The StarTimes Falcons have named Kenyan national Bernard ‘Ben’ Oluoch
as their new Head Coach, taking the reins from Falcons’ legend Sam Obol
who moves to the office of Club Technical Director.
The former Kenyan point guard played with now defunct Post Bank Kenya
which he led to the 2003 East and Central Basketball Championship.
Olouch has coached women’s side the Sprite Storms and Nairobi
Aviation College in the Kenya Basketball Premier League and Upper Hill
High School in Kenya’s Division I.
Friday Kagoro, the StarTimes Falcons says there will be twists and turns in taking Falcons to the rightfull place.
“As we have said before, the Falcons' journey back to its rightful
place at the top of Ugandan and regional basketball may have several
twists and turns. These changes are in line with Falcons’ relentless
goal to compete for local and international honours.”
“Our beloved fans and sponsors should know that Oluoch is here to
build on the great work done by his predecessor, as we pursue these
targets.”
Oluoch held his first training session with the team at their
training ground – Makerere University Pool Court yesterday, and will be
on the team bench tonight for his first game as Falcons take on Sharing
Youth a side they beat 104-59 in the first round.
As Technical Director, on top of scouting and identifying new talent
development, Obol will help with other administrative duties at the
club.
26 July 2015
RWANDA : Patriots to face Espoir in Hoops playoffs
Saturday
Boys
APR 62-71 Patriots
Girls
First leg semi-final playoff
Ubumwe 57-43 The Hoops
APR 74-25 pts
Patriots basketball club yesterday cruised past APR 71-62 in the third game of the semi-final playoffs to reach the finals of the men’s basketball league at Cercle Sportif de Kigali.
Patriots looked compact and determined as they defeated APR with guard Patrick Habiyambere scoring a game high 17 points while APR’s Pascal Abimana scored 15 points.
In an interview with Sunday Sport, Patriots head coach Cyrille Kalima revealed that they are excited to reach the finals because APR is a good team but his side was more effective.
“APR is a strong team but they were not effective today so we exploited that opportunity,” said Kalima. Patriots will meet Espoir in the finals of the basketball league on August 1, however, the venue is yet to be announced.
In the women’s first leg semi-final playoffs, Ubumwe and APR will meet in the final after wins over The Hoops and University of Rwanda (UR) respectively.
Alice Muhongerwa from Ubumwe top scored with 23 points to guide her side to victory while Nadine Rutagengwa from The Hoops had 13 points.
“The game has given us confidence because we have lost our three principal players to other teams but having won the first leg has given us confidence for the second leg,” said Ernest Ntaganda, head Coach Ubumwe.
In the other game, APR humiliated UR 74-25 with Sandra Kantore scoring19 points for APR while Nadine Urwibutso added eight points for UR.
“We actually had a good game and I think it is all because of the experience and trainings my players have, we are confident we shall qualify for the finals,” said APR women’s basketball assistant coach Aime Karim Nkusi.
The second playoff game will be played today and the winning team will qualify for the finals of the women’s basketball league.
Boys
APR 62-71 Patriots
Girls
First leg semi-final playoff
Ubumwe 57-43 The Hoops
APR 74-25 pts
Patriots basketball club yesterday cruised past APR 71-62 in the third game of the semi-final playoffs to reach the finals of the men’s basketball league at Cercle Sportif de Kigali.
Patriots looked compact and determined as they defeated APR with guard Patrick Habiyambere scoring a game high 17 points while APR’s Pascal Abimana scored 15 points.
In an interview with Sunday Sport, Patriots head coach Cyrille Kalima revealed that they are excited to reach the finals because APR is a good team but his side was more effective.
“APR is a strong team but they were not effective today so we exploited that opportunity,” said Kalima. Patriots will meet Espoir in the finals of the basketball league on August 1, however, the venue is yet to be announced.
In the women’s first leg semi-final playoffs, Ubumwe and APR will meet in the final after wins over The Hoops and University of Rwanda (UR) respectively.
Alice Muhongerwa from Ubumwe top scored with 23 points to guide her side to victory while Nadine Rutagengwa from The Hoops had 13 points.
“The game has given us confidence because we have lost our three principal players to other teams but having won the first leg has given us confidence for the second leg,” said Ernest Ntaganda, head Coach Ubumwe.
In the other game, APR humiliated UR 74-25 with Sandra Kantore scoring19 points for APR while Nadine Urwibutso added eight points for UR.
“We actually had a good game and I think it is all because of the experience and trainings my players have, we are confident we shall qualify for the finals,” said APR women’s basketball assistant coach Aime Karim Nkusi.
The second playoff game will be played today and the winning team will qualify for the finals of the women’s basketball league.
25 July 2015
NIGERIA : It's First Bank Versus Dolphins Final
y Alex Monye
Nkechi Akachili's game high 15 points, six rebounds and four assists combined with Chidimma Nwakamma's 14 points as well as reigning MVP, Chioma Udeaja's 13 points, took defending champions, First Bank, above four-time champions, First Deepwater, whom they beat 68-43 in the semifinal of the ongoing Zenith Bank Women Basketball League at the National Stadium, Lagos.
The win took First Bank to their first consecutive finals appearance since 2011.
The reigning champions started slowly in the game as First Deepwater raced to a 10-8 lead in the opening five minutes. But a 10-0 run in the closing minutes of the first quarter from the 'Elephant Girls' ensured they took an eight-point lead to the second quarter.
First Bank continued from where they stopped in the second quarter with a 36-19 lead at half time.
However, First Deepwater came out strong in the second quarter, outscoring First Bank 17-11 to close the margin to within nine points in the third quarter (36-47). But they ran out of firepower in the final quarter as the reigning champions raced to a 68-43 win.
Nkechi Akachili's game high 15 points, six rebounds and four assists combined with Chidimma Nwakamma's 14 points as well as reigning MVP, Chioma Udeaja's 13 points, took defending champions, First Bank, above four-time champions, First Deepwater, whom they beat 68-43 in the semifinal of the ongoing Zenith Bank Women Basketball League at the National Stadium, Lagos.
The win took First Bank to their first consecutive finals appearance since 2011.
The reigning champions started slowly in the game as First Deepwater raced to a 10-8 lead in the opening five minutes. But a 10-0 run in the closing minutes of the first quarter from the 'Elephant Girls' ensured they took an eight-point lead to the second quarter.
First Bank continued from where they stopped in the second quarter with a 36-19 lead at half time.
However, First Deepwater came out strong in the second quarter, outscoring First Bank 17-11 to close the margin to within nine points in the third quarter (36-47). But they ran out of firepower in the final quarter as the reigning champions raced to a 68-43 win.
23 July 2015
NIGERIA : IGP Queens, First Bank in Semi-Finals
By Alex Monye
With two straight wins against the Nigeria Customs, whom they defeated 60 - 55 on Sunday and Yesterday's 71 - 51 victory over Benue Princesses, the Inspector General of Police Queens yesterday emerged as the first team to book a semi-final ticket at the on-going 11th annual Zenith Bank Women Basketball League holding at the Indoor Sports hall of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. Also through to the semifinals is the defending champion, First Bank of Lagos.
The Elephant Girls defeated Benue Princess 95-30 in day one to earn their first victory before beating the Nigerian Customs yesterday.
Group B top contenders, Dolphins of Lagos also cruised to the semifinals yesterday after whitewashing Sunshine Angels of Akure in a one-sided game.
Excited over their victory, Captain of IGP Queens, Julie Onyelugo, said she was happy to lead the police team to their first ever semifinals since the commencement of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League 11 years ago.
Also speaking on their feat, Gift Samson, who stated that the best for the IGP Queens this year was to lift the Zenith Bank trophy, said her team is as good as emerging champions.
Meanwhile, with two straight loses, Benue Princess yesterday became the first team to crash out of the competition alongside Sunshine Angels of Akure and the Nigeria Customs team.
With two straight wins against the Nigeria Customs, whom they defeated 60 - 55 on Sunday and Yesterday's 71 - 51 victory over Benue Princesses, the Inspector General of Police Queens yesterday emerged as the first team to book a semi-final ticket at the on-going 11th annual Zenith Bank Women Basketball League holding at the Indoor Sports hall of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. Also through to the semifinals is the defending champion, First Bank of Lagos.
The Elephant Girls defeated Benue Princess 95-30 in day one to earn their first victory before beating the Nigerian Customs yesterday.
Group B top contenders, Dolphins of Lagos also cruised to the semifinals yesterday after whitewashing Sunshine Angels of Akure in a one-sided game.
Excited over their victory, Captain of IGP Queens, Julie Onyelugo, said she was happy to lead the police team to their first ever semifinals since the commencement of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League 11 years ago.
Also speaking on their feat, Gift Samson, who stated that the best for the IGP Queens this year was to lift the Zenith Bank trophy, said her team is as good as emerging champions.
Meanwhile, with two straight loses, Benue Princess yesterday became the first team to crash out of the competition alongside Sunshine Angels of Akure and the Nigeria Customs team.
UGANDA : Ben Oluoch named new Falcons coach
Sam Obol (2nd Right) has been made Technical Director and replaced by Ben Olouch at the coaching role
KENYA : Unstoppable Ligare guns down Ulinzi
Ulinzi Warriors, on Sunday at the
Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, learned the cruel way that Griffin
Ligare, the Nairobi City Thunder point guard Griffin Ligare is just
unstoppable in the Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier League.
He single-handedly delivered the win for Thunder as they beat Ulinzi 85-75 in one of the upsets from the weekend’s inter-conference games of the KBF league.
Ligare was the dominant player on the court finishing with a season-high of 47 points. He grabbed four rebounds, five steals and two assists scoring seven three-point shots and six free shots.
By halftime, he had scored 24 points including four three-pointers and matched his performance in second half.
A sizeable number of fans who had thronged the gymnasium turned partisan cheering his every touch of the ball. His moves were clearly intimidating the opponents whose body size were bigger than his.
The matchup between top side in Western Conference (Ulinzi) against second-placed side in Eastern Conference (Thunder) was a cracker.
In the first quarter, both teams were at par as Thunder won 18-16 and were tied twice at 5-all and 11-all. Second quarter was a see-saw performance as both sides interchanged the lead all through with a margin of one and two points utmost.
The game was tied 27-all at one point as Ulinzi went on to win 23-22. Thunder enjoyed a one point lead at halftime. Thunder held tight in third quarter leading all through to win 17-14 and stretch the lead to four points.
Ulinzi’s main shooter Ancette Wafula spent more time on the bench as Ligare who played for full game gave the soldiers a hard time especially from the arc. The opening minute of fourth quarter was eventful.
Ulinzi took the lead at 58-57 with just 9:36 on the clock but Ligare hit back with a basket at 9:29 to tilt the lead at 59-58. That was the turning point for Thunder as they went on to dominate and score points freely.
Extended their lead
With four minutes played, they had extended their lead to eight points leading 69-61 and made it ten after seven minutes with a 76-66 lead. Thunder finished the quarter top with a 28-22 score.
Kevin Chogo added 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. William Ochieng and Bernard Mufutu top scored for Ulinzi with 17 points each. Ochieng grabbed nine rebounds, five steals and 6 assists while Mufutu had three rebounds, two steals and one assist.
Thunder scored 21 points from the three-point line after 15 attempts and had 14 points from free shots. Ulinzi attempted 23 times from the arc scoring eight shots and had 10/23 at the free-throw line.
At Menengai High School, host Nakuru Club produced another shocker beating defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 74-69. Nakuru won the first three quarters 21-12, 21-13 and 21-19 before KPA snatched the fourth 25-12.
Michael Kariuki top-scored for Nakuru with 16 points while Arou Ramadhan scored 14 for KPA.
In Nairobi, Strathmore University showed no respect for their seniors beating Blades 68-58 in a battle of siblings. Blades led 30-22 at halftime. Allan Ouma led scoring for Strathmore with 18 points as Peter Shilton scored 15 for Blades.
United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) won 68-56 against Zetech University with 15 points from Alvin Nyangweso and 14 from Joel Ntambwe. For Zetech, Joshua Kisali scored the first 10 points of the game to top-score with 20.
USIU-A scored 11 points from the free-throw line and Zetech had nine while both teams made a single 3-pointer each.
In other games, Abel Nson scored 22 points as Nairobi Aviation College beat Umoja 71-59 while KU Pirates beat Mennonite 63-54.
In the women's Premier League, Equity Bank beat Masaku Sparks 73-64 with Hilda Indasi scoring 25 points and Samba Mjomba adding 20. Betty Kananu scored 12 points in fourth quarter to top score for Masaku with game-high 32 points that included 12 free shots.
The bankers had three three-pointers and 12 free shots compared to Masaku’s 16 free shots.
Sprite Storms came from 17-22 down at halftime to beat Co-operative Bank 49-43. Angela Luchivya scored 13 points for Storms and Mercy Achieng top scored for the bankers with 10.
Rachael Opinya and Mollete Achieng combined for 31 points as Strathmore University beat Eagle Wings 56-38. Lucy Machuma scored 14 points for the Eagles.
In another game, KPA beat KU Oryx 67-24.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: Nakuru Club 74 KPA 69, Baraka Xtreme 61 Eldonets 56, Parklands Baptist 20 Nebulas-Kakamega 0 (walkover), KU Oryx 24 KPA Ladies 67, KU Pirates 63 Mennonite 54, 4-Christ 55 ANU 61, Sprite Storms 49 Co-op Bank 43, Strathmore University 56 Eagle Wings 38, Strathmore University 68 Blades 58, Umoja 59 Nairobi Aviation College 71; Sunday: Little Prince 37 Barclays Bank 44, Blazers 44 Trailblazers 68, Equity Bank 73 Masaku Sparks 64, USIU-A 68 Zetech University 56, Ulinzi Warriors 75 Thunder 85.
He single-handedly delivered the win for Thunder as they beat Ulinzi 85-75 in one of the upsets from the weekend’s inter-conference games of the KBF league.
Ligare was the dominant player on the court finishing with a season-high of 47 points. He grabbed four rebounds, five steals and two assists scoring seven three-point shots and six free shots.
By halftime, he had scored 24 points including four three-pointers and matched his performance in second half.
A sizeable number of fans who had thronged the gymnasium turned partisan cheering his every touch of the ball. His moves were clearly intimidating the opponents whose body size were bigger than his.
The matchup between top side in Western Conference (Ulinzi) against second-placed side in Eastern Conference (Thunder) was a cracker.
In the first quarter, both teams were at par as Thunder won 18-16 and were tied twice at 5-all and 11-all. Second quarter was a see-saw performance as both sides interchanged the lead all through with a margin of one and two points utmost.
The game was tied 27-all at one point as Ulinzi went on to win 23-22. Thunder enjoyed a one point lead at halftime. Thunder held tight in third quarter leading all through to win 17-14 and stretch the lead to four points.
Ulinzi’s main shooter Ancette Wafula spent more time on the bench as Ligare who played for full game gave the soldiers a hard time especially from the arc. The opening minute of fourth quarter was eventful.
Ulinzi took the lead at 58-57 with just 9:36 on the clock but Ligare hit back with a basket at 9:29 to tilt the lead at 59-58. That was the turning point for Thunder as they went on to dominate and score points freely.
Extended their lead
With four minutes played, they had extended their lead to eight points leading 69-61 and made it ten after seven minutes with a 76-66 lead. Thunder finished the quarter top with a 28-22 score.
Kevin Chogo added 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. William Ochieng and Bernard Mufutu top scored for Ulinzi with 17 points each. Ochieng grabbed nine rebounds, five steals and 6 assists while Mufutu had three rebounds, two steals and one assist.
Thunder scored 21 points from the three-point line after 15 attempts and had 14 points from free shots. Ulinzi attempted 23 times from the arc scoring eight shots and had 10/23 at the free-throw line.
At Menengai High School, host Nakuru Club produced another shocker beating defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 74-69. Nakuru won the first three quarters 21-12, 21-13 and 21-19 before KPA snatched the fourth 25-12.
Michael Kariuki top-scored for Nakuru with 16 points while Arou Ramadhan scored 14 for KPA.
In Nairobi, Strathmore University showed no respect for their seniors beating Blades 68-58 in a battle of siblings. Blades led 30-22 at halftime. Allan Ouma led scoring for Strathmore with 18 points as Peter Shilton scored 15 for Blades.
United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) won 68-56 against Zetech University with 15 points from Alvin Nyangweso and 14 from Joel Ntambwe. For Zetech, Joshua Kisali scored the first 10 points of the game to top-score with 20.
USIU-A scored 11 points from the free-throw line and Zetech had nine while both teams made a single 3-pointer each.
In other games, Abel Nson scored 22 points as Nairobi Aviation College beat Umoja 71-59 while KU Pirates beat Mennonite 63-54.
In the women's Premier League, Equity Bank beat Masaku Sparks 73-64 with Hilda Indasi scoring 25 points and Samba Mjomba adding 20. Betty Kananu scored 12 points in fourth quarter to top score for Masaku with game-high 32 points that included 12 free shots.
The bankers had three three-pointers and 12 free shots compared to Masaku’s 16 free shots.
Sprite Storms came from 17-22 down at halftime to beat Co-operative Bank 49-43. Angela Luchivya scored 13 points for Storms and Mercy Achieng top scored for the bankers with 10.
Rachael Opinya and Mollete Achieng combined for 31 points as Strathmore University beat Eagle Wings 56-38. Lucy Machuma scored 14 points for the Eagles.
In another game, KPA beat KU Oryx 67-24.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: Nakuru Club 74 KPA 69, Baraka Xtreme 61 Eldonets 56, Parklands Baptist 20 Nebulas-Kakamega 0 (walkover), KU Oryx 24 KPA Ladies 67, KU Pirates 63 Mennonite 54, 4-Christ 55 ANU 61, Sprite Storms 49 Co-op Bank 43, Strathmore University 56 Eagle Wings 38, Strathmore University 68 Blades 58, Umoja 59 Nairobi Aviation College 71; Sunday: Little Prince 37 Barclays Bank 44, Blazers 44 Trailblazers 68, Equity Bank 73 Masaku Sparks 64, USIU-A 68 Zetech University 56, Ulinzi Warriors 75 Thunder 85.
KENYA : KBF cancels weekend league games in Nairobi.
Ulinzi's Emmaculate Agusta drives past KPA's Natalie Akinyi in a league match last weekend. KPA host USIU-A on Saturday. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Kenya Basketball Federation has cancelled all the weekend matches which were supposed to be played in Nairobi at the weekend.
This development has been occasioned by the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit that begins on Friday.
A statement from fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko read; “note that due to the visiting of The President of USA and the meetings which will be held in Nairobi, games scheduled for this weekend in Nairobi have been shelved to a later date. Games outside Nairobi will go on as scheduled.”
Because of the cancellation, the inter-conference meeting in Mombasa between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) in both men's and women's Premier Leagues will be the key highlight. KPA and USIU-A are still unbeaten in women's Premier League.
While USIU-A has remained consistent with players who won the league last season, KPA has an almost total transformation bringing in experienced players who have been impressive. Western Delight will host Kisumu Lady Bucks in Kakamega in the other women's premier league.
In the mean time, local basketball coaches who took part in the 1st Annual Youth Sports Fitness and Conditioning Workshop were trained on how to prepare players for endurance on the court. The workshop was conducted by international professional trainer Colin Harris from United Kingdom. He is in the country for a series of training sessions at the Sadili Oval Sports Academy.
On Tuesday, KBF roped him in to take coaches through a clinic that focused on flexibility and core stabilization among other aspects of strength and conditioning. The interactive session had coaches learn new tricks for preparing players on endurance which is very critical. They learned the best ways to structure conditioning and fitness training for basketball as well as injury prevention.
“Basketball is one of the most dynamic sports in the world today. Players need to maximize on speed and power especially when they jump and make moves,” he said. “Strength and conditioning needs to be done regularly for a player to gain maximum benefits. It got to be a lot of internal training, core strength and jumping to gain more power.”
Clubs in the country have not invested in strength and conditioning regime and for those in attendance, the clinic was an eye-opener. Ronnie Owino (Strathmore University), Carey Odhiambo (Co-op Bank) Carol Ouma (Co-op Bank), Charles Goro (KCA-U) and Evelyn Kedogo (Eagle Wings) were among the attendees.
Speaking to sportsnewsarena.com after the workshop, Odhiambo termed the workshop as valuable. He said local coaches need more of that to be at par with other international leagues. “It was for things to do with training players on balance, how to run quick and most of the things that we don't do. He has taught us one critical thing; players should not train for like two consecutive hours but they need breaks.”
KBF Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: JKUAT vs Baraka Xtreme (10 a.m., MKU), MKU Thika vs World Hope (12 p.m.), KPA vs USIU-A Flames (2 p.m., KPA), KPA vs USIU-A Tigers (4 p.m.), Western Delight vs Kisumu Lady Bucks (10 a.m., KPC).
This development has been occasioned by the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit that begins on Friday.
A statement from fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko read; “note that due to the visiting of The President of USA and the meetings which will be held in Nairobi, games scheduled for this weekend in Nairobi have been shelved to a later date. Games outside Nairobi will go on as scheduled.”
Because of the cancellation, the inter-conference meeting in Mombasa between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) in both men's and women's Premier Leagues will be the key highlight. KPA and USIU-A are still unbeaten in women's Premier League.
While USIU-A has remained consistent with players who won the league last season, KPA has an almost total transformation bringing in experienced players who have been impressive. Western Delight will host Kisumu Lady Bucks in Kakamega in the other women's premier league.
In the mean time, local basketball coaches who took part in the 1st Annual Youth Sports Fitness and Conditioning Workshop were trained on how to prepare players for endurance on the court. The workshop was conducted by international professional trainer Colin Harris from United Kingdom. He is in the country for a series of training sessions at the Sadili Oval Sports Academy.
On Tuesday, KBF roped him in to take coaches through a clinic that focused on flexibility and core stabilization among other aspects of strength and conditioning. The interactive session had coaches learn new tricks for preparing players on endurance which is very critical. They learned the best ways to structure conditioning and fitness training for basketball as well as injury prevention.
“Basketball is one of the most dynamic sports in the world today. Players need to maximize on speed and power especially when they jump and make moves,” he said. “Strength and conditioning needs to be done regularly for a player to gain maximum benefits. It got to be a lot of internal training, core strength and jumping to gain more power.”
Clubs in the country have not invested in strength and conditioning regime and for those in attendance, the clinic was an eye-opener. Ronnie Owino (Strathmore University), Carey Odhiambo (Co-op Bank) Carol Ouma (Co-op Bank), Charles Goro (KCA-U) and Evelyn Kedogo (Eagle Wings) were among the attendees.
Speaking to sportsnewsarena.com after the workshop, Odhiambo termed the workshop as valuable. He said local coaches need more of that to be at par with other international leagues. “It was for things to do with training players on balance, how to run quick and most of the things that we don't do. He has taught us one critical thing; players should not train for like two consecutive hours but they need breaks.”
KBF Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: JKUAT vs Baraka Xtreme (10 a.m., MKU), MKU Thika vs World Hope (12 p.m.), KPA vs USIU-A Flames (2 p.m., KPA), KPA vs USIU-A Tigers (4 p.m.), Western Delight vs Kisumu Lady Bucks (10 a.m., KPC).
21 July 2015
RWANDA : Espoir beat CSK to reach play-offs finals
Game Two
Sunday
Espoir 60-56 CSK
Patriots 66-55 APR
Game One
Saturday
CSK 92-70 Espoir
APR 84-77 Patriots
Reigning champions Espoir have reached the basketball playoffs finals for the fourth successive season after edging out bitter rivals Cercle Sportif de Kigali 2-0 in the best-of-three semi-finals.
Espoir won the game 1, 92-70 on Saturday and Game 2, 60-55 on Sunday at Amahoro indoor stadium court to take an unassailable 2-0 win.
Jean Bahufite’s side, seeking to win a record fourth successive double (regular season title and playoffs trophy), will not face the winner of the other semi-final playoff between APR and Patriots, who are tied 1-1 after the first two games.
Espoir’s forward Olivier Shyaka scored 12 and 22 points in Game 1 and 2 respectively and was well supported by shooting guard Lionnel Hakizimana who scored 19 points in Game 1 while power forward Bienvenue Ngandu contributed 14 points.
Bahufite told Times Sport on Monday that, “We’re now in the finals, congratulations to my players for yet another brilliant performance. Beating CSK in two games was not easy, I expect the finals to be a little easier.”
In other semi-final series, APR won Game 1 on Saturday 84-77 but debutants Patriots recovered to level the series 1-1 after triumphing in Game 2, 66-55. The deciding Game is scheduled for July 25 at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Sunday
Espoir 60-56 CSK
Patriots 66-55 APR
Game One
Saturday
CSK 92-70 Espoir
APR 84-77 Patriots
Reigning champions Espoir have reached the basketball playoffs finals for the fourth successive season after edging out bitter rivals Cercle Sportif de Kigali 2-0 in the best-of-three semi-finals.
Espoir won the game 1, 92-70 on Saturday and Game 2, 60-55 on Sunday at Amahoro indoor stadium court to take an unassailable 2-0 win.
Jean Bahufite’s side, seeking to win a record fourth successive double (regular season title and playoffs trophy), will not face the winner of the other semi-final playoff between APR and Patriots, who are tied 1-1 after the first two games.
Espoir’s forward Olivier Shyaka scored 12 and 22 points in Game 1 and 2 respectively and was well supported by shooting guard Lionnel Hakizimana who scored 19 points in Game 1 while power forward Bienvenue Ngandu contributed 14 points.
Bahufite told Times Sport on Monday that, “We’re now in the finals, congratulations to my players for yet another brilliant performance. Beating CSK in two games was not easy, I expect the finals to be a little easier.”
In other semi-final series, APR won Game 1 on Saturday 84-77 but debutants Patriots recovered to level the series 1-1 after triumphing in Game 2, 66-55. The deciding Game is scheduled for July 25 at Amahoro indoor stadium.
17 July 2015
NAMIBIA : Rebels Take On the Mighty Lions
Defending champions Unam Rebels' dominance of the Khomas Basketball
Association first division will be tested when they lock horns against
bitter rivals Lions on Saturday.
Last weekend, the Rebels comfortably saw off Katutura outfit Plaza Warriors 93-56 to cement first place position on the log with 13 points, incidentally the same number of points as the Lions.
Rebels power forward Rafael Paulus, supported by Omzak Paulus and Baklam Iyambo dominated the game throughout against Warriors point guard Mervin Katjouanga, power forward Alex Kapepu and guard Abcy Hailenga.
The defeat saw Warriors remain sixth on the log with seven points.
The Lions took on the depleted Titans in what proved to be an outstanding basketball match, with both sides showing great scoring form.
It was only after the third quarter that the Lions began to stamp their authority on the game as the absence of key players from the Titans ranks began to take effect.
Lion's power forward Corbin Prinzonsky and superb point guard Guilherme Bryant da Costa supported by centre player Cyfo Sinvula were the driving force of their team ensuring that they edged their arch rival.
For the Titans, point guard Henoch Shilongo gave an excellent
performance scoring 34 career high points against the mighty Lions.
His efforts were however not enough to prevent his side from defeat.
The Lions win sees them hold on to second position behind Rebels, while the Titans are fourth on 11 points.
Another of Saturday's exciting contests saw Poly Blues battle Afro Stars, with the former eventually winning the entertaining encounter 86-66.
Meanwhile, Zula Cobraz lost 93-56 to second division log leaders Wolves, while Monitronics defeated Eagles by 67-46.
On Sunday, Poly Blues were on the losing end after Unam Pacers sneaked a 59-53 victory. The Eagles went down 72-65 to Mwangole on the same day.
Action in the KBA leagues continues at the Unam Basketball Gymnasium this weekend.
Last weekend, the Rebels comfortably saw off Katutura outfit Plaza Warriors 93-56 to cement first place position on the log with 13 points, incidentally the same number of points as the Lions.
Rebels power forward Rafael Paulus, supported by Omzak Paulus and Baklam Iyambo dominated the game throughout against Warriors point guard Mervin Katjouanga, power forward Alex Kapepu and guard Abcy Hailenga.
The defeat saw Warriors remain sixth on the log with seven points.
The Lions took on the depleted Titans in what proved to be an outstanding basketball match, with both sides showing great scoring form.
It was only after the third quarter that the Lions began to stamp their authority on the game as the absence of key players from the Titans ranks began to take effect.
Lion's power forward Corbin Prinzonsky and superb point guard Guilherme Bryant da Costa supported by centre player Cyfo Sinvula were the driving force of their team ensuring that they edged their arch rival.
His efforts were however not enough to prevent his side from defeat.
The Lions win sees them hold on to second position behind Rebels, while the Titans are fourth on 11 points.
Another of Saturday's exciting contests saw Poly Blues battle Afro Stars, with the former eventually winning the entertaining encounter 86-66.
Meanwhile, Zula Cobraz lost 93-56 to second division log leaders Wolves, while Monitronics defeated Eagles by 67-46.
On Sunday, Poly Blues were on the losing end after Unam Pacers sneaked a 59-53 victory. The Eagles went down 72-65 to Mwangole on the same day.
Action in the KBA leagues continues at the Unam Basketball Gymnasium this weekend.
UGANDA : Jimmy Enabu leads City Oilers past Sharing Youth
© Kawowo Sports / AISHA NAKATO
Jimmy Enabu led City Oilers past Sharing
With his pin-point shot falling from beyond the 3-point arc, the shooting guard scored 18 points to spur City Oilers to an easy 87-56 win over Sharing Youth on Wednesday night at YMCA, Wandegeya.
Also contributing was Kami Kabange with 15 points, 11 rebounds while Landry Ndikumana added 14 points and picked up 16 rebounds.
Victory tallied up City Oilers’ tenth win of the season and keep with in touching distance to table topping sides KIU Titans and UCU Canons.
Alex Lugasi top scored for Sharing Youth with 13 points and Tong Gatwech contributed 11 points. Despite defeat (3-10 run), the Nsambya based side retained their 9 position on the 12 team log
13 July 2015
UGANDA : Titans Keen to Stretch Advantage On Falcons
By Elvis Senono
Kampala — Despite a 76-62 first round defeat to KIU Titans, Star Times Falcons forward Stephen Omony reckons there was little to choose between the two teams then.
"We are not too far behind but just need to sort out a few issues on our defense," he said in the aftermath of the game in which his side clawed to within three points two minutes to the end.
A fortnight on, the two teams clash again as the Airtel National Basketball League second round tips off this evening at YMCA Wandegeya.
A 6-0 start for Falcons was followed by three straight losses before concluding the first round seeded fifth with a 7-4 record.
Only Omony and Kenyan center Ariel Okall have managed to put in consistent performances for Sam Obol's side to arrest the slump with the pair averaging 17 and 16 points respectively from their last five games.
The same cannot be said of their opponents, KIU, whose depth sees them sitting top of the log after a 10-1 record going into the second round.
The acquisition of experienced players; Henry Malinga, Norman Blick and Diego Angemi, has ensured that the gelling has not taken as long as coach Hamza Nyambogo had anticipated. Blick and Angemi also did most of the damage, scoring 14 and 18 points respectively in the first round encounter between the two teams.
Nyambogo will expect more of the same today. In the ladies category, A1 Challenge, who completed the first round as third seeds with an 8-3 record, play fourth-seeded KIU Rangers (5-6) in the day's opening game.
Airtel Fuba League
TODAY AT YMCA
KIU Rangers vs. A1 (6pm)
Star Times Falcons vs. KIU Titans (8pm)
Kampala — Despite a 76-62 first round defeat to KIU Titans, Star Times Falcons forward Stephen Omony reckons there was little to choose between the two teams then.
"We are not too far behind but just need to sort out a few issues on our defense," he said in the aftermath of the game in which his side clawed to within three points two minutes to the end.
A fortnight on, the two teams clash again as the Airtel National Basketball League second round tips off this evening at YMCA Wandegeya.
A 6-0 start for Falcons was followed by three straight losses before concluding the first round seeded fifth with a 7-4 record.
Only Omony and Kenyan center Ariel Okall have managed to put in consistent performances for Sam Obol's side to arrest the slump with the pair averaging 17 and 16 points respectively from their last five games.
The same cannot be said of their opponents, KIU, whose depth sees them sitting top of the log after a 10-1 record going into the second round.
The acquisition of experienced players; Henry Malinga, Norman Blick and Diego Angemi, has ensured that the gelling has not taken as long as coach Hamza Nyambogo had anticipated. Blick and Angemi also did most of the damage, scoring 14 and 18 points respectively in the first round encounter between the two teams.
Nyambogo will expect more of the same today. In the ladies category, A1 Challenge, who completed the first round as third seeds with an 8-3 record, play fourth-seeded KIU Rangers (5-6) in the day's opening game.
Airtel Fuba League
TODAY AT YMCA
KIU Rangers vs. A1 (6pm)
Star Times Falcons vs. KIU Titans (8pm)
KENYA : USIU-A maintain unbeaten run
Strathmore University overcame Lions in a KBF league. (SNA File Photo)
Defending champions United States
International University- Africa (USIU-A) remained unbeaten in women
premier league with a 76-71 win over Equity Bank as the inter-conference
games continued on Sunday.
Complacency in the fourth quarter nearly ruined their seventh win of the season after squandering a 17-point lead. Equity trailed 28-44 at halftime and had reduced the deficit to just two points with 1:06 remaining in fourth quarter.
The students started strong winning the first two quarters 22-17 and 22-11 as Equity struggled to click. The bankers attempted 14 times from the 3-point line making only four shots compared to 13 attempts by the students who made five shots.
From the free-throw line, the bankers scored 4/5 at the free-throw line while USIU-A made 5/11. Upon resumption, Equity managed to win third quarter 21-20 and the fourth 22-12 but it was too late too little.
In second half, the bankers shot 3/4 from the 3-point line and 17/27 from the free-throw line while USIU-A had 1/10 from the arc and 8/11 from the free-throw line. Georgia Adhiambo made four 3-point shots as she top scored for USIU-A with 25 points.
Sarah Chan scored 17 and Cynthia Irankunda added 14. Hilda Indasi scored highest for Equity with 22 points, Samba Mjomba scored 19 and Eleanor Musundi added 13.
Ulinzi Blades beat Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 53-15 while Co-op Bank registered a 76-22 win over Mennonite.
Strathmore piled pressure
In the men's Premier League, Strathmore University piled more pressure on Lions beating the former champions 73-56. Strathmore won the first three quarters 26-13, 18-14 and 16-11 before Lions won the fourth 18-13.
Cliff Alela scored 17 points for the students, Allan Owino had 13 and Keith Adams added 12. Marvin Omondi and Harrison Kaudia scored 11 points each for Lions, player-coach Juma Ikapian added 9 with Moses Wanjara accounting for 7 points. Strathmore made 16 free shots against 12 for Lions and scored three 3-point shots against Lions’ four.
Blades also from Strathmore University had a good outing beating Nairobi Aviation College 63-33. Blades dominated in all quarters with 18-10, 18-11, 12-6 and 15-6 respectively. Hugh Ayara top scored for Blades with 12 points, Emmanuel Soja scored 10 and Bill Nyagosia added 9. For Aviation, Mohamed Asman scored 10 points and Ben Oluoch added 8.
After their 61-62 painful loss to Zetech University last weekend, Nairobi City Thunder was back to winning rhythm with a 70-41 score over Mennonite. Kevin Chogo top scored for Thunder with 17 points and Anthony Oduor added 15.
For Mennonite, Felix Odhiambo scored highest with 15 points, Eric Makokha had 12 and Marvin Gathua accounted for 10. After leading 41-35 from the first three quarters, fourth quarter was the game changer for Thunder after convincingly winning 29-6.
Former champions Co-operative Bank beat University of Nairobi’s Terrorist 74-57. In division one action, Upper Hill registered one win and one loss. They beat MKU Thika 92-88 on Saturday but lost 52-57 to Barclays Bank on Sunday.
Other results had Little Prince beat Don Bosco 59-38, MKU Thika beat JKUAT 84-54 and KCA-U won 59-43 against EMYBA.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: World Hope 51 ANU 52, Mennonite Ladies 22 Co-op Bank 76, Ulinzi Blades 53 KCA-U 15, Upper Hill 92 MKU Thika 88, Nairobi Aviation College 33 Blades 63, Blazers 48 4-Christ 46, Trailblazers 65 Parklands Baptist 32, Masaku Sparks 68 Eagle Wings 53, Strathmore University 74 KU Oryx 20, Zetech University 61 Ulinzi Warriors 64.
Sunday: Barclays Bank 57 Upper Hill 52, Little Prince 59 Don Bosco 38, Equity Bank 71 USIU Flames 76, Lions 56 Strathmore University 73, Co-op Bank 74 Terror 57, EMYBA 43 KCA-U 59, JKUAT 54 MKU-Thika 84, Mennonite 41 Thunder 70.
Complacency in the fourth quarter nearly ruined their seventh win of the season after squandering a 17-point lead. Equity trailed 28-44 at halftime and had reduced the deficit to just two points with 1:06 remaining in fourth quarter.
The students started strong winning the first two quarters 22-17 and 22-11 as Equity struggled to click. The bankers attempted 14 times from the 3-point line making only four shots compared to 13 attempts by the students who made five shots.
From the free-throw line, the bankers scored 4/5 at the free-throw line while USIU-A made 5/11. Upon resumption, Equity managed to win third quarter 21-20 and the fourth 22-12 but it was too late too little.
In second half, the bankers shot 3/4 from the 3-point line and 17/27 from the free-throw line while USIU-A had 1/10 from the arc and 8/11 from the free-throw line. Georgia Adhiambo made four 3-point shots as she top scored for USIU-A with 25 points.
Sarah Chan scored 17 and Cynthia Irankunda added 14. Hilda Indasi scored highest for Equity with 22 points, Samba Mjomba scored 19 and Eleanor Musundi added 13.
Ulinzi Blades beat Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 53-15 while Co-op Bank registered a 76-22 win over Mennonite.
Strathmore piled pressure
In the men's Premier League, Strathmore University piled more pressure on Lions beating the former champions 73-56. Strathmore won the first three quarters 26-13, 18-14 and 16-11 before Lions won the fourth 18-13.
Cliff Alela scored 17 points for the students, Allan Owino had 13 and Keith Adams added 12. Marvin Omondi and Harrison Kaudia scored 11 points each for Lions, player-coach Juma Ikapian added 9 with Moses Wanjara accounting for 7 points. Strathmore made 16 free shots against 12 for Lions and scored three 3-point shots against Lions’ four.
Blades also from Strathmore University had a good outing beating Nairobi Aviation College 63-33. Blades dominated in all quarters with 18-10, 18-11, 12-6 and 15-6 respectively. Hugh Ayara top scored for Blades with 12 points, Emmanuel Soja scored 10 and Bill Nyagosia added 9. For Aviation, Mohamed Asman scored 10 points and Ben Oluoch added 8.
After their 61-62 painful loss to Zetech University last weekend, Nairobi City Thunder was back to winning rhythm with a 70-41 score over Mennonite. Kevin Chogo top scored for Thunder with 17 points and Anthony Oduor added 15.
For Mennonite, Felix Odhiambo scored highest with 15 points, Eric Makokha had 12 and Marvin Gathua accounted for 10. After leading 41-35 from the first three quarters, fourth quarter was the game changer for Thunder after convincingly winning 29-6.
Former champions Co-operative Bank beat University of Nairobi’s Terrorist 74-57. In division one action, Upper Hill registered one win and one loss. They beat MKU Thika 92-88 on Saturday but lost 52-57 to Barclays Bank on Sunday.
Other results had Little Prince beat Don Bosco 59-38, MKU Thika beat JKUAT 84-54 and KCA-U won 59-43 against EMYBA.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: World Hope 51 ANU 52, Mennonite Ladies 22 Co-op Bank 76, Ulinzi Blades 53 KCA-U 15, Upper Hill 92 MKU Thika 88, Nairobi Aviation College 33 Blades 63, Blazers 48 4-Christ 46, Trailblazers 65 Parklands Baptist 32, Masaku Sparks 68 Eagle Wings 53, Strathmore University 74 KU Oryx 20, Zetech University 61 Ulinzi Warriors 64.
Sunday: Barclays Bank 57 Upper Hill 52, Little Prince 59 Don Bosco 38, Equity Bank 71 USIU Flames 76, Lions 56 Strathmore University 73, Co-op Bank 74 Terror 57, EMYBA 43 KCA-U 59, JKUAT 54 MKU-Thika 84, Mennonite 41 Thunder 70.
KENYA : Ulinzi overcome strong Zetech challenge to snatch narrow win
An anxious Ulinzi Warriors coach William Balozo.Ulinzi beat Zetech 64-61 on Saturday.(Photo by Shutterspeed)
Ulinzi Warriors needed extra time to
beat Zetech University 64-61 in a men premier league inter-conference
game that they interestingly dominated at the Nyayo National Stadium
gymnasium on Saturday.
The soldiers started off with an 11-point advantage in the first quarter winning 15-4. Zetech won the second quarter 19-13 for Ulinzi to lead 28-23 at the breather. At one point in third quarter, the soldiers enjoyed a 15 points lead to win the quarter 16-9.
Trailing by 12 points heading to the fourth quarter, Zetech was not ready to go down without a fight. The introduction of Keith Luvisi who had warmed the bench for long changed the game for Zetech, their offensive play gaining momentum.
They hit back strongly and managed to make it a one-point game at 46-45 with the clock reading 4:47. Jeremy Opiyo, one of their key players, was then fouled out at a time his input was highly needed but teammates held steady.
Jeremy Yongo scored a free shot to tie the game and that set an intriguing finish. Joshua Kisali scored a basket as Zetech took the lead for the first time at 48-46 but Ulinzi tied the game again with a Byron Mabonga basket.
Kisali hit back again with a basket to give Zetech a 50-48 lead before Ulinzi leveled and took control.
At 0:12 on the clock, Ulinzi were leading 55-53 and Zetech called a tactical time-out that came with possession.
They took only two seconds after resumption for Luvisi to sink a contested basket and tie the game at 55-all pushing play to overtime. Zetech won fourth quarter 23-11 which proved to be the turning point. In overtime, Ulinzi won 9-6 with scores tied twice at 58-all and 60-all.
Ancette Wafula top scored or Ulinzi with 17 points, two rebounds and seven steals while William Ochieng added 13 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Kisali scored a game high 25 points for Zetech who did not make any 3-point shot from 20 attempts and made nine free shots from 24 attempts. Ulinzi scored four 3-pointers after attempting 18 times plus 24 free shots against 45 attempts.
Masaku beat Eagles
Masaku Sparks was in fine form as they dispatched Eagle Wings 68-53 in the women premier league. Eagles took a slim 13-12 first quarter lead.
Within two minutes of second quarter, Masaku was 20-13 up with two 3-pointers from Fridah Gumra and a basket from Michelle Otinda.
They went on to win the quarter 26-16 and enjoy a 9-point lead at halftime. Masaku sailed to safety with a 19-10 win in third quarter as Eagles won the fourth 14-11. Felmas Adhiambo top scored for Masaku with 17 points and Gumra added 12.
Sylvia Koech scored highest for Eagles with 13 points; Lucy Machuma had 12 while Eunice Ouma scored 11,seven coming off free throws. Masaku scored four 3-point shots from 20 attempts and 8 free shots from 18 attempts.
For Eagles, they attempted eight times at the 3-point line scoring none while 23 free shots were made from 45 attempts. Strathmore Swords had an easy win over Kenyatta University Oryx scoring 74-20.
They restricted Oryx to a low scoring game of 22-8, 21-4, 19-8 and 12-0 respectively. Mollete Achieng led the scores for Strathmore with 19 points, Mercy Odima added 16 and Sarah Wakanyi had 11. Berine Okoth scored 8 points for Oryx coming off two 3-pointers and two free shots.
Strathmore made one 3-point shot and 15 free shots against Oryx two 3-pointers and six free shots. In division one, Blazers narrowly beat 4-Christ 48-46 and Trailblazers won 65-32 against Parklands Baptist.
The soldiers started off with an 11-point advantage in the first quarter winning 15-4. Zetech won the second quarter 19-13 for Ulinzi to lead 28-23 at the breather. At one point in third quarter, the soldiers enjoyed a 15 points lead to win the quarter 16-9.
Trailing by 12 points heading to the fourth quarter, Zetech was not ready to go down without a fight. The introduction of Keith Luvisi who had warmed the bench for long changed the game for Zetech, their offensive play gaining momentum.
They hit back strongly and managed to make it a one-point game at 46-45 with the clock reading 4:47. Jeremy Opiyo, one of their key players, was then fouled out at a time his input was highly needed but teammates held steady.
Jeremy Yongo scored a free shot to tie the game and that set an intriguing finish. Joshua Kisali scored a basket as Zetech took the lead for the first time at 48-46 but Ulinzi tied the game again with a Byron Mabonga basket.
Kisali hit back again with a basket to give Zetech a 50-48 lead before Ulinzi leveled and took control.
At 0:12 on the clock, Ulinzi were leading 55-53 and Zetech called a tactical time-out that came with possession.
They took only two seconds after resumption for Luvisi to sink a contested basket and tie the game at 55-all pushing play to overtime. Zetech won fourth quarter 23-11 which proved to be the turning point. In overtime, Ulinzi won 9-6 with scores tied twice at 58-all and 60-all.
Ancette Wafula top scored or Ulinzi with 17 points, two rebounds and seven steals while William Ochieng added 13 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Kisali scored a game high 25 points for Zetech who did not make any 3-point shot from 20 attempts and made nine free shots from 24 attempts. Ulinzi scored four 3-pointers after attempting 18 times plus 24 free shots against 45 attempts.
Masaku beat Eagles
Masaku Sparks was in fine form as they dispatched Eagle Wings 68-53 in the women premier league. Eagles took a slim 13-12 first quarter lead.
Within two minutes of second quarter, Masaku was 20-13 up with two 3-pointers from Fridah Gumra and a basket from Michelle Otinda.
They went on to win the quarter 26-16 and enjoy a 9-point lead at halftime. Masaku sailed to safety with a 19-10 win in third quarter as Eagles won the fourth 14-11. Felmas Adhiambo top scored for Masaku with 17 points and Gumra added 12.
Sylvia Koech scored highest for Eagles with 13 points; Lucy Machuma had 12 while Eunice Ouma scored 11,seven coming off free throws. Masaku scored four 3-point shots from 20 attempts and 8 free shots from 18 attempts.
For Eagles, they attempted eight times at the 3-point line scoring none while 23 free shots were made from 45 attempts. Strathmore Swords had an easy win over Kenyatta University Oryx scoring 74-20.
They restricted Oryx to a low scoring game of 22-8, 21-4, 19-8 and 12-0 respectively. Mollete Achieng led the scores for Strathmore with 19 points, Mercy Odima added 16 and Sarah Wakanyi had 11. Berine Okoth scored 8 points for Oryx coming off two 3-pointers and two free shots.
Strathmore made one 3-point shot and 15 free shots against Oryx two 3-pointers and six free shots. In division one, Blazers narrowly beat 4-Christ 48-46 and Trailblazers won 65-32 against Parklands Baptist.
FORMER
national champions Ulinzi ‘Warriors’ gunned down Zetech University
64-61 in overtime in a tightly contested Premier League duel at Nyayo
National Stadium.
The soldiers took a 15-4 first quarter edge before the students stormed back with a 19-13 score-line in the second stanza. But Ulinzi still hanged on to 28-23 at the break. After the breather, the two teams rarely found the target with Ulinzi taking the third quarter 16-9 and Zetech clawing right back for 16-9 difference to lock the scores 55 all at the end. Ulinzi were top in the extra five minutes with a 9-6 cushion. Ancette Wafula managed 16 points while William Ochieng added 9. The students had 22 from Joshua Kisiali and 10 from Fredrick Odhiambo.
Masaku Sparks took a 38-29 half-time lead and went on to beat Eagle Wings 68-53 in a women’s fixture. Felmus Adhiambo posted 17 points and Fridah Gumba added 12. The losers had 15 from Cathy Nedesa and 12 from Lucy Machuma.
Strathmore University easily trounced Kenyatta University 74-20, behind 18 points from Mercy Odima and 17 from Mollete Achieng. ‘Oryx’ had 8 from Beryl Okoth.
At the Upper Hill School courts, Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) suffered a humiliating 63-33 thumping at the hands of Blades. In the women’s matches, Co-operative Bank of Kenya nailed Mennonites 76-22 and Ulinzi ‘Blades’ cut Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 53-15 with Bridgit Nanzala posting 20 points.
In the lower division, Blazers nipped 4-Christ 48-46 with Joseph Koech hitting 16 points. Preston Orengo nailed 15 as Trailblazers hit Parklands Baptist 65-32
World Hope lost 51-52 to Africa Nazarene University (ANU) and host Upper Hill had 35 points from David Ouma as they blanked Mount Kenya University, Thika 92-88.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/former-champs-ulinzi-gun-down-tough-zetech-university-overtime-nyayo#sthash.lHRgdcyo.dpuf
The soldiers took a 15-4 first quarter edge before the students stormed back with a 19-13 score-line in the second stanza. But Ulinzi still hanged on to 28-23 at the break. After the breather, the two teams rarely found the target with Ulinzi taking the third quarter 16-9 and Zetech clawing right back for 16-9 difference to lock the scores 55 all at the end. Ulinzi were top in the extra five minutes with a 9-6 cushion. Ancette Wafula managed 16 points while William Ochieng added 9. The students had 22 from Joshua Kisiali and 10 from Fredrick Odhiambo.
Masaku Sparks took a 38-29 half-time lead and went on to beat Eagle Wings 68-53 in a women’s fixture. Felmus Adhiambo posted 17 points and Fridah Gumba added 12. The losers had 15 from Cathy Nedesa and 12 from Lucy Machuma.
Strathmore University easily trounced Kenyatta University 74-20, behind 18 points from Mercy Odima and 17 from Mollete Achieng. ‘Oryx’ had 8 from Beryl Okoth.
At the Upper Hill School courts, Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) suffered a humiliating 63-33 thumping at the hands of Blades. In the women’s matches, Co-operative Bank of Kenya nailed Mennonites 76-22 and Ulinzi ‘Blades’ cut Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University 53-15 with Bridgit Nanzala posting 20 points.
In the lower division, Blazers nipped 4-Christ 48-46 with Joseph Koech hitting 16 points. Preston Orengo nailed 15 as Trailblazers hit Parklands Baptist 65-32
World Hope lost 51-52 to Africa Nazarene University (ANU) and host Upper Hill had 35 points from David Ouma as they blanked Mount Kenya University, Thika 92-88.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/former-champs-ulinzi-gun-down-tough-zetech-university-overtime-nyayo#sthash.lHRgdcyo.dpuf
11 July 2015
KENYA : Basketball fans set for lively Inter-conference action
5
Masaku Sparks Joy Nyagol in action. Masaku will play Eagles this weekend.(Photo by Shutterspeed)
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) has
lined up a highly competitive first in back-to-back weekends of
inter-conference games. Upper Hill School and Nyayo National Stadium
gymnasium will be the two venues to host 19 games this weekend; five in
men premier league, five in women premier league and nine in division
one.
Two games in women premier league are poised to draw huge attention. Masaku Sparks against Eagle Wings on Saturday will see Silalei Shani come up against her former teammates for the first time. She won league and regional titles with Eagles but has not been instrumental for Masaku in five games they have played.
The league debutants who have another former Eagles player Pamela Sinda have won twice in eastern conference. Eagles have a better record having won three of their six games in western conference and will start the game as favourites.
Player-coach Evelyne Kedogo will lead the former champions as they seek a fourth win of the season.
USIU hot favourites
On Sunday, the matchup between United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) and Equity Bank is another one to draw attention.
Hilda Indasi who joined the bankers this season will be playing against her former side that she led to maiden league title last season.
She will be playing against familiar foes but her side boasts of experienced and decorated players. In this game, western conference’s USIU-A will be the hot favorites by virtue of being league champions and still unbeaten so far.
They have won six of their games this season while Equity has lost once in five games. Point guard Samba Mjomba will command the bankers’ backcourt coming up against USIU-As frontcourt led by the omnipresent Sarah Chan.
Strathmore University and Kenyatta University Oryx will clash in an all-varsities derby on Saturday. Winless Mennonite and Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) have tough games against Co-operative Bank and Ulinzi Blades respectively.
The notable fixture for men premier league will be strugglers Strathmore University and Lions. Both teams are a pale shadow of their past seasons having won two games each.
Strathmore has played nine games in eastern conference while Lions have played seven in western conference and are last on the log.
The meeting between Blades and Nairobi Aviation College might as well sparkle despite the huge disparity in their performances.
Blades are high-riding in western conference with six wins from seven games while Aviation have two wins from seven games in eastern conference.
The individual brilliance of Aviation’s vibrant duo of Abel Nson and Ben Oluoch will be one of the determining factors in the game.
Blades has its own dependable duo of Peter Shilton Ochieng and Joseph Ongoro who are always at their best. Co-operative Bank will confront University of Nairobi’s Terrorist on Sunday while Thunder and Mennonite clash same day.
Zetech University will face a stern test against Ulinzi Warriors who are top in western conference. Standout fixture in division one will pit eastern conference leaders 4-Christ against third-placed team in western conference Blazers.
Upper Hill School has two games against MKU-Thika on Saturday and Barclays Bank on Sunday. Parklands Baptist who are winless in nine games have a mountain to climb when they face off with Trailblazers who have won eight of their nine games in eastern conference.
KBF weekend fixtures: Saturday- World Hope vs. ANU (Upper Hill, 9am), Mennonite Ladies vs. Co-op Bank (10:30am), Ulinzi Blades vs. KCA-U (12pm), Upper Hill vs. MKU Thika (2pm), Nairobi Aviation College vs. Blades (4pm), Blazers vs. 4-Christ (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), Trailblazers vs. Parklands Baptist (10:30am), Masaku Sparks vs. Eagle Wings (12pm), Strathmore University vs. KU Oryx (2pm), Zetech University vs. Ulinzi Warriors (4pm), Nebulas-Kakamega vs. Eldonets (UG, 10am); Sunday-Barclays Bank vs. Upper Hill (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), Little Prince vs. Don Bosco (10:30am), Equity Bank vs. USIU Flames (12pm), Lions vs. Strathmore University (2pm), Co-op Bank vs. Terror (4pm), EMYBA vs. KCA-U (Upper Hill, 10am), JKUAT vs. MKU-Thika (12pm), Mennonite vs. Thunder (2pm).
Two games in women premier league are poised to draw huge attention. Masaku Sparks against Eagle Wings on Saturday will see Silalei Shani come up against her former teammates for the first time. She won league and regional titles with Eagles but has not been instrumental for Masaku in five games they have played.
The league debutants who have another former Eagles player Pamela Sinda have won twice in eastern conference. Eagles have a better record having won three of their six games in western conference and will start the game as favourites.
Player-coach Evelyne Kedogo will lead the former champions as they seek a fourth win of the season.
USIU hot favourites
On Sunday, the matchup between United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) and Equity Bank is another one to draw attention.
Hilda Indasi who joined the bankers this season will be playing against her former side that she led to maiden league title last season.
She will be playing against familiar foes but her side boasts of experienced and decorated players. In this game, western conference’s USIU-A will be the hot favorites by virtue of being league champions and still unbeaten so far.
They have won six of their games this season while Equity has lost once in five games. Point guard Samba Mjomba will command the bankers’ backcourt coming up against USIU-As frontcourt led by the omnipresent Sarah Chan.
Strathmore University and Kenyatta University Oryx will clash in an all-varsities derby on Saturday. Winless Mennonite and Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) have tough games against Co-operative Bank and Ulinzi Blades respectively.
The notable fixture for men premier league will be strugglers Strathmore University and Lions. Both teams are a pale shadow of their past seasons having won two games each.
Strathmore has played nine games in eastern conference while Lions have played seven in western conference and are last on the log.
The meeting between Blades and Nairobi Aviation College might as well sparkle despite the huge disparity in their performances.
Blades are high-riding in western conference with six wins from seven games while Aviation have two wins from seven games in eastern conference.
The individual brilliance of Aviation’s vibrant duo of Abel Nson and Ben Oluoch will be one of the determining factors in the game.
Blades has its own dependable duo of Peter Shilton Ochieng and Joseph Ongoro who are always at their best. Co-operative Bank will confront University of Nairobi’s Terrorist on Sunday while Thunder and Mennonite clash same day.
Zetech University will face a stern test against Ulinzi Warriors who are top in western conference. Standout fixture in division one will pit eastern conference leaders 4-Christ against third-placed team in western conference Blazers.
Upper Hill School has two games against MKU-Thika on Saturday and Barclays Bank on Sunday. Parklands Baptist who are winless in nine games have a mountain to climb when they face off with Trailblazers who have won eight of their nine games in eastern conference.
KBF weekend fixtures: Saturday- World Hope vs. ANU (Upper Hill, 9am), Mennonite Ladies vs. Co-op Bank (10:30am), Ulinzi Blades vs. KCA-U (12pm), Upper Hill vs. MKU Thika (2pm), Nairobi Aviation College vs. Blades (4pm), Blazers vs. 4-Christ (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), Trailblazers vs. Parklands Baptist (10:30am), Masaku Sparks vs. Eagle Wings (12pm), Strathmore University vs. KU Oryx (2pm), Zetech University vs. Ulinzi Warriors (4pm), Nebulas-Kakamega vs. Eldonets (UG, 10am); Sunday-Barclays Bank vs. Upper Hill (Nyayo gymnasium, 9am), Little Prince vs. Don Bosco (10:30am), Equity Bank vs. USIU Flames (12pm), Lions vs. Strathmore University (2pm), Co-op Bank vs. Terror (4pm), EMYBA vs. KCA-U (Upper Hill, 10am), JKUAT vs. MKU-Thika (12pm), Mennonite vs. Thunder (2pm).
10 July 2015
UGANDA : Titans keen to stretch advantage on Falcons
Samuel Ogutu of KIU Titans drives to the hoop past Star Times Falcons’
Derrick Mbusi in the first round. KIU won the game 76-62. PHOTO BY
ISMAIL KEZAALA
By ELVIS SENONO
Posted Friday, July 10 2015 at 07:17
Posted Friday, July 10 2015 at 07:17
KAMPALA- Despite a 76-62 first
round defeat to KIU Titans, Star Times Falcons forward Stephen Omony
reckons there was little to choose between the two teams then.
“We are not too far behind but just need to sort
out a few issues on our defense,” he said in the aftermath of the game
in which his side clawed to within three points two minutes to the end.
A fortnight on, the two teams clash again as the
Airtel National Basketball League second round tips off this evening at
YMCA Wandegeya.
A 6-0 start for Falcons was followed by three straight losses before concluding the first round seeded fifth with a 7-4 record.
Only Omony and Kenyan center Ariel Okall have
managed to put in consistent performances for Sam Obol’s side to arrest
the slump with the pair averaging 17 and 16 points respectively from
their last five games.
The same cannot be said of their opponents, KIU,
whose depth sees them sitting top of the log after a 10-1 record going
into the second round.
The acquisition of experienced players; Henry
Malinga, Norman Blick and Diego Angemi, has ensured that the gelling has
not taken as long as coach Hamza Nyambogo had anticipated. Blick and
Angemi also did most of the damage, scoring 14 and 18 points
respectively in the first round encounter between the two teams.
Nyambogo will expect more of the same today. In
the ladies category, A1 Challenge, who completed the first round as
third seeds with an 8-3 record, play fourth-seeded KIU Rangers (5-6) in
the day’s opening game.
Airtel Fuba League TODAY AT YMCA
KIU Rangers vs. A1 (6pm)
Star Times Falcons vs. KIU Titans (8pm)
TANZANIA : Financial Constraints Force Mbeya Basketball League to Stop
Mwanza — Mbeya Basketball League has stopped due to financial constraints facing the Mbeya Regional Basketball Association (MBA).
League coordinator Bwigane Seth said the association lacks funds to run the competition. "We don't have funds to pay officials handling the league," he lamented.
He added that apart from financial constraints, the teams lack the necessary facilities such as jerseys, shoes and even scoreboards.
Teams taking part in the league are Mbeya Flames, Mafiat Warriors, Tiger Rangers, Antivirus, Must- Mbeya, Iyunga, Crescent, Teku, Mzumbe, Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and Bwalo Warriors.
The matches were played at the Youth Catholic Centre Ground. "Despite the challenge, we're determined to run the league," Seth said, adding that MBA has a programme of playing friendly matches against teams in the neighbouring regions of Iringa and Njombe.
The Mbeya league plays a great role in the selection of players for the Taifa Cup and BBall Kitaa tournaments. He said his association targets to promote basketball in primary and secondary schools as well as colleges.
MBA also aims to promote women basketball in the region and has urged the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) to support Mbeya region.
KENYA :: KBF threatens to exclude clubs for non payment
Joseph Amoko, the KBF fixtures secretary warned defaulting teams they risked not playing in the second leg. (SNA File Photo)
Both teams have not paid any fees for this season and risk not playing in the second leg.
Joseph Amoko, the KBF fixtures secretary warned all defaulting clubs across the three leagues that they will be struck off second leg fixtures due to non-compliance. “Am just requesting them to pay up their dues to enable us run the league effectively,” he stated.
“We are through with the first leg and some of the inter-conferences have been played. We are only going to give fixtures for the teams which have paid up,” he added.
Other clubs that have not paid a penny for the 2015 season include World Hope, Trailblazers, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Baraka Xtreme, IAT Little Prince, Nebulas-Kakamega, Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U), Barclays Bank, Africa Nazarene University (ANU), Lakeside and Parklands Baptist all in division one.
In women's Premier League, KCA-U, Sprite Storms, Mennonites, Eagle Wings, Western Delight and Kisumu Lady Bucks are playing on a negative. Mennonites, Thunder, Kenyatta University Pirates, Nairobi Aviation College, Nakuru Club, Lions and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) are the affected teams in men’s Premier League.
UGANDA : We want to play in the Playoffs semi -finals says Ndejje’s Coach, Walker Obed
© Kawowo Sports / AISHA NAKATO
Ndejje Angels' Brian Ssentongo shooting from the line in the game against Our Saviour
When Ndejje University Angels were edged by StarTimes Falcons 59-54
at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, fell Charging Rhinos 53-51 and Tiger Head
Power 82-74 at YMCA as well as losing to UCU 68-58, assistant coach,
Chris Kyambadde said the team was not “weak in the game they were
playing but weak in holding on to leads.”
The inability to hold on to leads earned Ndejje four of the six first round losses. Head coach, Walker Obedi associated it to lack of mental toughness.
“I think we lacked mental toughness in the losses” he told Kawowo Sports. “I think the guys have fought for the team and the university. We did not expect to be 5-6 but you win some and lose some” Obedi said.
Obedi says they have not lowered their bar after defending the Zuku University Basketball League. He says Ndejje and set to dominate the national university games and as well as completing the normal season in the five places.
“We still have high expectations as a team and that’s finishing in the top five teams in the regular season. We want to come back in the second round hard and better than the first”
Ndejje will start their second round on Sunday against Diamonds – a side they scored their second century of the season as and will a good stepping stone as the second half of the season starts.
“We will still come out strong every game because we want to better our record come the second round. We just want to work as a team again.”
“We want to play in the semifinals of this league this year and then pick up from there” Obedi boldly stated.
The inability to hold on to leads earned Ndejje four of the six first round losses. Head coach, Walker Obedi associated it to lack of mental toughness.
“I think we lacked mental toughness in the losses” he told Kawowo Sports. “I think the guys have fought for the team and the university. We did not expect to be 5-6 but you win some and lose some” Obedi said.
Obedi says they have not lowered their bar after defending the Zuku University Basketball League. He says Ndejje and set to dominate the national university games and as well as completing the normal season in the five places.
“We still have high expectations as a team and that’s finishing in the top five teams in the regular season. We want to come back in the second round hard and better than the first”
Ndejje will start their second round on Sunday against Diamonds – a side they scored their second century of the season as and will a good stepping stone as the second half of the season starts.
“We will still come out strong every game because we want to better our record come the second round. We just want to work as a team again.”
“We want to play in the semifinals of this league this year and then pick up from there” Obedi boldly stated.
This
Friday night at YMCA – Wandegeya, The NBL returns in Round II with
table leaders KIU Titans being challenged by the StarTimes Falcons. The
Titans boast of a 10-1 record, beating every other team in the NBL round
I except for that Overtime loss to defending champion City Oilers. The
Titans basketball was utterly changed for the better since the loss to
Oilers. They seem to have found a balance within all the quality they
have this season.
Falcons on the other side have 7-4
record coming into this game. Falcons had an amazing run at the start of
the season but somewhere towards the end the first round faced some
upsets. But such is the game of basketball and we all know that teams
tend to toughen up tending towards the post season and for everything
its worth, Falcons boast of the richest basketball history in Uganda.
Tonight, Falcons come in less favored
for the W against a side that has developed such a tremendous synergy.
If you’ll allow me to twist the very meaning of the word synergy to
define KIU, the fusion of some of the best players has produced a
combined effect greater than the sum of all their separate effects. To
best illustrate this, I will consider the Round I finale which
incidentally was between these two sides about a fortnight ago. KIU won
the game 76:62 but that night, the surprise performer for the Titans was
point guard Diego Angemi who scored the team and game high 18 points.
Diego had averaged 3.5 pts from the three games before that. You could
see Norman Blick (14 pts), Henry Malinga (10 pts) , Omanye Chris (9 pts)
, Kasekende Francis (7 pts) among others all pitching in, getting at
the end of the shots after selfless ball movement.
Falcons have had Stephen Omony (18 pts
from round I game against KIU) and Ariel Okall (14 pts) consistently
showing up and the other players not showing any consistence. We are yet
to see the Falcons really commit to each other on the floor to produce
some team basketball. Steve and Okall cannot continually carry the load –
or maybe the Falcons’ human resources dictate! But if that’s the case,
they put themselves at an unfair disadvantage. Tonight, Falcons need
Kizito Ceasar, Mukwaba Jonah, Mbusi Derrick and Peter Elungat to step up
and be the difference.
Game: KIU Titans Vs StarTimes Falcons | 10th July 2015 | 8:00 PM | YMCA Wandegeya.
- See more at: http://basketball256.com/2013/can-falcons-challenge-the-kiu-synergy/#sthash.ejO4Lrq5.dpuf
This
Friday night at YMCA – Wandegeya, The NBL returns in Round II with
table leaders KIU Titans being challenged by the StarTimes Falcons. The
Titans boast of a 10-1 record, beating every other team in the NBL round
I except for that Overtime loss to defending champion City Oilers. The
Titans basketball was utterly changed for the better since the loss to
Oilers. They seem to have found a balance within all the quality they
have this season.
Falcons on the other side have 7-4
record coming into this game. Falcons had an amazing run at the start of
the season but somewhere towards the end the first round faced some
upsets. But such is the game of basketball and we all know that teams
tend to toughen up tending towards the post season and for everything
its worth, Falcons boast of the richest basketball history in Uganda.
Tonight, Falcons come in less favored
for the W against a side that has developed such a tremendous synergy.
If you’ll allow me to twist the very meaning of the word synergy to
define KIU, the fusion of some of the best players has produced a
combined effect greater than the sum of all their separate effects. To
best illustrate this, I will consider the Round I finale which
incidentally was between these two sides about a fortnight ago. KIU won
the game 76:62 but that night, the surprise performer for the Titans was
point guard Diego Angemi who scored the team and game high 18 points.
Diego had averaged 3.5 pts from the three games before that. You could
see Norman Blick (14 pts), Henry Malinga (10 pts) , Omanye Chris (9 pts)
, Kasekende Francis (7 pts) among others all pitching in, getting at
the end of the shots after selfless ball movement.
Falcons have had Stephen Omony (18 pts
from round I game against KIU) and Ariel Okall (14 pts) consistently
showing up and the other players not showing any consistence. We are yet
to see the Falcons really commit to each other on the floor to produce
some team basketball. Steve and Okall cannot continually carry the load –
or maybe the Falcons’ human resources dictate! But if that’s the case,
they put themselves at an unfair disadvantage. Tonight, Falcons need
Kizito Ceasar, Mukwaba Jonah, Mbusi Derrick and Peter Elungat to step up
and be the difference.
Game: KIU Titans Vs StarTimes Falcons | 10th July 2015 | 8:00 PM | YMCA Wandegeya.
- See more at: http://basketball256.com/2013/can-falcons-challenge-the-kiu-synergy/#sthash.ejO4Lrq5.dpuf08 July 2015
KENYA : Basket at the buzzer mutes Thunders' roar
Strathmore University's Mercy Odima takes on KPA's Annerose Mandela and Donnasama Achieng (centre). (Photo by Shutterspeed)
KPA's Annerose Mandela dribbles past Strathmore's Mercy Odima in a league match which KPA won. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Jeremy Opiyo scored a basket at the
buzzer as Zetech University narrowly beat Nairobi City Thunder by half a
basket, scoring 62-61 in a Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier
League match played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Sunday.
With three seconds to play, the game was all square at 60-all before Opiyo sunk the winning basket. The shot at the rim was awarded after Felix Omondi fouled Charles Kituyi gifting Thunder two free shots and the last opportunity to push the game to overtime.
Kituyi missed the first shot but slotted the second. Thunder’s Griffin Ligare had tied scores with only 35 seconds to play. He scored a three pointer when Zetech led 60-57.
The match was competitive from the start. For the opening five minutes of first quarter, Thunder led 2-0 from a basket by Kituyi. The remaining five minutes of the quarter witnessed the lead changing hands at quick intervals.
It was Zetech who stretched the lead to 10-6 before Thunder overturned the scores to lead 11-10. Zetech regained the lead 12-11 before Thunder charged ahead 14-12 and managed to hold on to the lead into third quarter.
Thunder won first quarter 22-15 and Zetech the second 9-7. With a slim five-point lead at the breather. Thunder needed to bounce back and won the third quarter 16-11 to extend the gap to ten points, the game having tied twice in the quarter at 29-all and 31-all.
It was for Zetech to catch up in the closing quarter. Two baskets each from Franklyn Omondi and Joshua Kisali as well as a three-pointer from Opiyo set the quarter rolling for the students. With the clock reading 5:43, Zetech was on the lead at 52-50 and they dictated the pace to the end.
Ligare's game high of 30
Opiyo and Omondi top scored for Zetech with 14 points each while Kisali scored 10. Ligare had a game high 30 points for Thunder, sinking four 3-pointers as his team made eight free shots and 15 points from the arc. Zetech made eight free shots and four 3-pointers.
The win took Zetech to 14 points, one behind Thunder in Eastern conference.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) lost their second game of the weekend going down 47-74 to United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
Each team won two quarters; USIU-A taking home the first and third 32-3 and 15-14 while KAA won the second and fourth 13-12 and 17-15 respectively. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) returned to Mombasa with maximum points after beating Strathmore University 87-70.
Valentine Nyakinda top-scored for KPA with 20 points, Arou Ramadhan scored 17 while Martin Kitonga and Athiey Lwal added 12 points each. Cliff Alela scored 16 points for Strathmore and Martin Muga added 13.
KPA made 13 free shots and eight three-point shots against Strathmore’s 17 free shots and five three-pointers.
Ulinzi Warriors beat Kenyatta University Pirates 66-41. KPA overpowered Strathmore University in women's Premier League with a dominant 87-31 score. Point guard Natalie Akinyi scored 19 points for KPA, Annerose Atieno had 13 and Yvonne Akinyi added 12.
For Strathmore, Mercy Odima top-scored with eight points as Rachael Opinya, Mollete Akinyi and Susan Manya scored five points each. KPA won all quarters 27-17, 18-4, 13-3 and 29-7 scoring 14 points from the free-throw line and nine from the arc.
Strathmore made six free shots and one three-pointer. Sprite Storms beat Kenyatta University Oryx 50-31.
Upper Hill beat Nebulas-Kakamega 82-43 in one of the two division one games played. Isaiah Ater top-scored for the students with 21 points as Kennedy Owalo and David Ouma scored 16 each. Lameck Ometo scored 12 for Nebulas and Fred Osore added 10.
Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) beat Little Prince 62-32.
Sunday results
Zetech University 62 Thunder 61, Ulinzi Warriors 66 KU Pirates 41, USIU-A 74 KAA 47, Strathmore Swords 31 KPA 87, Upper Hill 82 Nebulas-Kakamega 43, Little Prince 32 KCA-U 62, Strathmore University 70 KPA Men 87
With three seconds to play, the game was all square at 60-all before Opiyo sunk the winning basket. The shot at the rim was awarded after Felix Omondi fouled Charles Kituyi gifting Thunder two free shots and the last opportunity to push the game to overtime.
Kituyi missed the first shot but slotted the second. Thunder’s Griffin Ligare had tied scores with only 35 seconds to play. He scored a three pointer when Zetech led 60-57.
The match was competitive from the start. For the opening five minutes of first quarter, Thunder led 2-0 from a basket by Kituyi. The remaining five minutes of the quarter witnessed the lead changing hands at quick intervals.
It was Zetech who stretched the lead to 10-6 before Thunder overturned the scores to lead 11-10. Zetech regained the lead 12-11 before Thunder charged ahead 14-12 and managed to hold on to the lead into third quarter.
Thunder won first quarter 22-15 and Zetech the second 9-7. With a slim five-point lead at the breather. Thunder needed to bounce back and won the third quarter 16-11 to extend the gap to ten points, the game having tied twice in the quarter at 29-all and 31-all.
It was for Zetech to catch up in the closing quarter. Two baskets each from Franklyn Omondi and Joshua Kisali as well as a three-pointer from Opiyo set the quarter rolling for the students. With the clock reading 5:43, Zetech was on the lead at 52-50 and they dictated the pace to the end.
Ligare's game high of 30
Opiyo and Omondi top scored for Zetech with 14 points each while Kisali scored 10. Ligare had a game high 30 points for Thunder, sinking four 3-pointers as his team made eight free shots and 15 points from the arc. Zetech made eight free shots and four 3-pointers.
The win took Zetech to 14 points, one behind Thunder in Eastern conference.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) lost their second game of the weekend going down 47-74 to United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
Each team won two quarters; USIU-A taking home the first and third 32-3 and 15-14 while KAA won the second and fourth 13-12 and 17-15 respectively. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) returned to Mombasa with maximum points after beating Strathmore University 87-70.
Valentine Nyakinda top-scored for KPA with 20 points, Arou Ramadhan scored 17 while Martin Kitonga and Athiey Lwal added 12 points each. Cliff Alela scored 16 points for Strathmore and Martin Muga added 13.
KPA made 13 free shots and eight three-point shots against Strathmore’s 17 free shots and five three-pointers.
Ulinzi Warriors beat Kenyatta University Pirates 66-41. KPA overpowered Strathmore University in women's Premier League with a dominant 87-31 score. Point guard Natalie Akinyi scored 19 points for KPA, Annerose Atieno had 13 and Yvonne Akinyi added 12.
For Strathmore, Mercy Odima top-scored with eight points as Rachael Opinya, Mollete Akinyi and Susan Manya scored five points each. KPA won all quarters 27-17, 18-4, 13-3 and 29-7 scoring 14 points from the free-throw line and nine from the arc.
Strathmore made six free shots and one three-pointer. Sprite Storms beat Kenyatta University Oryx 50-31.
Upper Hill beat Nebulas-Kakamega 82-43 in one of the two division one games played. Isaiah Ater top-scored for the students with 21 points as Kennedy Owalo and David Ouma scored 16 each. Lameck Ometo scored 12 for Nebulas and Fred Osore added 10.
Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) beat Little Prince 62-32.
Sunday results
Zetech University 62 Thunder 61, Ulinzi Warriors 66 KU Pirates 41, USIU-A 74 KAA 47, Strathmore Swords 31 KPA 87, Upper Hill 82 Nebulas-Kakamega 43, Little Prince 32 KCA-U 62, Strathmore University 70 KPA Men 87
UGANDA : Our Saviour Want to Add UCU to Slain Giants
By Andrew Mwanguhya
Kampala — The Airtel National Basketball League (ANBL) second round tips off Friday but Our Saviour and UCU Canons do not renew acquaintances until Sunday.
And when Our Saviour travel to UCU, their former home until the latter's junior side were bought following promotion to the top division; they will be looking to improve their 6-5 first round record.
More so, American coach Martin Kelly's side will be looking to adding UCU Canons to the list of giants that have fallen at the newcomers' hands.
Syrus Kiviri, a former Ndjejje, Warriors, UCU and Falcons shooting guard, was the executioner in chief as Our Saviour beat Falcons and City Oilers 75-53 and 70-53 respectively in the first round. The impressive guard made 29 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals to subject Oilers to a 9-2 first round record.
Play-off target
In the earlier victory over Falcons, Kiviri - who together with Stephen Mwesige 'Duxx', Moses Okwera, Belton Kirabo, Ivyes Kalambayi and their coach Kelly were coming up against their former team - scored a game high 24 points.
As he comes up against his other ex-employers on Sunday, Kiviri, 27, sees no reason why they cannot put up a performance to bring down another giant in UCU (9-2), who they lost to in the initial leg.
"We want to win," Kiviri told Daily Monitor, "Although every win is
important, tipping off the second round with victory is necessary.
"UCU are a very organized side just like us. In the first round we started very well against them but in the third quarter we collapsed. We just have to keep the concentration."
Despite standing tall especially in victories over Oilers and Falcons, Kiviri's unpredictable shooting has characterized some inconsistencies in his game.
"That is the area I am not happy with," he admitted, "I'm not shooting well. I need to shoot better. Everyone (most) in the league is struggling to shoot, I don't know why."
But Kiviri and his team need to figure out why if they are to achieve their play-offs target. They also need to beat their 'equals'.
"Definitely," he said, "A play-off spot is our target. We are working harder to improve our defence and also execute well, not just against the so called big teams but every team."
Airtel National Basketball League
Sunday, 6pm at UCU
UCU Canons vs Our Saviour
Kampala — The Airtel National Basketball League (ANBL) second round tips off Friday but Our Saviour and UCU Canons do not renew acquaintances until Sunday.
And when Our Saviour travel to UCU, their former home until the latter's junior side were bought following promotion to the top division; they will be looking to improve their 6-5 first round record.
More so, American coach Martin Kelly's side will be looking to adding UCU Canons to the list of giants that have fallen at the newcomers' hands.
Syrus Kiviri, a former Ndjejje, Warriors, UCU and Falcons shooting guard, was the executioner in chief as Our Saviour beat Falcons and City Oilers 75-53 and 70-53 respectively in the first round. The impressive guard made 29 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals to subject Oilers to a 9-2 first round record.
Play-off target
In the earlier victory over Falcons, Kiviri - who together with Stephen Mwesige 'Duxx', Moses Okwera, Belton Kirabo, Ivyes Kalambayi and their coach Kelly were coming up against their former team - scored a game high 24 points.
As he comes up against his other ex-employers on Sunday, Kiviri, 27, sees no reason why they cannot put up a performance to bring down another giant in UCU (9-2), who they lost to in the initial leg.
"UCU are a very organized side just like us. In the first round we started very well against them but in the third quarter we collapsed. We just have to keep the concentration."
Despite standing tall especially in victories over Oilers and Falcons, Kiviri's unpredictable shooting has characterized some inconsistencies in his game.
"That is the area I am not happy with," he admitted, "I'm not shooting well. I need to shoot better. Everyone (most) in the league is struggling to shoot, I don't know why."
But Kiviri and his team need to figure out why if they are to achieve their play-offs target. They also need to beat their 'equals'.
"Definitely," he said, "A play-off spot is our target. We are working harder to improve our defence and also execute well, not just against the so called big teams but every team."
Airtel National Basketball League
Sunday, 6pm at UCU
UCU Canons vs Our Saviour
NIGERIA : Eight Women Basketball Teams Jostle for Zenith Bank's N1.2 Million
By Alex Monye
All is now set for the final round of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League, which will feature eight teams, including Dolphins, First Bank, First Deepwater, Sunshine Angels, Delta Force, Benue Princess, Customs and IGP Queens.
The winner of the competition will get Zenith Bank's N1.2 million after the event scheduled for the National Stadium, Lagos, from July 18 to 25.
According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), arrangements and logistics have already been put in place for the tournament, adding that the coaches of the final eight teams have began plotting strategies to outshine their opponents.
First Bank, who are the defending champions of the competition, have been tipped by followers of the game as the team to beat in the final round.
Aside the champions, who will receive N1.2 million, the second placed team will earn N750, 000, while the third position will get N500, 000.
All is now set for the final round of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League, which will feature eight teams, including Dolphins, First Bank, First Deepwater, Sunshine Angels, Delta Force, Benue Princess, Customs and IGP Queens.
The winner of the competition will get Zenith Bank's N1.2 million after the event scheduled for the National Stadium, Lagos, from July 18 to 25.
According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), arrangements and logistics have already been put in place for the tournament, adding that the coaches of the final eight teams have began plotting strategies to outshine their opponents.
First Bank, who are the defending champions of the competition, have been tipped by followers of the game as the team to beat in the final round.
Aside the champions, who will receive N1.2 million, the second placed team will earn N750, 000, while the third position will get N500, 000.
06 July 2015
KENYA : Basket at the buzzer mutes Thunders' roar
Jeremy Opiyo scored a basket at the
buzzer as Zetech University narrowly beat Nairobi City Thunder by half a
basket, scoring 62-61 in a Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier
League match played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Sunday.
With three seconds to play, the game was all square at 60-all before Opiyo sunk the winning basket. The shot at the rim was awarded after Felix Omondi fouled Charles Kituyi gifting Thunder two free shots and the last opportunity to push the game to overtime.
Kituyi missed the first shot but slotted the second. Thunder’s Griffin Ligare had tied scores with only 35 seconds to play. He scored a three pointer when Zetech led 60-57.
The match was competitive from the start. For the opening five minutes of first quarter, Thunder led 2-0 from a basket by Kituyi. The remaining five minutes of the quarter witnessed the lead changing hands at quick intervals.
It was Zetech who stretched the lead to 10-6 before Thunder overturned the scores to lead 11-10. Zetech regained the lead 12-11 before Thunder charged ahead 14-12 and managed to hold on to the lead into third quarter.
Thunder won first quarter 22-15 and Zetech the second 9-7. With a slim five-point lead at the breather. Thunder needed to bounce back and won the third quarter 16-11 to extend the gap to ten points, the game having tied twice in the quarter at 29-all and 31-all.
It was for Zetech to catch up in the closing quarter. Two baskets each from Franklyn Omondi and Joshua Kisali as well as a three-pointer from Opiyo set the quarter rolling for the students. With the clock reading 5:43, Zetech was on the lead at 52-50 and they dictated the pace to the end.
Ligare's game high of 30
Opiyo and Omondi top scored for Zetech with 14 points each while Kisali scored 10. Ligare had a game high 30 points for Thunder, sinking four 3-pointers as his team made eight free shots and 15 points from the arc. Zetech made eight free shots and four 3-pointers.
The win took Zetech to 14 points, one behind Thunder in Eastern conference.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) lost their second game of the weekend going down 47-74 to United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
Each team won two quarters; USIU-A taking home the first and third 32-3 and 15-14 while KAA won the second and fourth 13-12 and 17-15 respectively. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) returned to Mombasa with maximum points after beating Strathmore University 87-70.
Valentine Nyakinda top-scored for KPA with 20 points, Arou Ramadhan scored 17 while Martin Kitonga and Athiey Lwal added 12 points each. Cliff Alela scored 16 points for Strathmore and Martin Muga added 13.
KPA made 13 free shots and eight three-point shots against Strathmore’s 17 free shots and five three-pointers.
Ulinzi Warriors beat Kenyatta University Pirates 66-41. KPA overpowered Strathmore University in women's Premier League with a dominant 87-31 score. Point guard Natalie Akinyi scored 19 points for KPA, Annerose Atieno had 13 and Yvonne Akinyi added 12.
For Strathmore, Mercy Odima top-scored with eight points as Rachael Opinya, Mollete Akinyi and Susan Manya scored five points each. KPA won all quarters 27-17, 18-4, 13-3 and 29-7 scoring 14 points from the free-throw line and nine from the arc.
Strathmore made six free shots and one three-pointer. Sprite Storms beat Kenyatta University Oryx 50-31.
Upper Hill beat Nebulas-Kakamega 82-43 in one of the two division one games played. Isaiah Ater top-scored for the students with 21 points as Kennedy Owalo and David Ouma scored 16 each. Lameck Ometo scored 12 for Nebulas and Fred Osore added 10.
Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) beat Little Prince 62-32.
Sunday results
Zetech University 62 Thunder 61, Ulinzi Warriors 66 KU Pirates 41, USIU-A 74 KAA 47, Strathmore Swords 31 KPA 87, Upper Hill 82 Nebulas-Kakamega 43, Little Prince 32 KCA-U 62, Strathmore University 70 KPA Men 87
With three seconds to play, the game was all square at 60-all before Opiyo sunk the winning basket. The shot at the rim was awarded after Felix Omondi fouled Charles Kituyi gifting Thunder two free shots and the last opportunity to push the game to overtime.
Kituyi missed the first shot but slotted the second. Thunder’s Griffin Ligare had tied scores with only 35 seconds to play. He scored a three pointer when Zetech led 60-57.
The match was competitive from the start. For the opening five minutes of first quarter, Thunder led 2-0 from a basket by Kituyi. The remaining five minutes of the quarter witnessed the lead changing hands at quick intervals.
It was Zetech who stretched the lead to 10-6 before Thunder overturned the scores to lead 11-10. Zetech regained the lead 12-11 before Thunder charged ahead 14-12 and managed to hold on to the lead into third quarter.
Thunder won first quarter 22-15 and Zetech the second 9-7. With a slim five-point lead at the breather. Thunder needed to bounce back and won the third quarter 16-11 to extend the gap to ten points, the game having tied twice in the quarter at 29-all and 31-all.
It was for Zetech to catch up in the closing quarter. Two baskets each from Franklyn Omondi and Joshua Kisali as well as a three-pointer from Opiyo set the quarter rolling for the students. With the clock reading 5:43, Zetech was on the lead at 52-50 and they dictated the pace to the end.
Ligare's game high of 30
Opiyo and Omondi top scored for Zetech with 14 points each while Kisali scored 10. Ligare had a game high 30 points for Thunder, sinking four 3-pointers as his team made eight free shots and 15 points from the arc. Zetech made eight free shots and four 3-pointers.
The win took Zetech to 14 points, one behind Thunder in Eastern conference.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) lost their second game of the weekend going down 47-74 to United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
Each team won two quarters; USIU-A taking home the first and third 32-3 and 15-14 while KAA won the second and fourth 13-12 and 17-15 respectively. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) returned to Mombasa with maximum points after beating Strathmore University 87-70.
Valentine Nyakinda top-scored for KPA with 20 points, Arou Ramadhan scored 17 while Martin Kitonga and Athiey Lwal added 12 points each. Cliff Alela scored 16 points for Strathmore and Martin Muga added 13.
KPA made 13 free shots and eight three-point shots against Strathmore’s 17 free shots and five three-pointers.
Ulinzi Warriors beat Kenyatta University Pirates 66-41. KPA overpowered Strathmore University in women's Premier League with a dominant 87-31 score. Point guard Natalie Akinyi scored 19 points for KPA, Annerose Atieno had 13 and Yvonne Akinyi added 12.
For Strathmore, Mercy Odima top-scored with eight points as Rachael Opinya, Mollete Akinyi and Susan Manya scored five points each. KPA won all quarters 27-17, 18-4, 13-3 and 29-7 scoring 14 points from the free-throw line and nine from the arc.
Strathmore made six free shots and one three-pointer. Sprite Storms beat Kenyatta University Oryx 50-31.
Upper Hill beat Nebulas-Kakamega 82-43 in one of the two division one games played. Isaiah Ater top-scored for the students with 21 points as Kennedy Owalo and David Ouma scored 16 each. Lameck Ometo scored 12 for Nebulas and Fred Osore added 10.
Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) beat Little Prince 62-32.
Sunday results
Zetech University 62 Thunder 61, Ulinzi Warriors 66 KU Pirates 41, USIU-A 74 KAA 47, Strathmore Swords 31 KPA 87, Upper Hill 82 Nebulas-Kakamega 43, Little Prince 32 KCA-U 62, Strathmore University 70 KPA Men 87
05 July 2015
UGANDA : Afrobasket: Tunisia firm on security
Stephen Omony (C) will captain Uganda’s Silverbacks in Tunisia. PHOTO: ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Posted Sunday, July 5 2015 at 01:00
Posted Sunday, July 5 2015 at 01:00
Kampala.
Tunisia has moved to quell security fears ahead of next month’s Fiba Africa Basketball Championship.
Uganda, like all the other 14 federations, that qualified for the 28th edition set for the cities of Nabeul and Hammamet have received new security assurances from the hosts ahead of the August 20-30 tournament.
Uganda, like all the other 14 federations, that qualified for the 28th edition set for the cities of Nabeul and Hammamet have received new security assurances from the hosts ahead of the August 20-30 tournament.
This follows last Friday’s terrorist attack on
holiday makers in the Tunisian resort of Sousse. Thirty-eight tourists
were killed when a gunman opened fire on a beach.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the
attack. Uganda’s senior men’s team, the Silverbacks, qualified to
represent Zone V along with Egypt at the tournament.
“We are being informed by Tunisian Authorities
that arrangements are in process in order to ensure security generally
and in particular for the AfroBasket 2015,” a letter addressed to
federation presidents and the Fiba board reads in part.
Fiba Africa secretary general, Bile Alphonse,
signed the letter. It’s normal practice for western diplomats and
governments to issue travel advisories in the wake of such attacks.
Uganda has been a victim of such terrorism as over
70 people were killed in the 2010 bombings at Kyadondo grounds and
Ethiopian Village during live broadcasts of the Fifa World Cup final.
Consequently, the Elgon/Victoria Cup tie in rugby
was put off and several public events had to be postponed or cancelled
altogether.
Afrobasket draw
GROUP A: Tunisia, Uganda, Nigeria, CAR
GROUP B: Angola, Mozambique, Senegal, Morocco
GROUP C: Egypt, Gabon, Mali, Cameroon
GROUP D: Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Algeria, Zimbabwe
GROUP A: Tunisia, Uganda, Nigeria, CAR
GROUP B: Angola, Mozambique, Senegal, Morocco
GROUP C: Egypt, Gabon, Mali, Cameroon
GROUP D: Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Algeria, Zimbabwe
03 July 2015
NIGERIA : State Appoints William Voigt As Acting Coach for National Basketball Team
The Nigeria Basketball Federation has selected William Voigt ahead of
others to lead its campaign at the 2015 Aftobasket Men's Tournament in
Tunisia.
Coach Voigt was the Head Coach/General Manager of the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League from August 2009 to July 2014, during which he won more games than any other Coach in the D-League and helped his team to be regular Season Champions in 2012-2013.
Coach Voigt was offered a short term contract until September to win the Afrobasket and qualify Nigeria for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
If he succeeds, he will be the Coach to lead the team to the Olympics. He is to be assisted by a team of Assistant Coaches and Video analyst.
Coaches Ayinla Johnson and Abdulrahaman Mohammed as well as the team doctor and physiotherapist will keep their positions from the 2013 coaching staff.
The new Coach will not be new to the National team and Nigerian Basketball environment as he has previously coached two of the team's standouts, Alade Aminu and Ike Diogu in the NBA D-League and has also volunteered in Summer Basketball Camps organised by Masai Ujiri in Zaria and Lagos between 2004 and 2008.
The National team training camp is expected to open in Abuja on 15th July with both home and foreign based players.
Coach Voigt was the Head Coach/General Manager of the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League from August 2009 to July 2014, during which he won more games than any other Coach in the D-League and helped his team to be regular Season Champions in 2012-2013.
Coach Voigt was offered a short term contract until September to win the Afrobasket and qualify Nigeria for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
If he succeeds, he will be the Coach to lead the team to the Olympics. He is to be assisted by a team of Assistant Coaches and Video analyst.
Coaches Ayinla Johnson and Abdulrahaman Mohammed as well as the team doctor and physiotherapist will keep their positions from the 2013 coaching staff.
The new Coach will not be new to the National team and Nigerian Basketball environment as he has previously coached two of the team's standouts, Alade Aminu and Ike Diogu in the NBA D-League and has also volunteered in Summer Basketball Camps organised by Masai Ujiri in Zaria and Lagos between 2004 and 2008.
The National team training camp is expected to open in Abuja on 15th July with both home and foreign based players.
RWANDA : Basketball Play-Offs to Kick-Off This Weekend
By Jejje Muhinde
The top four teams in both the male and female national basketball championship will battle in the play-offs games scheduled to start on Saturday July 4, at Amahoro Petit Stade.
In the men's category, league champions Espoir Basketball team, will face Cercle Sportif Rugunga while Patriots which finished second in the national league championship will meet third placed APR Basketball team.
In the female category, APR which finished on the top of the table will face Rwanda National University Huye branch which finished fourth while Ubumwe Basketball which finished second will clash with The Hoops Rwanda which finished third.
Meanwhile, the U 16 boy's national basketball team will play a friendly game against The Hoops Team this Wednesday July 1, 2015 at Petit Stade as part of their preparations for the Continental games to be held in Mali.
The U16 girls' team are training hard ahead of the Madagascar, they will depart Kigali for Antananarivo on July 7,2015 three day before the games kick off.
The top four teams in both the male and female national basketball championship will battle in the play-offs games scheduled to start on Saturday July 4, at Amahoro Petit Stade.
In the men's category, league champions Espoir Basketball team, will face Cercle Sportif Rugunga while Patriots which finished second in the national league championship will meet third placed APR Basketball team.
In the female category, APR which finished on the top of the table will face Rwanda National University Huye branch which finished fourth while Ubumwe Basketball which finished second will clash with The Hoops Rwanda which finished third.
Meanwhile, the U 16 boy's national basketball team will play a friendly game against The Hoops Team this Wednesday July 1, 2015 at Petit Stade as part of their preparations for the Continental games to be held in Mali.
The U16 girls' team are training hard ahead of the Madagascar, they will depart Kigali for Antananarivo on July 7,2015 three day before the games kick off.
RWANDA : U-16 girls team gears up for Afrobasket tournament
Rwanda national U-16 girls’ team entered
residential camp to start preparations ahead of the forthcoming FIBA
Africa Basketball Championship.
This year’s U-16 Women’s Africa Basketball Championship is scheduled for July 12-24 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Debutants Rwanda will leave the country for the two-week tournament on July 8.
According to head coach Charles Mushumba, the youngsters may not perform so well since they qualified without passing through zonal qualifiers.
Mushumba said on Thursday, “We started residential training yesterday (Wednesday) at Amahoro (indoor) stadium and we’re residing at Hotel La Palisse, Nyandungu.”
“However, it would be unrealistic to say we are going to return home with the title especially since we will only be making our debut in the tournament. Nonetheless, we will do everything to represent the country in the best way possible,” he stated.
Mushumba, who also doubles as the head coach of the UR- College of Arts and Social Sciences (UR- CASS) women’s team, singled out hosts Madagascar, Mali and Ivory Coast as top contenders.
Meanwhile, the boys’ team will enter boot camp on Monday ahead of the U-16 Men’s Afrobasket championships slated for July 30- August 8 in Mali.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw
This year’s U-16 Women’s Africa Basketball Championship is scheduled for July 12-24 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Debutants Rwanda will leave the country for the two-week tournament on July 8.
According to head coach Charles Mushumba, the youngsters may not perform so well since they qualified without passing through zonal qualifiers.
Mushumba said on Thursday, “We started residential training yesterday (Wednesday) at Amahoro (indoor) stadium and we’re residing at Hotel La Palisse, Nyandungu.”
“However, it would be unrealistic to say we are going to return home with the title especially since we will only be making our debut in the tournament. Nonetheless, we will do everything to represent the country in the best way possible,” he stated.
Mushumba, who also doubles as the head coach of the UR- College of Arts and Social Sciences (UR- CASS) women’s team, singled out hosts Madagascar, Mali and Ivory Coast as top contenders.
Meanwhile, the boys’ team will enter boot camp on Monday ahead of the U-16 Men’s Afrobasket championships slated for July 30- August 8 in Mali.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw
01 July 2015
ZIMBABWE : Zim B/Ball Teams for Hamburg
THE
Zimbabwe basketball team will use their invite by the Hamburg
Basketball Association to warm up for the upcoming Afro-Basketball
competition in Tunisia in August.
The Zimbabwe team will tour Germany from July 31 to August 17 as part of an exchange programme.
Zimbabwe competed against South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and powerhouses Angola on their way to booking a place in the Afro-Basketball and All-Africa Games.
The event was held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in February.
The senior women team was under the guidance of Laddie Munetsi who was assisted by Under-20 women's coach, Sam Mutsvanga.
Chewie Gilbert and his assistant Emmanuel Mukandi, the former national basketball and rugby team player, were the senior men's team coaches.
Zimbabwe managed to win the tournament to book a slot in the All-Africa Games which will be held in Congo, Brazzaville, from September 4 to 19.
In the men's team, Zimbabwe will look up to Vitalis Chikoko, who is based in Germany, while Julian Mavunga and Sternard Mapurisa ply their trade in Italy and South Africa.
Tawanda Chitsinde, Nyasha Ngove, Benjamin Jani, Tatenda Mutukure, Billy Melusi, Taurai Chitsinde and Andrew Gonese were in the men's team that qualified.
The Zimbabwe team will tour Germany from July 31 to August 17 as part of an exchange programme.
Zimbabwe competed against South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and powerhouses Angola on their way to booking a place in the Afro-Basketball and All-Africa Games.
The event was held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in February.
The senior women team was under the guidance of Laddie Munetsi who was assisted by Under-20 women's coach, Sam Mutsvanga.
Chewie Gilbert and his assistant Emmanuel Mukandi, the former national basketball and rugby team player, were the senior men's team coaches.
Zimbabwe managed to win the tournament to book a slot in the All-Africa Games which will be held in Congo, Brazzaville, from September 4 to 19.
In the men's team, Zimbabwe will look up to Vitalis Chikoko, who is based in Germany, while Julian Mavunga and Sternard Mapurisa ply their trade in Italy and South Africa.
Tawanda Chitsinde, Nyasha Ngove, Benjamin Jani, Tatenda Mutukure, Billy Melusi, Taurai Chitsinde and Andrew Gonese were in the men's team that qualified.
