA); Jan 18- Co-op Bank vs USIU (4pm, Nyayo gymnasium), KPA vs Storms (4pm, KPA); Jan 19- KPA vs Storms (4pm, KPA), USIU vs Co-op Bank (5pm, Nyayo gymnasium); Jan 20- Co-op Bank vs USIU (5pm, Nyayo gymnasium); Jan 21- USIU vs Co-op Bank (5pm, Nyayo gymnasium); Finals (Jan 24-Feb 8)
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Sprite Storms, Co-operative Bank and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) will all battle out for the crown.
The feminine playoffs had to be delayed after KPA and USIU-A were involved in international assignments.
KPA and Storms played two games over the weekend in Nairobi with game three slated for January 17 in Mombasa.
The dockers lead series 2-0 after 67-41 win in game one and 61-24 in the second played Sunday. KPA led 29-13 at the breather.
Helen Oketch scored 16 points for KPA and Yvonne Akinyi 12. Storms’ highest scorer was Mercy Wanyama with 9. USIU-A and Co-op Bank will play back-to-back games from January 17- 21 in the best-of-five series second semifinal.
The finals will commence on January 24 and run all the way to February 8. In case defending champions KPA make it to the final, they will enjoy homeground advantage in the first two games.
USIU third
Meanwhile, USIU-A finished third in men premier after defeating Co-op Bank 60-56 in the playoff game played on Sunday. Victor Bosire had a game high 18 points for USIU-A while James Mwangi scored 10 points for Co-op Bank.
It was a game of two halves. The students won quarter one and two 9-8 and 20-11 respectively.
The bankers scored 16-15 in the third and 21-16 in the fourth. Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) took up third place in division one after edging out Dankind Academy 57-48 in the playoff.
Alphonce Muchiri top scored for KCA-U with 21 points and Joel Ntambwe for Dankind with 19 points.
KCA-U led 27-26 at halftime after winning first quarter 12-11 and the second tied at 15-all. The students won remaining quarters 14-13 and 16-9.
Weekend Results: Storms 41 KPA 67, Storms 24 KPA 61, Co-op Bank 56 USIU Tigers 60, KCA-U 57 Dankind Academy 48; Women Premier League Playoffs- Jan 17- USIU vs Co-op Bank (4pm, Nyayo gymnasium), KPA vs Storms (4pm, KPA); Jan 18- Co-op Bank vs USIU (4pm, Nyayo gymnasium), KPA vs Storms (4pm, KPA); Jan 19- KPA vs Storms (4pm, KPA), USIU vs Co-op Bank (5pm, Nyayo gymnasium); Jan 20- Co-op Bank vs USIU (5pm, Nyayo gymnasium); Jan 21- USIU vs Co-op Bank (5pm, Nyayo gymnasium); Finals (Jan 24-Feb 8)
22 December 2014
BOTSWANA : Troopers crush Dolphins to claim championship
However Troopers coach William Nyangu remained resolute in his plan to finish off his younger nemesis and cement his authority as the undisputed champions.
“We lost a few instrumental guys but we are a solid team. When one player gets injured there is always someone who will step up and do the job,” said coach Nyangu.
Dolphins came into the second series with guns blazing and launched exuberant attacks against Troopers. But the champions maintained their composure and managed to hold on to the lead, narrowly winning the series 60-58 to snatch a 2-0 victory. Dolphins were neck to neck with Troopers in the dying minutes of the game, but they were let down by a grave last minute blunder as they gave up possession, allowing Troopers to launch a raging counter attack and score a two-pointer that won the game.
Though he was disappointment with the last minute blunder, Dolphins coach Trynos Moyo said he was happy with the way his boys played.
“We were very unlucky. We made a blunder in the last two minutes of the second series and Troopers capitalized. I think my players were over excited because they were playing in the final,” said Moyo.
Dolphins failed to overcome Troopers twice this season, losing to them in the league decider last month and in the National Championship finals over the weekend. Troopers were the big winners this season, maintaining a hundred percent win in the league and losing only one game against Spartans in the semifinals of the National Championships. On the other hand, Dolphins lost one game against arch-rivals Troopers.
KENYA : KPA Couch Ojukwu Praises His Boys After Capturing Title
By Dann O?werre
KENYA Ports Authority's Ariel Okal and Zetech University Jeremy Yongo were declared the Most Valuable Players as the national basketball championships concluded at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani over the weekend.
The duo played key roles in guiding their respective teams to capture the 2014 basketball titles in the series finals. Oka, the national team and KPA centre who was the most over-worked player in the series, took home Sh50,000 while Zetech utility player Yongo, a clutch scorer for the varsity side, pocketed Sh25,000.
They were instrumental throughout the four and three games they played respectively, setting their teams to historic wins. KPA beat Ulinzi 3-1 and were awarded Sh1 million while Zetech were 3-0 winners over Umoja and received Sh400,000.
Both the runners up Ulinzi and Umoja bagged Sh600,000 and Sh200,000 respectively for their efforts.
KENYA Ports Authority's Ariel Okal and Zetech University Jeremy Yongo were declared the Most Valuable Players as the national basketball championships concluded at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani over the weekend.
The duo played key roles in guiding their respective teams to capture the 2014 basketball titles in the series finals. Oka, the national team and KPA centre who was the most over-worked player in the series, took home Sh50,000 while Zetech utility player Yongo, a clutch scorer for the varsity side, pocketed Sh25,000.
They were instrumental throughout the four and three games they played respectively, setting their teams to historic wins. KPA beat Ulinzi 3-1 and were awarded Sh1 million while Zetech were 3-0 winners over Umoja and received Sh400,000.
Both the runners up Ulinzi and Umoja bagged Sh600,000 and Sh200,000 respectively for their efforts.
ANGOLA : Recreativo Do Libolo Become Africa Champions
Angola's Recreativo do Libolo club became African champions of
senior males basketball after beating in the finals the local Rades of
Tunisia by 86-68, in a match played in Tunis on Saturday.
With this victory, the Coastal Cuanza Sul province-based team, brought down the 6th placed compatriots of 1º de Agosto.
With this victory, the Coastal Cuanza Sul province-based team, brought down the 6th placed compatriots of 1º de Agosto.
KENYA : KPA ends 23 years wait for league title
Anthony Ojukwu instructs his players in aoneof the play-off matches against Ulinzi. He guided KPA to their first men\'s title in 23 years. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) quenched
their thirst for a first men's premier league title in 23 years on
Saturday when they beat Ulinzi Warriors 71-59 in the playoffs final game
four.
This was the first title for KPA since 1991 and their fourth overall after previous wins in 1987, 1990 and 1991. They won game one 68-67 before Ulinzi tied the series in game two winning 70-57.
However, KPA took charge by winning game three 71-59 which was identical with Saturday’s win.
Tobias Onyango and Ariel Okal were the pillars for KPA playing for 32:23 and 33:55 minutes respectively but the win did not come easy. The Dockers trailed 22-29 at halftime after winning first quarter 11-9 and Ulinzi the second 23-11. The third quarter ended in a 13-all tie ensuring Ulinzi maintained their seven points lead but the fourth quarter proved the real turning point for KPA.
It was high scoring as they won 36-17 and the absence of injured Ancete Wafula proved costly for Ulinzi. Only nine players turned up for Ulinzi with Mike Tanui who played for 35:32 and Victor Odendo at 36:45 doing the donkey work for the soldiers.
Onyango top scored for KPA with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals while Alex Lugasi scored 12 points and grabbed one rebound. Okal who was named the most valuable player had 12 rebounds and one assist.
Bernard Mufutu was the top scorer for Ulinzi with 15 points, one rebound and 2 assists while Odendo scored 12 points with 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
In the game, the teams exchanged the lead three times and tied thrice. KPA had 11 points from turnovers while Ulinzi had 12, scored 28 from the paint against Ulinzi’s 26 and was generally superior in shooting.
Zetech University won the division one title sweeping away Umoja 3-0 in series win. Zetech were rewarded for a consistent play and will now feature in the men's premier league next season together with Umoja.
This was the first title for KPA since 1991 and their fourth overall after previous wins in 1987, 1990 and 1991. They won game one 68-67 before Ulinzi tied the series in game two winning 70-57.
However, KPA took charge by winning game three 71-59 which was identical with Saturday’s win.
Tobias Onyango and Ariel Okal were the pillars for KPA playing for 32:23 and 33:55 minutes respectively but the win did not come easy. The Dockers trailed 22-29 at halftime after winning first quarter 11-9 and Ulinzi the second 23-11. The third quarter ended in a 13-all tie ensuring Ulinzi maintained their seven points lead but the fourth quarter proved the real turning point for KPA.
It was high scoring as they won 36-17 and the absence of injured Ancete Wafula proved costly for Ulinzi. Only nine players turned up for Ulinzi with Mike Tanui who played for 35:32 and Victor Odendo at 36:45 doing the donkey work for the soldiers.
Onyango top scored for KPA with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals while Alex Lugasi scored 12 points and grabbed one rebound. Okal who was named the most valuable player had 12 rebounds and one assist.
Bernard Mufutu was the top scorer for Ulinzi with 15 points, one rebound and 2 assists while Odendo scored 12 points with 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
In the game, the teams exchanged the lead three times and tied thrice. KPA had 11 points from turnovers while Ulinzi had 12, scored 28 from the paint against Ulinzi’s 26 and was generally superior in shooting.
Zetech University won the division one title sweeping away Umoja 3-0 in series win. Zetech were rewarded for a consistent play and will now feature in the men's premier league next season together with Umoja.
UGANDA : Hosts UCU defend men, ladies’ basketball titles
Purity Odhiambo (L) led UCU to victory against Strathmore. PHOTO BY AMINAH BABIRYE
By ANDREW MWANGUHYA
KAMPALA- Hosts Uganda Christian University
(UCU) swept the men and women’s basketball honours at the Eastern Africa
University Games (EAUG) that climaxed at the main campus in Mukono
yesterday.
The men’s side, the UCU Canons, rallied to beat
Kampala International University (KIU) Titans 55-51 while the Lady
Canons made light work of Kenya’s Strathmore 74-43 as the hosts
successfully defended both titles. But it was not as comfortable for
coach Nick Natuhereza’s UCU Canons, who had to come from behind having
lost the first two quarters 14-12 and 15-13 respectively. The hosts
rallied to win the third quarter by a point before sailing in the fourth
18-11.
“We came to this tournament with no morale after
the disappointment in the national league (where they lost to City
Oilers 3-2 in the semis),” said UCU centre Desmond Owili.
“So we are glad to finally win something. But they
gave us a good game. I think they lost because they grew reluctant
after taking the lead going into the third quarter.”
KIU centre Michael Makiadi believes they lost
because they got comfortable. “We got many turnovers when we were ahead
and they capitalized. It’s disappointing because we had a great chance
to win it.”
BASKETBALL RESULTS
MEN’S FINAL
UCU 55-51 KIU
THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
Strathmore (Kenya) 52-42 Ndejje
MEN’S FINAL
UCU 55-51 KIU
THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
Strathmore (Kenya) 52-42 Ndejje
WOMEN’S FINAL
UCU 74-43 Strathmore
THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
USIU (Kenya) 47-39 KIU
UCU 74-43 Strathmore
THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
USIU (Kenya) 47-39 KIU
21 December 2014
KENYA : KPA, Ulinzi all-Square in playoffs final
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and
Ulinzi Warriors are tied at one game each as the Kenya Basketball
Federation men premier league playoffs final began on Wednesday at the
Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani.
KPA won game one 68-67 after staging a swift comeback in the second half. Ulinzi had taken full command of the game for the entire of first half winning 21-15 in first quarter and 19-16 in the second.
Costly turnovers and fouls in third quarter gifted KPA possession and they seized the opportunity to stage a coup.
A 23-12 win in the quarter gave KPA full control of the game and managed to hold off the soldiers’ challenge in the fourth.
They lost 14-15 with Martin Gitonga top scoring for KPA with 19 points. Ancette Wafula scored 18 points for Ulinzi and William Ochieng added 13.
Wafula, Bernard Mufutu and Antonia Bwire had a good outing for the soldiers while Samuel Ocholla, Tobias Onyango and Alex Lugasi starred for KPA.
In game two, Ulinzi started off in similar fashion dominating first half and extended the good show in second half to win 70-57.
Ancette Wafula was the player of the moment again calling the early shots for Ulinzi with on-point three and jump shots. Ulinzi won first quarter 16-12 and second 15-11.
The soldiers won third quarter 18-10 to stretch their lead to 16 points and not even KPAs 24-21 win in the fourth could deny them the vital win. Wafula scored 23 points for Ulinzi with Ariel Okal top scoring for KPA with 12 points.
Odendo back for Ulinzi
Ulinzi will be strengthened in game three with the return of Victor Odendo who sat out the first two games suspended.
The winner could be known as early as Saturday but the competitive nature of the opening games could push the series to Sunday.
In division one, Zetech University is just a win away from being declared champions.
They lead their series 2-0 against Umoja and will be crowned on Friday if they remain consistent and win game three.
For Umoja, they have a mountain to climb and must win the remaining three games to become champions.
Zetech won game one 71-62 in a comeback victory after trailing 28-37 at the breather. Umoja won the first two quarters 15-9 and 22-19 but Zetech gave back in kind with a dominant 21-9 win in the third quarter and 22-16 in the fourth.
Raymond Momanyi and Joshua Kisali scored a combined 29 points for Zetech while Marvin Freeman was Umoja’s top scorer with 15 points.
Game two was an equally tall order for Umoja who lost 72-86 after trailing 41-45 at halftime. Jeremy Opiyo scored 18 points for Zetech and Rodgers Ombati had 22 for Umoja.
Winners of the series will pocket Ksh.400, 000 and runner-up Ksh. 200, 000 as part of the sponsorship package from Top Fry. Most valuable player in men premier league will pocket Ksh. 50, 000 and Ksh. 25, 000 for division one’s MVP.
KPA won game one 68-67 after staging a swift comeback in the second half. Ulinzi had taken full command of the game for the entire of first half winning 21-15 in first quarter and 19-16 in the second.
Costly turnovers and fouls in third quarter gifted KPA possession and they seized the opportunity to stage a coup.
A 23-12 win in the quarter gave KPA full control of the game and managed to hold off the soldiers’ challenge in the fourth.
They lost 14-15 with Martin Gitonga top scoring for KPA with 19 points. Ancette Wafula scored 18 points for Ulinzi and William Ochieng added 13.
Wafula, Bernard Mufutu and Antonia Bwire had a good outing for the soldiers while Samuel Ocholla, Tobias Onyango and Alex Lugasi starred for KPA.
In game two, Ulinzi started off in similar fashion dominating first half and extended the good show in second half to win 70-57.
Ancette Wafula was the player of the moment again calling the early shots for Ulinzi with on-point three and jump shots. Ulinzi won first quarter 16-12 and second 15-11.
The soldiers won third quarter 18-10 to stretch their lead to 16 points and not even KPAs 24-21 win in the fourth could deny them the vital win. Wafula scored 23 points for Ulinzi with Ariel Okal top scoring for KPA with 12 points.
Odendo back for Ulinzi
Ulinzi will be strengthened in game three with the return of Victor Odendo who sat out the first two games suspended.
The winner could be known as early as Saturday but the competitive nature of the opening games could push the series to Sunday.
In division one, Zetech University is just a win away from being declared champions.
They lead their series 2-0 against Umoja and will be crowned on Friday if they remain consistent and win game three.
For Umoja, they have a mountain to climb and must win the remaining three games to become champions.
Zetech won game one 71-62 in a comeback victory after trailing 28-37 at the breather. Umoja won the first two quarters 15-9 and 22-19 but Zetech gave back in kind with a dominant 21-9 win in the third quarter and 22-16 in the fourth.
Raymond Momanyi and Joshua Kisali scored a combined 29 points for Zetech while Marvin Freeman was Umoja’s top scorer with 15 points.
Game two was an equally tall order for Umoja who lost 72-86 after trailing 41-45 at halftime. Jeremy Opiyo scored 18 points for Zetech and Rodgers Ombati had 22 for Umoja.
Winners of the series will pocket Ksh.400, 000 and runner-up Ksh. 200, 000 as part of the sponsorship package from Top Fry. Most valuable player in men premier league will pocket Ksh. 50, 000 and Ksh. 25, 000 for division one’s MVP.
19 December 2014
African Champions Cup - Club Africain Qualify for Semi-Final After Win Over Holders Primeiro De Agosto
Tunis — Tunisia's Club Africain qualified for the semi-final of the
29th African Basketball Champions' Cup after defeating title holders
Angola's Primeiro De Agosto 79-69 at a quarter-final game played on
Thursday evening in Goulette, Tunis.
Earlier, Tunisia's ES Rades had defeated Mayotte's BC Mtsapéré 106-76. They will face at the semi-final Egypt's Sporting who had eliminated Tunisia's US Monastir 74-57.
Earlier, Tunisia's ES Rades had defeated Mayotte's BC Mtsapéré 106-76. They will face at the semi-final Egypt's Sporting who had eliminated Tunisia's US Monastir 74-57.
Egypt/Tunisia: African Champions' Cup - U.S. Monastir Defeated By Egypt's Sporting 57-74
Tunisia's US Monastir were defeated by Egypt's Sporting 57-74 at a
29th African Basketball Champions' Cup quarter-final game played on
Thursday in Goulette, Tunis.
Tunisia's ES Rades had earlier qualified for the semi-final after defeating BC Mtsapéré (Mayotte) 106-76 and will face Sporting at the semi-final.
Tunisia's ES Rades had earlier qualified for the semi-final after defeating BC Mtsapéré (Mayotte) 106-76 and will face Sporting at the semi-final.
18 December 2014
KENYA : KBF Urged to Change the 2015 Premier League Format
By Dann O?werre
Stakeholders including former officials, coaches and players want the league decided into two conferences to cut down on the number of weeks.
They feel that would reduce the number of matches and make the league end earlier in December.
Agina Wesonga, former KBF chairman and now Fiba Africa commissioner, Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) chairman Ronny Owino and Sprite Storms coach Ben Oluoch want the number of matches reduced to have the league end in time and give the necessary break to the players. "Conferences is the only way the number of matches in this league can be reduced.
Unless we do that, our league will continue to run until late December," noted Agina.
Owino said the ball is in KBF's court adding, "The most realistic way to run this league with the many teams is to divide them into two groups of say eight or 10 then have them play about 16 to 20 matches before grouping them for the play-offs," observed Owino.
The reaction follows fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko's decision to push the women's finals to next month.
Oluoch said: "We shot ourselves in the foot earlier this year after teams failed to endorse the conference format. Now let us bite the bullet and look at ways to have things changed before the start of new season."
The women's semi-finals pitting favourites United States International University (USIU) and Co-operative Bank of Kenya have been scheduled for next year.
The other semis pitting Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Storms is on this weekend after which they will take a break.
Both KPA and USIU were away in Tunisia for the Fiba Africa club show, where none of the Kenyan giants won a single game.
The teams finished the nine-team event in the eight and ninth position. KPA over the weekend romped to a 68-41 win over Ulinzi 'Blades' to win the series 2-0.
Stakeholders including former officials, coaches and players want the league decided into two conferences to cut down on the number of weeks.
They feel that would reduce the number of matches and make the league end earlier in December.
Agina Wesonga, former KBF chairman and now Fiba Africa commissioner, Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) chairman Ronny Owino and Sprite Storms coach Ben Oluoch want the number of matches reduced to have the league end in time and give the necessary break to the players. "Conferences is the only way the number of matches in this league can be reduced.
Unless we do that, our league will continue to run until late December," noted Agina.
Owino said the ball is in KBF's court adding, "The most realistic way to run this league with the many teams is to divide them into two groups of say eight or 10 then have them play about 16 to 20 matches before grouping them for the play-offs," observed Owino.
The reaction follows fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko's decision to push the women's finals to next month.
Oluoch said: "We shot ourselves in the foot earlier this year after teams failed to endorse the conference format. Now let us bite the bullet and look at ways to have things changed before the start of new season."
The women's semi-finals pitting favourites United States International University (USIU) and Co-operative Bank of Kenya have been scheduled for next year.
The other semis pitting Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Storms is on this weekend after which they will take a break.
Both KPA and USIU were away in Tunisia for the Fiba Africa club show, where none of the Kenyan giants won a single game.
The teams finished the nine-team event in the eight and ninth position. KPA over the weekend romped to a 68-41 win over Ulinzi 'Blades' to win the series 2-0.
NIGERIA : Swingman Basketball Cap Begins Thursday
THE fifth edition of the Swingman Basketball Camp begins Thursday at the Ilupeju Basketball ground. It will end on Saturday.
According to the initiator of the event, Taye Adeniyi, the camp was put together to teach and enhance the shooting skills of the participants. She noted that over 50 kids would be involved in this year's event due to paucity of funds.
She stated that the event has been a huge success in the past with over 120 kids in attendance each year and assured that the camp would bounce back fully next year, as logistics would be put in place to ensure that more kids are involved.
"We would have postponed the event due to paucity of funds, but we decided to go ahead with the little funds we have so that we don't deprive participants the Knowledge they would get from taking part. I am sure that by next year, the camp would bounce back in a strong way and we will hold two camps as we usually do," She added.
Adeniyi, who is an assistant coach at First Bank Basketball Club, said that shooting is the basic skill in basketball without which a player cannot become a top star. "The game is all about shooting and the possibility of becoming a star is high if a player is a good shooter."
National team player, Ndidi Madu, who inspired First Bank Basketball Club to fourth place finish at the just concluded FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women in Sfax Tunisia, would be on hand to pass her experience to the kids. Other coaches that would be at the event are Adeka Daudu, Chukwu Usofor, Mensah Dosu and Rasak Okedeyi.
Adeniyi also commended all those that have supported the event and called on sponsors to support the camp as from next year.
According to the initiator of the event, Taye Adeniyi, the camp was put together to teach and enhance the shooting skills of the participants. She noted that over 50 kids would be involved in this year's event due to paucity of funds.
She stated that the event has been a huge success in the past with over 120 kids in attendance each year and assured that the camp would bounce back fully next year, as logistics would be put in place to ensure that more kids are involved.
"We would have postponed the event due to paucity of funds, but we decided to go ahead with the little funds we have so that we don't deprive participants the Knowledge they would get from taking part. I am sure that by next year, the camp would bounce back in a strong way and we will hold two camps as we usually do," She added.
Adeniyi, who is an assistant coach at First Bank Basketball Club, said that shooting is the basic skill in basketball without which a player cannot become a top star. "The game is all about shooting and the possibility of becoming a star is high if a player is a good shooter."
National team player, Ndidi Madu, who inspired First Bank Basketball Club to fourth place finish at the just concluded FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women in Sfax Tunisia, would be on hand to pass her experience to the kids. Other coaches that would be at the event are Adeka Daudu, Chukwu Usofor, Mensah Dosu and Rasak Okedeyi.
Adeniyi also commended all those that have supported the event and called on sponsors to support the camp as from next year.
UGANDA : Odeke hails KCCA resilience after clinching fourth crown
Akullo (R), the 2007 MVP, sunk Leopards’ winning basket. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Elvis Senono
National basketball league women’s finals
Game 7: KCCA 62-60 UCU Lady Canons
(KCCA win series 4-3)
Game 7: KCCA 62-60 UCU Lady Canons
(KCCA win series 4-3)
And so it ended like it began. KCCA Leopards beat UCU Lady Canons 62-60 in Game Seven of the National Basketball League final series to clinch their fourth title on Tuesday night at YMCA.
62-60 was the same score in Game One of the
series, which Leopards won before falling 3-1 in the series as Lady
Canons threatened to easily run away with a second straight title. But
Leopards, champions in 2007, 2009 and 2012, made a remarkable recovery
to win three straight games of the series.
“You could say we deserved to win for the courage
we showed in coming from 3-1 down,” KCCA coach Timothy Odeke, who has
now won three titles with the team said after the decisive game. “After
going 3-1 down, some of my players stopped believing but I told them to
take it one game at time,” he explained.
UCU bossed the first half of the Tuesday
encounter, winning the opening two quarters 19-14 and 20-13. There were
huge doubts KCCA could close the 12-point gap at half time. “Their big
men bullied us at the start of the game but they were using a lot of
energy and in the process tired out,” Odeke explained about his team’s
slow start.
Gladly for Odeke, three players, particularly
Rebecca Akullo stepped up. The guard scored 21 points on the night
including the final shot that sealed the title. KCCA are now level with
UCU on four titles but three behind record champions Lady Bucks. “She
(Akullo) took charge of the offence while Muhayimina Namuwaya and Jackie
Basemera limited them defensively,” Odeke said, picking out the trio
for praise.
Claire Lamunu, who averaged a series high 21
points again topped the charts with 24 and picked 12 rebounds
complimented by five assists. “I would not be surprised if one of Lamunu
or Akullo is chosen as MVP,” Odeke predicted. For UCU, Maureen Amoding
scored a team high 18 points with Purity Odhiambo adding 14 while Judith
Naansobya was restricted to 11 points.“
We just seemed to run out of steam. This was
probably not our time to win,” UCU coach Boniface Okello said in
reference to the measly five points that his team managed in the fourth
quarter.
ROLL OF HONOUR
2014 - KCCA Leopards
2013 – UCU Lady Canons
2012 – KCCA Leopards
2011 - UCU Lady Canons
2010 – UCU Lady Canons
2009 – KCCA Leopards
2008 – UCU Lady Canons
2007 – KCCA Leopards
2006 – Lady Bucks
2005 – A1 Challenge
2004 – Lady Bucks
2003 – Makerere Sparks
2002 – Lady Bucks
2001 – Lady Bucks
2000 – Lady Bucks
1999 – Lady Bucks
1998 – Lady Bucks
2014 - KCCA Leopards
2013 – UCU Lady Canons
2012 – KCCA Leopards
2011 - UCU Lady Canons
2010 – UCU Lady Canons
2009 – KCCA Leopards
2008 – UCU Lady Canons
2007 – KCCA Leopards
2006 – Lady Bucks
2005 – A1 Challenge
2004 – Lady Bucks
2003 – Makerere Sparks
2002 – Lady Bucks
2001 – Lady Bucks
2000 – Lady Bucks
1999 – Lady Bucks
1998 – Lady Bucks
16 December 2014
KENYA : Ulinzi Warriors through to playoffs final
Ulinzi Warriors Byron Mabonga shields the ball against Victor Bosire of USIU.(Photo by Shutterspeed)
Ulinzi Warriors will play Kenya Ports
Authority (KPA) in the men’s premier league playoffs final after
eliminating United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) with
a 3-2 series win on Monday.
Both teams had tied 2-2 on Sunday and the soldiers won game five 68-56. Leading for 34 minutes and 51 seconds, Ulinzi took a 39-27 lead to the halftime break after winning first quarter 18-16 and the second 21-11.
Third quarter was a close call with the soldiers winning 15-13 but USIU-A carried home the fourth 16-14.
The students suffered a major setback in the fourth quarter when one of their key players Alvin Nyangweso was fouled out on five fouls.
Captain William Ochieng was at his best scoring 24 points for Ulinzi, grabbed 13 rebounds and two steals.
Kevin Kigotho top scored for USIU-A with 16 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, one steal and one assist.
Ulinzi fielded nine players only and will have eight available when they face KPA in game one on Wednesday.
Victor Odendo will miss after being ejected against USIU-A for an unsportsmanship foul.
Also, KPA will have the advantage of having rested for four days but Ulinzi head coach William Balozi is less concerned.
Play like soldiers
“These games are just like training for us. I don't think our opponents will have any advantage and as always we will play like soldiers.”
For the second game running, Ancete Wafula was taken off with a bleeding nose but he will be fit for game one. Ulinzi led USIU-A for 16 times which calculated well to their dominance while the lead changed hands for seven times.
From the paint, the soldiers had 36 points against USIUs 26 while 9 of their points came from turnovers compared to USIUs 10.
In division one, Umoja made it to the final while the second finalist will be known on Tuesday in game five pitting Dankind Academy and Zetech University. Umoja completed a 3-1 series win over Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) winning game four 72-61.
KCA-U scored 22 points from the free-throw line and made one 3-point shot while Umoja had 10 free-throws and nine 3-point shots made.
Douglas Momanyi had a game high 23 points for Umoja while Lawrence Wandera top scored for KCA-U with 16 points.
Dankind won game four 54-52 to force their series against Zetech to game five. It was a very close contest as Dankind led 35-34 at the breather, won third quarter 13-12 and the fourth tied at 6-all. 18 of the points for Dankind came off free-throws and six from the 3-point line while Zetech had 14 free-throws. Jospin Kalule scored highest for Dankind with 15 points while Jeremy Opiyo top scored for Zetech with 12 points and Joshua Kisali added 11.
Results: Dankind Academy 54 Zetech University 52, KCA-U 61 Umoja 72, Ulinzi Warriors 68 USIU-A 56; Tuesday Fixture- Dankind Academy vs Zetech University.
Both teams had tied 2-2 on Sunday and the soldiers won game five 68-56. Leading for 34 minutes and 51 seconds, Ulinzi took a 39-27 lead to the halftime break after winning first quarter 18-16 and the second 21-11.
Third quarter was a close call with the soldiers winning 15-13 but USIU-A carried home the fourth 16-14.
The students suffered a major setback in the fourth quarter when one of their key players Alvin Nyangweso was fouled out on five fouls.
Captain William Ochieng was at his best scoring 24 points for Ulinzi, grabbed 13 rebounds and two steals.
Kevin Kigotho top scored for USIU-A with 16 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, one steal and one assist.
Ulinzi fielded nine players only and will have eight available when they face KPA in game one on Wednesday.
Victor Odendo will miss after being ejected against USIU-A for an unsportsmanship foul.
Also, KPA will have the advantage of having rested for four days but Ulinzi head coach William Balozi is less concerned.
Play like soldiers
“These games are just like training for us. I don't think our opponents will have any advantage and as always we will play like soldiers.”
For the second game running, Ancete Wafula was taken off with a bleeding nose but he will be fit for game one. Ulinzi led USIU-A for 16 times which calculated well to their dominance while the lead changed hands for seven times.
From the paint, the soldiers had 36 points against USIUs 26 while 9 of their points came from turnovers compared to USIUs 10.
In division one, Umoja made it to the final while the second finalist will be known on Tuesday in game five pitting Dankind Academy and Zetech University. Umoja completed a 3-1 series win over Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) winning game four 72-61.
KCA-U scored 22 points from the free-throw line and made one 3-point shot while Umoja had 10 free-throws and nine 3-point shots made.
Douglas Momanyi had a game high 23 points for Umoja while Lawrence Wandera top scored for KCA-U with 16 points.
Dankind won game four 54-52 to force their series against Zetech to game five. It was a very close contest as Dankind led 35-34 at the breather, won third quarter 13-12 and the fourth tied at 6-all. 18 of the points for Dankind came off free-throws and six from the 3-point line while Zetech had 14 free-throws. Jospin Kalule scored highest for Dankind with 15 points while Jeremy Opiyo top scored for Zetech with 12 points and Joshua Kisali added 11.
Results: Dankind Academy 54 Zetech University 52, KCA-U 61 Umoja 72, Ulinzi Warriors 68 USIU-A 56; Tuesday Fixture- Dankind Academy vs Zetech University.
UGANDA : D-day for Lady Canons, KCCA after Leopards force Game Seven
After going 3-1 down and without Martha Soigi and Peace
Proscovia, few gave KCCA Leopards a chance against UCU Lady Canons after
four games in the women’s final of the national basketball league.
Sunday’s 78-74 victory, however, not only left them level with the Canons at 3-3 in the series but also indicated a shift in momentum going into today’s decisive Game Seven.
Sunday’s 78-74 victory, however, not only left them level with the Canons at 3-3 in the series but also indicated a shift in momentum going into today’s decisive Game Seven.
“We are now moving the ball better but the
difference has been the performance of our front court players,” forward
Claire Lamunu explained after Sunday’s victory, the second in
succession after going 3-1 down. “We are rebounding better than we did
before.”
KCCA have out rebounded their opponents in their last three games, 43-33, 42-33 and 51-25.
On Sunday, Lamunu picked nine rebounds coupled with a game high 23 points with Becky Akullo adding 22 as they won their second straight game.
On Sunday, Lamunu picked nine rebounds coupled with a game high 23 points with Becky Akullo adding 22 as they won their second straight game.
“We know UCU will come out hard for the final game
but the momentum seems to be with us at the moment,” Lamunu who is
averaging just over 20 points in the series, said.
Like Lamunu, UCU coach Boniface Okello has no
doubt where the game will be won. “We just need to improve on our inside
game,” he said.
UCU trailed 44-27 at the end of the first half before winning the third 27-22 and fourth 20-12.
Maureen Amoding and Vilma Achieng picked 17 points each while Judith Nansobya added 13 points and a game high 10 assists for UCU.
Maureen Amoding and Vilma Achieng picked 17 points each while Judith Nansobya added 13 points and a game high 10 assists for UCU.
NBL PLAYOFF FINALS: TODAY AT YMCA
GAME SEVEN (6.00pm)
W: KCCA Vs UCU Lady Canons
(Series tied 3-3)
SUNDAY RESULT
KCCA 78-74 UCU Lady Canons
GAME SEVEN (6.00pm)
W: KCCA Vs UCU Lady Canons
(Series tied 3-3)
SUNDAY RESULT
KCCA 78-74 UCU Lady Canons
15 December 2014
KENYA : End of an era for Co-op Bank Spartans
This year’s Jamhuri weekend is one
that Co-operative Bank men basketball team will want to forget easily.
As Kenyans were celebrating 51 years of independence, they were
dethroned by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the Kenya Basketball
Federation semifinal playoffs.
They lost the league title that they have held for the past four seasons unchallenged. It was a painful end to their dominance at the hands of the team they beat in last year’s final on a 3-0 series win.
This year, KPA avenged by knocking down the champions with a similar series score and will now have to deal with the “former champions” tag.
The dockers had won first two games 59-55 and 66-62 in Mombasa last weekend and had to win the third one to progress to the final. They did exactly that with style beating the bankers 74-45 in Nairobi in a clear show of might.
Samuel Ocholla with 16 points and Tobias Onyango with 14 led the rout as KPA enjoyed a 37-27 halftime lead.
Allan Ouma top scored for Co-op Bank with 17 points and they never won a single quarter. KPA claimed first quarter 19-9 and the second ended in a 18-all stalemate. KPA won the third and fourth quarters 15-13 and 22-15.
They will wait until late Monday to know their opponents in the final that begins on Wednesday at the Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani.
Ulinzi, USIU level series
Ulinzi Warriors and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) are tied on two games each with the decider set for Monday.
Going to Sunday action, Ulinzi led the series 2-1 but USIUs 71-51 win in game four leveled matters.
USIU won game two 78-60 on Friday to tie the series at 1-1 but Ulinzi surged ahead on Saturday winning game three 78-65.
The students left nothing to chance as they dominated the soldiers from the first to last whistle on Sunday winning first three quarters 22-11, 12-11 and 20-12 while the fourth tied at 17-all.
They literally controlled proceedings maintaining the lead for 37 minutes and 44 seconds while Ulinzi only led for one minute and 8 seconds in the entire game.
USIU had the lead for 22 times while Ulinzi enjoyed the lead in three instances only. Both teams were tied for just one time while the lead changed hands thrice.
From turnovers, USIU scored 18 points against Ulinzi’s 14 while 36 points for USIU came from the paint against Ulinzi’s 20.
The soldiers had the bench power scoring 16 points from the bench against USIUs 11 while fast breaks contributed 13 points for USIU and 3 for Ulinzi. Individually, Alvin Nyangweso was the best shooter for USIU scoring 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Kevin Kigotho had 18 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and three assists.
For Ulinzi, Ancette Wafula who sat out the last quarter injured scored 11 points while Victor Odendo scored 10 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, one steal and three assists.
KPA, Flames in women’s semis
KPA and USIU-A were the last to make it to the women premier league semifinals on Saturday after winning games two.
KPA beat Ulinzi Blades 70-39 in Mombasa helped by 21 points from Yvone Akinyi and 19 from Helen Oketch. Ulinzi’s highest scorer was Bridgit Nanzala with 16 points.
USIU-A whipped Safe Spaces 83-43 as Cynthia Irankunda scored 12 points for the students and Florence Mbithe 14 for Safe Spaces.
KPA will play Sprite Storms in the semifinals while USIU-A pairs up Co-op Bank. The semifinals and finals have been shelved to early next year since USIU-A will be heading to Uganda for the universities games.
Division one teams will also be in action on Monday in game four. Umoja and Zetech University lead their series 2-1 over Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) and Dankind Academy respectively.
Umoja beat KCA-U 52-45 in game one but the students leveled series on Saturday with a 64-61 win.
Umoja regained the lead on Sunday winning game three 53-52. Zetech had taken command of the series with 89-76 and 57-50 wins over Dankind in games one and two.
However, Dankind complicated the arithmetic on Sunday with a 61-56 win in game three.
KBF weekend results: Friday- KPA 74 Co-op Bank 45, USIU-A 78 Ulinzi Warriors 60; Saturday- KPA 70 Ulinzi Blades 39, Safe Spaces 43 USIU-A 83, KCA-U 64 Umoja 61, Zetech University 57 Dankind Academy 50, Ulinzi Warriors 78 USIU-A 65; Sunday- Umoja 53 KCA-U 52, Zetech University 56 Dankind Academy 61, USIU-A 71 Ulinzi Warriors 51; Monday Fixtures: Dankind Academy vs Zetech College (2pm, Nyayo gymnasium), KCA-U vs Umoja (4pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs USIU-A (6pm).
They lost the league title that they have held for the past four seasons unchallenged. It was a painful end to their dominance at the hands of the team they beat in last year’s final on a 3-0 series win.
This year, KPA avenged by knocking down the champions with a similar series score and will now have to deal with the “former champions” tag.
The dockers had won first two games 59-55 and 66-62 in Mombasa last weekend and had to win the third one to progress to the final. They did exactly that with style beating the bankers 74-45 in Nairobi in a clear show of might.
Samuel Ocholla with 16 points and Tobias Onyango with 14 led the rout as KPA enjoyed a 37-27 halftime lead.
Allan Ouma top scored for Co-op Bank with 17 points and they never won a single quarter. KPA claimed first quarter 19-9 and the second ended in a 18-all stalemate. KPA won the third and fourth quarters 15-13 and 22-15.
They will wait until late Monday to know their opponents in the final that begins on Wednesday at the Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani.
Ulinzi, USIU level series
Ulinzi Warriors and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) are tied on two games each with the decider set for Monday.
Going to Sunday action, Ulinzi led the series 2-1 but USIUs 71-51 win in game four leveled matters.
USIU won game two 78-60 on Friday to tie the series at 1-1 but Ulinzi surged ahead on Saturday winning game three 78-65.
The students left nothing to chance as they dominated the soldiers from the first to last whistle on Sunday winning first three quarters 22-11, 12-11 and 20-12 while the fourth tied at 17-all.
They literally controlled proceedings maintaining the lead for 37 minutes and 44 seconds while Ulinzi only led for one minute and 8 seconds in the entire game.
USIU had the lead for 22 times while Ulinzi enjoyed the lead in three instances only. Both teams were tied for just one time while the lead changed hands thrice.
From turnovers, USIU scored 18 points against Ulinzi’s 14 while 36 points for USIU came from the paint against Ulinzi’s 20.
The soldiers had the bench power scoring 16 points from the bench against USIUs 11 while fast breaks contributed 13 points for USIU and 3 for Ulinzi. Individually, Alvin Nyangweso was the best shooter for USIU scoring 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Kevin Kigotho had 18 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and three assists.
For Ulinzi, Ancette Wafula who sat out the last quarter injured scored 11 points while Victor Odendo scored 10 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, one steal and three assists.
KPA, Flames in women’s semis
KPA and USIU-A were the last to make it to the women premier league semifinals on Saturday after winning games two.
KPA beat Ulinzi Blades 70-39 in Mombasa helped by 21 points from Yvone Akinyi and 19 from Helen Oketch. Ulinzi’s highest scorer was Bridgit Nanzala with 16 points.
USIU-A whipped Safe Spaces 83-43 as Cynthia Irankunda scored 12 points for the students and Florence Mbithe 14 for Safe Spaces.
KPA will play Sprite Storms in the semifinals while USIU-A pairs up Co-op Bank. The semifinals and finals have been shelved to early next year since USIU-A will be heading to Uganda for the universities games.
Division one teams will also be in action on Monday in game four. Umoja and Zetech University lead their series 2-1 over Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) and Dankind Academy respectively.
Umoja beat KCA-U 52-45 in game one but the students leveled series on Saturday with a 64-61 win.
Umoja regained the lead on Sunday winning game three 53-52. Zetech had taken command of the series with 89-76 and 57-50 wins over Dankind in games one and two.
However, Dankind complicated the arithmetic on Sunday with a 61-56 win in game three.
KBF weekend results: Friday- KPA 74 Co-op Bank 45, USIU-A 78 Ulinzi Warriors 60; Saturday- KPA 70 Ulinzi Blades 39, Safe Spaces 43 USIU-A 83, KCA-U 64 Umoja 61, Zetech University 57 Dankind Academy 50, Ulinzi Warriors 78 USIU-A 65; Sunday- Umoja 53 KCA-U 52, Zetech University 56 Dankind Academy 61, USIU-A 71 Ulinzi Warriors 51; Monday Fixtures: Dankind Academy vs Zetech College (2pm, Nyayo gymnasium), KCA-U vs Umoja (4pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs USIU-A (6pm).
14 December 2014
UGANDA : Leopards push Lady Canons to Game Six
Lamunu tries to find her bearing on the best during Game 5 against UCU
Lady Canons at YMCA on Friday night. Lamunu and KCCA Leopards will
attempt to level the series today. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
By Elvis Senono
KAMPALA- Trailing the final series 3-1 prior to
Friday’s Game Five against UCU Lady Canons at YMCA on Friday, KCCA
Leopards coach Timothy Odeke knew there was only one option to stop
their opponents from sealing this year’s title.
“We just have to find a way of stopping their
centres,” Odeke said after Wednesday’s 83-74 National Basketball League
finals Game Four loss. On Friday, in front of a sparse crowd at YMCA
court, they did a great job on the inside en route to a 65-52 victory to
force Game Six today in the best-of-seven final series at the same
venue.
“Namuwaya Muhayimina tormented their offense and that gave us a chance,” Odeke said.
Namuwaya made 11 points but crucially picked 15
rebounds as KCCA restricted the Lady Canons’ ‘big men’ of Purity
Odhiambo and Vilma Achieng to 13 and eight points respectively while
picking a combined 17 rebounds. Achieng and Odhiambo had previously
averaged 17.5 and 13.5 points respectively in their last two games. UCU
led the opening two quarters 19-15 and 30-23.
KCCA, led by Claire Lamunu’s joint game high 17
points responded by winning the third 23-11 courtesy of an 8-0 run to go
into the final session on top 46-41.
Flavia Okecho scored six of her 15 points in that 8-0 run as KCCA led for the first time and didn’t look back.
Flavia Okecho scored six of her 15 points in that 8-0 run as KCCA led for the first time and didn’t look back.
With all Lady Canons’ ‘big men’ in foul trouble, KCCA bossed the final quarter, clinching it 19-11.
Judith Nansobya led the UCU charge with 17 points
while Maureen Amoding, who needed medical attention at the end of the
game after a collision with KCCA’s Monica Siima, finished with 10
points. “Our guards were not in control from the start but we will
return stronger in the next game,” Boniface Okello, the UCU coach, said.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Today at YMCA (Game 6 of 7)
KCCA Leopards vs. UCU Lady Canons (6:30pm)
(UCU lead series 3-2)
FRIDAY RESULTS
KCCA Leopards 65-52 UCU Lady Canons
essenono@@ug.nationmedia.com
KCCA Leopards vs. UCU Lady Canons (6:30pm)
(UCU lead series 3-2)
FRIDAY RESULTS
KCCA Leopards 65-52 UCU Lady Canons
essenono@@ug.nationmedia.com
13 December 2014
ZIMBABWE : Zim B'ball Dreams Dashed
IT was double tragedy for Zimbabwe men and women's basketball teams
as they were booted out in the semi-finals of the ongoing African Union
Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games basketball matches at the
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair yesterday.
Both the women and men's final feature Angola and Mozambique.
The Zimbabwean ladies team were beaten convincingly 43-83 by Mozambique.
Their male counterparts met the same fate when they were dismissed 57-70 by Mozambique.
The local men and women's teams meet South Africa for the third and fourth place play-off this morning.
Zimbabwe's women coach Carlos Niquice said his team put up a good fight and blamed fatigue for the loss.
"They played a good game and gave it their best but we were affected by the fact that the players did not get enough time to rest.
"I am happy about their performance and I am looking forward to the third and fourth place game.
"We will try to get the players psyched up so that we can, at least, get a bronze," he said.
On their path to the semi-final the Zimbabwe women team beat Botswana 72-28.
The men's team thrashed Malawi 108-46 on Saturday.
On Monday, the Zimbabwean ladies team outgunned Lesotho 137-18 before they narrowly lost to Angola 46-50.
The men's team beat South Africa 62-51 before making light work of Swaziland 116-31.
Both the women and men's final feature Angola and Mozambique.
The Zimbabwean ladies team were beaten convincingly 43-83 by Mozambique.
Their male counterparts met the same fate when they were dismissed 57-70 by Mozambique.
The local men and women's teams meet South Africa for the third and fourth place play-off this morning.
Zimbabwe's women coach Carlos Niquice said his team put up a good fight and blamed fatigue for the loss.
"They played a good game and gave it their best but we were affected by the fact that the players did not get enough time to rest.
"I am happy about their performance and I am looking forward to the third and fourth place game.
"We will try to get the players psyched up so that we can, at least, get a bronze," he said.
On their path to the semi-final the Zimbabwe women team beat Botswana 72-28.
The men's team thrashed Malawi 108-46 on Saturday.
On Monday, the Zimbabwean ladies team outgunned Lesotho 137-18 before they narrowly lost to Angola 46-50.
The men's team beat South Africa 62-51 before making light work of Swaziland 116-31.
UGANDA : Jimmy wins Enabu family fifth straight basketball title
Tiger Head Power’s Norman Blick looks on as Jimmy Enabu goes for the
basket during Game Four of the national basketball league finals at YMCA
Wandegeya. PHOTO by ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Elvis Senono
KAMPALA.
No family in the country is as synonymous with the game of basketball as that of the Enabu household.
Wednesday’s 4-0 series sweep by City Oilers over Tiger Head Power marked the fifth consecutive year that the Enabu household is celebrating a national basketball championship.
No family in the country is as synonymous with the game of basketball as that of the Enabu household.
Wednesday’s 4-0 series sweep by City Oilers over Tiger Head Power marked the fifth consecutive year that the Enabu household is celebrating a national basketball championship.
“Wow, I had no idea about that,” an excited Jimmy
Enabu said after Wednesday’s game in which he and Kami Kabange scored a
game high 24 points as City Oilers won game four 87-75.
“I think our mother Angela takes the credit for all our success because she has always been supportive,” he said.
This year’s triumph was the second in succession
for Enabu and City Oilers but his third overall after winning his first
title with Power back in 2011.
That final in 2011 featured three members of the
Enabu family with Jimmy teaming up with Emmanuel to defeat Ivan on the
opposing end with Warriors.
Ivan meanwhile claimed his only title in 2012 while Emmanuel started the sequence while at Power in 2010.
Ivan meanwhile claimed his only title in 2012 while Emmanuel started the sequence while at Power in 2010.
Mark Enabu and their sister Evelyn though are
credited with the family’s first title having led Power and UCU Lady
Canons to their respective titles in 2008 .
Years a member of the Enabu family has won title
2014 Jimmy - Oilers
2013 Jimmy - Oilers
2012 Ivan - Warriors
2011 Jimmy and Emmanuel - Power
2010 Emmanuel - Power
2014 Jimmy - Oilers
2013 Jimmy - Oilers
2012 Ivan - Warriors
2011 Jimmy and Emmanuel - Power
2010 Emmanuel - Power
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com
12 December 2014
Nigeria: Pillars Face Fiba Africa Sanction
By Orkula Shaagee
Nigeria's basketball league champions, Kano Pillars Basketball Club who are drawn in group A alongside host, Club Africain of Tunisia, Libolo of Angola,
Sporting Club of Egypt, Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea and BCM of Mayotte in the final round of the 29th edition of the Africa Champions Cup for Men may face serious sanctions from the Africa basketball governing body, FIBA Africa if the club fails to make it to Tunisia for the championship which dunks off today.
The Nigerian league champions, who were awarded a wild-card after failing to pick a direct qualification ticket from the FIBA Africa Zone-3 elimination held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in October this year are having difficulties processing the needed funds that will enable them participate in the continent's biggest men's basketball club competition.
Pillars' wild-card came on the heels of their previous participation in the championship with their guard Abubakar Usman currently holding the record as the Champions Cup highest scorer, a feat he achieved in 2013. But all that looked bleak as the former champion of FIBA Africa Zone-3 are yet to get the needed funds to prosecute the basketball fiesta.
A very reliable source from the Kano camp says the team is ready for the championship if funds can be made available for the trip.
Efforts to get reaction from the Kano State Tennis Association Secretary Yusuf Datti proved abortive, as phone calls and a text message sent to him were not answered.
Nigeria's basketball league champions, Kano Pillars Basketball Club who are drawn in group A alongside host, Club Africain of Tunisia, Libolo of Angola,
Sporting Club of Egypt, Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea and BCM of Mayotte in the final round of the 29th edition of the Africa Champions Cup for Men may face serious sanctions from the Africa basketball governing body, FIBA Africa if the club fails to make it to Tunisia for the championship which dunks off today.
The Nigerian league champions, who were awarded a wild-card after failing to pick a direct qualification ticket from the FIBA Africa Zone-3 elimination held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in October this year are having difficulties processing the needed funds that will enable them participate in the continent's biggest men's basketball club competition.
Pillars' wild-card came on the heels of their previous participation in the championship with their guard Abubakar Usman currently holding the record as the Champions Cup highest scorer, a feat he achieved in 2013. But all that looked bleak as the former champion of FIBA Africa Zone-3 are yet to get the needed funds to prosecute the basketball fiesta.
A very reliable source from the Kano camp says the team is ready for the championship if funds can be made available for the trip.
Efforts to get reaction from the Kano State Tennis Association Secretary Yusuf Datti proved abortive, as phone calls and a text message sent to him were not answered.
UGANDA : Oilers sweep Power
City Oilers players pose with their trophy after overcoming Tiger Head
Power in the Fuba finals to defend the crown they won last year. PHOTO
BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Elvis SenonoLast month, City Oilers were 2-0 down and faced with three elimination games.They responded with a seven game match winning streak en route to back-to-back titles.
“The turning point was the first win against UCU
Canons,” admitted City Oilers coach Mandy Juruni. “From then on I could
see that the players’ confidence had returned,” added Juruni after
Wednesday night’s 87-75 game four finals victory at YMCA that sealed a
4-0 series sweep over Tiger Head Power.
Staring at a 10th straight loss to Oilers, Power put up arguably their best performance of the series.
They were also unexpectedly; aided by a 30minute
power outage as they tried to delay what looked like the inevitable for
large periods of this series.
Kami Kabange and Jimmy Enabu, like have been most
of the playoffs were again unplayable, scoring 24 points in what
looked like an audition for the post season MVP award.
Oilers edged the opening half 42-37 as Power
pulled to within five points courtesy of a Phillip Ameny three pointer
at the buzzer.
The third quarter proved even better for Power who clinched it 24-11 for a 61-53 lead.
The third quarter proved even better for Power who clinched it 24-11 for a 61-53 lead.
A recharged Norman Blick, scoreless in two of the
opening three series games scored a team high 19 points while Abdulahi
Ramathan and Ameny added 16 points apiece.
Oilers then stepped up a gear with a 9-0 run at
the start of the fourth quarter, completed by a three pointer from Power
old boy Ben Komakech who finished with 22 points.
“We shall return better,” promised center Ameny
after the game. The present though, belongs to the Oilers who will
without a doubt be seeking to become the second side since Falcons
2002-2004, to win three straight titles.
In the ladies final, UCU Lady Canons like City
Oilers, can claim back to back titles today with victory over KCCA
Leopards in game five of the best of seven series final. The Mukono
University side lead 3-1 following Wednesday’s 83-74 game four win.
Judith Nansobya led the lady Canons with 30
points while forward Claire Lamunu scored a game high 32 points for KCCA
who have now lost three straight games since their 62-60 game one win.
BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS
2014 – City Oilers
2013 – City Oilers
2012 – Warriors
2011 – Power
2010 – Power
2009 – Warriors
2008 – Power
2007 – Falcons
2006 – Nkumba Marines
2005 – Nkumba Marines
2004 – Falcons
2003 – Falcons
2002 – Falcons
2001 – Sky Jammers
2000 – Power
1999 – Falcons
1998 – Falcons
1997 – Rhinos
1996 – Power
2014 – City Oilers
2013 – City Oilers
2012 – Warriors
2011 – Power
2010 – Power
2009 – Warriors
2008 – Power
2007 – Falcons
2006 – Nkumba Marines
2005 – Nkumba Marines
2004 – Falcons
2003 – Falcons
2002 – Falcons
2001 – Sky Jammers
2000 – Power
1999 – Falcons
1998 – Falcons
1997 – Rhinos
1996 – Power
PEPSI NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
FINALS
GAME FIVE - TODAY
KCCA Vs UCU Lady Canons (7.00pm)
(UCU lead series 3-1)
GAME FOUR RESULTS
MEN: Oilers 87-75 Power
(Oilers clinched best of seven series 4-0)
WOMEN: UCU 83:74 KCCA
FINALS
GAME FIVE - TODAY
KCCA Vs UCU Lady Canons (7.00pm)
(UCU lead series 3-1)
GAME FOUR RESULTS
MEN: Oilers 87-75 Power
(Oilers clinched best of seven series 4-0)
WOMEN: UCU 83:74 KCCA
10 December 2014
KENYA : KBF League Play-Off Scheduled to Throw Off On December 17
By Dann O'werre
THE 2014 men's final play-off will throw off on December 17, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko has revealed.
He said the matches to be staged at Safaricom Stadium, will be played on best of five series and will be aired live by SuperSport. The two women's semi final matches will also be aired live.
"Game One of the men's premier and lower division finals will start on December 17 and will run for five days non stop before the champions are determined.
The ladies finals will follow later," said Amoko. He said Kenya Ports Authority and United States International University, who have just returned from just concluded Fiba Africa women championships in Tunisia, will be in action this weekend.
"We are running late and as a result, KPA and USIU will be back in local action now that they are back home," he added. KPA, who are the reigning national women champions will host Ulinzi 'Blades' in Mombasa while USIU will have a date with Safe Spaces in the quarter finals Game Three. The winners will meet Co-operative Bank and Sprite Storms in the semis.
In the men's category, reigning men's champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya will host KPA in Nairobi. The bankers are on the verge of elimination after trailing 2-0, having lost both games in Mombasa last weekend.
The other semi final will see six-time champions Ulinzi 'Warriors' confront USIU 'Tigers' in Game Two after taking Game One 70-58 at Nyayo last weekend.
In the lower division, Zetech University meet Dankind Academy and Umoja play KCA University. Zetech and Umoja lead the series 1-0 having won 89-76 and 52-45 respectively.
THE 2014 men's final play-off will throw off on December 17, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko has revealed.
He said the matches to be staged at Safaricom Stadium, will be played on best of five series and will be aired live by SuperSport. The two women's semi final matches will also be aired live.
"Game One of the men's premier and lower division finals will start on December 17 and will run for five days non stop before the champions are determined.
The ladies finals will follow later," said Amoko. He said Kenya Ports Authority and United States International University, who have just returned from just concluded Fiba Africa women championships in Tunisia, will be in action this weekend.
"We are running late and as a result, KPA and USIU will be back in local action now that they are back home," he added. KPA, who are the reigning national women champions will host Ulinzi 'Blades' in Mombasa while USIU will have a date with Safe Spaces in the quarter finals Game Three. The winners will meet Co-operative Bank and Sprite Storms in the semis.
In the men's category, reigning men's champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya will host KPA in Nairobi. The bankers are on the verge of elimination after trailing 2-0, having lost both games in Mombasa last weekend.
The other semi final will see six-time champions Ulinzi 'Warriors' confront USIU 'Tigers' in Game Two after taking Game One 70-58 at Nyayo last weekend.
In the lower division, Zetech University meet Dankind Academy and Umoja play KCA University. Zetech and Umoja lead the series 1-0 having won 89-76 and 52-45 respectively.
ANGOLA : Moxico Basketball Association Prioritizes Training of Sport Agents
Luena — The Provincial Basketball Association of Moxico (APBMX) will
prioritize in 2015, the training of managers, technicians and creation
of school groups to accelerate the spread of the sport in the region.
Speaking to Angop on Tuesday, the Vice-president of APBMX, Rotano Chinguli, said the training will involve referees, timekeepers, among others, key players for the growth of the sport.
"The financial issue is moreover the big problem that we experience alongside the shortage of infrastructure", said the sports official.
He added that it also includes the priority of the association the spread of women's basketball at all levels.
The official appealed for greater involvement of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), in providing sports equipment, trainers, among others, to contribute in carrying out the scheduled activities scheduled.
Speaking to Angop on Tuesday, the Vice-president of APBMX, Rotano Chinguli, said the training will involve referees, timekeepers, among others, key players for the growth of the sport.
"The financial issue is moreover the big problem that we experience alongside the shortage of infrastructure", said the sports official.
He added that it also includes the priority of the association the spread of women's basketball at all levels.
The official appealed for greater involvement of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), in providing sports equipment, trainers, among others, to contribute in carrying out the scheduled activities scheduled.
UGANDA : Dulah vows to fight to the end
Dullah (L), one of few standout performers in the struggling Tiger Power
side, rises to lay up past Oilers guard Jeff Omondi recently. PHOTO BY
ISMAIL KEZALA
By Andrew MwanguhyaIf playing basketball is his forte, play-acting - he loves to call it ‘entertainment; is his specialty.
One moment he will infuriate his opponents by going down holding his leg at an arm’s scratch, and the other; he will have his admirers applaud in awe his spell-binding no-look passes and amusing celebrations. But there was no play-acting when Daily Monitor brought it up to the Tiger Head Power guard Abdallahi Ramadhan aka Dulah that tonight could mark his fourth straight finals without a title.
Power go into tonight’s Game Four of the best-of-seven Pepsi National Basketball League final series trailing City Oilers 3-0. They must win. And having won his only ring in 2009, then with Warriors as they saw off Power 3-1 in the best-of-five final series, Dulah has gone on to lose finales in 2010 with Warriors, plus 2012 and last year with Falcons.
“Sometimes you do your best but it’s important that every player contributes,” says Dulah, 41, “We have let each other down so far but we have talked about it. I really pray to God to give us just this one game. After that, something can happen.”
Power have been pedestrian thus far, with Norman Blick struggling to get into the groove and the rest of coach Bernice Ankunda’s men failing to step up when Paul Odong, Joseph Ikong and Dulah - the few shining stars - have had off-days.
“That’s basketball,” adds Dulah, scorer of 32 points in his last two games, “You can’t light up every time. When you are off, your teammates should stand up. But even when you have an off day, you contribute in different ways, which we haven’t done.”
“When you fail to shoot, do something else… pass and bring your teammates into play, drive in, do something.”
Kami desperate to wrap it
Oilers centre Kami Kabange, alongside Geoff Omondi, Ben Komakech and Jimmy Enabu will be determined to kill it off.
“We have failed to mark Kami (Kabange),” admits Dulah, “You give Kami space and he will kill you with his shooting and rebounds. We have to improve our defence and we must fight to the end.” Kabange, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds in the finals, knows too well the dangers of giving Power another chance at life.
“We have to limit our mistakes because Power know how to capitalise on mistakes,” says the man with one of the cleanest jump shots around. “We must win because momentum can change if we let Power off.”
Oilers centre Kami Kabange, alongside Geoff Omondi, Ben Komakech and Jimmy Enabu will be determined to kill it off.
“We have failed to mark Kami (Kabange),” admits Dulah, “You give Kami space and he will kill you with his shooting and rebounds. We have to improve our defence and we must fight to the end.” Kabange, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds in the finals, knows too well the dangers of giving Power another chance at life.
“We have to limit our mistakes because Power know how to capitalise on mistakes,” says the man with one of the cleanest jump shots around. “We must win because momentum can change if we let Power off.”
09 December 2014
UGANDA : Oilers game away from defending title
Tiger Head Power’s Michael Kojo could not stop Kami Kabange’s City
Oilers from sweeping Game Three of the Fuba league finals at the MTN
Arena Lugogo on Sunday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
By Elvis Senono
The first two games of this year’s Pepsi National Basketball
League final series between City Oilers and Tiger Head Power had seen
the latter start fast before fading late in the games.
In game three on Sunday, the pattern was different with Oilers edging the first quarter 15-12.
The final outcome, however, remained all too
similar with Oilers winning 77-67; a result that leaves them one game
short of a clean sweep in the best of seven series.
“We are in a position where every team would want
to be in a final but we know it is not over yet,” Oilers coach Mandy
Juruni stated after the game.
While he maintained a calm look, his tone
suggested a man who expects his team to maintain the same kind of
ruthlessness exhibited thus far.
Kami Kabange, averaging 20 points and eight
rebounds in the finals again led the charge with a game high 26 points
and seven rebounds.
Jimmy Enabu scored 16 while Samuel Kalwanyi added 11 points and 14 rebounds.
For Power coach Bernes Ankunda meanwhile, the same problems persist.
For Power coach Bernes Ankunda meanwhile, the same problems persist.
They were again out-rebounded 46-36 and remain
poor on the line having converted only 39 per cent of their shots
compared to 59 per cent for Oilers.
“Our decision making is poor and we need to have
more belief in ourselves,” said forward Norman Blick who was scoreless
for the second consecutive game.
“I am obviously not pleased with the minutes I am
getting, there seems to be less trust in me but that is something we
are addressing ahead of Wednesday,” said the five time champion who has
played only 23 minutes in the last two games.
Power never trailed by more than 10 thanks
largely in part to Paul Odong’s 18 points including a three that pulled
his side within three points with less than four minutes on the clock.
Four other Power players were in double figures
Joseph Ikong 14, Phillip Ameny 13 and Abdulahi Ramathan and Paul Mwaka
added 10 apiece
Unlike the men’s final, the ladies’ is likely to last the distance with UCU Lady Canons holding a 2-1 series lead following a 64-50 win over KCCA Leopards.
Unlike the men’s final, the ladies’ is likely to last the distance with UCU Lady Canons holding a 2-1 series lead following a 64-50 win over KCCA Leopards.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
RESULTS
MEN: Oilers 77-67 Power
WOMEN: UCU 64-50 KCCA
Tomorrow at YMCA
GAME FOUR
MEN: Oilers Vs Power
(8.00 pm)
(Oilers lead series 3-0)
WOMEN: KCCA Vs UCU (6.00pm)
(UCU lead series 2-1)
RESULTS
MEN: Oilers 77-67 Power
WOMEN: UCU 64-50 KCCA
Tomorrow at YMCA
GAME FOUR
MEN: Oilers Vs Power
(8.00 pm)
(Oilers lead series 3-0)
WOMEN: KCCA Vs UCU (6.00pm)
(UCU lead series 2-1)
08 December 2014
KENYA : KPA drown Co-op, inch closer to finals
UGANDA : UCU Canons shun classification encounter
UCU guard Sudi Ulanga dribbles against City Oilers in the semis. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Elvis SenonoKAMPALA- UCU Canons yesterday refused to honour their National Basketball League third placed classification match against Warriros citing a tight academic schedule.
“Exams are more of a priority than a 3rd place
game. UCU are not playing this game and the federation is aware,” Canons
coach Nicholas Natuhereza wrote on his Facebook wall.
According to Joseph Manano, the Fuba chairman
Competitions Council, the federation did not receive any communication
from UCU about their unavailability prior to the game.
“As far as I know there has been no communication
to that effect,” Manano said adding that there was no penalty for
skipping such a clash. Last week, Canons gave away a 2-0 lead to lose
the best-of-five semifinal series 3-2 to reigning champions City Oilers.
Their female counterparts, UCU Lady Canons, however, were due to play
KCCA Leopards last evening in game three of the best-of-seven finals at
Lugogo.
Their third team UCU JV that plays in Division 1,
meanwhile also played yesterday, losing their second consecutive game
63-57 to Bushcourt in the best of five game finals.
In the women’s Division 1, Gladiators also lead their series 2-0 after beating Amazon Rhino 59-43.
Division 1 final series
M: Bushcourt 63-57 UCU JV
W: Gladiators 59-43 Amazon Rhino
Bushcourt and Gladiators lead the best-of-five series 2-0)
M: Bushcourt 63-57 UCU JV
W: Gladiators 59-43 Amazon Rhino
Bushcourt and Gladiators lead the best-of-five series 2-0)
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com
07 December 2014
UGANDA : Power left on the edge
City Oilers have not yet needed to be good. All it’s taken them so far is to be better than Tiger Head Power in the National Basketball League seven-game final series.
But, if good is enough, coach Mandy Juruni won’t
mind it. Daniel ‘Najja’ Juuko jumped off the bench to lift the champions
to a 79-66 victory at the Lugogo MTN Arena on Friday night for a 2-0
series lead. The point guard scored 11 of his 13 points in the
penultimate period. Power led 39-34 after two periods only for Oilers to
run away 45-27 thereafter.
Najja was the instigator in the absence of the
24-second clock. “Everyone is just ready to play when the chance
arises,” Juuko said. Juruni restored his starting five after resting
them in Wednesday’s Game One.
That series’ opening victory, a seventh successive
against Power, came less than 48 hours after completion of their
draining 3-2 semifinal series win over UCU Canons. Of the starters, only
Kami Kabange was fairly consistent with a team-high 16 points and eight
rebounds while Geoff Omondi nailed some big shots in a slow start.
10-point lead
Oilers committed nine of their 18 tunrovers in the first period as Ben Komakech, Jimmy Enabu and Kabange (5) seemed to show signs of fatigue.
Oilers committed nine of their 18 tunrovers in the first period as Ben Komakech, Jimmy Enabu and Kabange (5) seemed to show signs of fatigue.
Whenever Power threatened to run away having
assumed a 10-point lead in the third, Omondi’s 2 for 3 behind the arc
kept them in sight. He finished on 15 and 10 rebounds as he seeks a
first title.
Power, for whom Abdullahi Ramadhan scored a
game-high 22 points, five rebounds and six assists, must now win four
out of five games to reclaim the title they last won in 2011.
Is it possible? “From our position now, it’s very
hard but it’s still here,” coach Bernes Ankunda, visibly angry about the
lethargic display, said. 2-0 was distant. Now, 3-0 looks certain.
Though Falcons came from 2-0 down to beat Warriors
in the 2007 final and the latter recovered from 3-0 deficit to force a
Game Seven against Power in 2011, this Power team doesn’t look to have
it in them, for now. James Okello, like Najja, scored 10 and seven
rebounds off the bench.
Ankunda will want something similar from his role players to avoid a ninth successive loss to Oilers at YMCA today.
Besides Dulah, starters Michael Kojo’s 15 and Paul
Odongo’s 13 were the other contributors on offense as Joseph Ikong
choked after a brilliant semifinal series.
Multiple champion Norman Blick was not even a footnote in what is turning out to be a nightmare and forgettable final thus far.
In the women’s final, UCU Lady Canons tied their
series with KCCA Leopards in a 50-40 victory as Judith Nansobya scored
15 points with the latter going scoreless for over 12 minutes.
NBL FINAL SERIES
FRIDAY RESULTS
MEN: Power 66-79 Oilers
W: UCU 50-40 KCCA
TODAY AT YMCA
MEN: Oilers vs. Power (7.30pm)
(Oilers lead series 2-0)
W: KCCA vs. UCU (5.30pm)
(Series tied 1-all)
FRIDAY RESULTS
MEN: Power 66-79 Oilers
W: UCU 50-40 KCCA
TODAY AT YMCA
MEN: Oilers vs. Power (7.30pm)
(Oilers lead series 2-0)
W: KCCA vs. UCU (5.30pm)
(Series tied 1-all)
06 December 2014
KENYA : KPA fall to Inter Clube in Africa champions quarters
Kenya Ports Authority ,KPA, hopes of
becoming the second Kenyan team to earn a podium finish at the
FIBA-Africa Women Clubs Champions Cup were dashed on Friday when they
lost 40-68 in their quarterfinal game against Inter Clube of Angola.
Eagle Wings is the only local team to have finished in the podium after their bronze finish in Meknes, Morocco last year.
United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) failed to make the quarters after losing all group games.
The sole Kenyan representative KPA was no match for the defending champions right from tip off.
The Angolans commanded first three quarters winning 24-8, 15-7 and 14-8 to make the fourth quarter a formality. KPA had the consolation fourth winning 17-15 but it was too little too late.
KPA made only three 3-point shots from 14 attempts and seven free-throws from 14 attempts. Natalie Akinyi was the best performing player on the court grabbing six rebounds and three steals to top score for KPA with 8 points.
Lynette Atieno and Yvonne Odhiambo also scored 8 points each for KPA and had five rebounds between them.
Italee Lucas, Sequoia Holmes, Nadir Manuel and Astrida Vicente all scored 10 points each for the Angolan side.
Out of 32 attempts, they made eight 3-point shots and 10 free-throws from 14 attempts.
Inter Clube conceded 15 turnovers and scored 13 points from turnovers compared to KPA who turned over possession for 17 times scoring only 8 points.
The other quarterfinal clashes pit CSPC from Tunisia against Primero De Agosto of Angola, CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) against Dolphins (Nigeria) and ASB NSS up against First Bank of Nigeria.
Eagle Wings is the only local team to have finished in the podium after their bronze finish in Meknes, Morocco last year.
United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) failed to make the quarters after losing all group games.
The sole Kenyan representative KPA was no match for the defending champions right from tip off.
The Angolans commanded first three quarters winning 24-8, 15-7 and 14-8 to make the fourth quarter a formality. KPA had the consolation fourth winning 17-15 but it was too little too late.
KPA made only three 3-point shots from 14 attempts and seven free-throws from 14 attempts. Natalie Akinyi was the best performing player on the court grabbing six rebounds and three steals to top score for KPA with 8 points.
Lynette Atieno and Yvonne Odhiambo also scored 8 points each for KPA and had five rebounds between them.
Italee Lucas, Sequoia Holmes, Nadir Manuel and Astrida Vicente all scored 10 points each for the Angolan side.
Out of 32 attempts, they made eight 3-point shots and 10 free-throws from 14 attempts.
Inter Clube conceded 15 turnovers and scored 13 points from turnovers compared to KPA who turned over possession for 17 times scoring only 8 points.
The other quarterfinal clashes pit CSPC from Tunisia against Primero De Agosto of Angola, CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) against Dolphins (Nigeria) and ASB NSS up against First Bank of Nigeria.
UGANDA : Lamunu eager to wrap amazing year with maiden league title
Lamunu fends off an A1 Challenge player during their semi final playoff game at YMCA Wandegeya last month. PHOTO ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Elvis SenonoWith a 1-0 series lead over UCU Lady Canons(before yesterday’s
game two) Claire Lamunu is in her second final with KCCA Leopards ,
consecutively, since breaking with the Gladiators’ team two seasons ago.
This is, as expected her most successful year in what promises to be a stellar career.
Lamunu was voted both MVP and top scorer as the
Uganda ladies’ basketball team, the Gazelles clinched a maiden
appearance at next year’s next year’s Afro basket and All Africa Games.
Despite the achievements, Lamunu is more than keen
to add the national title to her medal collection having lost last
year’s title to the same opponents.
“I have not really won any titles so winning this
would really be really special,” she explained after a game high 18
points in game one against the Lady Canons on Wednesday.
The result gave the Leopards a 62-60 game one victory in the best of seven final series on Wednesday.
The small forward and her team though are unlikely
to find it easy especially with the absence of “big men” Martha Soigi
and Peace Proscovia.
“They are extremely important players but we are
learning to cope without them,” Lamunu, who averaged 22 points and nine
rebounds in the playoff quarter and semifinals, explains.
The former Namagunga High School student also
believes that with guard Flavia Okecho in the team, they always stand a
good chance of claiming honours.
“She is probably the best player I have played alongside”, she reveals.
“She is probably the best player I have played alongside”, she reveals.
Lamunu, a third year Bio medical engineering
student at Makerere University also credits KCCA and Gazelles’ coach
Timothy Odeke as the biggest influence in her basketball career.
“He gives me the freedom to express myself and
probably has more belief in me than I have in myself,” she reveals with a
slight chuckle.
BASKETBALL ROAD
• Started playing basketball in 2008 while on holiday in her Senior three term three holidays in Gulu
• Played on Namagunga team following year until 2011
• Played for Gladiators in 2012
• Signed with KCCA Leopards 2013
FORMER CLUBS
2012- Gladiators
CAREER HIGH POINTS
• 2010- MVP in Wakiso District schools qualifiers
• 2011-Best rebounder at national schools championship
• 2013- Reached final of National Basketball League with KCCA
• 2014- Women MVP at Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship
• 2014-Top Scorer at Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship (76 points in four games)
• 2014-Helped Gazelles win Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship
• Started playing basketball in 2008 while on holiday in her Senior three term three holidays in Gulu
• Played on Namagunga team following year until 2011
• Played for Gladiators in 2012
• Signed with KCCA Leopards 2013
FORMER CLUBS
2012- Gladiators
CAREER HIGH POINTS
• 2010- MVP in Wakiso District schools qualifiers
• 2011-Best rebounder at national schools championship
• 2013- Reached final of National Basketball League with KCCA
• 2014- Women MVP at Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship
• 2014-Top Scorer at Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship (76 points in four games)
• 2014-Helped Gazelles win Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship
TOMORROW AT LUGOGO
GAME 3
KCCA Leopards Vs UCU Lady Canons
GAME 3
KCCA Leopards Vs UCU Lady Canons
05 December 2014
BOTSWANA : Dolphins, Troopers reach basketball championship finals
The 37 and 24 points margins clearly shows that Dolphins completely dominated the series and earned themselves praise from coach Trynos Moyo.
“We were a more focused and determined team. We played well and refused to allow them to attack. This time around we did not play our usual speedy game, we were more relaxed,” said Moyo in an interview after the game.
However the most entertaining game in the semi-final series was the Gaborone derby between rivals Troopers and Spartans. Troopers were looking to defend their unbeaten run but were stopped by a resolute Spartans in a no holds barred semi final clash. On Friday, Troopers cemented their authority over Spartans with a 74-62 hiding. But the Spartans hit back the next day and gave Troopers their first defeat of the season with a 61-57 thrashing. However, Troopers were able to claim the title of king of the city through an aggregate score of 83-65 and a superior margin of 22 points. The series ended with a 2-1 win in favor of Troopers.
Once again Troopers will clash with Dolphins in a David-vs-Goliath encounter in the championship finals. Troopers have always dominated local basketball and they will find themselves battling to subdue new-kid-on-the-block Dolphins.
Troopers will be looking to defend their championship trophy and also cement their authority over an increasingly menacing Dolphin side.
On the other hand, Dolphins are a young and ambitious side that is determined to end Troopers reign. They will also be looking to draw blood and avenge their disappointing loss to Troopers in a championship decider few weeks ago.
But it will take more than luck for Dolphins to overcome the experienced, disciplined and evergreen Troopers in the three series game over the weekend. Forward Kesa Ikalanga, shooting guard Churchill Burrows and guard Anthony Akpata will not let dolphins players have their way. Players like shooter Mixion Tshepo, Thabo Gaborone, Patrick Mokgethi and the hardworking guard and captain Thuto Shai can also not be overlooked.
Dolphins coach Moyo will need more depth, energy and fitness levels as his team will be playing three games over the weekend without enough rest. However with the depth in his squad, Moyo will not run out of options.
Of the two coaches, William Nyangu is more dominant, but he will not take any chances when he meets Dolphins as he won the title decider with a whisker.
“You can expect the commitment and effort that has won us so many championship games. We are well prepared and our final preparations will be on Tuesday and Thursday,” said Nyangu.
Nyangu will rely on point guard Thebe Morewakgole, shooting guard Duma Setlhare and Eugene Ndaba to lead his charge. Skillful forward Emmanuel Ramoshebi together with veterans Mothusi Thipe and Ratanang Tsayang will be on Nyangu’s mind as he mixes youth and experience.
Troopers beat Dolphins 56-51 and 64-58 in the championships last year.
NIGERIA : Mark Mentors in High Spirit to Challenge for Honours
Coach Peter Ahmedu of Mark Mentors Basketball Club of Abuja said
yesterday that the team was in a high spirit for the Men's African Club
Basketball Championship in Tunisia.
Ahmedu told NAN in Abuja that they were just putting finishing touches to the preparations and that the players were intensifying their preparations to challenge for honours at the championship.
"We are putting finishing touches to the preparations; we have been together in a closed camp for over two weeks now. "We are adjusting from the elimination series we went for.
"We had some injuries and I am happy we have been able to take care of them now. "The spirit of the boys in training is high. So, hopefully, by the time we get to the finals of the Club Championship in Tunisia the team will do well.
NAN reports that Mark Mentors qualified for the Championship as the only Nigerian representative at the qualifiers in Burkina Faso. They beat fellow Nigerian side Kano Pillars 78-73 in the semi-final of the Zone 3 qualifiers for the African Club Championship to qualify for the final.
The first two teams at the qualifiers Mark Mentors and AS Sonabhy basketball club of Burkina Faso qualified to represent Zone 3 in the Men's African Club Championship.
The Mark Mentors coach added that the management has motivated the club to do Nigeria proud in Tunis. "The arrangement and preparation for us to get there successfully has been done and the boys have been put into a closed camp for us to have a close watch over them.
"Also, their allowances have been paid. "But I am hoping that the club Chairman will come out with an amount of money that we will be rewarded with so as to increase the intensity of the motivation," Ahmedu said.
He, however, ruled out the effect of the club's inability to embark on a training tour before the beginning of the championship in Tunis. "This is the first time the club is going for the championship and the level of preparation we have at home is as good as anywhere we would have gone within the African countries.
"The only thing we are lacking is that if we have travelled out of the country to anywhere to go and camp we would have had more competitive games to play as friendly games.
"That is what we are actually going to lack. "But with the training programme we had we are sure that we will get to Tunisia to do the country proud." He, however, appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for the club.
"We are asking Nigerians to believe in us and pray for us that we are not only going there to take part in the championship but to do the nation proud," Ahmedu said. According to him, the club will depart Nigeria for the championship on Dec. 9.
The 2014 Men's African Club Championship has been scheduled to hold in Tunis, Tunisia, from Dec. 12 to Dec. 21.
Ahmedu told NAN in Abuja that they were just putting finishing touches to the preparations and that the players were intensifying their preparations to challenge for honours at the championship.
"We are putting finishing touches to the preparations; we have been together in a closed camp for over two weeks now. "We are adjusting from the elimination series we went for.
"We had some injuries and I am happy we have been able to take care of them now. "The spirit of the boys in training is high. So, hopefully, by the time we get to the finals of the Club Championship in Tunisia the team will do well.
NAN reports that Mark Mentors qualified for the Championship as the only Nigerian representative at the qualifiers in Burkina Faso. They beat fellow Nigerian side Kano Pillars 78-73 in the semi-final of the Zone 3 qualifiers for the African Club Championship to qualify for the final.
The first two teams at the qualifiers Mark Mentors and AS Sonabhy basketball club of Burkina Faso qualified to represent Zone 3 in the Men's African Club Championship.
The Mark Mentors coach added that the management has motivated the club to do Nigeria proud in Tunis. "The arrangement and preparation for us to get there successfully has been done and the boys have been put into a closed camp for us to have a close watch over them.
"Also, their allowances have been paid. "But I am hoping that the club Chairman will come out with an amount of money that we will be rewarded with so as to increase the intensity of the motivation," Ahmedu said.
He, however, ruled out the effect of the club's inability to embark on a training tour before the beginning of the championship in Tunis. "This is the first time the club is going for the championship and the level of preparation we have at home is as good as anywhere we would have gone within the African countries.
"The only thing we are lacking is that if we have travelled out of the country to anywhere to go and camp we would have had more competitive games to play as friendly games.
"That is what we are actually going to lack. "But with the training programme we had we are sure that we will get to Tunisia to do the country proud." He, however, appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for the club.
"We are asking Nigerians to believe in us and pray for us that we are not only going there to take part in the championship but to do the nation proud," Ahmedu said. According to him, the club will depart Nigeria for the championship on Dec. 9.
The 2014 Men's African Club Championship has been scheduled to hold in Tunis, Tunisia, from Dec. 12 to Dec. 21.
UGANDA : Powerful Oilers!
By Felix Eupal
City Oilers are on a crescendo and Tiger Head Power seems powerless to stop them from clinching a second straight basketball league title.
On Wednesday night, the former won Game 1 of the best-of-seven play-off finals and is aiming to stretch the lead tonight, writes Felix Eupal.
All roads lead to Lugogo arena this evening as basketball fans await Power's response following Wednesday's 61-70 defeat to the league's defending champions. All eyes will be on Power's Phillip Amenyi, whose unpredictable nature is causing concern.
On Sunday, Power defeated Warriors in the semifinal decider without him after he travelled back to Nairobi to attend to family matters. He only showed up at half time against Oilers. For a man supposed to stop Oilers danger man Kami Kabenge, it was a bitter pill to swallow given that Kabenge went on to finish with a game-high 18 points, ten rebounds and three assists.
Power management wasn't happy with Amanyi, blaming him for disappearing when they needed him most. But just like Phillip Kyomuhendo Power's manager says, "The good thing is that he is back and all is good".
That is the unpredictability of Amenyi on and off court. In the regular season, he served an eight-match ban for featuring in a tournament in Congo without clearance from local basketball body Fuba. But Amenyi wasn't the only missing link for Power on Wednesday; coach Bernes Ankunda's team still sucks at rebounding and they were out-rebounded 57-45.
They also failed to take advantage of the charity line; converting only 11 of the 33 times. However, Oilers weren't also clinical on the line and converted 20 of the 40 shots. The difference was how Oilers rotated their offence, attacking the hoop from inside and also shooting.
For instance, Ankunda was shocked by the unusual starting five of Oilers, which had three bench players Henry Mulira, Andrew Opio and Daniel Juuko.
On the other hand, Ankunda's team lacks a leader. It was evident when skipper Joseph Ikong failed to roar his teammates. Granted, Power have an opportunity to correct the wrongs tonight.
The good thing about the play-offs is that there is a second chance to correct your errors. Precise shooting is Ankunda's top agenda because despite YMCA being Power's training ground, they could only convert four baskets from the 28 attempts out the ark.
City Oilers are on a crescendo and Tiger Head Power seems powerless to stop them from clinching a second straight basketball league title.
On Wednesday night, the former won Game 1 of the best-of-seven play-off finals and is aiming to stretch the lead tonight, writes Felix Eupal.
All roads lead to Lugogo arena this evening as basketball fans await Power's response following Wednesday's 61-70 defeat to the league's defending champions. All eyes will be on Power's Phillip Amenyi, whose unpredictable nature is causing concern.
On Sunday, Power defeated Warriors in the semifinal decider without him after he travelled back to Nairobi to attend to family matters. He only showed up at half time against Oilers. For a man supposed to stop Oilers danger man Kami Kabenge, it was a bitter pill to swallow given that Kabenge went on to finish with a game-high 18 points, ten rebounds and three assists.
Power management wasn't happy with Amanyi, blaming him for disappearing when they needed him most. But just like Phillip Kyomuhendo Power's manager says, "The good thing is that he is back and all is good".
That is the unpredictability of Amenyi on and off court. In the regular season, he served an eight-match ban for featuring in a tournament in Congo without clearance from local basketball body Fuba. But Amenyi wasn't the only missing link for Power on Wednesday; coach Bernes Ankunda's team still sucks at rebounding and they were out-rebounded 57-45.
They also failed to take advantage of the charity line; converting only 11 of the 33 times. However, Oilers weren't also clinical on the line and converted 20 of the 40 shots. The difference was how Oilers rotated their offence, attacking the hoop from inside and also shooting.
For instance, Ankunda was shocked by the unusual starting five of Oilers, which had three bench players Henry Mulira, Andrew Opio and Daniel Juuko.
On the other hand, Ankunda's team lacks a leader. It was evident when skipper Joseph Ikong failed to roar his teammates. Granted, Power have an opportunity to correct the wrongs tonight.
The good thing about the play-offs is that there is a second chance to correct your errors. Precise shooting is Ankunda's top agenda because despite YMCA being Power's training ground, they could only convert four baskets from the 28 attempts out the ark.
RWANDA : Ferwaba training camp attracts over 100 youngsters
The Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) has organised a junior
basketball training camp at Amahoro stadium in a bid to teach the
fundamentals of the game at an early age.
Over 100 girls and boys attend the daily sessions at the NPC gymnasium under the close eye of national team head coach Moise Mutokambali who said the importance of the programme is to train people who will feed the national teams in the near future.
“We are running this camp to teach these young players the basics of basketball ranging from dribbling, shooting and passing to mention but a few. We want to do this every holiday season so that we follow up on their progress,” explained Mutokambali.
The girls and boys are between the ages of 13-18 years and according to Mutokambali this platform will help him to select the national U-16 and U-18 teams for regional competitions next year.
The national U-18 girls’ assistant coach Joseline Munyaneza expressed joy at the big turn up of young girls from schools across the country.
“It is very encouraging to see a big number of girls coming for this programme. We have their contact information and will follow up with them after so that they are able to continue playing basketball even when they return to their schools,” Munyaneza said.
Rwanda is planning to send a girls’ and boys’ team to next year’s Fiba Africa U-16 and U-18 tournaments.
Over 100 girls and boys attend the daily sessions at the NPC gymnasium under the close eye of national team head coach Moise Mutokambali who said the importance of the programme is to train people who will feed the national teams in the near future.
“We are running this camp to teach these young players the basics of basketball ranging from dribbling, shooting and passing to mention but a few. We want to do this every holiday season so that we follow up on their progress,” explained Mutokambali.
The girls and boys are between the ages of 13-18 years and according to Mutokambali this platform will help him to select the national U-16 and U-18 teams for regional competitions next year.
The national U-18 girls’ assistant coach Joseline Munyaneza expressed joy at the big turn up of young girls from schools across the country.
“It is very encouraging to see a big number of girls coming for this programme. We have their contact information and will follow up with them after so that they are able to continue playing basketball even when they return to their schools,” Munyaneza said.
Rwanda is planning to send a girls’ and boys’ team to next year’s Fiba Africa U-16 and U-18 tournaments.
04 December 2014
KENYA : Kenyan ladies frustrate at continental showpiece
Kenya’s representatives at the Fiba
Africa Women Club Championships Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and United
States International University- Africa (USIU-A) are going through tough
times in Tunisia.
USIU-A has so far conceded two century scores in their three losses while KPA has a single win from a walkover.
The results are bound to raise many questions about the preparedness levels of the Kenyan teams. USIU-A lost 49-100 to INSS from Democratic Republic of Congo, 58-102 against Dolphins of Nigeria and 59-78 to CSPC of Tunisia.
KPA lost the first game 58-79 to Sfaxien from Tunisia before earning a 20-0 walkover win over INJIS from Cameroon. The dockers lost third match 47-79 to Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto.
Selected results have Dolphins record a 68-59 win over CSPC, Interclube beat CSPC 73-56, ESR beat Sporting 66-65, IR Tanger beat CRDB 57-50 while Nigeria's First Bank won 77-66 over CSS.
League play-offs
Locally, the Kenya Basketball Federation league playoffs enter the semifinal stage this weekend with five games on the cards.
Defending champions Co-operative Bank will make the long journey to Mombasa for their duel against KPA in the best of five series.
Game one will be played on Saturday at the Makande Gymnasium with the second one taking place on Monday at the same venue.
Three more games will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Sunday. Ulinzi Warriors will host USIU-A in the second semifinal of the men premier.
The soldiers will have it tough with the likelihood of missing point guards Eric Mutoro and Tiberius Manya for the remainder of the playoffs.
The two are expected to proceed for military training and their absence will give head coach William Balozi a headache. Zetech University will play host to Dankind Academy in the first division one playoffs tie while Umoja host Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U).
The two ties are very crucial because the two teams making it to the final will earn automatic promotion to the men premier league next season.
KBF playoffs Fixtures: Saturday- KPA Men vs Co-op Bank (Mombasa, 4pm); Sunday- Zetech University vs Dankind Academy (Nyayo gymnasium, 12pm), Umoja vs KCA-U (2pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs USIU-A (4pm); Monday- Co-op Bank vs KPA Men (Mombasa, 4pm).
USIU-A has so far conceded two century scores in their three losses while KPA has a single win from a walkover.
The results are bound to raise many questions about the preparedness levels of the Kenyan teams. USIU-A lost 49-100 to INSS from Democratic Republic of Congo, 58-102 against Dolphins of Nigeria and 59-78 to CSPC of Tunisia.
KPA lost the first game 58-79 to Sfaxien from Tunisia before earning a 20-0 walkover win over INJIS from Cameroon. The dockers lost third match 47-79 to Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto.
Selected results have Dolphins record a 68-59 win over CSPC, Interclube beat CSPC 73-56, ESR beat Sporting 66-65, IR Tanger beat CRDB 57-50 while Nigeria's First Bank won 77-66 over CSS.
League play-offs
Locally, the Kenya Basketball Federation league playoffs enter the semifinal stage this weekend with five games on the cards.
Defending champions Co-operative Bank will make the long journey to Mombasa for their duel against KPA in the best of five series.
Game one will be played on Saturday at the Makande Gymnasium with the second one taking place on Monday at the same venue.
Three more games will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Sunday. Ulinzi Warriors will host USIU-A in the second semifinal of the men premier.
The soldiers will have it tough with the likelihood of missing point guards Eric Mutoro and Tiberius Manya for the remainder of the playoffs.
The two are expected to proceed for military training and their absence will give head coach William Balozi a headache. Zetech University will play host to Dankind Academy in the first division one playoffs tie while Umoja host Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U).
The two ties are very crucial because the two teams making it to the final will earn automatic promotion to the men premier league next season.
KBF playoffs Fixtures: Saturday- KPA Men vs Co-op Bank (Mombasa, 4pm); Sunday- Zetech University vs Dankind Academy (Nyayo gymnasium, 12pm), Umoja vs KCA-U (2pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs USIU-A (4pm); Monday- Co-op Bank vs KPA Men (Mombasa, 4pm).
