Basketball in Africa

THE Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) enters the year 2015 with plans to introduce a new tournament in its calendar, which aims at promoting world peace.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga told the 'Daily News on Saturday' in Dar es Salaam that the decision to introduce the new tournament in its annual calendar was met during the Executive Committee meeting held recently, in which they evaluated 2014 performance and drafted the 2015 calendar.
Zonga said that the new event on the 2015 calendar will take place in February, whereby it will involve various local and foreign teams.
"We have decided to introduce the event as part of the federation's efforts to promote peace and tranquillity in the country and globally in general," he said. He added that sports are among the major tools which are utilised to promote peace and bring unity and solidarity among people.
"Sports can bring people together towards a common goal, while promoting respect in the community by building relationships between different groups. Through sports, conflict can be transformed to peace," he said.
The date for the event will be named later after its preparation including the process of securing sponsors being finalised. Apart from that, Zonga said the event will also be staged to promote the sport and giving local players especially those who are upcoming, much needed experience of playing at international level.
Zonga also said that this year's National Basketball League (NBL) championship will be held in March. At least 20 clubs will battle for the title and for the first time, clubs from Zanzibar will compete in the event.
The TBF Secretary General also said that this year's NBL championship will be conducted from zonal level, whereby teams will battle in zones and the top two teams will cruise into the finals.
According to Zonga, the date and place where the finals will take place be will be announced later.
In another development, Zonga said the federation plans in this year is basically focused on promoting the sport countrywide, by conducting coaches and referees courses on various stages.