Basketball in Africa

UGANDA : Afidra finally wins MVP award

2012-01-31T15:45:00.002Z

Twelve years after he was first nominated for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Isaac Afidra finally won the most prestigious award in local basketball.

Afidra beat two-time winner and DMark Power teammate Ben Komakech to the 2011 MTN-Fuba League playoffs MVP diadem during the annual dinner at Imperial Royale Hotel on Saturday night.
“I dedicate this to Tyler,” he said. “He has something new to play with.” Baby Tyler was born last month, just 48 hours after Afidra led Power to a first successful defence of the national title and fifth in total.

The two nominees walked together to pick the award. Afidra first joined Power in December 1999 and was first nominated for MVP in 2000 losing out to Wilbrod Oketcho (RIP).

Four years ago, he again lost out to Komakech and the same happened last year.

The go-ahead three-pointer to give Power a 97-96 lead in the decisive Game Seven must have helped to tilt the balance in his favour. It was from that moment that Warriors crumbled and Power gained the impetus to claim one of the most thrilling finals in the history of Ugandan basketball.

Double-doubles

The former KIU Titan star scored 29 points and 15 rebounds with Komakech putting the finishing touch to the 99-97 victory over Warriors for a series 4-3 win.

Through the series, the forward scored 66 points and 76 rebounds including four double-doubles in the final four games of the thrilling series. Komakech, a guard, had 121 points and 32 assists.

Despite previously not awarding foreigners with individual accolades, UCU Lady Canons’ Kenyan centre Purity Adhiambo took the women’s gong. She helped her side sweep KCC Leopards 4-0.

Warrior’s Eric Malinga was named regular season MVP ahead of Stephen Omony (Miracle Eagles) but Ivan Enabu, also a Warrior, was controversially not nominated at all.

KCC’s Martha Soigi took the women’s equivalent. Malinga and Soigi also clinched the respective top scorers’ awards. The emcee Carol Mugasha didn’t nail this as the announcement of Afidra before the other 31 honours killed the mood entirely. The entertainment hardly left any smiles.

NIGERIA : First Bank Coach Ready for Nigerian Open

2012-01-30T15:56:00.000Z

Chief Coach of First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos, Adewunmi Aderemi has expressed readiness ahead of next month's Nigeria Open Basketball championship for Women billed for Abuja .

Last year, First Bank came second at the 17th Inter-club Basketball Club Championship for women, having been defeated by Inter-clube of Angola by 81-55 points at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National stadium Lagos.
According to the veteran coach, this year's competitions will be taken with all seriousness especially the forthcoming basketball competition holding in February.
According to him: "The programme for this year's competition is out, but we are going to start training on Monday ahead of next month competition and we hope to do our best by winning the competition while the Women's League kicks-off by March.
"Already, we have put behind us our loss at the Fiba competition last year, and we are also determined to do our best , as we aim at winning the forthcoming competition in February .
Most especially, our target is to win the continental championship this year and also to do well in the Women's League. My girls will be using the league as one of the preparations towards the Championship," Aderemi said.

UGANDA : Malinga, Afidra Match Up

2012-01-30T15:55:00.000Z

ERIC Malinga and Isaac Afidra have matched up in many battles over the years.
On Saturday night, the two men shared the highest individual honours in Ugandan basketball at the FUBA Awards Gala at Imperial Royale Hotel.
Malinga was named the 2011 men's regular season most valuable (MVP) while Afidra claimed MVP men's top division Finals.
Kyambogo Warriors Malinga edged out surprise nominee Steven Omony of the Miracle Eagles while Afidra pipped Power team-mate Ben Komakech, who could have easily claimed the award after top-scoring in the finals, which his team won 4-3.
KCC Leopards' Martha Soigi claimed the women's regular season MVP award ahead of UCU Canons Maureen Amoding, who also lost the Finals accolade to team-mate Purity Odhiambo.
There was similar recognition for players in the men's division two and division three categories as well as others for teams and individuals. KIU's Nimrod Kaboha was named coach of the year even if none of his the two sides did anything spectacular.
The Titans didn't make the men's top division playoffs while the Rangers made it to the women's postseason but Kaboha, no doubt one of the best coaches around, could not prevent his team from being swept by UCU. Power players and fans felt their coach Bernice Nkunda, who defended the men's championship for the first time in the club's history, should have taken this prize.
The coaches' award was not the only major controversy, though. Many were perplexed that there was no tribute John Simbwa, the late Falcons founder who arguably did as much for local basketball.
The event lacked a climax. For instance, the MVP honours come first rather than last.

ZIMBABWE : H'landers' fine run continues

2012-01-26T14:43:00.000Z

By Mbonisi Mabhena

Highlanders (M) continued their trailblazing run in weekend basketball matches as they brushed aside Steelers to win 97-59 to stay at the top of the log standings. The in-form Michael Zvoushe was the match's top scorer as he bagged 19 points in a match played at Bulawayo Club for the Disabled (BCD) Courts. Lakers recorded a 20-0 win courtesy of a walkover victory over Hawks who failed to pitch up.
Unicorns (M) from the Midlands beat Oilers 99-52 with the Midlands side's duo of Tatenda Tswatswa and Blessing Chidimu being tied on 20 points as the highest scorers for the winners. Kings (M) triumphed over Stars 77-57 in a tightly contested match in which at some stage Kings' Garth Hussey played a starring role with 24 points. Highlanders (W) also recorded a massive win when they easily trounced Stars 95-9 with Bosso's Jackie Phenduka top scoring for the weekend with 29.
In the Giants (W) versus Steelers match, the Bulawayo girls won 45-31. 'The matches are tough as can be seen by the tight log standings at the moment and slip-ups are a luxury teams cannot afford, at the moment things are not too bright for us but we are still there in the league race and we did not lose too badly this weekend,' said ZB Titans team manager and Bulawayo Basketball Association spokesperson Charles Ndlovu after the Oilers-Unicorns match which was the last of the day on Saturday.

Results
Giants (M) 68, ZB Titans 53; ALCC (M) 20, Sixers 0; Kings (M) 77, Stars 57, Highlanders (M) 97, Steelers 52, Oilers (M) 52, Unicorns 99; Giants (W) 45, Steelers 31; Lakers (W) 20, Hawks 0; Highlanders (W) 95, Stars 9

SENEGAL : So many talents, very few titles

2012-01-24T19:54:00.001Z

Let’s have a look at what makes Senegal international Mouhammad Faye a unique player.

Standing 2.08m tall, he is the kind of forward that head coaches really dream of having in ambitious teams.
The 26-year-old is hardworking, humble, exceptionally versatile for a player his size, is a good three-point shooter and, above all, is seriously committed to the game.
Faye is well placed to become one of the greatest players in his country's basketball history.
And he does not refuse a challenge, whether with his so-often criticised Senegal Basketball Federation, or at club level, for whom he shows no sign of stopping.
Unsurprisingly, last summer, Alain Weisz - the former France coach at EuroBasket 2001 and 2003 and coach of Senegal at the AfroBasket 2011 - did not hesitate in offering him a contract to play for his French Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) team, Hyeres-Toulon.
Faye said yes and is now living his first European professional experience in Mediterranean town of Toulon, where he wants more than to just be a leading scorer.
Hyeres-Toulon is struggling and Faye hopes for better days to come.
After a collegial career in the United States at the universities of Georgia Tech and Southern Methodist, followed by a stint in the NBA's D-League with Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Faye accepted Weisz’s offer and is now the second leading scorer of Hyeres-Toulon, averaging 14.6 points per game, just two points behind teammate Paccelis Morlende.
In his first year playing in Europe, the attention has also been on Faye’s future with Senegal. Will he turn his back to his national team?
No, he told me when I spoke to him a couple of days ago.
Actually he is pleased with his role in the national team: “It is great being the leader of my team as I have been able to help them out; I just want to carry on helping my country,” he said to fiba.com.

No trophies since 1997
As with Nigeria, Senegal is a country often regarded as having a large number of talented players, some of whom play in the main leagues around the world.
For various reasons, some tend to represent the country on only one or two occasions, disrupting the talented and blessed accolade.
There are exceptions, of course. In the last seven years, 36 players have represented Senegal in four AfroBasket editions and one FIBA World Championship. Faye has appeared in three tournaments since he first played for Senegal at AfroBasket 2007.
No players have been more regulars for Senegal than Maleye Ndoye and Malick Badiane, the leading rebounder at last year's AfroBasket with 11 rebounds per game.
Both players have represented the country in four AfroBasket (2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011) and the FIBA World Championship 2006.
In the last four AfroBasket editions, Senegal finished runner-up (2005), ninth (2007), seventh (2009) and fifth last year.
As host nation, Senegal won the continent's most desired basketball trophy on three occasions (1972, 1978 and 1997) and, twice as visitors to Morocco (1968 and 1980).
Historically, Egypt and Senegal are the second most titled African countries with five apiece, after 10-time winners Angola.
I asked Faye why Senegal is not winning titles.
“Because we have not been able to put all our best players together; some of our players just give up on the national team,” he replied.
Over the last five years, Faye has become highly influential for Senegal. He went from averaging 12 points per contest for the national team to becoming the top scorer at AfroBasket 2011 with 21.7 points per game.
Two years ago in Libya, he averaged 17 points per game, just two less than Senegal top-scorer Boniface Ndong, who played two games less.
With or without management issues, Faye just wants to see his country being successful.
“If we have in the squad players like Boniface [Ndong], things could have been different,” he said.
Senegal went to Madagascar with a well renewed team featuring eight players who had never played at an AfroBasket.
On Day 2 of the tournament, they did the unexpected by defeating reigning champions Angola 85-78.
Everything seemed to be on the right track for the Senegalese until they collapsed in the Quarter-Finals following a 75-59 defeat against the Ivory Coast that ended their chances of fighting for a place at the London Olympics.

What happened?
“I don’t know, maybe because of that win [against Angola] we were just so happy to get focus,” Faye said.
Learning the European game
At the time of writing this column, Toulon were bottom of LNB table with just two wins in 14 games.
Still, Faye thinks it is a question of time.
He described to me his European experience: “it is tough to play in Europe; I am still learning how to play here.
“You have got to be smart."
With Nigeria and Angola hoping to make it to London through the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Venezuela, Faye recognises it will not be an easy task.
“It is a different level of game. Perhaps Angola can do something as they are used to play these kind of tournaments, but I think it will be tough for both teams,” he offered.
Expecting to lift the African title one day, Faye paid tribute to the new champions: “Tunisia played really well and deserved it.”
Julio Chitunda

RWANDA : Tournoi MEMORIAL GISEMBE: CSK remporte la 15e édition

2012-01-24T15:16:00.001Z

Avec un bon début en 2012, le CSK a réalisé son rêve de battre APR BBC lors de la finale de la 15ème édition du tournoi Mémorial GISEMBE, 66 - 49.

Chez les dames, APR a battu NUR BBC 65-49.

Au niveau des vétérans, l'équipe d’ESPOIR BBC a battu BRALIRWA 42-19.

Notez que le tournoi a enregistré la participation de 6 équipes masculines: ESPOIR BBC, APR BBC, Kigali BC, CSK BBC, MUZINGA Bc (Burundi) et les Bulls Goma (RD Congo).

Chez les dames 3 équipes ont participé: APR, Université nationale du Rwanda et du PJB Elite (RD Congo).

TANZANIA : Relief as ABC hold nerve to to avenge City Bulls defeat

2012-01-23T09:34:00.000Z

By Brown Msyani, The Citizen Correspondent
Dar es Salaam. ABC did what they failed to do in last season’s RBA League final– beating their arch nemesis, Vijana.
The army team recorded a sweet revenge over the reigning champions when they won a tense game 68-52 at the National Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
Emotions were expected to flare with the memory of last seasons final between these two giants in Tanzanian basketball.
They were Vijana who had everything to prove and also state their title intentions for this season and this showed throughout the game, only that luck was not on their side.
Vijana, affectionately known as City Bulls by their fans, took the first quarter 15-10, leaving ABC with a lot to think about.
ABC returned to the second quarter a stronger side and outscored the City Bulls 14-10, and by half time the scoreboard was reading 25-24 still in favour of Vijana.
Vijana will curse themselves having lost 15 penalty balls in the first two quarters, which gave ABC a lifeline.
After the recess, ABC picked from where they left off stretching Vijana to score quick points, but the latter swooped at the end of the third quarter with the scoreboard reading 15-15.
ABC came back through the inspiration of Adam Jegame and Juma Kisocky outscoring the City Bulls 19-12 in the fourth quarter.
Speaking after the match, ABC coach Leonard Kwale showered praise on his players for holding off hard-fighting Vijana.
“It is a fantastic result for us," said Kwale. " The win may have been slightly fortunate in the end, but by no means undeserved.
"At the beginning Vijana were the better team. It was clear to see that the opponents' self-confidence was high having gone into the game on the back of two wins.
"Eventually, we worked our way back into the game and we gave more than our opponents."
Meanwhile Vijana coach Bahati Mgunda conceded the defeat saying ABC executed their chances well while his lads fluffed a host of them.
“We deserved to win this match, but my players wasted many scoring chances unlike their opponents,” Mgunda said.

TANZANIA : City Bulls, ABC renew rivalry

2012-01-22T14:55:00.002Z

By Brown Msyani

The Citizen Correspondent
Dar es Salaam. A partisan crowd is expected at the National Indoor Stadium today when basketball giants Vijana and ABC lock horns in the RBA League match.Matches involving the two teams usually attract tens of basketball fans, mainly the youth, and today’s showdown is expected to follow that tradition. Both teams were yesterday busy, perfecting their tactics for what promises to be an exciting match.
The two teams last met in the RBA League last year at the same venue where Vijana, better known in the basketball circles as City Bulls, hit their rivals 65-58.
But Vijana should not expect an easy ride today because ABC have been very impressive this year.
Filbert Mwaipungu, one of the country’s best basketball players at the moment, is among the players Vijana must mark tightly if they want to grab the two points at stake in today’s encounter.
The other key players for ABC are Gilbert Batungi, Adamu Jegame and Juma Kisocky while Vijana will likely bank on Jacob Malenga, Mohamed Dibo and Mohamed Heri to score points.ABC will be fighting for their first victory in the league, while Vijana, who beat Pazi 61-56 in their opening match, will be seeking their second win.
Vijana coach Bahati Mgunda predicted a tough match yesterday, but remained optimistic that it would produce positive results for his team.
“ABC are a hard nut to crack when at their best as those who have seen them in action can attest,” said Mgunda.
“But our fans should expect positive results, we’re well prepared for the match,” he added.
His ABC counterpart, Leonard Kwale said his team would not afford another defeat to Vijana today.“They should expect the worst this time around. We’ll be all out for a win,” Kwale said confidently.

NAMIBIA : German and Nation Basketball Federations Strengthen Bond

2012-01-19T14:52:00.000Z

The Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF) and their German counterparts signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Windhoek on Monday.

This agreement is meant to formalize and extend the already existing cooperation between the two national federations and Namibia wants to continue and intensify their partnership.
Long-serving Director of Sport, Dr Vetumbuavi Veii, welcomed the strengthening of the bond between the DBB and NBF through the MoU, in addition to a bilateral agreement between the Namibian and German governments, that led to German basketball expert Frank Albin sbeing econded to Namibia since October 2009, focusing on mini basketball development.
André Scholz, Chargé d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Namibia, was pleased to see the official bilateral cooperation being extended to national federations. He further confirmed that the German Federal Foreign Office, via the German Olympic Sports
Federation (DOSB), has decided to extend the duration of the long-term project with Albin for a further two years.
The secondment of Albin as a long-term basketball expert is done within the framework of its global sports promotion programme, which supports the development of sports by, among others, dispatching sport experts, donating sport equipment and offering training courses for coaches at various sport schools and universities in Germany.
The DBB delegation is headed by Spaegele, accompanied by Regina and Gerhard Haegele, supporters and private sponsors of the Basketball Artists School (BAS) in Katutura.
During a visit to the township the German delegation met their godchildren Reuney and Helena and Basketball Artists where they handed over donations.
The Haegele couple was very touched by the performance and commitment of the Basketball Artists.
As a result of the progress and achievements made so far, 50 pairs of brand-new basketball shoes were handed over in the name of DBB President Ingo Weiss to BAS, by Joachim Spaegele.
Since February 2010, the children play every day on an outdoor court and thus the shoe wear is essential and hence very crucial for the development of the skills of the kids.

TANZANIA : Vijana forward off to Canada

2012-01-19T14:45:00.000Z

By Majuto Omary

The Citizen Reporter
Dar es Salaam. Alphaeus Kisusi of Vijana will be smiling all the way to Canada after winning a glorious chance to play and study at the Newfound Memorial University.The City Bulls forward departed for Toronto yesterday having secured a three-year scholarship after passing a special basketball test.
The clinic was organised by Mambo Basketball and Tanzania Student Achievement Organisation, and conducted by a prominent trainer, Peter Benoite, from the Newfound Memorial University. Kisusi, who has cemented his national team place, eclipsed other competitors during the exercise, which also required one to possess excellent academic results. Mambo head coach Bahati Mgunda expressed his delight for Kisusi’s success and wished him to scale more heights in the energy-draining sport.
“He is such a brilliant and hard working guy. I believe he will fight his way to the most valuable league in the world, NBA. “Tanzania has a lot of gifted players who I think will follow in the footsteps of Kisusi,” he said.
The up-and-coming player won the 2011 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after shining at the National Basketball League.Kisusi was also among the players who attended a series of clinics conducted by Hasheem Thabeet (Houston Rockets player) and Steve Smith (retired NBA star)
Besides, he was among the three boys who went to the US for further training as part of the Tanzania Basketball Federation and Coca-Cola- Sprite clinics. According to Mgunda, the programme will continue this year and more youngsters will get opportunities to study and play in Canada. “
Kisusi is a good example of how basketball can change our youth’s lives, so I call upon all parents and teachers to keep on encouraging them,” he said.Speaking before flying to Canada, Kisusi expressed his gratitude to Mambo Basketball and Newfound Memorial University for making his dream come true.

KENYA : Buru Buru to open NSSA title defense against Riara

2012-01-18T16:24:00.000Z

Buru Buru girls kick start the defense of the Nairobi secondary schools sports association(NSSA) girl’s basketball championshipon 25th January against Riara springs. Buru Buru the 2011 champions have been drawn in Pool A alongside Kayole, Ngara, State House Girls, LCVR and St’Georges.

This year’s league has been divided into three pools of seven teams each an indication that the players will have more games thereby an increase in competition. New entrants St Mary’s are in Pool B alongside Langata, Kianda, Moi Nairobi, Kenya High and St Austins.
There are no rule changes for the tournament and the preliminary games at the pool stage shall be played in four quarters of 12 minutes running time with the clock being stopped during free throws.
The first leg ends on February 10 and the second starts on February 15. The top two teams in each pool will automatically qualify for the quarter finals with the best third-placed teams also proceeding to the knock-out stage.

The first matches will be played on Wednesday January 25th.
POOL A :Buruburu, Kayole , Ngara, State House , L.C.V.R. ,St. Georges, Riara Springs
POOL B :Langata, Pangani, Kianda, Moi Nairobi,Kenya High, St.Mary’s, St Austins.
POOL C :Arya Parklands ,P.B., St.Elizabeth, Malezi, Makini, Mt.Laverna, Hospital Hill

KENYA : KBF scheduled to go to polls on April 14 .

2012-01-17T19:52:00.002Z

KENYA Basketball Federation (KBF) will go to the polls on April 14, a top official revealed yesterday. In view of the polls, KBF secretary Vitalis Gode has directed the branches to conduct their elections by March 31. He said exercise in the branches will be supervised by the provincial sports officers or any appointed federation official. In a circular to all the branches after an executive meeting held in Nairobi over the weekend, Gode said the referees commission and the coaches commission will also elect new office bearers.

He said, “Sitting branch/commissions officials takes responsibility of Informing all the stakeholders the date, venue and time of the meeting, issuance of nomination forms and collection of nomination fees, plus travel and subsistence expenses of the returning officers.” It was not clear from the meeting who among the executive members will seek re-election but an inside source said none of them has any plans of opting out. Only the position of second vice chairman Chris Kinyua remains unclear.

TANZANIA : Chui scalp Police, Magone edge out Oilers in thriller

2012-01-17T19:49:00.002Z

Dar es Salaam. Chui put up a spirited fight yesterday to hit Police 55-32 in an exciting RBA League match at the National Indoor Stadium.

It was the second win for Chui in three matches. In their opening match, they beat Oilers 57-47 before going down 57-51 to Pazi in their second game at the same venue.
In yesterday’s match, Chui, led by Doto Charles and Joseph Mbozi, enjoyed the lion’s share of the game, but had trouble in breaking down the law-enforcers’ defence built around Issa Kwise and Furaha Peter.
Earlier, Oilers tumbled 76-71 to Magone in a thrilling match at the same venue. (By Imani Makongoro)

RWANDA : Malinga is still considering options-Owour

2012-01-15T11:58:00.000Z

By Bonnie Mugabe

Giants APR basketball club are still waiting on Ugandan born and Kampala’s Warriors playmaker Eric Malinga to wieigh his options of featuring for the military side this year.
APR basketball coach Cliff Owour told Sunday Sport yesterday, “We are waiting on Malinga to make a choice on joining APR. We have set our intentions known so we are waiting for feedback,”
“We believe to get a conclusive response on Malinga’s transfer before the end of next week,” added Owour.
Malinga is one of the top basketball players needed by the military side to beef up their side ahead of their busy schedule this season.
Malinga was a four-time champion with Falcons before moving to Warriors at the start of last season.
Though the local basketball league was marred with complications last season, the military side has currently finished the league unbeaten with 28 points.
Complications rose after rivals CSK featured an ineligible player in one of their fixtures.
APR who finished second last year behind KCB has great ambitions this year. According to Owour, they want to lift the regional title which will qualify them to compete in the Africa club championship were they will be gunning for top honours.

TANZANIA : Airwing out to prove a point as basketball league gathers pace

2012-01-13T14:50:00.002Z

The RBA League returns to centre court today with Prisons taking on Airwing at the National Indoor Stadium.Last year was a trying season for Airwing having struggled for form and lost most of their games. But after going to the drawing board for a long time, fans do not expect the same weak team.

And today Airwing would be looking to upstage their favourite rivals in a match that would give a clue of how they would fare this year.For Prisons, Airwing do not seem to be a threatening side having terrorised them last season.
Other matches today are Magone versus Police while Chui will clash with Pazi at the same venue.Oilers versus Savio will be another exhilarating match considering the rivalry of the teams.
However, Savio go to the court with a psychological advantage having recorded a resounding 86-43 win over Police in their opening game on Saturday. (Brown Msyani)

UGANDA : Amoding salutes teammate Adhiambo

2012-01-13T14:46:00.000Z

Maureen Amoding is a teammate to Purity Adhiambo but finds no problems in being part of her ‘fan club’. The latter is celebrating winning the Nile Special-Uspa Female Basketball Player of the Year award and Amoding, a shooting guard with UCU Lady Canons wants to join in.
“I am very happy for Adhiambo. She played a key role in the success of our championship battle,” Amoding said. If Adhiambo needed someone to hold her dress when she strides the Golf Course Hotel red carpet on January 27 when the sports scribes hold the annual gala, Amoding would do.

The coach, too, Dale Sculy wouldn’t mind the job. “I am very surprised to win this prestigious award because it’s my first time to feature in the Ugandan league,” Adhiambo, a Kenyan, noted.
“I am thankful to the Almighty, my coach, team mates and all the people who supported and voted for me.” The former Rwandan APR and Strathmore University player led UCU to a 4-0 sweep of KCC Leopards to defend their title.
Instrumental during the MTN-Fuba league second round and the play-offs game series, the 19-year-old led by example. Adhiambo beat Amoding and KCC’s Flavia Oketcho to the prestigious vote.
She won’t be alone in the lights as the oldest sports scribes’ body will also reward 25 other winners on the glamorous night.

UGANDA : Blick brothers cross to Falcons

2012-01-12T14:23:00.001Z

Blick brothers Norman and Donald will feature for record national basketball league champions Falcons in the upcoming season. The duo signed two-year contracts with Falcons on Tuesday, ending their relationship with Miracle Eagles.

In their one season at Miracle, the brothers led the side to a maiden appearance in the MTN-Fuba League playoffs, losing 3-1 to eventual champions Power in the semifinals.

Before moving to Miracle, they had been with Power for the previous two years, winning the title in the final year. “They have signed,” a delighted Dennis Mbidde, the Falcons chairman, said.

Despite winning four titles over the past decade with Sky Jammers, Nkumba Marines (2) and Power, this could be the biggest challenge for the Blicks. “I have joined a big club in Falcons and know what is expected of me,” Norman said. Falcons, six-time league champions, are coming off their worst season in living memory where they lost founder John Ssimbwa and failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in their history.

“It was a hard year because of the death of Ssimbwa. I had to learn on the job,” Mbidde, more familiar with football giants SC Villa, noted.

Ssimbwa handed club chairmanship to Mbidde a few months before his death in June last year. “The main thing is I still think my team was good enough to get to the playoffs. I plan to sign six players.”

Mbidde reaffirmed club fans that none of Abdullahi Ramadhan, Richard Omondi and Peter Elungat is leaving. “I have heard rumours that some clubs want Richie (Omondi) but he has a four-year contract with us which has two years to run,” Mbidde noted.

He was, however, non-committal on whether Kenyan Philip Ameny will return after missing the latter part of last season and reiterated the need to extend Hamza Nyambogo’s stay as coach. Nyambogo signed a short term deal which has expired. “We will try to keep both of them here,” he said.

LESOTHO : Shines remain top of basketball log

2012-01-12T13:45:00.000Z

Shines Basketball Club remain top of the National Men’s Basketball League despite losing 28-21 to Lerotholi Polytechnic last Sunday.

Shines went into the weekend round of matches, one point ahead of title-rivals, KTA All Stars, but the two sides are now on 15 points apiece, after the latter won all their two fixtures—60-20 against Roma Boys and 40-33 versus Bashana Baeso. Meanwhile, in their other weekend clash, Shines were awarded maximum points after their opponents, Mafokotsane Slammers, failed to turn-up.
And just like KTA All Stars, LP—as the Lerotholi Polytechnic are famously known—were also the team to beat on the weekend, following-up on their surprise victory over the log-leaders with an emphatic 51-18 win over Lesedi.
Speaking to Public Eye on Monday this week, the Lesotho Basketball Association competitions manager, Bokang Sehlabaka, said the weekend results had shown how competitive the league had become.
“The high level of competition continues to surprises us. No one expected LP to beat Shines, but they did just that,” Sehlabaka said, noting how KTA All Stars were top of the log from the beginning until November 5, when Shines overtook them.
“KTA All Stars must now beat Shines in the second round, if they are to be crowned 2011 champions. But Shines beat All Stars in the first round, which makes the clash even more exciting.”
Meanwhile, last weekend’s matches marked the end of the league programme’s first round. The second round, Sehlabaka said, starts in January next year.

UGANDA : KCC, Marines to recruit nine star players

2012-01-11T15:22:00.001Z

KCC Leopards and Nkumba Marines head coach Timothy Odeke will recruit nine players to join his squads as they prepare for this year’s MTN-Fuba League.

Odeke has decided to strengthen the roster by adding four new players in the ladies team, KCC, and five players in the Mens’ squad, Nkumba Marines.
KCC reached the women’s final last season but were swept 4-0 by UCU Lady Canons, whereas Nkumba flirted with relegation mid-way only to hold on for a slot in the men’s division one.
Both teams, with two titles to their name apiece, have begun their training sessions and will be joined by the new members late next month.
“We are planning to officially announce their names around late February since we are still in talks with some of them,” Odeke said.
Nkumba lost forward Philip Wakimwero (work) and guard Ladislas Ikungura was in and out of the team, often spending time back home in Tanzania.

RWANDA : Hoops league set for February

2012-01-11T14:55:00.003Z

By Ostine Arinaitwe

KIGALI Basketball club will begin their title defense next month when the hoops league throws off.
According to the Secretary General of the Basketball Federation Jean Lucien Mugabo, the body’s General Assembly will meet this morning to set dates for the start of the league, playoff games and elections for the vacant posts of President, Vice President and Legal Advisor.
“The executive committee will meet tomorrow (today) to decide on a number of things like setting up dates for the league start, playoff games and elections for the vacant positions,” Mugabo said, adding that the federation’s attempts to secure a sponsor for the league have been futile.
The play-off games are a traditional curtain raiser for the league and will involve clubs that finished in the top four slots; Kigali Basketball Club, APR, Espoir and KIE (Kigali Institute of Education).

TANZANIA : Vijana Hang On to Edge Out Pazi

2012-01-10T14:59:00.002Z

Dar es Salaam — Vijana underlined their quest for the 2012 RBA League title after edging out their eternal rivals Pazi 61-56 in an exciting match yesterday.

Basketball fans at the National Indoor Stadium were on their feet throughout the game as both teams played their hearts out, and it was difficult to predict the winner.
Vijana, fondly referred to as Red Bulls, made a bright start, commanding the proceedings with swift but accurate passes to take a 13-8 first quarter lead.
The second half was even more thrilling. Pazi, looking unperturbed, pressed upfront relentlessly in search of points. After a tight battle, they managed to take the quarter 9-7. In the third Pazi, led by Ladi Ikunguru, started where they had left off and they seemed destined for a win when they took the quarter 26-16. Ikunguru, one of the best basketball players in the country at the moment, was in his best form and Vijana had trouble in containing him, especially in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, both teams fought desperately for points, pressing upfront in turn throughout the quarter to the delight of a partisan crowd at the venue.After a nail-biting battle early in the last quarter, Pazi slightly lost steam later allowing the well-drilled 'Red Bulls' to take the end-to-end quarter 26-13.
Vijana had to thank Jacob Malenga for the hard-earned victory as the evergreen player's pace and accurate passes briefly put Pazi at bay towards the end of the game.Mwalimu Heri of Vijana, whose combination with Ikunguru worked impressively upfront, scored 15 points for his team, and his compatriot Sud Abdulrazak had 12.
"I am very humbled to help my team beat Pazi and I must be thankful to my team mates. It was a tough match," said Heri shortly after the match."This is a clear indication that we are steadily restoring our dented glory," he added. Ikunguru was a notable player for Pazi. He netted 13 for the falling giants.

UGANDA : Blick Brothers On Verge of Joining Falcons

2012-01-10T14:58:00.000Z

The Blick brothers - Norman and Donald - could be playing for a third different side in as many years if negotiations with record national basketball league champions Falcons bear fruit.

They spent last season with Miracle Eagles, helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time having signed from the then champions DMark Power. The latter defended their title without the duo.
Daily Monitor has reliably learnt that the Blicks, along with their agent Joshua Ssentongo, met Falcons chairman Dennis Mbidde on Friday.
Despite competition from other clubs, Falcons are favourites to sign them though Mbidde is yet to give his official stand. "I will give you an update on Monday (today)," Mbidde said in a text message.
But the players' agent Ssentongo is confident deals will soon be sealed. "The contracts are ready and all that remains is for one of the Falcons directors to sign. According to me, it's a good deal," Ssentongo said.
Former MVP Norman confirmed he has held talks with Falcons. "I have spoken to so many clubs including Falcons, Warriors and Power," Norman said. "I have not signed with anyone yet."
The two brothers who have won titles with Sky Jammers (2001), Nkumba Marines (2005 and 2006) and Power (2009) are still Miracle players, according to the team. "Norman is still with Eagles and even trained with us today (Saturday). I also had a chat with him," Miracle team manager Chris Kyebambe said.
The duo signed a one-year deal with Miracle last year to join former Falcons' ace Stephen Omony and led the Rubaga-based club to the semifinals, losing 3-1 to Power.
Now, things could be falling apart for Miracle as guard Francis Kasekende, a key figure in their impressive run, is also in the frame for a return to former side Warriors. "We met the players and they want to stay. Wait for an official communication," Kyembabe said, defiantly.
At the start of last season, Miracle thought they had acquired Kenyan Richard Omondi from Falcons only for their agreement to be declared null and void.

NIGERIA : Hope for Girls Through Basketball

2012-01-10T14:54:00.002Z

The quest for the next generation of female Basketball stars gets under way in Lagos with a three day camp at the Rowe Park complex under the auspices of Hope4girlsAfrica, the non-profit organization of former Nigeria Basketball International, Mobolaji Akiode.

This is third year and will include 60 girls drawn from three countries, Ghana, Benin Republic and Nigeria all aged under 17.
Mobolaji tells SuperSport.com that "Our goal has always been to support young girls through basketball and also spread the benefits of participating in sports in addition to education".
"Hope4girlsAfrica is not just about basketball we also engage our girls in social programmes targeted towards young girls during the year and at every camp, we have a life seminar sessions every day to add to the depth of the programme. "
The camp will not just be about basketball alone, but also an opportunity to address life skills.
Mobolaji represented Nigeria at the Athens 2004 Olympics and also won the 2005 African Women's Basketball Championship besides a decent career in the USA inter-collegiate circuit with Fordham University in the NCAA championship.
Her decision to quit her full-time job as an Accountant at ESPN to move back to Nigeria to launch this programme has received international acclaim with documentaries from US sports Networks.
She's also attracting good corporate and social interest and this has fueled her commitment over the last three years to give back to Africa in more ways than sports.
"Our topics of focus will be dental and oral hygiene, gender violence and rape, nutrition, HIV and aids awareness and prevention. These are issues we at Hope4girlsAfrica feel are important to the overall development of the girl child but is being neglected in school".
"We want to thank our sponsors Nike and Victoria secret that have been with

TANZANIA : JKT start title defence with win

2012-01-10T14:51:00.000Z

By Brown Msyani, The Citizen Correspondent

Dar es Salaam. JKT began their title defence on a winning note after seeing off a hard fighting ABC 65-55 in the opening match of the RBA League at the National Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
Difficult to beat when in tandem, Francis Mlewa and Frank Kusiga scored 15 and 12 points respectively to guide the defending champions into a bright start.
The match was a repeat of last year’s final when JKT trounced their fierce opponents 59-37 in a tension-packed game to lift the trophy.
ABC went to the court hoping to avenge the defeat and started on a strong footing scoring droves of points in quick succession with Adam Jegame and Juma Kisocky running the show.
ABC took a deserved 19-12 lead in the first quarter, leaving the defending champions with a lot to ponder about.
JKT, however, came back fighting in the second quarter and notched four quick points that forced ABC to change their approach.
The champions managed to score 18-12, thus heading for the halftime break trailing by a point.
It proved to be a seesaw game in the third quarter with both sides outdoing opposite guards to add points, but they were ABC who won 16-15 making the scoreboard read 47-45.
JKT showed the character of the champions in the last quarter when they ran ABC ragged to score 15-8 and seal the 10-point margin win.
Kisocky grabbed 15 rebounds followed by JKT’s Frank Simkoko with seven.
“We were very poor in service and blocking in the final quarter. It is a big blow to start on a losing front, but we shall bounce back in our next game,” said ABC head coach Leonard Kwale.
His jovial counterpart Turbet Matiku said he was satisfied with his team’s general performance and hoped that they will maintain the rhythm.
“I'm happy with our victory even though we struggled in the first and third quarters.
“What was important was to make a winning start and I am confident that we’ll keep the rhythm going,” he said.
The day also saw Savio wallop Police 91-39 at the same venue while in the women’s event, Lady Lioness were too hot for Vijana Queens to handle after winning 80-56.

KENYA : Nairobi Provincial League Set to Feature Two Zones

2012-01-09T14:23:00.000Z

The 2012 Nairobi Provincial League will be divided into two zones to accommodate the new teams expected to join the fray, a top Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) official has said. NBA chairman Ronnie Owino said the zoning will help cut down on the number of matches in a season and ensure the league does not run beyond October of every year.

The league had 22 teams in both categories last year. He said the new season will tip off on April 14 at the Nairobi Railways Club although a number of teams yet to be determined. "We will start our programme in April with about 20 men and eight women teams. With Upper Hill School and Kenya Airways moving up to the national league, we have new teams coming in to join the show.
Other than the promoted ones, we will retain the teams we had and also include some more.We would not like to leave any team out," he said. Meanwhile, Owino confirmed Kenya will send the men and women's teams to Kampala, Uganda for the 14th edition of the East and Central Africa Inter Cities championships despite financial hardships.
The event will bring together cities from Tanzania, Southern Sudan, Somaila, Burundi, Rwanda and Host Uganda. The week long event throws off April 24. "As the defending champions in both the men and women category, we will ensure our teams go to Kampala for this championships," he said.

TANZANIA : ABC, JKT meet in RBA League opener

2012-01-09T14:16:00.000Z

Brown Msyani

The Citizen Correspondent

Dar es Salaam. For basketball fans, the National Indoor Stadium is the place to be as the 2012 RBA League starts with enticing games.Defending champions JKT open their title defence campaign against ABC in a repeat of last year’s tense final.
Temeke MP Abas Mtemvu will grace the opening ceremony before the eagerly awaited tip-off.JKT, who trounced ABC 59-37 in a tension packed final, head to the courts with a psychological advantage.The reigning champions would be expecting Himidi Choka, Frank Kusiga and Francis Mlewa to do the damage once again.
However, ABC remain to be the team to beat considering the quality of their players.ABC bank on the likes of Filbert Mwaipungu, Adamu Jegame and Gilbert Batungi to avenge the defeat.
ABC head coach Leonard Kwale believes that his side can tame JKT, insisting that their intense preparations will reflect in this encounter.“We went back to the drawing board after an embarrassing loss last year, we are well prepared for the challenge and hopefully we’ll beat them,” he said. However, JKT’s coach Turbet Matiku said his charges will do the basics of the game to win.
“We have worked hard to get where we are right now and I believe the lads will execute when they face ABC,” he said.The day will also see Savio face Police while in the women’s league, Lady Lioness will be hunting victory when they play Vijana Queens.
The men’s teams taking part in this year’s league are; Savio, ABC, Hoop Life, Vijana, JKT, Magone, Oilers, Chui and Pazi.

KENYA : Lakeside Basketball team back to the premier league

2012-01-05T15:50:00.002Z

After three years out in the cold, Kisumu will this year be represented in the top Kenya Basketball premier league –The KBF- after emerging tops in Division one play offs played in December 2011.

Lakeside last participated in the KBF premier league in 2008 but the team was forced to withdraw following financial constraints. Composed mostly of young g youths from Kisumu, Lakeside is a self sponsored side and is appealing for stakeholders to come on board and support their 2012 campaign in the top league.
“We were forced to withdraw from the premiership in the year 2008 due to lack of funds even though we finished in the top 10.” Said the assistant
Coach Jeff Omwandho.
Omwadho attributed the success of the team to self determination by the players and the vocal support from their fans in Kisumu promising to give top teams a hard time at their backyard.
“This year Lakeside has triumphed in flair and we are set to meet with the big boys although we still have financial problems. Sponsorship has been hard to come by and I would like to appeal to well-to support our 2012 campaign. ”
Lakeside piped University of Nairobi’s “Terror” 65-58 to emerge Victors in the Division one knock out play offs Finals that were staged at the Kisumu’s Kenyatta Sports Ground in December.
The team is coached by Mathews Ochieng will be pegging their hopes on talented youthful including Chris Abuto, Denis Oduor , Andre Zaddock, Ben Blastus & Romanov O’Connor amongst others.
“The team has young players who are really resolute but with little support on finance at times they have to dig from their own pockets to finance their own trips.” Added head coach Mathews Ochieng.
“I really want to thank the home fans personally; we qualified because they supported us throughout the season making the boys enjoy more on the court.” Added head coach Ochieng.

2012 list of clubs

WOMEN PREMIER
EAGLE WINGS
KPA
USIU
COOP BANK
STORMS
STRATHMORE UNI.
WESTERN DELIGHT
GLADIATORS
PREDATORS
MENNNONITE
SAFE SPACES

MEN PREMIER
COOP BANK
KCB LIONS
.KPA
ULINZI.
USIU
STRATHMORE UNI.
THUNDER
MMUST
MENNONITES
BLAZERS
KISUMU LAKESIDE
UON-TERROR

DIV 1.MEN
KCA-U
NAIROBI AVIATION COLLEGE
.KAA
PARKLANDS BAPTIST
NAKURU CLUB
WORLD HOPE
KENYA NAVY
TRAILBLAZERS
UMOJA BASKETBALL CLUB
ANU
UPPERHILL SCHOOL
KENYA AIRWAYS

Top African point guard to retire in 2012

2012-01-04T20:02:00.000Z

Let me share with you what one of the most celebrated African point guards has decided to do in this year of the Olympic Games.

Miguel Lutonda will retire from both the Angolan national team and from his club Primeiro de Agosto in mid 2012, raising serious concern to the country's aspirations of returning to the top position of Africa.
This time his decision seems to be definite after more than a decade of orchestrating the 10-time African champions.
Lutonda had retired from the national team in 2007 at the age of 36, but returned in 2010.
Now, after turning 40 on Christmas eve, he tells me he is proud with his achievements, but it´s time to go.
Back in 2007, when I interviewed him for fiba.com, I asked him what he was going to do after his retirement from the national team, and what future to expect from Angola. He answered he was going to do things that his international commitment did not allow him to do. He said then it was the right time for younger players to step up; he was convinced that the national team´s future was bright and that he was going to focus on his club career.
Lutonda was right that he was going to enjoy more time with friends, family and travelling around his native Angola, but he was wrong that the country´s future was bright.
Indeed, younger players took over, and the likes of Felizardo Ambrosio, Leonel Paulo and Valdelicio Joaquim have been doing really well.
However, Angola's main problem lies with the point guard position, where Armando Costa and Domingos Bonifácio have struggled to make an impact.
Both players have turned the ball over more often than Lutonda did when he retired after AfroBasket 2007. At the time, Lutonda averaged one turnover per game. At AfroBasket 2011, Costa turned the ball over at a rate of 3.1 times per game and Bonifacio 1.2.
To put things in context, I should say Lutonda´s contribution are unquestionable. He was left out of AfroBasket 2011 after playing at three FIBA World Championships (2002, 2006 and 2010), two Olympic Games (2000 and 2004) and had lifted the AfroBasket title on five occasions since 1997 when he first played for the Angolan national team. He was named MVP of the AfroBasket on two occasionSome may point to the fact that Angola won AfroBasket 2009 and two Stankovic Cups (2008 and 2011) without Lutonda as an indication that the young players were ready to keep Angola on the right track after qualifying for the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Then Lutonda came back.
“The General” as he is known in Angolan basketball circles, did not think much when the national team coach at the time, Luis Magalhães, invited him to join the squad to play in Turkey replacing his injured successor Costa. Lutonda went on to average nine points per game, showing how well he felt playing for his country, at 39 years of age.
If his previous retirement from the national team - as a gold medal winner following Angola's 86-72 defeat of Cameroon in the Final of AfroBasket 2007 - was the way any player would want to close out his international career, Lutonda's last game for Angola in September 2010 proved less memorable, as his team went down 121-66 to the USA team at the Eighth-Final stage in Istanbul.
With or without Lutonda, the latest performances by Angola show they require much-needed improvement at the point guard position. This will be put to the test at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) to be staged in Venezuela in early July.
While Angolans struggle, a new powerhouse emerge from the Maghreb. Tunisia is the new dominant force in Africa, after winning AfroBasket 2011. At club level, Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel claimed gold at the African Club Championships in December following an 82-60 victory over Angola's most succesfull club, Primeiro de Agosto.
In early 2011, the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB) thought it was time to refresh the national team and decided to sign French coach Michel Gomez in place of Luis Magalhães, a decision that FAB concluded was wrong when they sacked Gomez midway through the AfroBasket 2011.
To find out more about Lutonda's expectations and resolutions for 2012, I gave him a phone call and he shared his thoughts on Tunisia, as the new African giants. This is what he told me: “I believe that the national team should have worked harder than it did, credit to Tunisia.”
Olimpio Cipriano, perhaps the best Angolan player currently, missed out AfroBasket 2011, and Lutonda gave me his view: “No disrespect to others, but experienced players like Carlos Almeida and Olimpio Cipriano must be selected given the time and hard work they gave to the national team in the past.
“Regardless of a player's behaviour outside the court, a good player should be picked as long as he fulfills his duties within the team.”
On the new African Club champions, Etoile Du Sahel, Lutonda told me his Primeiro de Agosto “started overconfident” as they had beaten them “by as many as 20 points in the group stage. We lacked focus.”
Rumours in Angola link African player of the moment, Tunisian Makrem Ben Romdhane, to Primeiro de Agosto. If it depended on Lutonda´s view, the 22-year-old player should have been in Luanda a long ago.
“He is a good player, able to play in three different positions, and he is a team player. If signed, I think Primeiro de Agosto will benefit a lot from him.
Looking ahead to the OQT, this is what Lutonda had to say: “We have already won the Stankovic Cup, which means we are able to beat teams from Europe, Amerca, Ásia and Oceania. It is cleary possible to make it to London.”
As a great basketball fan and enthusiast, I was not surprised to see Angola´s dominance start cracking, if we consider the latest performances by Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria and Tunisia, teams that have shown how hard Angola will have to work to restore its continental status.

UGANDA : Power, UCU Share Podium

2012-01-03T14:30:00.001Z

UCU Lady Canons and DMark Power won the national basketball league in contrasting fashion. UCU cruised to a second successive title whereas Power needed grit to complete a first defence of their crown this season..

With the exception of the loss to KCC Leopards in the regular season, UCU were absolutely magnificent. The improvement in centre Peace Proscovia was the most remarkable by any player across the four divisions.
Proscovia, a member of the Netball team that won Gold at All Africa Games in Mozambique, was too physical for any opposing player to handle.
This gave Purity Odhiambo and Lorraine Akinyi the freedom to dominate the inside as UCU swept KCC 4-0 in the finals. The attention on Maureen Amoding was lessened as she did the damage. KCC had expected to very competitive against coach Dale Sculy's side especially with the return of point guard Flavia Oketcho from a maternity sabbatical.
Oketcho's lack of influence on the game this season epitomised how poor KCC were. A maiden appearance for Magic Stormers into the playoffs was perhaps the best thing to happen to women's basketball. Not the same can be said of the men's division where Power and Warriors appeared in the finals for a third straight season. With them were UCU Canons and Miracle Eagles.
The acquisition of the Blick brothers - Norman and Donald - lifted Miracle this far even though the former really laboured through the season to support Stephen Omony. Miracle lost 3-1 to Power in the semis.
For UCU, they must be imagining what they need to do to get the finals - just one. They led 2-1 against Warriors only lose in a marquee Game Four.
The contest which kept Warriors alive went to double overtime as UCU finished with only three players, all guards, as everyone got ejected. Everyone must have YMCA court that day saying; "I have never seen anything like this before." Warriors reserve centre Sam Gombya decided that game with 16 points.
That was not an appetizer good enough to prepare fans for the seven-game final series. Warriors took a 2-0 lead only to lose three in a row. Game Six mirrored Game Four of the semifinals in terms of the situation Warriors dug themselves from. In the end, the final game had Isaac Afidra written all over it as the forward scored the go-ahead three-pointer (97-96) with nine seconds to go.
The thrill in that shot dwarfed the 27 points and 15 rebounds he managed to effectively rival teammate Ben Komakech for the MVP title. With that, Power had erased a 12-point deficit (89-77) with 5.12 minutes to go. A title sealed and the legacy of this Power team intact as they defended the league for the very first time. A hurting Ivan Enabu sat there motionless and inconsolable.
By far the most entertaining player in the country, he still hasn't won a national basketball title. His move from UCU to Warriors must have felt like the right step but there is work to do for him and coach Mandy Juruni who came in at the start from UCU Lady Canons.
Nonetheless, Ugandan basketball is a cage where no one is allowed entry, for now. The national team performed dismally at the Zone V Nations Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. The biggest pain was the way they squandered a 30-point advantage to lose to Burundi. In there, Omony, Komakech and Norman did well.
Questions in the aftermath of the dismal failure of the under-funded and ill-prepared team were about what former coach Gad Eteu did wrong. Someone has got find a solution as to why the league here is growing but Uganda still fails when taken out of its pond. The same cannot be said about KCC.
As the lone rangers, KCC carried Uganda's flag well at the Zone V club Championships in Tanzania. They reached the semifinals there. Besides them, all the other sides - Power, UCU ladies, Warriors and Miracle Eagles - didn't travel due to financial constraints. The sport, despite attracting thousands, still struggles to find funding.
In the words of Ankunda, this season could have gone any better. "We had grand opening by beating the Blick brothers and finished with the Malingas," he said, rather satirically.
Power beat Miracle on the opening day 96-91 and finished it by defeating the insurmountable Malinga brothers - Henry and Eric- who play for Warriors.

KENYA : KBF to hold polls in March this year .

2012-01-03T14:28:00.000Z

KENYA Basketball Federation (KBF) will hold their polls in March this year. According to the calendar of events released yesterday, all the branches affiliated to the federation will have their polls this month. KBF fixtures secretary Joseph Amoko said that national league will throw off in March 24 with matches in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa. A total of 36 teams will feature in both the men’s and women’s Premier League and Division One. Each category will feature 12 teams.

Fixtures: January 6th: Branch elections; March 18: National AGM/elections, Provincial/referees coaches clinics; March 17-18: Pre-season tournaments in Nairobi; March 24th: National league starts in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Mombasa; April: National secondary school games in Kisumu, U-18 boys and girls qualifiers, Inter cities tournament in Kampala; May 5-6: Labour day tournament in Nakuru: June 2-3: Madaraka Day tournament in Kakamega; July: National league second leg starts; Zone Five Club Championships Ethiopia/Uganda; September: Inter Banks, October 20: Kenyatta Day Open in Kisumu; Nov 10-11:Provincial play-offs (Nairobi), National league play-offs start; December 8-9: Jamhuri Day open (Mombasa).

UGANDA : FUBA League 2011 : The awards

2012-01-02T12:02:00.001Z

UCU Canons player, Ivan Enabu (1.82 m, 90 kg) was elected MVP of the FUBA league 2011 regular season.

The other awards

Best Rookie of the year : Joy Chemutai (18 years old)

Best defender : Jeff Omondi (UCU Canons).

Best coach : Bernice Ankunda (Powers).

Best sixth man : Richard Balemwa (Power).

MVP Playoff : Ben Komakech (Powers).

NIGERIA : Grassroots Basketball - Mark Declares D Ball Tourney Open

2011-12-31T17:16:00.003Z

Salifu Usman
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark yesterday declared open the 2011 edition of 'Mark D Ball Basketball' competition in Otukpo, Benue State reiterating the need for government and corporate organisation's support to develop sports. He said the sector has the capacity for national unity and integration.
He noted that the yearly tournament which started like mere recreation is now a gathering for future basketball stars. He challenged competitors in the tourney not to leave the championship without putting in their best to ensure growth. In the exhibition game dunked off by Mark, veterans of Otukpo slammed men from Abuja 23 to 17 points.
Alex Nwora of the ERIE Community College, Buffalo, New York, Col. Sam Ahmedu of FIBA - Africa and Obonle Ogbole; coordinator of Mark D Ball competition hailed Mark for promoting sporting activities in the country.

KENYA : Coop and Wings Prove Best in 2011

2011-12-30T10:24:00.000Z

Cooperative Bank of Kenya and Eagle Wings retained their crowns beating KCB Lions and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) respectively to become the year's biggest domestic basketball achievers.

The greatest rivalry in Kenyan basketball in both the men's and women's categories saw upbeat Co-op and Wings finish on top. Co-op shut out fellow bankers KCB Lions 2-0 while Wings came from a game down to claim the series 2-1 in the best of three finals.
Co-op narrowly beat KCB 71-69 in a fiercely fought Game One where they received as good as they got. But when Lions thought they were in with a chance in Game two, they found out early that they were no match for the winners who had 15 points from the much travelled Peter Kiganya before wrecking them 79-60. But the architect of the show was non other than diminutive play maker, Titus Musembi.
Wings reclaimed their national title by clobbering KPA 82-65 in the decisive Game Three. The saddest part of the day was the porters decision to boycott the awards ceremony leaving behind their runners up trophy, medals and certificates. KPA had won Game One at their back yard in

Africa Awards 2011
Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO, winner of the 2011 Africa Entrepreneurship Award.
Mombasa with a close 53-46 triumph but in Game Two Wings pounded them 68-58 in an entertaining show.
Samba Mjomba led with 22 points, Angela Okoth collected 19 while Silalei Shani scored 17 for the champions. Mjomba and Titus Musembi were named Most Valuable players. The duo bagged Sh5,000 each for their feat during the play off finals.
Basketball Initiative gave out Sh50,000 each to the winners while the runners up were each given Sh20,000. In the same breadth.
Coast branch chairman Hilmi Ali also rewarded Co-op with Sh20,000 and KCB Sh15,000.
In the Lower Division, Kisumu Lakeside, another self sponsored side topped the rest beating University of Nairobi "Terrorists" to claim the title at home. But they had to do it in overtime as they found the campus lads were no pushovers.
At the regional level, Co-op, KCB and KPA were the country's representatives in the Zone Five club competition in Dar es Salaam. After training for weeks Eagle Wings sadly failed to make it to the Tanzanian port city due to financial constraints. KPA found the going tough finishing fourth before finally regrouping to beat home girls Jeshi Stars to win the regional event. Co-op suffered a shock loss at the hands of Burundian side, Urunani.
Both KPA and Urunani then flew the Zone's flag in the Africa club event in Nigeria and Morocco respectively. KPA wound up fifth position losing to eventual winners Inter Clube (Angola) 81-33, First Bank (Nigeria) 93-49, Deep Water (Nigeria) 78-50 and MG Maculoss (Angola) 59-56. It was even worse for the Burundians who finished 10th in the 12 team festival. They went down 77-90 to Al Ahly of Libya, 43-110 to AS Sale of Morocco, 51-70 to Al Ahly Libya and 44-84 to Union Bank Nigeria.
At the national level Kenya sent the women's side to Maputo, Mozambique for the 10th All Africa Games where the team finished sixth, one position short of the last continental festival in Algeria four years ago. The Inter provincial show in Mombasa was dominated by the Nairobi Basketball Association teams with Kenya Airways and Upper Hill School doing the branch proud by making it to the national Division One.
The incoming year (2012) will be an election year.

RWANDA : APR in talks with forward Malinga

2011-12-26T14:28:00.001Z

Basketball giants APR are set to finalise the transfer of Ugandan born Eric Malinga from Kampala’s Warriors.

The club’s head coach Cliff Owour told Times Sport yesterday, “We are in talks with Malinga and everything is materializing pretty well.”

“We are restructuring our club and Malinga is one of the top players in the region. We have thought about him for quite some time, and if we can get, he will help us achieve our set targets in this coming year,” added Cliff.

Malinga is a four-time champion with Falcons before moving to Warriors at the start of last season.

Brian Gumisiriza, a senior player and team manager at Warriors, has left the door open for arguably the best perimeter shooter here.

“His contract is up for renewal. If he doesn’t move to Kigali, we will renew his contract,” Gumisiriza told the Daily Monitor on Saturday.

Though the local league has been marred with complications, the military side has currently finished the regular season, and going into the playoffs unbeaten with 28 points.

Complications rose recently after rivals and former champions CSK fielded an ineligible player in one of their fixtures. However, the general assembly is set to meet to solve the issue before January 7, 2012.

APR, who finished second last year behind KCB, has great ambitions this year. According to Owour, they want to lift the regional title which will qualify them to compete in the Africa club championship.

UGANDA : Malinga headed for Rwanda

2011-12-24T14:43:00.000Z

Warriors are bound to start a rebuilding process with the imminent departure of Eric Malinga.The forward held talks with APR about the possibility of playing for the Rwandese giants next season. Warriors have lost the last two national basketball titles to DMark Power and are currently healing from the pain of the 97-99 defeat last Friday.

Malinga, a four-time champion with Falcons before moving to Warriors at the start of last season, has been part of those losses. “I have spoken to them but it’s not yet conclusive,” he told Saturday Monitor on phone from Kigali yesterday. One of the stumbling blocks in his way now is that the Rwandan League is at the playoffs stage, which will run until January 7. Teams will only review what they need to do after that.
If he pulls it off, it will be the first time Eric plays without his brother Henry, a centre with Warriors. Eric’s move is dependent on securing a job in his profession – accountancy. “The talks have been positive on both fronts – work and basketball,” Eric said before embarking on the return journey.
Brian Gumisiriza, a senior player and team manager at Warriors, has left the door open for arguably the best perimeter shooter here. “His contract is up for renewal. If he doesn’t move to Kigali, we will renew his contract,” Gumisiriza said.
The 2009 champions held a meeting in the aftermath of the nerve-wrecking loss where they threw away a 12-point lead (98-77) with 5.12 minutes to play.

ZIMBABWE : All Set for Sebastin Masawi Memorial Basketball Tourney

2011-12-23T11:22:00.002Z

EIGHT teams are expected at the Sebastian Musiiwa Masawi Memorial Basketball tournament set for Redcliff tomorrow.

Four teams from the Southern Region Basketball League - Highlanders, Kings, Unicorns and Steelers - are expected to feature in a tournament that will also be graced by Saints, Fibres, Mbizo and Harare-based Gentlemen Association.
One of the organisers, Walter Mabhena, confirmed the tournament yesterday.
"We have a memorial tournament in Redcliff on Saturday in memory of Rambo (Sebastian Musiiwa Masawi) and eight teams will take part.
"A prominent sponsor, Rambo, died in the United Kingdom three years ago and his family has invited us to this tournament with view of making it an annual tournament.
"All is now set and come Saturday basketball roads will lead toRedcliff and we hope to make it a success," said Mabhena.

KENYA : KPA Face Disciplinary Action

2011-12-23T11:21:00.000Z

Kenya Ports Authority's women's basketball team faces disciplinary action for boycotting the awards ceremony after losing their national league play-offs final to Eagle Wings at the Nyayo National Stadium last Sunday. Kenya Basketball Federation first vice chairman, Henry Shihemi, and treasurer, Peter Orero, in separate statements also said that KPA women's coach Anthony Ojukwu could be disciplined for leading the players into boycotting the closing ceremony and engaging the referees in a verbal exchange during the tension-packed game three of the final.
Eagle Wings, a self-supporting team, won the decisive game 83-65 to reclaim the trophy they lost to KPA last year.
Ojukwu has also been reprimanded for stopping KPA first aider, Dina Chepyator, from attending to her own player, Brenda Angeshi, who was injured during the match.
"I have never seen anywhere in the world where a first aider is prevented from attending to any player who is injured during a match," Agina Wasonga, a commissioner with the International Basketball Association (Fiba), said.

Team will forfeit trophy
According to Orero, the team will also forfeit this year's runners-up trophy, certificates and medals for boycotting the awards ceremony.
Orero said KPA team captain, Mwajuma Suleiman, was, however, later presented with a Sh20,000 cash award due to the ports women.
On Thursday, the Daily Nation could not reach Ojukwu for comment. But KPA's sports officer, Lennox Safari, who was the team's head of delegation during the game, said he was approached by Shihemi to ask the players to go for the awards ceremony and said he communicated the same to Ojukwu, who declined to lead the players to the ceremony.
"I then called KPA captain Suleiman and told her to convince her team mates to go for the ceremony because my role as head of the KPA delegation at that moment and was to direct the players and coach," he said.
"But Mwajuma told me the coach had told the players not to go for the ceremony. I reported the same to my boss Jane Kamau (KPA's administrator in charge of sports)."
The winners in the men's and women's leagues were each awarded Sh50,000, while second-placed teams got Sh20,000 each.
KPA beat Eagle Wings in Mombasa 43-39 but lost Game Two in Nairobi 68-58 to tie the game 1-1, setting the stage for the decisive Game Three, which Eagle Wings won 83-65 to reclaim the trophy.

UGANDA : 2011 Review - End of Year Honours in Basketball

2011-12-23T11:19:00.000Z

The 2011 basketball season will go down as one of the most dramatic ever; from the seven-game playoff final thriller, between Dmark Power and Kyambogo Warriors, to the controversial failure of 7Up Falcons to make the playoffs and UCU Canons playing an entire season with just eight players.
Felix Eupal awards the best and worst of 2011.
Regular season MVP Men: Without doubt it's got to be Warriors' Ivan Enabu. His wizardry with the ball was second to none.
Regular Season MVP Women: Flavia Oketcho returned from a long maternity break and straightaway went back to notching three pointers like she hadn't been away. Her performance was the reason KCCA Leopards lost just one game in the regular season.
Defensive player of the Year: The stats don't give the right picture but most players will tell you they endured hell when they faced Canons' Jeff Omondi.
Sixth man of the Year: I give the nod to Richard Balemwa. He hardly started any game but he offered Power the much-needed depth whenever he came off the bench.
Coach of the Year: Bernice Ankunda was the brain behind Power's second successive title. He transformed a team that had 'indiscipline' as their middle name and turned them into a bunch of dutiful soldiers.
Most Improved Player: Sam Gombya is undisputed in this regard and turned from zero to hero, coming off the bench to finish off the Canons in game four of the semis and even tormenting Power in the final.
Rookie of the Year: Nabisunsa's 18-year-old Joy Chemutai is the runaway winner and has every big team eyeing her services after her series of dazzling performances this season.
Worst Player: He follows wherever Norman Blick, his elder brother, goes but despite having four championships to his name, Donald Blick was a disaster in the Miracle Eagles jersey.
Worst Referee: This page wouldn't be enough if I was to note down Peter Kirabo's poor calls.
Mess of the Year: After attracting capacity crowds during the regular season, Fuba knew the numbers would swell during the playoffs and seized the opportunity to make a quick buck by increasing the entry fee by 100% to Shs 10,000.
Some fans exercised their power by shunning the games and opted for the nearest bars, forcing a shamefaced Fuba to reverse the decision.
Men Playoff MVP: It's a tough call between Ben Komakech and Isaac Afidra but my nod goes to Koma for his overall influence and contribution to Power's championship.
Women Playoff MVP: Interestingly, only Ugandans have won the award before but Purity Odhiambo, the Lady Canons' Kenyan import, slightly edges compatriot Moreen Amoding for the award.
She redefined post play in the women's league and is the reason they swept KCCA Leopards 4-0 in the final.

UGANDA : Slump in Fuba revenue is only tip of task

2011-12-22T11:57:00.000Z

Basketball is definitely the envy of so many sports disciplines in Uganda. Their games enjoy relative peace and fans come in their thousands without much appealing from the local body, Fuba. Of course, this season never passed without bad incidents like a fan who poured beer on UCU Canons’ guard Geoffrey Omondi or another who struck an umpire with a missile in Game Five of the finals.

This has not been the most successful of seasons for Fuba especially when it came to their bank balance. During last year’s playoffs, Shs68m came through the gates. Just over half of that – Shs35m – was realised this season from the playoffs even though the number of games is exactly the same like last year.
Fuba know they could have made more if the rates were constant from the beginning. It took a media outcry to reduce the fees from Shs10, 000 to Shs5, 000 for ordinary stands. The semifinal games in the playoffs didn’t have big crowds. Fans did return for the latter part as the rates were reviewed downwards and thrill multiplied – sevenfold.

If basketball officials were getting lost in the success of a sport moving in a positive direction with limited support from volunteers and individuals, this should be a wakeup call. The league still needs to be better marketed and packaged to penetrate new audiences with a fan not needing to call up a friend to find out whether there is a game or not.
The media has done its job even when information is often not easy to find. Recently, the Uganda Super League (USL) launched a website – www.usl.ug – and basketball ought to head into cyberspace. There are some people doing basketball a commendable service on the social networking site – Facebook – but not everything found on such channels is factual.
It’s high time this is streamlined to have communication not dependent on having a personal relationship with an official in the federation. Clubs must play their part too. To this day, most clubs fail to attract sponsors despite the marketing potential any company would see in the size of the crowd that crams YMCA court.
Common sense dictates that basketball is headed in a positive direction which cannot be said of so many other disciplines curtailed by maladministration. Like the dwindling bank balance, the sport needs more than the adrenalin rush.

KENYA : USIU rule in varsity baskteball

2011-12-21T14:31:00.001Z

USIU on Tuesday roared their supremacy in University basketball after lifting both the women and men’s titles in the finals of the 2011 Inter Universities championship at the KCB Sports club basketball court.

In the women’s finals, USIU rekindled their KBF league rivalry against Strathmore University with the Flames inflicting an eight points defeat on their rivals -The Swords- in a hotly contested match that ended 48-40 in favor of USIU.
Hilda Indiasi led USIU’s assault with a maximum of 14 points “Strathmore is a good side but we just had to win today. Having finished the KBF league without any trophies, this was a must win for us and we are excited to have taken home the title. But it was a tight match.” Said Hilda after the match.
Strathmore coach Sylvia Kamau accepted defeat and said “ It was a tight match. What can we say, we lost and that is sports, you accept defeat and soldier on by rectifying where you went wrong”.

In the men’s finals. It was a fierce battle between USIU and Kenyatta University but in the end USIU proved superior and took home the triumph with a 70-64 win after an entertaining tension packed final match.
In the 3rd and 4th play offs, University of Nairobi took Bronze in the men’s category after a 37 -30 win over Catholic University (CUEA) while Kenyatta University finished 3rd in the women’s play offs with a low scoring 20 -19 win over University of Nairobi.
Kenyatta University took home the overall title after winning 47 gold medals, 25 silver medals and 29 silver medals.Moi University finished second with 13 gold medals, 19 silver medals and 12 bronze while University of Nairobi was third with 9 gold,17 silver and 19 Bronze.
USIU finished 5th overall wit 7 gold, 7 silver and 7 Bronze.

KENYA : Africa title next .

2011-12-21T14:20:00.002Z

NEWLY crowned national women champions Eagle Wings are now eyeing a continental title after a successful year at the local front. Head coach Thomas Olumbo said Africa was their next focus his girls dethroned Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 82-65 in decisive Game Three at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium. He said they are as good as any other team in the continent but their problem in the last two years has been the inability to secure a sponsor to take care of their financial needs. “We will be going out early next year to look for a sponsor. We will be talking to people asking them to even sponsor our air fare only while we take care of the rest. This way, I think we will get somewhere,” he said.

The long serving Olumbo, who has also handled the national women’s side, said the team prepared well after losing Game 53-46 to KPA in Mombasa. “I am happy the way my girls responded in the last two games to take the crown. After we lost the opening series tie in Mombasa, we had a lot of time to train together and this is one reason why we were unstoppable,” he said.
Agina Wesonga, the asistant team manager repeated Olumbo’s sentiments, saying they will go the extra mile not to disappoint the players once again after failing to travel to Dar es Salaam at the last minute. “We missed the zonal tournament in Tanzania this year due to finances after training so hard for the event,” he said, adding: “But I can assure you next year we will enter the team for the show.

Wings, a successful self-sponsored side won their first national title in 2009, shutting out their bitter rivals KPA. The dock women reclaimed it a year later before going down again this year. Last year, they won the Zone Five tournament in Bujumbura, Burundi after beating APR of Rwanda in the final. But they could not travel to Bizerte, Tunisia for the prestigious Africa Club Championships due to finances. Agina said they intend to fly in star players— Dubai-based Rose Ouma (guard) and USA-based Anastacia Njeri (forward) for the Africa club event. Ouma and Njeri are both national team players. The Africa Club Championship will bringing together 12 of the best clubs on the continent. KPA was in Lagos, Nigeria early this month but lost four of the five matches during the event.

Meanwhile, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) have warned of a severe disciplinary action against KPA after they boycotted the award ceremony following their defeat against Eagle Wings The KBF first vice chairman Henry Shihemi and treasurer Peter Orero said they will issue an official letter to KPA about the conduct of the team coach Anthony Ojukwu. “We have been embarrassed by your coach in the presence of our sponsors and other guests. Ojukwu is not helping us and the game grow.

As the chairman of the technical committee, I have heard complains about him and I am seeing this for the first time. I am not happy.” Shihemi told the team head of delegation. He said there must be change of attitude at the KPA technical bench if this team is to go far. He said the guests snubbed by KPA had brought in Sh150,000 as awards to the top teams. “Ojukwu even refused to have a team doctor attend to an injured player onto the court and besides called one of my match officials names while he had made the call as per the rules.” he said.

UGANDA : Power Class

2011-12-20T14:17:00.001Z

It is understandable that for the majority the lasting memory of one of the most dramatic play-off series in Ugandan basketball history will be the big three Isaac Afidra sunk from downtown to turn Game Seven on its head as the clock wound down. For me though it is one particular scene amidst the mayhem following the final whistle that left a lasting impression.
Going into the decider under immense pressure considering the manner in which the Warriors had evened the series a few days earlier, the Power team had still had the presence of mind to bring along Robert Wanitho, their teammate who had broken his leg in that Game Two loss that had seemed to hand the title to their rivals. Now triumphant after the great comeback in the series and in the final game, the Power players had Wanitho pick up the hard-earned trophy for them. It is the kind of gesture that provides evidence of and lends hope to my belief that the commercialism that has taken over and adulterated sport has after all not robbed us of all the core values that were the initial attraction.
It would have been easy for Afidra, Ben Komakech and all the other on-court heroes of Power to bathe in the glory of victory and forget about the 25yr-old centre who had not really contributed and who in only his second year with the club was not yet the 'family member' that, say, long serving Joseph Ikong is. But, credit to the champions, they didn't. In doing that Power showed true class, and it wasn't lost on me that Isaac Lugudde, the player with the closest ties to and who most exemplifies the lifestyle of the USA, the birthplace of basketball and home to the capitalism that ripped the soul out of sport, was at the forefront of this old-fashioned sporting gesture. It reminded me of Barca handing the La Liga and Champions League trophies to Eric Abidal, following his recovery after surgery on the tumor on his liver that had threatened not just his career but his life.
Having resisted the evils of commercialism by grooming their own 'raw material' rather than buying 'finished goods' as well refusing shirt sponsors for long, Barca have now succumbed. But playing in a country where racism in sport is rife, and in a region where tribalism is the order of the day, it was good for sport that Barca honoured a black Frenchman so. It is the true Power of sport.

KENYA : Samba Mjomba named 2011 Most Valuable player

2011-12-19T19:11:00.000Z

After a splendid second season with Eagle Wings, Samba Mjomba was named the most Valuable player of the season 2011 during the finals of the Kenya Basketball Federation premier league played at the Nyayo stadium gymnasium on Sunday. Eagle Wings won the title with a 2-0 win over arch rivals KPA.
Samba was instrumental in her team’s 2011 success, she attributes the achievement to hard work, focus, self discipline and team work.
“I thank God for the season, it has been great and I appreciate the efforts by my team mates for making it happen. We have worked so hard the whole season to get back our title.” This is my first championship title in my career and so excited, there are better things to come.” She said.
To recognize her hard work, Samba received a trophy from Kenya Basketball Federation for being the most Valuable Player MVP,5,000 shillings from basketball initiatives and an assortment of basketball kit from michezoafrika that included playing shoes, protective gear and a basketball.
“Am so humbled to receive all this. Being named an MVP is not an easy fete, I just can’t explain how excited I am at this moment. Thank you to all of you guys for all the support, I will work harder to ensure I even achieve better heights next season and during the regional championship.” She added.
She joined Eagle Wings basketball team in 2010 from USIU- Flames.She was a student at Moi Girls high school Nairobi where she developed her basketball career.

KENYA : Eagle Wings shake off KPA’s challenge in league play-off .

2011-12-19T19:06:00.002Z

EAGLE Wings beat reigning national women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 68-58 in an entertaining Play-off final Game Two at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium. Eagle Wings got off the blocks forcefully, taking a 4-0 lead through two quick baskets by Rebecca Sarange and Angela Okoth; but KPA charged back to tie 4-4 tie courtesy of a shot from Brenda Angechi.

KPA trailed 18-8 in the first quarter but did well in the second as impressive forward Carol Mureji started to cause havoc. The losers closed down the victors 15-17 before going trailing again 33-25 at the breather. At the start of the third quarter, Linda Nyikuli and Okoth baskets saw the game move in Wings favour as they raced away 49-36. But once again KPA fought back into this top contention before a surprisingly near empty gymnasium.
It was Angela Okoth efforts that saw Wings surge ahead again 66-51 after Rebecca Sarange nailed a free shot. Okoth led all scorers with 21 points, Silalei Shani shot 16 while Samba Mjomba bagged 10. Mureji popped in 14 with Miriam Awuor sinking 12 for KPA who never took a lead in the proceedings.

KENYA : KPA or Eagles ?

2011-12-18T15:26:00.001Z

After yesterday’s game, the entire KPA bench was in denial. “That was not our game, let’s wait and see what happens on Sunday". The saying was common in the KPA camp including from the coach who remained confident they will shake off Saturday’s weak outing to retain the title.

On the other side, Eagle Wings went back to re-strategize on how best they can finish off the week with a coup against their fierce rivals who dethroned them last season.To read Saturday's match report click here
KPA have found themselves in the same tricky situation that they put Eagle Wings into last year at the same stage of the Premier League finals. Last season, KPA lost their first match at home in Mombasa to Eagle Wings but recovered to win game two and three in Nairobi.
Both teams have to win today’s tie where only one will be the winner or will be in tears after 40 minutes. Today’s game will probably be the longest forty minutes the players of both teams have ever experienced and any time outs, end of quarter breaks and halftime break will be a great relief to the players.
Both sides were good during game two played on Saturday, staging an intelligent game from the second quarter. KPA were made to pay for their first quarter errors when they had not settled into the game.
What if there will be a tie after the first quarter today? Then fans will be assured of a more thrilling than Saturday’s. KPA are known to pick up as the game progresses and should Wings let them tie up or even lead from the first quarter, then they would be staring a defeat.
If KPA take 7 minutes to settle into the game like they did during game two on Saturday, it will be almost impossible to overturn tables against an Eagle Wings team with a dreaded defense.
The beauty of basketball is that when the athletic aspect of a player is depleted and he cannot gather enough strength to be quick as he began the game then the technical aspect comes in. in this bothcoaches are heavily endowed and it will be a ‘wait and see’ for the fans.

TANZANIA : Mwanza Cruise Into Taifa Cup Basketball Final

2011-12-18T15:22:00.000Z

MWANZA men's basketball team solidified their title chase in the Taifa Cup tournament after cruising to the final with a 74-62 victory over Unguja in a semi-final clash at the Leaders Club venue in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

Mwanza, which is one of strong favourites for the title, put solid performance against the Isles outfit and showed signs of emerging victors after commanding a 67-51 lead midway through the last quarter.
The winner's veteran player, Kizito Bahati, was delighted by the victory and told the 'Daily News' shortly after the match that his side is determined to go all the way and lift the trophy particularly after clearing the biggest of the hurdle, when it knocked rivals, Mbeya, out of the quarter-finals.
Mwanza's opponent in the final, which is expected to be played at the Leaders Club venue on Saturday, was to be determined in the Friday's second men's semi-final between Lindi and Singida, which was taking place at the same venue in the evening.
Mwanza, popularly known as the 'Rocky City Boys,' had previously qualified for the semi-finals with a 56-42 win over Mbeya in an entertaining quarter-final duel played at the Don Bosco venue earlier in the morning.
Juma Kisoky scored 18 points, Vincent Shinda had 16 points and Adam Jegame added six points to steer Mwanza to victory and stay on course for winning the title that has eluded them for the past few years.
Mbeya were no pushovers in the match and will be credited for showcasing a spirited performance to push their opponents throughout despite losing.
The team had an edge over Mwanza in the first quarter, in which the team's guards managed to put away most of their shots whenever they pushed forward and the former's game plan looked to have gone well until midway through the quarter, when Mwanza started taking command of the game.
Mwanza players made timely blocks and steals, whilst pushing forward to score and reduce the points' margin considerably thanks largely to the exploits of playmaker, Adam Jegame.
Mwanza was the stronger side in the second quarter as the team's attacking flair picked up tremendously and with Jegame efficiently driving play on the flanks, it was not surprising to see the side dominate and eventually lead 26-20 at the breather.
Jegame then picked a head injury after colliding with Mbeya's guard, Lusajo Samwel, when the duo was battling for a rebound down Mbeya's post and the gifted Mwanza playmaker had to be substituted for veteran guard, Kizito Bahati, whose presence helped Mwanza continue to stay in control for the remainder of the second quarter.
The game was a balanced affair in the third quarter as both sides attacked in turns but Mbeya, surprisingly, lacked composure in front of Mwanza hoop and thus missed a series of attempts in the process.
Mbeya also won more free throw chances in the quarter, but, again, missed a good number of them and the team was punished for its profligacy as Mwanza continued to widen the margin whenever the latter pushed forward.
Mbeya's scorers of points were Lusajo Samwel with 12 points, Humphrey George (seven points), Adam Aaron (six points) and Oswald Maboko (five points).
Mwanza was expected to face Unguja in the men's first semi-final at the same venue later in the afternoon after the Isles' outfit defeated Morogoro 52-33 in the morning quarter-final match also played at the same venue.
The semi-final matches of the women category were also scheduled to take place at the Leaders Club venue the same day, in which Mbeya and Morogoro were to clash in the first match before Pemba met Unguja in what promised to be an exciting duel.

TANZANIA : Mbeya Ladies Sink Pemba to Lift Taifa Cup Title

2011-12-18T15:20:00.003Z

MBEYA women basketball team emerged champions of this year's Taifa Cup Championship after beating Pemba 67-60 in a gripping final played at the Leaders Club venue in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

Faraja Malaki (39 points) and Veronica Patrick (eight points) were instrumental in Mbeya's victory, although the side had to endure stiff opposition from Pemba throughout the four quarters of the duel.
Mbeya started the match impressively and went on to lead 23-10 in the first quarter but their opponents chalked a 20-15 lead in the second quarter to see the former manage a slim 38-30 lead at the breather.
Faraja, who was in fine form in the game, tormented Pemba guards and scored almost at will and the mercurial playmaker, who also turns out for Dar es Salaam's Jeshi Stars at the club level, enjoyed much support from Nipael Kessy in putting Pemba ladies at bay.
Pemba ladies came out much stronger on resumption and had Amina Ahmed and Sada Ahmed as their most potent weapons in their attempt to reduce the score margin and eventually turn tables on Mbeya.
Faraja and Nipael continued to forge a stunning teamwork spirit with the rest of their team mates to see their team take a 60-47 lead in the third quarter before Pemba began replying with a series of swift moves to score and reduce the margin.
Sada exhibited her three-point scoring skills to add points for her side and helped Pemba draw to within three points adrift of Mbeya midway through the fourth quarter.
The men's final, though, was mired in controversy, in which three outfits of Singida, Mwanza and Unguja entered the venue and claimed the right to play the match before Mwanza eventually exited the venue to give room for the other two sides to play the final.
Although Mwanza qualified for the final with a 74-62 victory over Unguja in the semi-final played at the same venue on Friday, the latter filed a protest to the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) claiming Mwanza fielded two more players in their previous 12-man list in the tournament contrary to the rules of the event. Unguja won the protest and was given the right to play in the final.

UGANDA : Irresistible Afidra delivers fifth heaven for Power

2011-12-18T15:19:00.001Z

An effervescent MTN-Fuba League best-of-seven series final fittingly came down to the final shot before DMark Power edged Warriors 99-97 to defend their title at YMCA court on Friday night.

The phenomenal crowd watched the final seconds on their feet. They surely had to.
This hair-raising clash was a great advert for Ugandan basketball and the debate about whether a limping Ivan Enabu remains the best player to have never won a championship continues in earnest.
Point guard Ben Komakech got the winning baskets from the foul line with three seconds to play to end a nerve-wrecking series, which Power clinched 4-3 to make it three titles in four years.
Unlike his previous MVP crowns (2008 and 2010), the latest conquest was delivered by Isaac Afidra. The forward, now an MVP contender along with Komakech, scored a game-high 29 points and 15 rebounds.
None came bigger than a long three-pointer, which gave Power the lead (97-96) with nine seconds to play in a game Warriors must feel they threw away.
The 2009 champions, who once held a 2-0 lead in this series, losing three in succession before forcing a decider, had a 12-point advantage (89-77) with 5.12 to play.
Even as Power fought with their customary full court press, it was still Warriors’ championship to lose at 95-93. Ronnie Kasewu could have grown the margin to four, only to miss two from the charity line in a game he surely lost for a side he helped win their only title.

Komakech, scorer of 27 points and 13 rebounds, pulled it within one and Kasewu again only made one of two. “He (Komakech) is a good player and was consistent,” a disappointed Kasewu, struggling to speak, said.
It was now Warriors 96-94. Enter Michael Kariuki. Just like the semifinals against UCU Canons, the centre, formerly with Power, celebrated when fouled only to miss both. The reprieve never came this time.
That Afidra moment followed. He too could have been a villain as he failed to convert two on the line thereafter.
Warriors’ Steven Okias (28) must have thought overtime was here when he made one of his two to tie the thriller at 97-up with four seconds to play.
There was still time for Afidra to foul out and Kasewu to needlessly impede Komakech literally ensuring that Power completed a maiden defence and five titles in total, just one behind record champions Falcons.
Warriors’ coach Mandy Juruni called a time-out. Upon emerging, the inbound went to Eric Malinga, whose elder brother Henry (16) had been ejected.
He went in but couldn’t add to his 12 points, shooting an air ball under pressure. “I am happy to be part of this team. This team is a unit and (Bernice Ankunda) is the best coach I have worked under,” Afidra said.
The memory of losing the Blick brothers – Norman and Donald – to Miracle Eagles and Robert Mubiru (family) this season is irrelevant. Power fans had filled the court whereas Warriors sat quietly on their bench, mourning in unison holding back tears. These were 40 long minutes and both sides could have easily notched three figures.

UGANDA : Enabu still has to wait as brothers celebrate

2011-12-18T15:17:00.000Z

Denis Enabu ran on to the YMCA court when the final buzzer sounded on Friday night to bring an end to an exciting best-of-seven MTN-Fuba League final series like a firefighter.

His quickness was matched by hordes of DMark Power fans celebrating a narrow 99-97 win over Warriors to complete a successful defence of the national basketball title.
Unlike all other fans who knew where their allegiances fell, Denis, a pilot in Canada, here for his annual holiday, must have had torn loyalties.
Three of his younger brothers he taught how to play had been on the floor - Warriors’ Ivan plus the Power duo of Emmanuel and Jimmy. All with a common family name – Enabu.
Denis chose to embrace Ivan first and whisper into his left ear for minutes before congratulating the other two. He surely felt his pain.

Ivan has still failed to match what Emmanuel (twice) and Jimmy have accomplished.
Another brother – Mark – and sister – Evelyn have also won the national title with Power (2008) and UCU lady Canons (2008) respectively.
By far the most popular from the family, the extremely skilled Ivan, MVP when Uganda won the Zone V Nations Championship in 2005, still doesn’t have a national title.
Figures of 92 points and 33 assists at an average of 13.1 in a series where he played through a painful groin and suffered an ankle in the decider, limiting his movement, deserve a championship.
He spent six years at UCU Canons where he was joined by Jimmy in his final year there.
Before Jimmy offered a helping hand, Ivan lost in two semifinals and together, they lost to Warriors in the semis last year.
They moved on and the Ivan-wait goes on. No wonder he couldn’t speak and his eyes were red, holding back tears.

UGANDA : Power beat Warriors to win Fuba championship

2011-12-18T15:15:00.002Z

Isaac Afidra scored a screaming three-pointer in the dying moments for DMark Power to stun Warriors 99-97and lift the MTN Fuba League at YMCA on Friday night. Power have now become the second men’s team to defend a championship after six-time winners Falcons.

The clash between Power and Warriors last season were so bruising and there has been so little to separate the two sides in this year’s best-of-seven series. But Warriors will feel hard done to lose the title after winning the opening two games of the series. Only them know how they let Power go on a three-game winning run before they pegged them back in Game Six. Even in the decisive clash, Warriors looked destined for victory for the bigger part. Power though have their password. Before Afidra’s three-pointer, Warriors had a slight control of the game, leading 96-94 game. They could have even stretched it but Michael Kariuki missed two on the foul line. Regrettably for the Warriors, Kariuki celebrated before he attempted his shots! And shortly after his miss, Afidra did the damage on the transition. With Power enjoying a one-point advantage – 97-96 – Afidra found himself on the line but converted none of the two throws. Just shortly after, Warriors’ Stephen Okias had a chance of reclaiming the advantage for his side but could only level the scores 97-97. When the usually composed Ben Komakech got onto the line, Warriors hopes were completely dashed. He sunk two from the line to seal the grueling clash, which will not leave basketball fans’ memories very soon. Warriors, beaten in the finals by the same side last season, started the soul-searching again.

KENYA : Thriller as Eagle Wings face KPA in finals

2011-12-17T15:52:00.000Z

Former Champions Eagle Wings have their work clearly cut out when they meet a tough KPA side this afternoon at the Nyayo gymnasium, this is game two of the best of three finals. Wings have to win the next two games to snatch the crown from KPA but they are well aware that KPA is some menace and beating them consecutively is some Herculean job. The former Kenyan champions have to be extra smart when they face the current East and Central Africa Clubs Champions, this has been projected to be a thriller with both sides sounding extra confident. Coach Olumbo’s nickname of ‘Smart’ must be portrayed by his side especially on how they will contain KPA’s duo of Brenda Angeshi and Hellen Okech.
“We want to finish this game today and take our trophy back to Mombasa, No third match, we are prepared and ready for today’s clash.” Said Hellen Oketch.
In the likes of Shani Silalei, Samba Mjomba and Angela Okoth, coach ‘Smart’ boasts of an experienced side but he’s well aware the dock women match his side almost in every aspect and should his side commit any small error, they will pay the price by handing KPA the crown.
Eagle Wings are obviously under pressure and must win today’s match if they hold hopes of reclaiming the title they won in 2009. In this game, fans are assured of nothing short of a thriller unlike last weekend one-sided affair between KCB Lions and COOP Bank.

KENYA : KBF FINALS - Eagle Wings vs KPA preview

2011-12-16T14:46:00.000Z

By NOEL ROBERT

These two sides have proved to be the finest Kenyan basketball sides and each time they meet, fans are certain of a thrilling encounter. The two meet for the third time this season on Saturday to decide the 2011 KBF Champions.
In the past two encounters each side has a single win after Eagle Wings failed to travel to Mombasa for their away league match.In the first match of the best of three played in Mombasa, KPA won 53-46.
For the dock women, they are out to defend their crown and only a win out of the two games to be staged this weekend will get them to the crown.KPA arrived in Nairobi on Thursday and are ready for the task ahead keen to burry the match on game two.
KPA bring Africa Clubs Championships experience while Wings believe they have been and are still a good side, ripe for a stab at the crown. Tomorrow’s game is thus a perfect opportunity for either team to stamp its authority and show dominance over the other.
Eagle Wings will tomorrow rely on the speed of Angela Akinyi, the skills of Samba Mjomba and the power of Shani Silalei but KPA is expected to respond in equal measure with their evergreen trio of Salma Akinyi, guard Hellen Okech and Brenda Angeshi in their bid to defend their trophy won last year at the Nyayo gymnasium.
Game two of the best of three series will be staged on Saturday 17th December from 4pm. Eagle Wings will be keen to avoid a repeat last year’s finals when they failed to win just a single game and be crowned the champions after winning game one at KPA’s Mombasa backyard

UGANDA : Warriors in Make or Break Encounter

2011-12-15T12:28:00.000Z

THE Kyambogo Warriors can force a decisive game 7 showdown and earn a chance to claim the basketball title if they manage to overcome the favored D'Mark Power in tonight's 8pm clash at the YMCA.

Thought Game 5 would be another defensive showdown? You weren't alone, but the offensive fireworks really came out for both squads last weekend. After four grueling defensive battles, an offensive explosion took place in Sunday's Game 5 of the 2011 FUBA league finals.
It was another thrilling matchup between two determined teams, a make-or-miss contest in which Power used their superior shot-making ability to close out the Warriors. And in the end, Power made enough shots to overcome their defensive lapses en route to a 77-70 victory Sunday night to take their first 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Now the MTN basketball league finals head back to the YMCA court tonight as Warriors aim to do their darnedest to come from behind for the second time in the Finals to capture the title.
Warriors enter this primetime clash looking for a victory and a chance to force a decisive game 7 where winner takes all. Power meanwhile only need one win and an opportunity to claim their second successive title in two years.

Warriors to force this series to seven games
The Warriors and their "All-Star Trio" find themselves facing elimination as they return to the YMCA for Game 6. If Warriors hope to force a championship-deciding Game 7, they must defend much better than they did in Game 5.
Allowing a team to shoot 56 percent from the field and 68 percent from beyond the arc simply cannot happen in the men's division 1 finals-especially when you call yourself a defensive team.
Defense is all about effort, heart and determination. The Warriors must show that they have the heart to do whatever it takes to get the job done on the defensive side of the floor. They must fight over the top of screens, shut off penetration and contest every single shot'"even if they do all of that, Warriors still have to hope that Power misses shots.
As talked about in earlier previews, Warriors' supporting cast has been one of the biggest factors in the team's performances throughout the playoffs.
If Brain Gumisiriza and Sam Gombya can match that huge impact they've mustered (albeit primarily at the playoffs) and Jude Ocen finds his shooting rythm, Power will find it incredibly difficult to hang on offensively, especially the way Warriors offense has buckled down on the Power swith-up defense.
Power's 1-2-2 zone defense has for the past three games completely shut down the Warriors and it could play a pivotal role again today if the Kyambogo-based side does not find a way to break it down.
For Power, Game 6 is an opportunity to realize another dream. To seize that opportunity, they must play with great energy and limit the energy of their opponents.They must take full advantage of the opportunity that Game 6 presents.
However, the way this series has shaped out thus far, the only suitable conclusion would be to say there could easily be a can't-miss seventh and deciding game later in the week.

NIGERIA : Enterprising Ikyaator Powered Union Bank Past Urunani

2011-12-15T12:26:00.001Z

Nigeria international point guard, Orseer Ikyaator was in superb form yesterday scoring 23 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds to help Union Bank basketball club secure a 40 points margin victory over Urunani basketball club of Burundi at the final round of the 26th FIBA Africa Champions Club for Men in Rabat, Morocco.

Ikyaator good court vision and decision proved too much for the Burundian who were overwhelm by the 'Stallion Boy' as the Nigerian are also known as they powered to second victory in a group-A game of the preliminary round of the champions cup.
The game which was the second of game Day-3 saw Union Bank winning in all four quarters by 18-12, 17-10, 24-11 and 25-11 points as they observe today as rest day.
Other Union Bank players who recorded a double figure include Nigeria international combo-guard Mohammed Bukar with 13 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds and William Ndounmbe scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists while centre Godspower Igben grabbed 13 rebounds for the Nigerian side who defeated ASB Mazembe basketball club of Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday at the magnificient Salle Athallah Bouzzaoui gymnasium in Rabat by 68-49 points having lost its group-A opening game to Angolan league champion GDR Libolo basketball club 80-85 points on Monday.
Union Bank search for a comfortable finish in the group continue on Friday when it file out against Benghazi, Libya-based Al Ahly basketball club before confronting host club Association Sportive de Sale basketball Club (AS Sale) of Morocco on Saturday.
Union Bank head coach Ayinla Johnson describe the 40 points margin victory over Urunani as a sign of good things to come from his wards who could only manage to record three points in the third quarter against Mazembe on Tuesday.

KENYA : KPA basketball star Mwajuma out of comma

2011-12-14T13:58:00.000Z

KPA basketball star Mwajuma Suleiman is currently recuperating at a Mombasa hospital where she was admitted immediately after her team landed in Nairobi from Nigeria where they took part in the 2011 FIBA Africa Basketball Club championshp.The team returned on Monday 12th December from Nigeria.
During the club championship in their final match against Malucosso of Angola, Mwajuma collided with an opponent and received a heavy knock on her back with doctors suspecting she could have injured her spinal cord.
According to team coach Anthony Ojukwu, Mwajuma went into a comma for two days when in Nigeria and was admitted in a Nigerian hospital but has been improving steadily.
“It was a very nasty injury, doctors are suspecting she could have injured her spine but we are yet to receive a detailed report after the scans conducted on Tuesday.Since we arrived in Mombasa she has been improving and can now manage to walk.” Said Coach Ojuku who blamed the extent of the injury to lack of proper medical facility on the court at the time of the injury.
“There was no ambulance and no qualified doctors to take care of her when she fell after the knock, it took a very long time to get her to hospital thus worsening the injury.” Added Ojukwu. “But we are happy she can now walk and talk a good sign of quick recovery.”

TANZANIA : Pemba, Unguja Ladies March Into Taifa Cup Basketball Quarters

2011-12-14T13:51:00.002Z

Pemba became the first region to sail through the women's quarterfinals of the Taifa Cup basketball championship going on at the Leaders Club grounds in Dar es Salaam.
Despite losing their last game to Mbeya by 58-74 points, Pemba made it to the quarters set to throw off starting Friday at the same venue.
Pemba who finished all its group matches qualified for the round after attaining five points when they won four out of five matches.
Mbeya's well experienced players Faraja Malaki and Nipael Kessy who carried the day despite some resistance from Pemba, who started slowly and picked up with quick and long passes.
Unguja who are in group B have also made it to the quarter finals after managing four points with two matches in hand.
So far the Mainland teams for the quarters are expected to be known on Wednesday. In Tuesday's men encounters Tabora humiliated Kilimanjaro by 102-58 points in a dull and one sided game at the same venue.
Tabora's Francis Mlewa and Tumsifu Apollo were instrumental for their team's victory as they scored 22 and 15 points respectively.

KENYA : Poor preparation cost KPA in Africa Club event .

2011-12-14T13:50:00.002Z

KENYAN teams must change the way they prepare for continental championships if they are to make a mark in the competitions, an international referee revealed yesterday. Juma Kent, Fiba international referee and coach, who accompanied Kenya Ports authority (KPA) to the 17th edition of the Africa women championships in Lagos, Nigeria said the team suffered heavy defeats because they were ill prepared for the task ahead. He said KPA need a serious training programme if they are to succeed. “KPA have participated in this championships for long but they have never made a mark.

The recent event in Nigeria exposed them as one of the worst teams in the tournament,” he observed adding: “the institution must now invest in new players.” Kent said KPA lacked a play-maker to drive the team and did not have reliable players at the post to score and rebound. KPA finished bottom of five team event, losing all their four matches and winning a match courtesy of a walkover. “KPA didn’t have a play maker who could feed the post players and this is why they were beaten.”

UGANDA : Caged Warriors plot jail escape

2011-12-14T13:48:00.002Z

PLAYING TODAY

M: DMark Power vs. Warriors (8.30pm)
(Power lead series 3-2)
Div. 2: Rez Life vs. Vegetarian (6.30pm)
(Series tied 2-2)

An MTN-Fuba League best-of-seven final series that promised so much has lived up to its billing. First, Warriors did call the shots by winning the first two games to take a 2-0 lead. The tables have turned dramatically now as DMark Power have won three on the bounce to assume a 3-2 lead and can complete the defence of their crown with victory in Game Six at YMCA court today.
It’s not a new position for Warriors who need a dramatic jail escape to force a decider scheduled for Friday. They trailed 2-1 against UCU Canons in the five-match semifinal series but managed to win 3-2.
Perhaps, last year’s final is even a bigger inspiration. The 2009 champions came from 3-0 down against Power before surrendering their title in Game Seven.
Achieving that will need Ivan Enabu to play his lungs out despite a painful groin. The injury he suffered months ago flared up in the 70-77 loss on Sunday night. He took several medical timeouts.

The guard, signed from UCU in the off-season following the departure of Abdullahi Ramadhan to Falcons, has been the most productive player offensively in the finals so far with 74 points, 24 assists and 27 steals. Without him, it could be a catastrophe. What is lacking is the support for Enabu as the other notable guard Jude Ochen has laboured through the season.
All this is not helped by the fact that Ronnie Kasewu has almost been converted from a guard to a forward. You cannot take anything away from Power as they have done their homework well. They are running as usual with the influence of Isaac Afidra and Michael Kojo keeping Warriors’ big men relatively quiet.
After the blowout wins in the first three games, two for Warriors (88-73, 80-61) and one for Power (85-55), the last two have been close. “I think we have made wrong decisions at crucial stages,” noted Warriors centre Henry Malinga. He opted to pass to Ochen to shoot a three and not turn and shoot as they lost 77-78 in Game Four on Saturday.
Power have never managed to defend any of their four league titles thus far and need no reminders on how they almost let last year’s slip out of their grasp. “I have never looked at it that way. That’s history now,” Power coach Bernice Ankunda said. “It will be such a big accomplishment but also a huge challenge to build a legacy. We need to work harder now.” Ankunda is ticking all the right boxes while Warriors’ Mandy Juruni must be wondering what has hit him after a near-perfect 17-1 in the regular season.

Juruni knows he has at least one more chance to rectify the situation.

KENYA : Eagle Wings vs KPA finals confirmed for this weekend

2011-12-13T15:05:00.000Z

The second match of the best of three womens’ Basketball premier league play offs has been confirmed for this weekend Saturday 17th December in Nairobi at the Nyayo gymnasium. The match between archrivals Eagle Wings and KPA of Mombasa had twice been postponed to allow the 2010 champions take part in this year’s African Club championship in Nigeria.

KPA lost all her matches in the tournament and failed to progress to the semi finals but they are seeking to retain the Kenyan title they won last year with a second straight win over Eagle Wings.KPA won game one in Mombasa at the Makande hall
But this will not be an easy task owing to the fact that they will be playing away. KPA won the first match in Mombasa 53-46.
“We will not let them walk over us at home again, we are well prepared to make it one all and go to the final stretch in game three.” Said Janet Okoth of Eagle Wings.
During last year’s final, Eagle Wings won the first match in Mombasa but lost the second and third in Nairobi under their nose at home. If history is anything to by in this match, then there is no clear favorite though KPA stand a better chance especially after the exposure gained in Nigeria from the club championship.

NIGERIA : D' Tigers to Play Olympics Playoffs in Venezuela

2011-12-12T14:21:00.002Z

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has slated the men's Olympic qualifying tournament for Venezuela.

The decision was taken at their second and final meeting of 2011 in Madrid, Spain. The Nigerian senior team grabbed the playoffs spot earlier this year at the Nations Cup in Madagascar. Joining Nigeria and the hosts in the tournament are Angola, Dominican Republic, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, Greece, Jordan, Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and Russia. The 2012 edition will take place 2-8 July. The 12 teams will be divided into four groups of three teams. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals. The two winning semi-finalists will qualify for London alongside the winner of the third-place playoff. Nigeria currently stands 21st in the FIBA rankings and missed the qualification spot available at the African Championships in August. She is, however, aiming to use the playoff to consolidate for a first Olympic Games men's showing.
Derrick Obasohan Nigeria's leading point scorer at the African Championships believes the country has a chance. "I definitely will be playing for Nigeria in the Olympic qualifying. Although I was born in the US, my parents, grandparents and brothers were born in Nigeria.
"To me, it means a lot to represent Nigeria. I have been talking to a lot of players who want to play for the national team. "All of them show great passion to represent Nigeria. For many of us, it means a lot to play for Nigeria."
Nigeria has a strong squad with players like Mike Efevberha, Lokomotiv Kuban guard Ben Uzoh and Spartak Primorye's Deji Akindele.

UGANDA : Power closes in on basketball crown

2011-12-12T14:18:00.001Z

Game 6-YMCA court Warriors vs Power- December 14th, Wednesday, 6pm
Game 5 Results: Division 1
Power 77 Warriors 70
(Power leads series 3-2)
Division 2
Rez Life 56 Vegetarians 55
(Series tied at 2-2)

THE FACTS: D’MARK Power is one win away from successfully defending their championship title following Sunday's 77-70 defeat of the Kyambogo Warriors in Game 5 of the MTN Basketball Finals.
Richard Balemwa tugged on the edges of his jersey and took a good, long look at the rim before draining a dagger-installing 3-pointer with 9 seconds left on the clock, icing the game for Power and choking whatever life was left in the Warriors surge.

Balemwa's shot was the fitting end to a roller coaster ride that included two dramatic shifts in the final six minutes of a game, and really thrilling series that has seen dozens of emotional shifts for both sides over the past 10 days.
Balemwa went 4-for-4 from beyond the arc on Sunday for Power just 24-hours after the team had claimed a narrow 78-77 victory over the Warriors on Saturday. Teammates Michael Kojo had 19 points, Joseph Ikong scored eight of his 21 points during a game-ending 7-1 run that gave the defending champions, Power a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

After toasting Power's vaunted defense and toasting the fans in the first three quarters of the game, Warriors’ star player Ivan Enabu fell short where it mattered the most.

The MVP title contender Enabu was magnificent early on, dictating the tempo and attacking the heart of Power’s defensive set-up with repeated forays into their 3-2 play. But disheartening for Enabu and his teammates was when the guard missed 3-consecutive free-throws inclusive of a game tying one that could have shifted the game tide either way.

QUOTABLE: "We're going to play whistle to whistle. I heard that term. Been watching the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball games. A lot of people in the NCAA College ball world use that term, and that's what we're going to do. We're going to try to win each possession and just take it one at a time.” Power coach Bernes Ankunda.

Game 6 of The Finals to be played on Wednesday will offer much more pressure than anything the Warriors have seen to this point. But counting them out at this point would be as foolish as anything Power could do to this point.

Warriors will have to work double hard on the court when they play game 6 so as to erase the nasty memories from their collapse last year against Power at this very stage. Power in the meantime, head for game 6 with a 3-2 lead and a chance to retain their title in the 2011 basketball Finals.

UGANDA : UCU Lady Canons retain Ladies Basketball title

2011-12-12T14:16:00.002Z

by Usher Komugisha FUBA Women's basketball finals
Women (Best-of-Seven series results)
Game 4: KCC 57 UCU 68
Game 3: UCU 75 KCC 55
Game 2: KCC 39 UCU 45
Game 1: UCU 65 KCC 57
(UCU win the best-of-seven series 4-0)
THE UCU Lady Canons have surely forgotten what it feels like to lose a basketball game because victory has become nothing but their closest acquaintance this season.
With only one loss to fellow title contenders-the Leopards in first round, UCU have since dominated the women’s league dubbing it the most predicted season in past years.
Three titles in four years should be enough to give the Lady Canons bragging rights in the women’s category of the FUBA basketball league after the university side swept the KCC Leopards 4-0 in the best-of-seven series in the playoff finals.
“It always feels great when you set a goal at the start of the year and you achieve it. We are excited that we are this year’s champions because we really worked so hard to get where we are,” explained American Dale Scully, UCU’s head coach.

Relying on the forward trio of three time league top scorer Lorraine Akinyi, former APR star Purity Adhiambo and Olympian-to-be Peace Proscovia, UCU dominated the front court especially on the boards both on offense and defense in these series.

Unlike last season where Akinyi had to do most of the work for the champions, this season has seen new signing Adhiambo pick an impressive 67 rebounds and drop 60 points in just the finals.

Spectacular Akinyi (48 rebounds, 28 points) and Proscovia (50 rebounds, 29 points) did not leave the Leopards with much of an option in the paint.

KCC’s reliance on top rebounder and scorer Martha Soigi stretched the forward who picked 53 rebounds and sunk 50 points in these finals as veterans Miriam Hamala (24 rebounds, 28 points) and Annet Nakiwu (23 rebounds, 14 points) struggled against the youthful UCU.

“UCU have a blend of youngsters and experienced players which really stretches us in the paint and the truth is that they were more prepared than us for the finals,” admitted Timothy Odeke, Leopards’ head coach.Offensive brilliance from guards-reigning league MVP Maureen Amoding, Brenda Mbone, Captain Angella Namirimu and Peace Nakirijja provided the youthful energy to run down the KCC defense.

Amoding dropped an amazing 81 points and picked 13 rebounds in these finals as well as limiting her match-up opponent KCC’s point guard Flavia Oketcho to only 22 points and 18 rebounds.

UGANDA : Lady Canons are champions, Power lead Warriors 3-2

2011-12-12T14:11:00.001Z

RESULTS

Game 3: Power 78-77 Warriors
Game 4: Warriors 70-77 Power
(Power lead series 3-2)
W: KCC 57-68 UCU
(UCU win series 4-0)
Div. 2: Rez Life 84-81 Vegetarian
Vegetarian 55-56 Rez Life
(Series tied 2-2)
Div. 3: Bush Court 81-57 City Oil
(Bush Court win series 3-0)

UCU Lady Canons easily coasted to a second successive MTN-Fuba League women’s title with a clean sweep of KCC Leopards whereas DMark Power could also defend the men’s championship as they lead Warriors 3-2.

UCU beat KCC 68-57 to clinch the seven-match series 4-0 at YMCA court on Saturday night. A more incident-filled game saw Power win a third successive game, beating Warriors 77-70 yesterday. Umpires had walked off with less than a minute to play with Power leading 70-69 after a fan struck one of the officials with a missile. The hooligan seemed to contest a clear call when Power’s Jimmy Enabu fouled his brother Ivan Enabu.

The latter had the chance to put Warriors ahead. The break seemed to have killed Warriors’ ascendancy when the umpires did return. Ivan missed his free throws.

Power also did edge Game Four 78-77 on Saturday night when Warriors’ Jude Ochen missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer and his team is now in big trouble. Game Five is on Wednesday night.

For a second successive season, UCU made the finals anti-climatic. Maureen Amoding, the MVP from last season when the university side swept A1 Challenge, scored 24 points and Purity Odhiambo added 15 points and 17 rebounds. “I am a little surprised we won 4-0,” UCU sports tutor and women’s coach Dale Sculy said.

On the whole, the series was hugely one-sided and disappointing. Questions are bound to arise about the quality of competition in women’s basketball. Are UCU this good or were KCC that bad? “I don’t think we have better players than KCC but as a team, the girls played exceptionally well and it all came together at the right time,” Sculy added. “It was a team effort and not about one trying to be a star.”

ZAMBIA : Association Southern League

2011-12-11T15:45:00.001Z

SOUTHERN REGION:

Saturday, 10.12.2011...
Game 1. Nkwazi Vs Hawks (Masculine League B) - 1100 hrs
Game 2. Evelyn Hone Denvers Vs Green Buffaloes (Masculine League B) - 1300 hrs
Game 3. Green Buffaloes Vs Rim Oilers (Feminine League) - 1500 hrs
... Game 4. NAPSA Hurricanes Vs Kabwe Legends (Masculine League A) - 1700 hrs

Sunday, 11.12.2011....
Game 1. Intrepid Bulls Vs Junior Hurricanes (Masculine League B) - 1100 hrs
Game 2. Shells Vs Hotspurs (Feminine league) - 1300 hrs
Game 3. Spartans Vs Matero Magic 'A' (Masculine League A) - 1500 hrs
Game 5. LCC Looters Vs ZNS Eagles (Masculine League A) - 1700 hrs
Venue: NASDEC - Lusaka

ZAMBIA : Zambia Basketball Association Southern League

2011-12-11T15:44:00.001Z

Games played on Sunday,04.12.2011...(Venue was OYDC):

Hawks 94 Matero Magic 'B' 64 (M)
LCC Lootresses 94 Hotspurs 55 (F)
LCC Looters 67 Spartans 44 (M)

ZAMBIA : SOUTHERN REGION Results

2011-12-11T15:43:00.001Z

SOUTHERN REGION:

Results from games played on 03.12.2011...
Intrepid Bulls 74 Evelyn Hone Denvers 65 (M)
Green Buffaloes 89 Nkwazi 51 (M)
Shells 20 Rim Oilers 0 (F) - Walk Over
Matero Magic 'A' 69 Kabwe Legends 56 (M)
Heroes Play United 78 Napsa Hurricanes 73 (M)

KENYA : Coop retain Basketball title with win over KCB

2011-12-11T14:29:00.001Z

COOP Bank made a meal of KCB Lions to bank the KBF title for the second time in a row. The Lions were honestly no match for the bankers who beat them in all departments on Saturday afternoon to win the match 79-60.

KCB were the first to bag a basket and taking an early 5-0 lead but two quick three pointers from Abel Nson and Ali Salim sparked up the game in the otherwise slow first quarter which ended 13-17 in KCB’s favour and that was the last time they had any control in the game.
They were now at the mercy of a merciless COOP’s who were out to defend their title. COOP amidst great composure threatened to turn the game into some training session whipping the helpless Lions 29-18 to head to the halftime break with a seven-point lead.
COOP’s duo of Brian Busu and Titus Musembi were outstanding in the second half watering down the efforts of KCB that played like they were inside the Nyayo gymnasium for the first time. COOP Bank tore them apart in the third quarter 20-11 to send signs that anything short of a win would not be accepted by their coach.
There were however some tensed moments during this particular quarter with KCB’s Victor Ochieng’ letting his frustration to Michael Makiadi but the referees whistle was blown from nowhere to cool down the players and avoid any ugly scenes. COOP wrapped up the game with a composed 17-14 win against a KCB side that looked like they never deserved to be in the finals.
Kiganya and Abel led at the forefront for their side nailing 15 and 11 points respectively while KCB’s duo of Roy Kahure and Tobias Onyango who was harmless during the entire game donated 11 points to their side’s loss. COOP Bank was the best of the two sides and they deserved lifting the crown.

UGANDA : UCU Lady Canons are basketball queens again

2011-12-11T14:19:00.001Z

By Usher Komugisha FUBA basketball finals
Women
Game 4: KCC 57 UCU 68
Game 3: UCU 75 KCC 55
Game 2: KCC 39 UCU 45
Game 1: UCU 65 KCC 57
(UCU win the best-of-seven series 4-0)

THE UCU Lady Canons have surely forgotten what it feels like to lose a basketball game because victory has become nothing but their closest acquaintance this season.
With only one loss to fellow title contenders-the Leopards in first round, UCU have since dominated the women’s league dubbing it the most predicted season in past years.
Three titles in four years should be enough to give the Lady Canons bragging rights in the women’s category of the FUBA basketball league after the university side swept the KCC Leopards 4-0 in the best-of-seven series in the playoff finals.
“It always feels great when you set a goal at the start of the year and you achieve it. We are excited that we are this year’s champions because we really worked so hard to get where we are,” explained American Dale Scully, UCU’s head coach.
Relying on the forward trio of three time league top scorer Lorraine Akinyi, former APR star Purity Adhiambo and Olympian-to-be Peace Proscovia, UCU dominated the front court especially on the boards both on offense and defense in these series.
Unlike last season where Akinyi had to do most of the work for the champions, this season has seen new signing Adhiambo pick an impressive 67 rebounds and drop 60 points in just the finals.
Spectacular Akinyi (48 rebounds, 28 points) and Proscovia (50 rebounds, 29 points) did not leave the Leopards with much of an option in the paint.
KCC’s reliance on top rebounder and scorer Martha Soigi stretched the forward who picked 53 rebounds and sunk 50 points in these finals as veterans Miriam Hamala (24 rebounds, 28 points) and Annet Nakiwu (23 rebounds, 14 points) struggled against the youthful UCU.
“UCU have a blend of youngsters and experienced players which really stretches us in the paint and the truth is that they were more prepared than us for the finals,” admitted Timothy Odeke, Leopards’ head coach.
Offensive brilliance from guards-reigning league MVP Maureen Amoding, Brenda Mbone, Captain Angella Namirimu and Peace Nakirijja provided the youthful energy to run down the KCC defense.
Amoding dropped an amazing 81 points and picked 13 rebounds in these finals as well as limiting her match-up opponent KCC’s point guard Flavia Oketcho to only 22 points and 18 rebounds.

UGANDA : Lady Canons close, pivotal moment for men’s finals

2011-12-10T12:33:00.001Z

Playing today

M: Power vs. Warriors (8pm)
(Warriors lead series 2-1)
W: KCC vs. UCU (6pm)
(UCU lead series 3-0)
Div. 2: Rez vs. Vegetarian (4pm)
(Vegetarian lead series 2-0)
Div. 3: B. Court vs. City Oil (2pm)
(Bush Court lead series 2-0)

Today might feel like 12 months ago for UCU Lady Canons. Last December, UCU swept A1 Challenge 4-0 to clinch a second MTN-Fuba League title in three years.
UCU can repeat the feat if they overcome KCC Leopards at YMCA court just before the men’s finalists – DMark Power and Warriors – jostle for control of their own seven-game series which the latter lead 2-1. Unlike the first two games which UCU won by a canter, Game Three was much closer.

The Mukono side won 45-39 with reigning MVP Maureen Amoding scoring a game-high 12 points including a late three that gave them the crucial lead. With the exception of Lorraine Akinyi and Brenda Mbone, UCU are dribbling time in the examination room and success on court. “It’s hectic. Our experience and attitude should be good. It’s not over yet,” Amoding said.
KCC guard Flavia Oketcho fell short of promising to take matters into her own hands and the result was zero points last time out to compound her struggles. “They won three games so we can do the same,” KCC coach Timothy Odeke said. “We made some bad decisions but can build on the last display to do a better job.” KCC’s Miriam Hamala and Carol Nantalo were part of the Makerere Sparks team that won the championship in 2003 while teammate Oketcho led UCU to their first title.
No one needs to explain the same to either Warriors or Power following three blowout games. After two one-sided games won by Warriors (88-73 and 80-61), Power burst out of their shells on Wednesday night.
Warriors can still be champions this weekend by winning today and tomorrow’s Game Five. The onus is on the champions which they showed by annihilating their rivals 85-55. “Saturday (today) is going to be hard. Mandy is a brilliant guy and will do his homework to rectify this,” Power coach Bernice Ankunda said in praise of his Warriors’ colleague Mandy Juruni.

KENYA : KPA lose fourth straight tie as they fall to Angolan side .

2011-12-09T14:20:00.001Z

KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) lost their penultimate Africa women’s Club championships game after going down 56-59 to GD Macauloso of Angola in Lagos, Nigeria. The loss means the Kenyan champions, who face off against host club First Deepwater today are out of the race without winning a match. Their only maximum points came courtesy of a walk over awarded after Cameroon’s INJS failed to show up in Lagos for the 17th edition of the event.

In their closest game of the tournament, KPA trailed 11-12 in the first quarter and battled hard to take a closely fought second quarter 19-13. Both teams retired for the breather with the dock women ahead 30-25. But after the intermission, Macauloso hit back, taking a 14-11 edge in the third quarter. In the decisive fourth, Angolans continued to push forward for the vital baskets, taking the quarter and the game 20-15.
With key guard Mwajuma Suleiman taken ill, it was Hellen Oketch who scored the porters 13 points while Brenda Angechi and Mirriam Awuor added nine each. For the winners, Marisa Nsimane was the star sinking game high 26 points. In an all Nigerian clash, the 2009 champions First Bank beat compatriots First Deepwater 68-60 in a nip and tuck encounter. First Bank and reigning champions InterClube have yet to lose a game.

UGANDA : Charged Power back in Fuba title contention

2011-12-09T14:18:00.001Z

Clean sweep! What clean sweep? MTN-Fuba League men’s champions DMark Power answered this and many more questions at YMCA Court on Wednesday night. Down 2-0 in the best-of-seven finals against Warriors, Power thrashed their rivals 85-55. The champions still trail 1-2 but this relieved them of a huge load.

The women’s final remains one-sided after UCU Lady Canons edged KCC Leopards 45-39 to take a 3-0 lead and can retain the title tomorrow. Power showed mental toughness, beat Warriors’ zonal defence, negated the size mismatch and executed better.
“I think it’s the best game we have played this season so far,” Power coach Bernice Ankunda said. They cruised through the four quarters 21-16, 19-6, 24-24 and 21-9 respectively. Point guard Ben Komakech conducted the Power roulette with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Komakech also did score 19 in Game One but they lost 73-88. Game Two was a 61-80 hammering which also had centre Robert Wanitho, alias Ben Gordon, break his leg. So what changed?
The Malinga brothers – Henry and Eric – scored 64 points and 30 rebounds in the triumphs. This time, Henry scored nine points and six rebounds whereas Eric managed seven and four.
“Collective defence was key. It’s not about defending the Malingas or Ivan (Enabu),” Ankunda reasoned. Ivan fought hard for his 13 points and four assists. His brother – Emmanuel Enabu – an understudy for Komakech – made 14 points, four boards and six assists as Power disappeared fast. Joseph Ikong added 16 points.They also made 14 of 16 from the foul line unlike Game Two where Power missed 11 of 18.

“(Warriors coach) Mandy (Juruni) is a brilliant guy and will do his homework,” Ankunda said.

NIGERIA : Deepwater Suffer First Defeat

2011-12-08T11:41:00.001Z

Nigeria's female basketball champions, Deepwater suffered their first defeat in the ongoing FIBA African Women championship as they crumbled to the defending champions, Interclube of Angola in an exciting match.

The Angolan team showed the stuff of a champion as they clinched the match with an 82-75 margin.
The Angolans demonstrated their superiority by winning the first quarter 26-20 and won the second quarter narrowly at 23-22.
Deepwater ladies however fought back winning the third quarter 23-9 and drew the last quarter 17-17 to take their total points to maximum 9 points in three matches. They will now play First Bank in the last match of the round robin championship.

NIGERIA : Afrobasket - Hoopers, Union Bank Optimistic of Chances

2011-12-08T11:39:00.001Z

Royal Hoopers and Union Bank Basketball Clubs - Nigeria's representatives to the men's Africa Champions Cup - have expressed optimism of a good outing when the competition dunks off on Sunday in Morocco.

The two clubs were given automatic qualification for the Africa Championship, having met the FIBA Africa requirement.The championship is scheduled to hold in Rabat, Morocco from Dec. 11 to Dec. 21.
Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt and Union Bank of Lagos were champions and runners-up respectively in the 2010/11 DSTV/NBBF League.
In an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos, Ogoh Odaudu, the Hoopers coach, said that the club was determined to do well at the championship, unlike in the 2010 edition when they performed poorly.
"The 2010 edition of the championship was our first appearance and we were like observers; but not this time around," Odaudu said.
He said that the club was participating in the championship this year to make an impact and acquire more experience.
"We would make sure we correct all our last year's mistakes in order to make a lasting impression this year" Odaudu said.
He said the players resumed training in Lagos last Wednesday and would leave for Morocco on Saturday.
The Union Bank handler, Johnson Ayinla, expressed similar sentiments, saying that they hope to improve on the fourth position they reached last year.
He said that they had fine-tuned their strategy with the help of the friendly games.

NIGERIA : FIBA-Africa Club Tourney: First Bank Battle Deepwater

2011-12-07T14:46:00.001Z

The Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, will come alive this evening as fans of the dunking game in the country will be treated to display of skills and ball handling by Nigerian basketball league gladiators, First Bank and First Deepwater, both Lagos- based clubs.

The encounter is one of the Day 4 pairings of the ongoing 17th FIBA-Africa Champions Club Championship for Women. The game will dunk off at 6p.m.
Speaking ahead of their match against First Bank, coach of Deepwater, Lateef Erinfolami, said they hope to bounce back with a victory against the Elephant Girls, as First Bank are popularly known, after their painful 75-82 points defeat to Interclube of Angola yesterday.
Coach Aderemi Adewunmi of First Bank on his part said his players will approach the tie with all seriousness having suffered defeats in their last two matches against the ‘Oil and Gas ladies’.
Other matches scheduled for this evening include the tie between Kenyan Port Authority, KPA, and GD Maculosso of Angola.
The defending champions of the tourney, Interclube of Angola, will observe a day rest due to the absence of their opponents, I.N.J.S of Cameroon.

NIGERIA : First Deepwater Confronts Angolan Interclube

2011-12-07T14:44:00.001Z

Nigeria women club basketball champions, First Deepwater will today face FIBA Africa defending champions, Interclube of Angola in the 17th edition of the Champions Club for women. This is after the Nigerian team got off to a fine start in the final round of the tourney.

The Oil & Gas ladies who handed down a 64-46 points' defeat to GD Maculosso of Angola in the championship opening game on Sunday at the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, will bank on its strong defensive play to rattle the defending champions.
Head coach of the Lagos based team Lateef Erinfolami said his team will not be complacent against any team as it will treat all opponents with respect. He assured that the Nigerian league champion will not lose focus in setting its eyes on the title.
"We are battle ready for any opposition and the players have promised to give their all in all the games and do Nigeria proud" declared the club tactician.
First Deepwater was spearheaded in scoring by Chinyere Ibekwe who recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Nigeria league reigning Queen of the court, Nkechi Akashili added 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists while point guard Upe Atosu contributed 10 points in the victory over Maculosso.
Nigeria second representative in the championship and two-time champion of the champions club, First Bank which walked-over INJS of Cameroon on Day-1 will file out against GD Maculosso of Angola while Kenya Ports Authority will engage INJS. The six teams in the biggest women club competition will take turn to engage each other in a round-robin basis while the top four teams move to the knockout stage.

UGANDA : UCU Canons Withdraw From Third-Place Playoff Game

2011-12-07T14:43:00.001Z

UGANDA Christian University Canons have withdrawn from today's third-place playoff game against Miracle Eagles citing player injuries and the looming final examinations at the campus.

A Division one side, Canons e-mailed their decision to pull out of today's fixture after reviewing their squad and realising that minus the injured players, the team would be comprized of only six players(available) for the game.
"I regret to inform you that UCU Canons will not be able to participate in tomorrow night's(December 6th) 3rd place game at the YMCA. We have had a team player that needed to go home this past weekend and two injured players who we can't risk fielding before university games which begin in 10 days.
This leaves us with 6 healthy players who would rather study for final papers than play in the 3rd place game. I respect this decision as their future is more important than a 3rd place finish.
Sorry for the late notice on this. We simply could not predict how slowly our players would heal and the need of a player to travel home(Kenya) to be with family. Please, send Miracle Eagles our apologies and congratulations upon securing 3rd place."
The decision to withdraw means Miracle Eagles will now finish their 2011 National basketball league campaign in third place overall.

3rd Place playoff-Today
Miracle Eagles vs UCU Canons(Canons withdraw)

UGANDA : Steady Warriors Crack Power's Speed Advantage

2011-12-07T14:41:00.001Z

If it wasn't Steven Okias dragging his long strides through D'Mark Power's defence, it was Ivan Enabu bewildering his defender with his unmatched combination of pace and fabulous ball handling.

If the ball found Henry Malinga, he would sample from his endless array of low-post moves. His brother Eric Malinga, was meanwhile content to shoot the pull-up jumper every time Power's defence allowed him a look at the basket.
Basically, this was the story of Game 2 of the FUBA men's top division finals, which the Kyambogo Warriors won 80-61 Sunday to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Power were simply outmatched all over the court.

Warriors flip switch on offense
With teamwork, late-game execution, a fast-paced offensive transition and great coaching the warriors have flipped the switch on Power. Warriors have dominated games 1 and 2 thanks to their clinical on-court execution, and they certainly benefitted from the passiveness of the league's best basketball talent (Benjamin Komakech-Power point guard).
And in the end, Kyambogo Warriors have taken the proverbial bull by the horns, and closed out D'Mark Power in impressive fashion in these past two games.
The rest of the story remains to be seen on December 7th when they meet for game 3 on whether Power can reverse their misfortunes and take advantage of their opponents' turnovers. And to do so, Power will have to take care of Warriors clutch player in Henry Malinga"We have better match ups, especially inside the paint," said Warriors coach Mandy Juruni post-match. Okias led Kyambogo with a game-high 17 points, Henry Malinga , Ronnie Kasewu and Eric Malinga adding 15, 11 and 10 respectively.
Enabu had a rare double-double with 10pts and 10rebs. Power's total score of 61 was their lowest this season. Many fans expected a much closer finals but Power have failed to show up.
To add onto the Power woes, the defending champions lost Robert Wanitho for the rest of the series after
the centre broke his right shin in the second quarter, a calamity that was handled deplorably given the lack of any on-site medics and an ambulance.
It's not over yet but the idea of Power winning four of the next five games looks improbable.

FUBA Playoff finals
Men's results, Game 2
Division 1:
Warriors 80 Power 61
Warriors lead series 2-0
Division 2:
Vegetarian 87 R.Life 78
Vegetarians lead series 2-0
Division 3:
Bush Court 89 City Oil 78
Bush Court lead series 2-0
Women:
UCU Lady Canons 75 KCC 55
Lady Canons lead series 2-0
Today, 3rd place playoff-YMCA court
Men's division 1:
UCU v Miracle- 8:00pm
Women:
KIU v Magic- 6:30pm

UGANDA : Abysmal Power, KCC need magic wand

2011-12-07T14:38:00.001Z

Just two games into the MTN-Fuba League finals and blanket conclusions about the destiny of the men and women’s titles are being made.

Warriors and UCU Lady Canons have been so dominant against Power and KCC Leopards respectively that the discussions are shifting to whether the latter two can avoid being swept. Such has been the difference between the sides that a 2-0 lead is everything Warriors and UCU deserve in the seven-match series.
Both series have been extremely one-sided and anti-climatic. Power’s grip on the title they won last year after beating Warriors 4-3 is being loosened fast. Besides negating the size advantage widely enjoyed by Warriors, Power need a bailout from their big players –Ben Komakech and Isaac Afidra. The duo are playing within themselves.

Point guard Komakech has managed 29 points and nine assists to go with five turnovers in the finals so far. Skipper Afidra, a forward, has 20 points and 17 rebounds plus six turnovers. That has translated into Warriors coasting to one-sided 88-73 and 80-61 victories. All this has been painful to watch for Bernice Ankunda, the Power coach. Upon the completion of the semifinals with Miracle Eagles which Power won 3-1, Ankunda told Daily Monitor that he preferred Warriors in the finals as they laboured 3-2 past UCU Canons.
His intuition has backfired. “We need to work on our composure,” Ankunda said. He needs to win at least three games to avert this crisis that had centre Robert Wanitho break his leg in Game Two.
“There won’t be a trophy awarded on Saturday,” he added in total defiance of a clean sweep which would imply the men’s final ends this weekend. KCC are perhaps in worse shape than Power having been pounded 57-65 and 75-55 by UCU.
Elsewhere, Miracle Eagles have secured third place after UCU Canons opted out of yesterday’s classification match. “We can’t raise a team because of injuries. We are also focusing on the Inter-University Games,” UCU team manager Dale Scully said yesterday.

Playing today
Third place play-off
Stormers vs. KIU Rangers, 5pm
Finals (Game 3)
M: Warriors vs. Power (9pm)
W: UCU vs. KCC (7pm)
(Warriors, UCU lead series 2-0)

KEYA : KPA lose second tie against First Bank .

2011-12-07T14:32:00.001Z

KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) were felled 93-49 by Nigerian side First Bank in the ongoing 17th Africa women’s Club Championships in Nigeria on Monday. The victors, playing before their delirious home crowd, started off the hunt with a huge 27-7 lead in the first quarter and never looked back as subjecting the porters to another humiliating day. The second quarter was not any better for the Kenyan girls as they trailed 17-7 for 44-14 advantage at the break. After resumption, First Bank, who are the 2009 Africa champions then dictated the tempo taking a 22-12 edge in the third quarter. They build their biggest lead of the game to 47 points and this came as early as the third minute of the third quarter.

KPA, like they did in their opener against Inter Club of Angola on Sunday, rallied in the fourth quarter, making respectable scores but they still trailed 23-27 as the Nigerians dictated the tempo early. KPA, who were whipped 81-37 by reigning champions Inter Club in their opening fixtures, had 12 points from speedy guard Mwajuma Suleiman while forwards Mercy Wanyama and Miriam Awuor combined for another 17 points haul. For the Nigerians, Ukato Magdalene made 16 and Udo Imaoboga hit 16 points each with Sadiq Rashedat making 11. In other games of the day, host club First Deepwater of Nigeria were awarded a 20-0 walkover win over INJS Cameroon failed to show while Inter Club humiliate compatriots GD Maculosso 80-30.

KENYA : KPA thrashed .

2011-12-06T15:01:00.001Z

KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) started their Africa Club Championships campaign on a sour note succumbing to 37-81 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Inter Club of Angola as the 17th continental show tipped off in Nigeria on Sunday. The dockers, who are also the reigning national champions, found out early that the Angolans were a different proposition, putting them to the sword from the onset as they took a 23-7 edge in the first quarter.

In the first five minutes, the victors had raked in 17 unanswered points and it was Everlyn “Taliban” Akoth , who have Kenyan the first points courtesy of a three-pointer. New recruit Mercy Wanyama nailed the next two baskets. It , however, didn’t take long before Inter Club, who are enjoying top form, started to exert pressure. They rained baskets against KPA, whose preparations for the event were suspect from the start, reducing them to minnows. KPA managed to score 4 points in the second quarter and were left trailing 11-40 as the one-sided first half came to an end.

In the third quarter, the Angolans build the game’s biggest lead of 52 points as they subjected KPA to their worst ever defeat in many years at the competition. The KPA technical bench seemed to have run out of ideas as scores swelled to 66-14. With the damage already done, Interc Club slowed down in the last quarter with a 15-10 edge. KPA senior players under-performed in this showdown with non of them showing directions.

Akoth made 7 and Salma Akinyi added 6. For the rampaging Angolans, Vincente Asirida Tumba buried 19 points and Green Danielle managed 16. In the other games, First Bank were awarded a 20-0 walkover win over INJS of Cameroon while the hosting club First Deepwater beat GD Maculosso 64-46. Chinyere Ibekwe had 21 and Nkechi Akashile (16) for the winners. The format of play is round robin and the top four team will proceed to semi’s with the winners at this stage clashing in final The semis will be played on December 9 and finals a day later. 10th Dec 2011.

UGANDA : Wanitho leg-break compounds Power misery

2011-12-06T14:58:00.001Z

Robert Wanitho broke his right leg trying to retrieve a high ball in the second quarter as Warriors cruised to an 80-61 blowout win to assume a 2-0 lead in the seven-match series on Sunday night.

He was rushed to Mulago Hospital and scans confirmed a compound fracture. It is the second time the 25-year old has broken his leg

As Wanitho spent yesterday in the theatre, his teammates came to YMCA court for evening practice feeling his pain but also with lots to ponder. The anticipated thriller between the two finalists from the past two years is proving to be monotonous unlike last year’s 4-3 series victory for Power. Warriors’ fans started to see the Holy Grail at the end of third quarter with their heroes leading 53-32.

“UCU was better,” they chanted endlessly in reference to Warriors’ 3-2 series win over the university side in the semifinals.
To stand the faintest chance of retaining the title, Power must win at least three games which looks highly unlikely. Stephen Okias scored 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists to give Warriors a fourth successive win over Power in as many games this season. The 2009 champions looked much better defensively than the 88-73 Game One victory while Power were anything but holding on. The two teams are heading in different directions.
Power shot 18 of 59 from the field, 6 of 27 from downtown and 7 of 18 from the foul line. The title is in Warriors’ hands ahead of Game Three tomorrow and a clean sweep is firmly on.
Last year, Power cruised into a 3-0 lead before Warriors hit back to force a decisive Game Seven. The rivals wouldn’t want to offer them the slightest escape route. “This is the pivotal game of the series,” Ronnie Kasewu said before Game Two.
“Let’s see but I don’t think they (Power) are as mentally tough as us.” Ivan Enabu scored 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors.

FIBA Club championship - KPA fall to Angolan side Interclube

2011-12-05T14:09:00.001Z

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) started their campaign at the FIBA Africa basketball club championship on a losing note after falling to Angolan side Interclube 81 -33 in game one played on Sunday 4th in Abuja Nigeria. Six teams are taking part in the tournament that will be played in a round robin format .The top four teams will then play in the semi finals on the 9th of December and the finals a day after on 10th of December. Two teams(countries) DRC Congo and Algeria pulled out of the championships.

In their opening match Kenyan champions KPA were left to chase shadows in the first five minutes of the match as the Angolan girls were leading 17-0. KPA Evelyn Akoth (Taliban) scored the 1st points for Kenya with a 3pointer then Hellen Oketch and Mercy Wanyama added two points each. But this was a drop in the ocean as the Kenyan girls at one points trailed with a difference of 52 points.
KPA will play the second match on Monday 5th December against first Bank of Nigeria.

The six teams are as follows;-
Nigeria - First Bank / First Deepwater(hosting Club)
Angola - Interclube (defending champs) / GD Maculosso
Kenya - Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
Cameroon - I.N.J.S.

Day One - 04th Dec 2011.
1.First Bank (NGR) 20 - INJS (CAM) 00 Walkover

2.First Deepwater (NGR) 64(17/16/14/17) - GD Maculosso (ANG) 46(09/10/12/15)
Chinyere Ibekwe 21pts Elsa Gouaicou 8pts
Nkechi Akashile 16pts Yoana Baptista 9pts.

3.Interclube (ANG) 81(23/17/26/15) - KPA (KEN) 33(7/4/12/10)
Vicente Asirida Tumba 19pts Evelyn Akoth 7pts
Green Danielle 16pts Salma Akinyi 6pts

Day Two - 05th Dec 2011
4.First DeepWater (NGR) - I.N.J.S. (CAM) 1400hrs
5.GD Maculosso (ANG) - Inter Clube (ANG) 1600hrs
6.KPA (KEN) - First Bank (NGR) 1800hrs.
Day Three - 06th Dec 2011.
7.First DeepWater (NGR) - Inter Clube (ANG) 1400hrs
8.First Bank (NGR) - GD Maculosso (ANG) 1600hrs
9.I.N.J.S. (CAM) - KPA (KEN) 1800hrs
Day Four - 07th Dec 2011
10.First Bank (NGR) - First DeepWater (NGR) 1400hrs
11.INJS (CAM) - Inter Clube (ANG) 1600hrs
12.KPA (KEN) - GD Maculosso (ANG) 1800hrs
Day Five 08th Dec 2011
13.KPA (KEN) - First DeepWater (NGR) 1400hrs
14.GD Maculosso (ANG) - INJS (CAM) 1600hrs
15.Inter Clube (ANG) - First Bank (NGR) 1800hrs.

UGANDA : Gombya Display Catches Dmark Power Off Guard

2011-12-05T13:59:00.001Z

The influence of Sam Gombya is definitely something DMark Power ignored when making plans for a third clash with Warriors in the MTN-Fuba League finals. From now on, the reigning champions will not do so after losing 88-73 to Warriors in Game One at YMCA court on Saturday night to trail the seven-match series 1-0.

There being little recovery time between games, Warriors coach Mandy Juruni made decisions some would regard as outrageous. He left Eric Malinga out of the starting five and introduced Gombya, normally a last toss of the coin, in the second period. The latter was the game-changer.

The tallest player in the division at 7feet and one inch, Gombya punished Power’s size disadvantage, scoring 12 points. Through him, Warriors assumed a 10-point lead heading into the final quarter. They edged the first 18-15, tied the second 25-25 and clinched the third 20-13.
Yet, Gombya is a player who looked lost when he first stepped on the basketball court two years ago after failing to make any headway in boxing. “I first met him during the 2008 playoffs in Lugogo,” Warriors patron Ambrose Tashobya says. “I thought he was Sudanese.”
Such a mentality kept Tashobya away from pursuing Gombya. Someone else did it for him.
Retired Ugandan sprinter Davis Kamoga formally introduced Gombya to Tashobya, a few months later and he duly signed him in time for the 2009 season. But the then Warriors coach Gad Eteu rarely gave him playing time. “I took him in as part of my family because he is an orphan. He never grew up with a mother or father,” Tashobya reveals.
Although crowds love him and cheer him more than any other player, Gombya’s confidence is still suspect. He hardly talks to strangers. But on court, he is starting to get things right.

Still not many believed he could perform on the big stage until Game Four of the semifinal series against UCU Canons recently. With Warriors in foul trouble and their big men ejected, Gombya was the only solution against a team that beat them in size. He scored 16 points and six rebounds in the 105-95 double overtime victory.

Fans and opponents were left in awe by that display. Not Warriors. They know how good he can be. “Part of Henry’s contract is to train him,” Tashobya notes. It’s a job Henry, a four-time champion with Falcons, loves.”

Henry is indirectly reaping from his job. On Saturday, Henry and his brother Eric were rested for 12 minutes as Gombya did the damage in Power’s paint. As a result of the rest, Henry scored a game-high 20 points and 16 rebounds while Eric added 19. Asked about the Gombya-effect, Power coach Bernice Ankunda noted: “He did some damage but it’s the Malingas who really beat us.”

Warriors simply had too much firepower. Brian Gumisiriza contributed 10 points while Michael Kariuki added eight points and 11 rebounds. Power’s Ben Komakech covered some of the cracks of a torrid night with 19 points but made six of 12 from the field and one of six from downtown.

Meanwhile, UCU Lady Canons defeated KCC Leopards 74-55 last night to take a 2-0 lead in the women’s final series. The title holders won the opener on Saturday 65-57 with Purity Odhiambo scoring 26 points and 16 rebounds.

TANZANIA : TBF to Pick National Team From Taifa Cup

2011-12-04T11:55:00.001Z

THE Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) will use the forthcoming Taifa Cup Championship set for next week to pick the national team that will represent the country in various competitions.

TBF Assistant Secretary General, Michael Maluwe said on Friday that they will use the event set to throw off on December 11 to pick the side as it will feature top players from 19 regions.
"It is an occasion where we will have top players from 19 regions it will be an ideal platform to select the national team players because we believe top talents will be involved in the tournament," he said.
Maluwe said the occasion will be preceded by the General Assembly and board of directors meeting which will dwell on various issues pertaining to the game's development.
He named regions which have confirmed participation in the Taifa Cup as Tabora, Unguja, Pemba, Tanga, Ilala, Temeke, Kinondoni, Mara, Mwanza, Lindi, Manyara and Iringa. Others are Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Morogoro, Shinyanga, Mtwara and Rukwa while Mbeya and Dodoma are yet to confirm.
Maluwe said Dar es Salaam will host this year's Taifa Cup at the Leaders Club and Don Bosco courts. He said teams have been advised to pay for their travelling cost while the federation will top up in their meals and accommodation expenses.
Dar es Salaam is the defending champions after winning the event in 2009 in both men and women categories. Various regions have already unveiled their squads that will take part in the Taifa Cup.

KENYA : Coop Bank a step closer to retaining KBF title

2011-12-03T15:07:00.001Z

No team proved better than the other in the entire game. Both gifting the other uncontested lay-ups, unnecessary fouls amidst tension that did not let the game flow. At the end of the day experience carried the day for COOP Bank with Abel Nson nailing a three point shot that turned tables for KCB to cut their four point lead to one before conceding a quick basket coupled by a foul that robbed them the game.

Roy Kahure drew first blood in the game burying the first basket for the Lions but Nson and Kiganya were quick to reply for the defending champions to take a three point lead. The first quarter was generally controlled by COOP with KCB Lions looking like a scared side ending the quarter 16-22.
The second was evenly contested by two three-pointers from Tobias Onyango and Ikapian Juma, the latter having a relatively quiet game ruined the order of scores for COOP to end the second quarter 15-12 in favor of KCB.
Too much caution and defensive approach in the second half ruined the flow of the game with both teams concentrating on defense with COOP Bank at some point losing easy ball to their opponents but made sure they also conceded none thanks to their great defense marshaled by Salil Ali and Peter Kiganya.
The 2010 champions still snatched the quarter from the Lions 19-18. KCB replied with the same margin in the fourth quarter to end the tension-packed game that left fans savoring every second as Coop bank won 68-71. Game 2 is next weekend at Nyayo gymnasium.
Tobias Onyango had 22 points for KCB while Kiganya had 20 for Coop

UGANDA : Ikong Talks Basketball, Playoff Finals, Family

2011-12-03T14:58:00.001Z

Joseph Ikong started this year in the manner he had only hoped for. At 25, he had ended 2010 with so many reasons to celebrate.

Two national basketball titles in three years with DMark Power is more than he dreamt about when he joined from Youth Heaters.
It even got better when he led his Team Ikong to victory in the pre-season Friday Night Lights, a fun tournament.
The next stop was the AND1 tour. Ikong was among the players chosen when the American Streetball team came here.
He travelled with them on a tour of Green Hill Academy and did a good job emceeing their exhibition game against a select team of players in the local league.
But just before the start of Power's title defence, Ikong had to travel to the United States. He went to attend the burial of his elder brother in Wisconsin.
Sergeant (Sgt.) Paul Atim Anyuru, a member of the US Army, died fighting in Afghanistan. "It's been a very challenging year," Ikong says.
"If you lose someone to you, you end up revising life." The old Ikong is gone according to many of his teammates sampled.
He keeps to himself more than before and speaks less. "He seems lost but everyone in the team tries to help as much as they can," Power captain Isaac Afidra told SCORE.
Speaking emotionally, he cites some of the reasons why Kenneth Balyejusa, a former Power and national team star, stopped playing.
"After losing his best friend Wilbrod (Oketcho), Ken lost motivation. It happens to everyone," the small forwards notes. Balyejusa, a dominant figure in schools' basketball in the early 2000s went on to lead Uganda to the Zone V Nations Championship in 2005, also has a chronic ankle injury.
"All the people who played with Wilbrod are young and retired except Isaac," says Ikong. The disappointment doesn't stop with the death of Sgt. Anyuru.
While in the US, trials at the University of Wisconsin attracted him. "I was by one year older so was not selected. The coach there said they only wanted players of 24 years and below."
It's not hard to notice that his game has suffered badly. The regular season top scorer from last season is shade of the player he once was. The quality at Power has kept them afloat and they are in a fourth successive final. "I am not totally disappointed.
"We are going to win this for my brother." That would be a fitting send-off to the soldier. To do so, Ikong and co. must beat Warriors.
This is a very close call for the champions as Warriors often have Power's number. Warriors did beat them in the 2007 best-of-three semifinals 2-1 and humiliated them 4-1 in the 2009 seven-game series final.
Power did get revenge in a pulsating final last year wining 4-3 after throwing away a 3-0 lead in the series. The questions which often arise about the champions is Ikong's suspect temperament.
He seems to get lost in the big games and surfaces in the small ones. "The pressure that comes from such games is very huge.
"Unlike in a professional setting, here fans call you and only bring more pressure. I know people say I used to score but it's because I used to be in a scoring position and now I am not.
"Power has so many scoring options in (Isaac) Luggudde and Jimmy (Enabu) so I can contribute elsewhere," he reasons.
During the semifinal games against Miracle Eagles which Power won 3-2, Ikong so often found himself marking either Norman Blick or Stephen Omony, some of the biggest stars in Ugandan basketball.
He does refer to Blick as his basketball idol locally and picks out Vince Carter as the NBA star he admires most. Carter, now with Phoenix Suns, has thrown down some of the greatest dunks ever.
The Ugandan, 6ft 4in, knows to magic of being airborne. Ikong won the slam dunk championship during the 2009 All-Star weekend at YMCA court.
"Of course you need practice. Dunking itself is about having strength to manage your body. It's no longer a big thing today because everyone dunks."
Throughout the interview, the finals which start today occupy Ikong's mind even if his toughest opponent ever - Abdullahi Ramadhan - is not part of this episode.
The Tanzanian guard whom Ikong commends for his "experience, energy to run and good shooter who can expose you" was with Warriors for the past two years before crossing to Falcons.
"Warriors is a great team because they keep fighting even when they are down. Playing them is part of life as nothing comes easily." The Malinga brothers - Eric and Henry - will be key to Warriors' revenge mission.
"To stop the Malingas, we must deny the guards the ball. They complement each other so well. If you deny them space, they create it. Eric will make the two and Henry is magic on the post."
Their foes will definitely employ a rotational zonal defence, a system Power struggle to penetrate. "It's a myth that Power cannot beat the zone. In Game One, Miracle used it and we found a way out. Playoffs is one game at a time."
The odds are fairly eve and Ikong knows how to split them. "The team that wins both regular season games get beaten in the final," he says with laughter.
Back in 2009, Power beat their rivals twice in both regular season and Warriors have returned the favour this year. Neither Power coach Bernice Ankunda nor Warriors' Mandy Juruni will be preoccupied with this notion.
Both do control their teams differently and Power time-outs look chaotic to say the least. "You guys on the outside see that (chaos) but on the bench, we all give feedback. I like the fact that it allows us to express ourselves," Ikong reveals in defence.
The orphan who lost his father Jenesio Omodo Anyuru back in September 1992 as primary two pupil relates with all his nine siblings as comfort. Basketball was not the first love. "I used to play football but when selection for U-14 under coach (Eddie) Butindo, I was found to be too tall," Ikong remembers. That's the system often used in age competitions here.
The sanctuary came in Makerere main ground where he went to watch Falcons train and eventually picked a ball in 2003 while at Old Kampala Secondary School. His O'Level School in Kasubi never had a court or pitch.
Nicholas Mugisha, the current Magic Stormers coach, helped him hone his skills and former Power technical director Peter Mubanda polished them.
The pair should be happy if Ikong makes it three titles in four years as Power chase a fifth crown in total.

UGANDA : Oketcho Eyes Fifth Basketball Title

2011-12-03T14:56:00.001Z

KCC Leopards' Flavia Oketcho has only lost once in the FUBA playoff finals and that was six years ago. But the UCU Lady Canons pose yet another credible threat to her stunning record in this year's women's play-off final series starting Saturday.

That Oketcho has been the defining moment for her side at all the avenues that her side has won is but an understatement of what she is capable of doing.
Twice with the Lady Bucks in 2004 and 2006, the Lady Canons(2008) and with the Leopards in 2009, she has inspired her teammates to lift the prestigious trophies respectively.
"Both teams (UCU and KCC) have great match-ups when you look at the players but our confidence from playing at this year's Zone V club championships will give us an edge over the Canons," explained an expectant Oketcho.
Oketcho's good decision-making will be in check by UCU's Brenda Mbone and the reigning league MVP Maureen Amoding. But can the Lady Canons manipulate their strength at the front court to stop KCC's Martha Soigi?
Colleagues on the national netball team to the London 2012 Olympics, Peace Proscovia and Soigi will put aside their friendship to fight for a national title in the best-of-seven series.
Soigi will have to contend with Canons Kenyan duo of three-time league top scorer Lorraine Akinyi and former APR forward Purity Odhiambo who have dominated the boards all season long.
"We want to come out strong in the series and take a game at a time because we know that KCC is also a good team," explained Akinyi.

UGANDA : Final twists in the tale

2011-12-03T14:52:00.001Z

The road to the MTN-Fuba League title starts to wind down today as the finals across all four divisions tip off at YMCA court.

Division Two sides Rez Life and Vegetarian plus City Oil and Bush Court in Division Three have little to fight for in the best-of-five finals. All four have moved up a division.

Their titles are only icing sugar. The stakes are much higher for the women’s final between UCU Lady Canons and the men’s involving Warriors and DMark Power.
Both these series are scheduled to last seven games with numerous subplots being unfurled over the next fortnight. Margins are very thin but log leaders from the regular season – Warriors and UCU – must feel they hold the edge.
The ‘favourites’ are dissimilar in many ways as UCU are defending champions, having swept A1 Challenge 4-0 in last year’s finals whereas Warriors lost 4-3 to Power.
UCU and KCC came through the semifinals unscathed – sweeping Magic Stormers and KIU Rangers 3-0 respectively.

“We are underdogs because they are defending champions,” KCC coach Timothy Odeke said. His major disadvantage is on the inside where Peace Proscovia, Purity Odhaimbo and Lorraine Akinyi look miles ahead of their KCC counterparts.

“Lorraine was excellent last season and Peace has improved greatly,” Odeke noted. “It will be an epic clash. I expect seven games.”

MVP Maureen Amoding and Brenda Mbone have the challenge of matching KCC guard Flavia Oktecho, who won the championship with UCU in 2008. The familiarity is even more profound for Warriors-Power who clash in the finals for a third straight season.

Power, having beaten Miracle Eagles 3-1 after losing Game One in the semis, should be pleased with the six-day rest. “It might help us but it aids Warriors more because they have the rhythm yet it will be much harder for us to get back up fast,” said Power coach Bernice Ankunda. Warriors have been straining to eliminate UCU Canons 3-2 in a physical series which included double overtime in Game Four and overtime in the decider.

Ivan Enabu finally broke the barrier to play in the finals on Tuesday for the first time against his younger brothers, Jimmy and Emmanuel Enabu. The latter, the youngest of the three, is the only one to have won it – a feat he managed with Power last year – among this crop of the illustrious basketball family.

Just like Ivan, the Malinga brothers – Eric and Henry – are hoping for better fortunes than last year. The duo did win multiple titles with Falcons. Eric has been the most consistent to crown a successful first season for Mandy Juruni as Warriors coach where they won 17 of 18 games in the regular season, beating Power twice.

KENYA : The battle for Kenya’s basketball champions

2011-12-02T15:19:00.001Z

Game one of the best-of-three series kicks off tonight at 8 pm under the beaming floodlights of the Nyayo gymnasium and no team is ready to surrender the title to the other. This is a rematch of last year’s final, a series in which KCB fans ruined their team’s party in Game 3. Peter Kiganya led his team in doing the remaining damage. One of the storylines I’ll be following with great interest is the showdown between Roy Kahure and Peter Kiganya—who have been the two best players for their teams in the KBF since the regular season began. Kiganya’s greatness has been apparent for several years he has deployed his many tools—speed, strength, passing. Roy on the hand has an eye for a basket. He may not be the all-around force that Kiganya has been for the bankers. His defense is merely average and he can’t pass as well as Kiganya, but can do one thing better than anyone in the league right now: score.

Another reason for the neutral fan to be excited about this three-Game series (though I think that most traditionally-neutral fans will have a vested interest one way or the other) is the propensity for comebacks displayed by KCB during the regular season compared to the vigor with which COOP begin their games and carry on with the same throughout. Suddenly KCB, a team that struggled mightily to close out games in the regular season, turned the tables on the opposition in the playoffs when they faced thunder. No team has done a better job erasing deficits; for the Lions to win the series, they can’t let off the gas in the fourth quarter. An eight-point lead has to turn into a twelve-point lead, because COOP Bank is like that desperate guy looking to score the hot girl in the bar; they won’t go away unless you make it absolutely clear they have no shot and even in the event of that, Kiganya will use his experience and power to force a basket or a foul or both. So don’t go to bed tonight if some team’s up 10 with five minutes to go, or else you might just miss the best game of the series.

Who are the x-factors for each team?
For the COOP, it is a combination of Titus Musembi and Allan Ouma. The Bankers already have a bunch of offensive threats, but we pretty much know what the starters + Kiganya are capable of doing. But if you throw in another guy, KCB has to account for? There will be a mismatch somewhere on the floor, and COOP will find it. I don’t really see an x-factor for the Lions. At this point, it’s clear that the Lions will go as far as their superstars will take them, and if their top three of Kahure, Tobias Onyango and Ikapian Juma combine for 60 points or more points a game, they’re going to be hard to beat. I suppose if I had to pick, I’d choose Ikapian Juma still because he’s oftenly used as a substitute by Coach Ngunjiri, but he still comes in to cause damage to the opponents.

How effective will KCB’s Tobias Onyango be?
Brian Busu will likely draw this assignment while he’s on the floor, and how well he does on the streaky Kenyan international will probably determine the outcome of at least one game (though I could see the COOP putting Kiganya on him if the lions go with their two-PG set). Tobby is definitely capable of heating up and carrying KCB’s offense for short bursts and a hot fourth quarter from him could swing a game in these Finals. The key for Busu or Kiganya will be to step behind KCB’s screens or for COOP to switch onto him quickly if either Busu or Kiganya get tied up. He killed Thunder in Game 2 of the quarterfinals by driving uncontested off screens to the rim. Put a defender in his way, and suddenly any shots released from his six-foot frame become a lot more blockable.

UGANDA : Key match-ups for Warriors vs Power

2011-12-02T15:10:00.001Z

Div 3: Bush Court vs. City Oil2pm

Div 2: Rez Life vs. Vegeterian4pm
Women: UCU vs. KCC6pm
Div 1: Warriors vs. Power8pm

The result of any basketball game comes down to beating your direct opponent. Every coach will stress this before, during and after each game.

As the MTN-Fuba League best-of-seven finals start at YMCA tomorrow, DMark Power and Warriors players will ultimately pay attention to the thinner details. Here are the key match-ups that could decide this series as the two giants clash in the finals for the third straight season.

B. Komakech – I. Enabu
The signing of Ivan Enabu from UCU Canons in the off-season immediately improved Warriors’ pace.
His approach is complemented by his electrifying skills and speed. He couldn’t have hoped for a tougher debut in the finals than facing Ben Komakech.
Komakech, a two-time MVP as Power won the title in 2008 and last year, is perhaps the more complete especially with shooting. However, he has his hands full defending Ivan. Komakech often has a quiet regular season and comes alive in the playoffs. Ivan is playing here for the first time. All he needs to do is feed his big men more. Advantage Power.

J. Enabu - R. Kasewu
Jimmy Enabu came to Power as a replacement for Norman Blick, who left for Miracle Eagles. His quickness faces the steel and intelligence of Ronnie Kasewu.
The latter, MVP in 2009, does a bit of everything which might have led to his relatively quiet season offensively. Kasewu is the more physical player but Jimmy is the best outlet to turn defence into attack in the tweak of an eye. Advantage Warriors.

J. Ikong – S. Okias
There is a tendency for Warriors’ Stephen Okias to limp through with the playoffs as his knees labour to cope. His awkward shooting technique should make it hard for Joseph Ikong to stop. Ikong is the closest Power come close to keeping pace with Jimmy. Both Okias and Ikong get double figures so the better defender on the day will come out on top. Advantage Power.

I. Afidra – E. Malinga

Isaac Afidra vs Eric Malinga is as important to this series as Komakech-Ivan. Isaac and Eric are two of the best perimeter shooters.
To defeat Warriors, Afidra must get close to Eric, a contender for the regular season MVP award. Afidra has not been as offensive as Eric on the inside this season and must make with some downtown attempts. Advantage Warriors.

M. Kojo – H. Malinga

In bits, Michael Kojo shows immense quality. He looks a brilliant prospect for a future dominant player on the post.

Challenges don’t come any bigger than facing Henry Malinga, not only the most experienced but also arguably the best post player here. Kojo needs consistency to match Henry. Advantage Warriors.

Bench strength

Both benches are littered with talent. Power will feel they have the better shooting arsenal in Emmanuel Enabu, Isaac Luggudde and Richard Balemwa. The grit of Boniface Okello is key to matching Warriors’ Michael Kariuki and Brian Gumisiriza.

The crunch buckets from Jude Ochen also have a huge part to play for Warriors. There is always room for an unlikely hero. Advantage Power.

Strength and weakness

No team here is faster than Power and this could get Warriors into foul trouble. Mentally, the 2009 champions have the edge after coming through a tougher semifinal against UCU and mastered the art of beating Power. In the Malinga brothers, Warriors have the size and experience. Verdict: Warriors to win 4-2.

KENYA : The best bench will win the league, says Kiganya

2011-12-01T11:18:00.001Z

Kenyan International and COOP Bank’s Peter Kiganya is cautious ahead of their first game on Friday and admits that the first five regulars of both COOP Bank and KCB Lions are well too familiar with one another that only the introduction of players from the bench into the game will let it flow.

“This year alone we’ve played against KCB three times, over the past year it’s eight times and we’re well too familiar with their star players just as they are with ours. That I admit will bring some stalemate into the game as the regulars are normally cautious against one another in all our previous meetings,” said the powerful utility, one of Kenya’s most decorated.
He does not however hide his desire to help his side retain their crown in the best three series that starts this Friday under the floodlights from 8pm and will be Live on Zuku Sports Channel while game two will be staged on Sunday at 4pm at Nyayo gymnasium

NIGERIA : Continental Tourney Will Dev - NBBF

2011-12-01T11:15:00.001Z

The African Female Basketball Club championship, to be hosted by Deep Water in Lagos, will strengthen the development of the sport, an official of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has said.

Muktar Malone, Vice-President of NBBF, said that they decided to bail out the continental federation after initial hosts pulled out.
Malone said after Cameroon pulled out from hosting the event, NBBF decided to take it over to demonstrate their commitment toward the development of female basketball in the county and West Africa.
   "It is the final round of the women club championship 2010/2011 and Deep Water Basketball Club of Nigeria is hosting and it is going to start in Lagos from December 4 - 10.
   "We are expecting 10 teams in the championship, we are expecting a very good championship, because this is the first time Nigeria is hosting the club championship finals for women.
   "And we are expecting to see the tough African women basketball players here in Nigeria for that period."
The NBBF's 1st vice-president also said that the impact and effectiveness was to promote active sport participation and encourage upcoming players.
   "The impact is a lot of upcoming players will be able to see the players that are playing in the African continent and most of the clubs are also bringing in players from outside Africa.
   "So I think it is going to have a lot of impact on upcoming players, they will be able to see their stars, they will be learn a few things and I think it is going to be a plus for Nigerian basketball."
Malone said it would be the best event to conclude the year and fans should come out and support the players.

UGANDA : Warriors promise a tough final

2011-12-01T11:12:00.001Z

By Charles Mutebi THE Kyambogo Warriors are ready to adjust to the fast life that comes with playing Power, whom they will meet in the FUBA Men’s division one playoff finals after sealing their semi-finals series against the UCU Canons with a 96-88 overtime victory in Game 5 at YMCA on Tuesday.
Eric Malinga sunk a game-high 29 points to help the Warriors win the series decider against a UCU team that simply failed to close out matters in Game 4 and 5.
After Game 5, Warriors coach Mande Juruni praised the “character” of his team in defeating a bigger opponent, who dominated Kyambogo on their favourite post game.
Juruni said surviving UCU was a huge psychological boost even though Power are a totally different prospect.
“Coming through a tough series gives you more belief,” said Juruni.
“But it is going to be a totally different game against Power. UCU are slower and play an inside game while Power are quicker and are a transition team.”

As the Warriors prepare to face Power in the finals for the third straight year, UCU are left rueing a fourth semi-finals elimination in five years.

And really, UCU should have won. Nick Natuhereza’s team had a three-point lead and possession with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Had UCU’s Desmond Owili (16pts & 12rebounds) passed to a team-mate rather than out of bounds, the Canons would have controlled the final seconds of the last period.

Instead, he turned over and kept the Warriors perilously close. Warriors Henry Malinga (12pts) completed a three-point play on the next possession to level it at 79-79.

Geoff Omondi (17) then made two from the line to put UCU back in front with six seconds to play.

Then came the controversy of the night. Omondi was adjudged to have fouled Ivan Enabu (15pts) as the guard drove to the basket to save the game for Kyambogo. Video replays clearly show Enabu was not fouled but he made two on the line to send the game to overtime.

The Warriors dominated overtime - outscoring UCU 15-7 - to set up a date with the reigning champions, who defeated Miracle 3-1 in their series.

Martin Okwako bagged 16 points and 15 rebounds for UCU, whose players and top officials were left bitter about the refereeing, blaming it for their downfall.

But UCU coach Natuhereza said: “I want to look at what we did as a team, I can’t blame anyone else”.

As FUBA president Ambrose Tashobya’s team, Kyambogo are naturally believed to enjoy the slice of the refereeing calls but complaints about the quality of refereeing exist in all four FUBA League divisions.

KENYA : Co-op Bank to face KCB in play-off final .

2011-11-30T15:05:00.001Z

BY DANN O'WERRE .
AN epic battle is on the cards this weekend as reigning champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya tackle arch rivals KCB Lions. Going by what transpired in last year’s finals between the two giants where chaos reigned and Co-op were declared the winners, fans cant wait for this one.

On their way to the finals, Co-op Bank way laid Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 2-0—taking Game One 64-61 in Mombasa and shutting the porters out of the post season with a stunning display winning Game Two 82-62 in Nairobi. Lions on the other hand, reached the finals by playing only in the quarter finals, where they beat Thunder 2-0. But their semi finals tie against Ulinzi Warriors was a non-starter as the soldiers were called on duty.
The ladies finals is already on with KPA leading Eagle Wings 1-0 having posted a 53-46 in Mombasa on Saturday. The dock women will travel to Nairobi for Game Two and possibly Game Three. In their match against KPA, the champions were up close 14-13 in the second quarter before breezing away 20-14 in the third. They took the last quarter 25-20.
Abel Nson led the winners scoring tally with 15 points while Peter Kiganya posted another 14 points. But it was the porters who had a game high of 18 points from Martin Gitonga and 13 from Dan Ocholla. University of Nairobi “Terrorists” shut out Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) 52-42 in the lower division semis. The campus lads rallied behind Billy Oketch’s 14 points while Ben Oluoch pepped the losers with 12. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) dismissed Parklands Baptist 63-56 in a classification game.

SEYCHELLES : Drifters sweep play-off clash to stay in top flight

2011-11-30T15:02:00.001Z

Anse Boileau-based Drifters have secured a spot in the men’s division one league next season after dominating the play-off series against second division runners-up Anse Etoile.

Drifters, who finished ninth in the first division this year, swept the best-of-three play-off series, condemning Anse Etoile to the lower division.
In the first match on Saturday, Drifters beat Anse Etoile 81-67, while the final score of the second match on Monday was 79-53.
Drifters will now play alongside league champions PLS Hawks, Premium Cobras, MBU Rockers, Baya, SBF Cup winners Mont Fleuri Dawgz, Cascade Bullets, Angels and RC Dynamics in the nine-team top league next year.
R. D.

NIGERIA : Defenders' Coach Revels On Premier League Berth

2011-11-29T14:49:00.001Z

Tope Olowosulu, the Head Coach, Defenders Basketball Club, Abuja, has said the men's qualification for the 2012 DSTV Premier League had opened a window of opportunity for their sponsors.

Olowosulu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that their sponsors, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were hitherto acknowledged for their exploits in athletics.
   "But the team's qualification now gives the NSCDC a good opportunity do exploits in team sports, particularly basketball," the coach said.
The Defenders last week qualified for next season's Premier League at the end of the National Division One Basketball Championship held in Abuja.
They had topped the Savannah Conference of the championship to earn the ticket to replace Plateau Peaks of Jos who were relegated.
The coach said that NSCDC's sports activities would be further boosted by the foray into basketball, complimenting their strides in athletics."The NSCDC have become a big force in Nigerian sports through the promotion and sponsorship of athletes and teams, notably in athletics.

   "But we can become bigger with basketball, and the Defenders' qualification for the Premier League will help in this regards," he said.
Olowosulu, who praised the effort of the NSCDC's Commander-General, Dr Ade Abolurin, said his support and direction had helped the organisation develop the potential of its sportsmen.
The coach said the Defenders would be more focus and step up their game so as to live up to expectations and excel in the 2012 DSTV/NBBF Premier League.
"We just need more focus, and we will be where we should be. Luckily for us, we have in our Commander-General somebody that will always give us the support we need to do well.
   "With his support, we have been able to do well to this level" he said.
Olowosulu said that his team would, as part of preparations for its campaign in the league next season, engage some more experienced players to beef up its squad.
   "We have young players, but we will still have to inject some experienced players into our squad; those with some Premier League experience. This will help us to come up well in the competition," the coach said.
He however praised his players' efforts in winning the Premier League ticket, despite their relative inexperience.

NIGERIA : Continental Basketball - First Deepwater, First Bank Intensify Training

2011-11-29T14:48:00.001Z

Host of the 17th edition of the FIBA Africa Champions Club for Women, First Deepwater and former champions First Bank have intensified training ahead the commencement of the continent's biggest women club competition to begin this weekend in Lagos. Host, First Deepwater also promised to stage a good event. The host yesterday said they will add value by bringing a mixture of basketball and entertainment to the competition. To this end, the club has lined up two up-coming musicians to perform on every game day.

The two Nigerian representatives at the 2011 final round of the champions club, First Deepwater and First Bank said they have doubled their trainings ahead of the first jump-ball this Sunday. Head coach of First Deepwater Lateef Erinfolami said his girls are battle ready for the final showdown. The former Nigeria senior national team and Ebun Comets captain said his optimism is based on the performance of his girls at the 2010/2011 women league season won by the club for a second straight season in Lagos. "We are set for any opposition and very eager to take to the floor of the sports hall and we want to enjoin basketball lovers in Nigeria to troop out in large numbers to give us maximum support."
The Nigerian league champions stated that the artists will perform at half-time of the games from December 4 to 10.
The two musicians billed for the continent's biggest women club competition are KOP9DZ with their 'BOJU BOJU' from the forthcoming album and 'CHECKMATE' crooner MR WALZ.

KENYA : ‘Terrorists’ back in top tier after years in the lower league .

2011-11-29T14:46:00.001Z

UNIVERSITY of Nairobi “Terrorists” are back in the national Premier League after years in the lower division. The campus lads who played at the top level in the 90’s booked their ticket over the weekend when they shut out Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) 2-0 to complete a sweep of the play-offs semi-finals series.

UoN dismissed NAC 52-42 at Nyayo, a feat which followed a 51-46 win in Game One at the same venue a week ago. They will now face Kisumu Lake-side in a match to determined lower division winners. The team’s tactician Emmanuel “Ajush” Ochieng, who took over the reigns a year ago, attributed the achievement to hard work and discipline. “When the season started we had a meeting as a team and set ourselves promotion target.
Our prayers have been answered and I commend the boys for a job well done,” he said. “The good thing about this team is that the top cream will still be available when the next season starts. Most of my players are second year students and this should provide continuity for the team next year,” he said.

UGANDA : Power await winner of UCU-Warriors Game 5

2011-11-29T14:44:00.001Z

DMark Power normally come to YMCA court on days like this to go through their paces. Today, they will be there as spectators and judges.

The champions will definitely struggle to be impartial as Warriors and UCU Canons clash in the decisive Game Five of their semifinal series.
Power take a deserved the day-off. Coach Bernice Ankunda’s side beat Miracle Eagles 84-79 on Sunday night to clinch the series 3-1. That gave them a place in a fourth successive final with a game to spare.
Ankunda has a preference. “I would prefer Warriors. UCU are more technical,” he said, rather jokingly. The players will concentrate on analyzing their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
One of the things that must occupy them is how to beat the zonal defence. Whenever Miracle have used it in the just- ended series, the four-time national champions have laboured for options.

Komakech masterclass

Warriors and UCU are brilliant at it. However, such is the quality of Power that they often get an out of jail card – Ben Komakech. The two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) scored 20 points and five assists to roll over Miracle who looked drained by their first appearance in the playoffs.

Belief drives UCU against Warriors

Despite leading 21-18 after the first period, Power hit back superbly to win the second 29-14. That proved the turning point. Miracle edged the final two 21-17 and 23-20 respectively.

“Mentally, we were not at par with Power. They were the better side,”Joe Burua, the beaten coach, said. He can take heart from the little moments like winning Game One 80-65 before losing the superseding three to bow out.

Power were not as dominant as Game Three which they won 82-65. It didn’t matter even if skipper Isaac Afidra had 10 points and 10 rebounds. He had 19-15 in the game that surely broke Miracle’s resistance.

Stephen Omony bowed out with a game-high 22 points and 12 boards. His partner Norman Blick, formerly with Power, ended a fluctuating first season on 20 points and eight assists.

The next few months will offer answers on where the Miracle go from here. If Warriors win today, the league will have the same men’s finalists for a third successive season. UCU will be nervy to see if centre Robert Ogweno recovers to lead their charge to a first appearance in the finals.

UGANDA : Warriors force Game 5 against depleted UCU

2011-11-28T15:50:00.001Z

Warriors have numerous match winners but Sam Gombya was the unlikeliest last man standing against UCU Canons on Saturday night.

Gombya scored 16 points and six rebounds to give Warriors a 105-95 victory in double overtime and force a decisive Game Five tomorrow in this pulsating MTN-Fuba League semifinal series. He only came on in overtime because the former champions were left with no options as both benches wore thin.
UCU finally paid for their thinness, finishing the game with only three players – Sande Okot, Sudi Ulanga and Geoffrey Omondi (19 points) – all guards. Michael Kariuki, Brian Gumisiriza, Ivan Enabu, Henry and Eric Malinga fouled out too for Warriors.
“This was crazy,” Warriors coach Mandy Juruni said. “Never seen anything like this.”

Both teams finished the four periods at 72-up as the jittery university side squandered a five-point lead (72-67) heading into the final minute. Enabu, scoring a game-high 27 points for his best figures of the series, perfected four on the line to pull within one. UCU lost the edge when Ulanga missed two from the foul line thereafter. Kariuki also did the same with six seconds on the clock despite celebrating before his attempts.

Henry, 23 points and 15 rebounds, gave Kariuki reprieve and punished the crowd, largely partisan for the underdogs, by nailing one. Overtime had arrived. That became the Gombya show to separate the drained sides. The tallest and fans’ favourite did with two slam dunks.

Without inside players Jachin Wettstone (13-10), Martin Okwako (14-9), Naftary Msogoti (7-7) and Desmond Owili (3), ejected earlier, UCU were helpless. The knee injury centre Robert Ogweno suffered last Wednesday haunted them. “I hope he can play soon,” UCU coach Nick Natuhereza said.

Players and fans were understandably sapped. No team has won subsequent games.

SARTUDAY RESULTS
M: UCU 95-105 Warriors (2OT)

(Series tied 2-2)

Div. 2: Rez Life 80-74 UCU JV

(Rez Life win series 2-1)

Div. 3: Shooters 52-53 City Oil

(City Oil win series 2-0)