Basketball in Africa

By francis marangu

HOOPS with MWEMBE KAONA
IN OVER six weeks from now, the 2015 basketball season will take off and if there is a team many hope will bounce back to being title challengers, it is the Sankisha Chilwesa-drilled Green Eagles.
Eagles have in the past three years struggled for a top-four finish.
Eagles are an outfit with a lot of depth in terms of experience but lack on the aspect of fresh blood though that should not deter them from crossing the line to play in the national championships series at the close of the regional league.
In 2007, Eagles were Zambia’s envoys at the Falcons Invitation International tournament and performed considerably well, though not well enough to win the coveted top prize.
At that time, the uncompromising Aggrey Kabalata was head coach and during his reign, the side had a competitive edge against opponents, but one cannot say his departure is the reason for their dwindled rating.
Chilwesa is a dedicated and promising trainer with a lot of commitment and passion for his side, determined to learn at every opportunity.
His cast of players, who include Francis Chibebela, ‘Sharp shooter’ Obert Muleza and Luke Manzili need to rise to the occasion and revive the team’s fortunes.
There is also need for the side to beef up in order to fill gaps left by David ‘eLTee’ Chinunda and Lawrence ‘JB’ Mulongwa.
Another side that will be a focal point is Heroes Play United, who will make a return to top flight basketball after a season in the second division.
The former national basketball kings had a disappointing 2013 season, which saw them go down from the A League to the B League, something that was unthinkable considering the team’s rich background.
But it was with humility that trainer-cum-manager Maziko Phiri accepted fate, saying it was going to serve as an opportunity to reflect and rebuild the team. Hopefully, they are back to stay.
Last week, I discussed the issues of coach versus referees and as expected there were some responses, though with caution from affected sectors.
Connell Kandala from Kitwe did not seem to dispute but posed a question on what the solution to poor officiating would be, while Eagles coach Chilwesa was of the view that the subject was food for thought.
An official who declined to be named charged that the onus was on the coaches to ensure their players were well prepared to win a game and not go on court to argue with match officials.
He said coaches are responsible for drilling players, mentally preparing them and drawing game plans. Therefore, referees have no hand in a team’s technical failure, especially if it is losing a match.
I will discuss possible solutions to concerns by both parties next week, but for now, I may add that both sides of the coin share the blame.
The national championship between UNZA Pacers and Matero Magic has been an interesting affair.
More on this later. Have a blessed week!
mdkaona@gmail.com

MWEMBE KAONA, Ndola
ZAMBIA Basketball Association vice-president in charge of the Northern region Andrew Nyirenda has appealed to clubs to put in place proper management structures in a bid to enhance the development of the sport.
And International Basketball Federation coaching instructor Ronnie Owino has urged local coaches to continuously update their knowledge of the game through various training programmes.
Speaking at the close of a ten-day Olympic Solidarity /FIBA young coaches module one clinic in Ndola on Thursday, Nyirenda said some clubs were making slow progress in developing as they had no proper management structures in place.
“The situation where one person is the team manager, coach and chairman at the same time must be changed and we should be looking at bringing more people on board in our clubs,” Nyirenda said.
He thanked the National Olympic Committee of Zambia for facilitating the course through the International Olympic Committee and urged participants to share knowledge gained.
Meanwhile, the Nairobi based expert Owino said in his experience as a coach, success was achieved through hard work and an unending desire to learn as the game was ever changing.
And NOCZ board member Stephen Simpemba, who presented certificates, implored participants to return to their bases and share knowledge with their colleagues.
The clinic drew 19 participants from various parts of the country namely Chingola, Choma, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka Mansa, Mpika, Monze and Ndola.
The FIBA module one clinic is the first level qualification under the continental basketball body structure of grading courses.

Kampala

Jimmy Enabu lacks the appropriate language to describe his feelings. For a player from a family with a great basketball tradition, time spent honing skills left little for public speaking lessons.

His skills will hold him in good stead as he can now claim to be the best player here after being the 2014 basketball men’s playoffs Most Valuable Player on Saturday night at Sheraton Hotel. The shooting guard beat off competition from City Oilers’ teammates Ben Komakech, a two-time winner, and Kami Kabange, dethroning the latter to basketball’s ultimate individual accolade.

No wonder Enabu could hardly speak. He stood on the podium, clearly struggling to take in the moment. His transition to the pinnacle from being a role player at Tiger Head Power in 2013 is complete. “
Thank you all,” Enabu said, in between pauses. As he made his way through a packed Rwenzori Ball Room to the podium under dim lights, Enabu hugged all his teammates.

Fittingly, Kabange got the last hug and whispered words of wisdom. Some must have felt Kabange deserved it more having averaged 18.3 points and just under 10 rebounds in the playoffs.

Enabu was not too far behind with an average of 16 points which culminated in a 4-0 finals sweep of Power to clinch back-to-back titles. For the finals, Kabange stood at 21 and Enabu on 13. “I never really play for awards or even numbers but it’s a good thing, even for the team,” a calmer Enabu would latter admit when the lights had dimmed. In the women’s category, KCCA Leopards’ forward Claire Lamunnu capped a remarkable year with her first MVP diadem.

She beat teammates Flavia Oketcho, a four-time MVP, and Becky Akulo having led KCCA to stunning comeback against UCU Lady Canons having trailed 3-1 in the seven game series. “I feel honoured,” a soft-spoken Lamunnu, 21 points’ average, said. “Thanks to my team and the management.” Enabu and Lamunnu received their prizes last on a long night that almost shed midnight.

Sudi Ulanga, formerly UCU Canons and now Power, was named regular season MVP, as was UCU Lady Canons’ Purity Odhiambo in the ladies’ category.

The young Kenyan team was highly exposed at the ongoing Four Nations Basketball Challenge in South Africa after losing to Nigeria and Mozambique by big margins as the tourney enters day three on Saturday.
In the first game, they lost 52-83 to Africa powerhouse Nigeria before going down fighting 56-76 to Mozambique on Friday night.
Kenya started off well managing to hold the Mozambicans to a five points difference in the first quarter losing 10-15.
The turning point for Kenya was fifth minute injury to Philip Ameny who was commanding on the court. Before being pulled out, Ameny had scored two points and one blocked shot.
His absence disoriented head coach Carey Odhiambo's game plan. Mozambique won the second quarter 14-8 to lead 29-18 at halftime.
The fighting spirit by Kenya was visible but were let down by poor shooting. Mozambique won third quarter 25-18 and the fourth 22-20 to condemn Kenya to a second successive defeat.
Team manager Joseph Amoko said the losses have been a learning experience for the young lads who need more exposure.
“The boys are trying and we need to be with them for a longer period. We need more games of this caliber and they will be fine,” he said confirming that Ameny was on crutches but his condition is not very serious.
Evans Letting who was the most fielded player with 26:05 minutes top scored for Kenya with 12 points. He grabbed 14 rebounds plus two steals.
Captain Situma Khaemba and Victor Bosire had 5 and 4 assists respectively while Kevin Kigotho had 2 blocks. Valentine Nyakinda had 9 defensive rebounds and 2 offensive rebounds.
Francisco Macaringue and Augusto Matos jointly top scored for Mozambique with 13 points each. Ermelindo Novela, Helton Ubisse and Custodio Muchate each grabbed five rebounds.
From the 3-point line, Kenya made one shot from six attempts while 26 baskets were scored from 59 attempts.
Nigeria beat South Africa
Mozambique had 23 attempts making six from the 3-point line while their attempts at the 2-point line were 49 scoring 18. Kenya's shooting precision was poorest at the free-throw line managing only one through Allan Ouma from eleven attempts.
Mozambique attempted 33 free shots making 22. In the Kenyan side, Nyakinda had the highest attempts for two points at 10 scoring six while Bosire had the highest attempts from the 3-point line at 4 scoring once.
Nigeria who beat South Africa 98-57 tops the table with four points same as Mozambique who beat South Africa 80-57 in their opening game. South Africa has a superior number of points scored at 181 against Mozambique’s 156 and the two sides are gunning for the gold.
Kenya and South Africa are winless and will meet on Saturday for the final round-robin encounter. Saturday games will be a replica of Sunday’s when the third place playoff and final will be held.
Locally, league action in the national classic league will continue with a total of ten games. Men premier league newcomers Zetech University will make their league debut against Nairobi Aviation College on Sunday.
USIU face Mennonite
United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) will play Mennonite in men premier and Kenyatta University Oryx in women premier. Kenyatta University Pirates will begin their life in division one with a game against Dankind Academy on Saturday.
Co-operative Bank will face Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) in the top tie of men premier while Mennonite play second game against Blades from Strathmore University.
Strathmore ladies team begin their season with an encounter against Mennonite as Sprite Storms tackle Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U).
KBF Weekend Fixtures: Saturday- KU Pirates vs Dankind Academy (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), KCA-U vs ANU (10:30am), KCA-U vs Sprite Storms (12pm), Blades vs Mennonite (2pm), Co-op Bank vs KAA (4pm); Sunday- ANU vs Parklands Baptist (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), Strathmore Swords vs Mennonite (10:30am), KU Oryx vs USIU Flames (12pm), Mennonite vs USIU Tigers (2pm), Zetech University vs Nairobi Aviation College (4pm).

Equity Bank ladies basketball team had a false start in their premier league debut losing 58-76 to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Mombasa.
KPA fielded their new signings of Linda Nyikuli and Evelyn Nora both from Eagle Wings as well as Evelyn Itabo formerly with Safe Spaces and Anne Ndela.
Defending champions United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) beat Ulinzi Blades 66-45 at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium. Sarah Chan led the scores with 13 points while Zipporah Adhiambo added 11.
New signing from Co-operative Bank Melissa Akinyi scored 8 points. She was brought on board to fill the void left by Hilda Indasi who decamped to Equity Bank.
New signing for Ulinzi Brenda Odula from Eagle Wings scored 15 points to lead the soldiers. Rose Aketch had 14 points coming off ten free throws and two baskets.
USIU-A scored 15 points from the free throw line and 15 from 3-point shots against Ulinzi’s 21 at the free throw line and 9 from 3-point shots.
The students were dominant in the entire game winning all quarters 11-10, 15-8, 16-9 and 24-18 respectively.
Ulinzi used new players who include Florence Mbithe from Safe Spaces, Dorothy Egessa, Maxim Agusta and Jane Mugwanga.
Former champions Eagle Wings who have seen most of their key players depart beat Kenyatta University Oryx 52-24.
In the men's premier, newcomers Umoja lost their first game going down 51-67 away to Nakuru Club while champions KPA beat Equity Bank 70-56 with their new signings Arou Ramadhan, Athiey Lwal and Valentine Nyakinda.
University of Nairobi Terrorists were 60-50 winners over Lions. Ulinzi Warriors kicked off their campaign with a 64-53 win over USIU-A who proved to be a worthy opponent.
New signing Joshua Okumu and Victor Odendo top scored for Ulinzi with 13 points each. Okumu grabbed 4 rebounds and 5 steals while Odendo had 2 rebounds. John Washika grabbed 6 rebounds and 3 steals.
For USIU-A, Kevin Kigotho scored highest with 16 points while Mike Opinya and Kevin Bosire scored 12 points each. Ulinzi led 43-30 at halftime after losing first quarter 15-19 and winning the second 28-11. The second half was balanced as Ulinzi won third quarter 11-9 and USIU-A the fourth 14-10.
Barclays Bank needed overtime to beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 83-67 in division one. The game tied at 63-all in regulation time after Barclays led 27-22 at halftime.
First quarter went to the bankers 19-10 and the second to ANU 12-8. Barclays claimed the third 20-13 before ANU pushed the game to overtime with a 28-16 win in the fourth. In added time, Romanov O'Connor, Franklin Delano and Mike Lopokoiyit scored 6 points each to help Barclays win 20-4.
O'Connor top scored with a game high 25 points for Barclays while ANUs top scorer was Kenneth Ndung’u with 17 points, Bryan Jarret added 14 and Jarret Ouma 13.
Results: ANU 67 Barclays Bank 80, USIU Flames 66 Ulinzi Blades 45, USIU Tigers 53 Ulinzi Warriors 64, UoN Terror 60 Lions 50, Nakuru Club 65 Umoja 51, Eagle Wings 52 KU Oryx 24.

Carol Ouma, a FIBA-accredited coach will be in charge at Co-operative Bank women's basketball team when the 2015 Kenya Basketball Federation season begins this weekend.
She replaces Robert Mugabe who led the team to a third-place finish last season. Ouma has a playing career spanning eleven years having made club basketball debut in 2004 with Railways Club before playing for Sprite Storms and Eastern Queens.
She has been a player at Co-op Bank for four years. It is not always easy taking up a coaching role but she is prepared for the tough transition from a player to coach. “It is okay because I know most of the players having played together for years. There will be no difficulties at all.”
Truphosa Mochachi from University of Nairobi Dynamites and Beryl Akoth from NYTA Shimba Hills are the only new players at the team. Her first major assignment will be leading the bankers this weekend away to Western Delight and newcomers Kisumu Lady Bucks.
The major change in the women premier league is late withdrawal of Safe Spaces featured in the playoffs last season. They have opted to play in the Nairobi Basketball Association league due to financial difficulties.
Last season, it was a big challenge for the club to honor their fixtures. “Our key donor for the team passed on last month and we are not financially able to support a premier league team with league fee and away matches,” team manager Peninah Nthenya confirmed.
Debutants Equity Bank who signed Hilda Indasi from United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) begin their campaign away against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The dockers lost one of their key player Lynette Atieno to Nigerian side First Bank.
Champions USIU-A will begin their title defense against military side Ulinzi.
Men's premier league newcomers Zetech University were not very active in the transfer market signing two players only. Keith Ondu and Ayuel Ayuel joined from Dankind Academy while Joshua Okumu left for Ulinzi Warriors.
Worried coach Munene
As the season begins, head coach Job Munene is a worried man. “We are in a higher league now but its like we are still in division one,” he told sportsnewsarena.com. “Remuneration for players needs to improve so that it becomes easy attracting players from other clubs which did not happen. It’s the reason why we did not sign the players we wanted for the new season.”
He is not happy the players are still enjoying the same allowances as they did last season when they played in Division One but expects things to be sorted out before playing their first game.
Zetech not in is action this weekend. “Of course players get demoralized when promises are made and never fulfilled. We just hope it will not affect our campaign but if things are tough there is the mid-season transfer window which we can utilize.”
Co-operative Bank, the former champions are ready to fight back and reclaim the title this season. They have signed six new players, three from the premier league and three from division one.
They are; Job Byron (Nairobi Aviation College), Evans Ochieng (Kenya Airports Authority), Denis Ongwae (Lions), Fidel Muga (Little Prince) as well as duo of Mawich Thruuma and Athiel Lwal from Dankind Academy were selected after a series of trials.
The bankers have lost Nick Anyang who rejoined Nakuru Club and Eric Olum who has retired. Another boost for Co-op Bank is the return to action of Titus Musembi and David Ogolla. They missed the second leg of last season serving suspension. Captain Brian Busu says other teams should expect a new Co-op Bank.
“We will have new things this season because we want to recapture the title,” he assured. “Last season, we lost two players to suspension while Khaemba Situma left for USIU-A mid-season which was not easy. They were our key players. With Musembi and Ogolla back plus the new signings, we are more than ready.”
Muya returns to Lions
Lions who play University of Nairobi Terrorists on Saturday expect to bring on board Lewis Muya who is returning to the country after completing his studies in USA. He previously played for the club.
Collins Ochieng and Marvin Odhiambo have joined from Nairobi Aviation College and Humphrey Mbande from Parklands Baptist.
Ulinzi, Last season’s losing finalist will be up against USIU-A on Sunday in their opening fixture. Apart from Okumu, they have signed three other players in Elvis Akoyi, Ronald Kipruto and John Washika all from KAA.
Fixtures
March 14: Baraka X-treme vs World Hope (Thika, 10am), MKU Thika vs Parklands Baptist (11:30), Eldonets vs Lakeside (UG, 10am), KPA Ladies vs Equity Bank (KPA, 2pm), KPA Men vs Equity Bank (4pm), Nakuru Club vs Umoja (MHS, 11am), EMYBA vs Trailblazers (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), Blazers vs Don Bosco (10:30), Eagle Wings vs KU Oryx (12pm), Strathmore University vs Thunder (2pm), Lions vs Terror (4pm), Western Delight vs Co-op Bank (KPC, 10am); March 15: Kisumu Lady Bucks vs Co-op Bank (KSG, 11am), ANU vs Barclays Bank (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Upper Hill vs IAT-Little Prince (10:30am), Dankind Academy vs 4-Christ (12pm), USIU Flames vs Ulinzi Blades (2pm), USIU Tigers vs Ulinzi Warriors.