31 December 2008

RWANDA : Basketball review

APR re-established themselves as Rwanda’s basketball powerhouse after a remarkable performance on the local and regional scene.

Having missed out on last year’s play-offs, the indomitable lions roared themselves back in the limelight by lifting this year’s league title. But it was the worst possible way for Cliff Owuor to record his third league title as APR won the title through default points.

On the regional scene, APR maintained their high reputation by retaining the Zone 5 Club Championship which was staged in Ethiopia.

This victory powered the club into the Fiba-Africa Men’s Club Championship, arguably the most competitive and lucrative club competition in African basketball.

This championship was held in Tunisia and APR finished 8th, dropping one slot from their 7th spot finish in 2007.

30 December 2008

TEAMS CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

ALGERIE - MC Alger
ANGOLA - 1º Agosto (Luanda)
BENIN – ASPAC
BURKINA FASO - RCK (Kadiongo)
CAMEROON – Condors (Yaounde)
CAP VERT – Spartak (Fogo)
COMORES – Djabal Club
CONGO (Brazaville) – Inter Brazaville
DR CONDO : BC Mazembe (Lubumbashi)
EGYPT : Gezira (Alexandria)
ETHIOPIA – Water Design
GABON – Manga Basketball
GAMBIA – Wallidan
GUINEA (Conakry) - MBC
IVORY COAST - ABC (Abidjan)
KENYA - KCB Lions (Nairobi)
LESOTHO – Lerotholi
LIBERIA – NPA PYTHONS
LIBYA – Itthiad (Tripoli)
MADAGACAR - ASCUT (ATSINANANA)
MALI – Real (Bamako)
MAURITANIA – ASAC Concordia
MAURITIUS - Real (Port Louis)
MAYOTTE - Jeux d’Afrique de Pamandzi
MOROCCO – IRT (Tanger)
MOZAMBIQUE - Ferroviário (Maputo)
NIGER - ASAF
NIGERIA – Kano Pillars (Kano)
RCA – Red Star
REUNION – Saint Pierre
RWANDA – APR
SENEGAL – AS Douannes
SEYCHELLES - BAYA
SIERRA LEONE - Canon Royal
TANZANIA – ABC
TOGO - Racing Lome
TUNISIA – Stade Nabeulien
UGANDA – Sadolin Power
ZAMBIA – Hetro Bullets
ZIMBABWE - JBC

LIBYA : Week 4

After three weeks off the Libyan resumes with the highlight game of the week Shabab the cup champion against Ittihad the defending league champion.
Shabab enters this game missing five players while Ittihad welcomed back their point guard Abdul Wahad Abdullah after missing the season start due to injury.

Shabab was affected by the missing players ,entered the game with players from the junior team ,started the first quarter perfectly scoring 9 consecutive points taking advantage of Ittihad's mistakes ,the first quarter ended 20-15 for Shabab.
Ittihad took control in the second quarter managed to cut the lead ending the second quarter 41-30.
Shabab could not keep up with Ittihad in the third and forth quarter as they suffered from the absence of a key players against an experienced team like Ittihad scoring only 8 points in the third quarter ,Ittihad continued their domination scoring 16 points , third quarter ended 57-38 for Ittihad and the game 73-53 for them.
With this loss Shabab continues their poor performance this season as they lie on the bottom of the league table ,Ittihad shares the top spot on the table with Naser as they face each other next week to determine who is going to be the league leader.

On the other games Ahli Tripoli beat Madina 96-90 , Ahli Benghazi beat Hilal 70-62 , Naser defeat Moroj 72-56.

NIGER : 15e Championnat National : ASAF et AS BIA sacrés champions 2008



The Niger Basketball Federation (FENIBASKET) held from 24th to 28 December 2008, the 15th edition of Niger senior Basketball Championship.

After 5 days of huge competitions, ASAF (men) and AS BIA (women), both from Niamey regional League, have been crown 2008 champions of Niger.
The closing ceremony held on 28th December 2008 at the Sports hall of Niamey and presided by the Prime Minister, Mr. Seini Oumarou who awarded the two winners teams.

The new Executive Board presided by Dr Djamila Ferdjani, through the successful organisation of their first activity, intends to do more for improve the practice of Basketball in Niger.

28 December 2008

TANZANIA : JKT, ABC shine in Kili RBA League

By Kimani Kim

The Dar es Salaam Premier Basketball League (Kili RBA) tournament yesterday took off at a blistering start with the local teams fighting for the title.
In the match played at the National Indoor Stadium JKT beat Mgulani 80-38 in a one-sided encounter.
Charles Makene and Himid Choka who posted 18 and 15 points respectively were the match�s top marksmen.
JKT finished the first half leading 45-26. Mgulani scored their points through Ibrahim Dua and Edmund Pastory who each posted 10 points.
The second match at the same venue saw the National Basketball League (NBL) winners ABC thrashing debutantes Claws 93-42 in another one-sided encounter.
Gilbert Butungi and veteran Haleluya Kavalambi were the match heroes yesterday.
Kavalambi slammed home 16 points while his team mate posted 16 points.
Claws banked on the Joseph Kisusi who scored 18 points and Elijah Masai who chalked 6 points.

EGYPT : 7th place game in Dubai, Itthad Alexanria Vs Jeish Army Damascus

After loosing the quarter Final game from Zien(Jor) by 23 po. (81-58), Itthad will look for the 1st win today when facing Jiesh of Damascus, Itthad reached the quarter final when Chanviel (Leb) didnt show up and the committe considered itthad wining 20-0 according to the rules.Todays game will be very important for itthad players who lost all the game played in Dubai.They will have a very difficult game in cairo facing Gezira on the 31st . However, Egyptian teams couldnt reach the semi -final in the last cuople of years when the rules allowed three imports witch make things very hard for Egyptian teams

27 December 2008

Ten teams in action as Kili RBA resumes

By Joseph Mchekadona.

Kili RBA League continues this afternoon when 10 men`s teams will be in actions at the Indoor National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Six teams from Group `B` and four from group `A` will be fighting for crucial points.
The first match will pit Mgulani against JKT, Crowns will play ABC and Pazi meet Prisons in Group B.
In Group `A`, Savio will face Hooplife and TM Rockets will play Oilers.
So far seven matches have been played in the league which will end in March, next year.

The event is organised by Basketball Dar es Salaam under the sponsorship of Kilimanjaro beer, a Tanzania Breweries Limited brand.

26 December 2008

TANZANIA : Thabeet not for national team

By Majuto Omary

American based Tanzanian basketball player Hasheem Thabeet is unlikely to join the national team following a busy schedule.

One of the major reasons for Thabeet's unavailability is a possible loss of opportunity for career development plans to qualify for the NBA league in United States. Thabeet who features for the University of Connecticut is one of five players who stand a chance of joining NBA's top flight sides.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) secretary general Lawrence Cheyo said the player, selected among 20-man Tanzania squad, would be replaced. The squad is readying for the Africa zone five championship slated for Kigali in February next year.

US reports said that Thabeet is in top form and any interruption at this time may disturb the prodigy's fast growing career. "While we are sorry to miss the player, it is also a blessing in disguise as we are proud of his success in developinh his career," said Cheyo. The national team is expected to start training for the zonal championship next month, while TBF is yet to secure an adequate sponsorship.

Tanzania Mainland will join nine other countries in the tourney, namely Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Zanzibar.

Cheyo says men and women teams would compete in the tourney. Selected players for the Tanzania teams are: Men team: Frank Kusiga, Ashraph Harun, Edward Robert, Paschal Nsana, Abdallah �Dulla� Ramadhan, Francis Mlelwa, Frank Agustino, Sudi A|bdallah Razak, Mohamed Ally Dibo, Oswald Maboko and Amon Semberya.
Others are Kafashe Abdallah, Tarimo George, Juma Kissoky, Mgindi Mkumbo, Amiri Muhidini, Batungi Gilbert, Alphonse Kusekwa, Jije Makani and Alex George.

Women team are: Annosiata Anthony, Agnes Simkonda, Jabu Shabani, Grace Peter, Fraja Malaki Evodia Kazinja, Elizabeth Masenyi, Naima Boli and Mary Meshack. Also in the list are; Nipaeli Kessy, Amina Ahmed, Neema Emanuel, Monica Aloyce Zakia Kondo, Dajda Ahmed, Dolita Mbunda, Hadija Kalambo, Lucy Sangu and Lucy Agustino.

24 December 2008

EGYPT : Itthad lost 3 games in Dubai

Itthad had a very bad start in Dubai,They lost tree games from El-Nasr(AUE),AL- Jlaa(SYR),and last night from Ryadi(LEB).Itthad played a great game last night with Ryadi and was to close to win but Ryadi experinsed players finished the game 82-79.However,no one expected the Nasr loss 80-65 witch made Itthad in a very criticale situation,They have to win over Shanviel(LEB) with more than 15 points to reach the second round as Shanvil won over El nasr by 18 po. and Itthad lost from El nasr by 15 po.If Itthad players performs like last night they will reach the secnd round but Chanvil is not an easy game win. Dubai rules allows three imports 2 only can play in the court.

from africabasket.com

22 December 2008

TANZANIA : Hooplife, Oilers start well

By Malyo Njedengwa

Hooplife started well their Kili RBA League campaign when they defeated TM Rockets 46-38 in a men`s game at the Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam, yesterday.
The winners were leading 21-17 until the breather. Misoji Charles scored 15 points while Mushily Mudiry registered seven to steer the newcomers into victory. Robert Hallide and Crispin Mrema scored 16 and six points, respectively for the losers.
Oilers crushed Chui 56-49 in the second men`s match. Oilers were ahead 24-19 until the breather.
Lusanjo Samwel and Gerald Baru emerged the highest goal getters when they scored 18 and 14 points respectively for the victors. Scorers for Chui were Doto Charles (11) and Joseph Mbozu (9).

Defending champion Vijana came from behind to hit Savio 56-51 in the opening match on Saturday.
Savio were ahead 25-22 until the first half.

TANZANIA : Basketball team gear up for zonal meet

The National basketball team is expected to start residential training early next month ahead of the Africa zone five championship set for Kigali a month later.

According to the president of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) President, Richard Kasesela, the camp was delayed due to cash problems. Initially, TBF had planned training sessions to start this month.

TBF has failed to raise the required Sh8,340,000 that would have catered for a six-month training programme as per the body�s calendar.

"We have failed to raise the sum for our planned four phase training programme, so it has been trimmed down to two. However, we are still in need of Sh9.02 to meet the two phase training programme and compete in the championship," said Kasesela.

He said the new revised training session will start in Kahama for two weeks before proceeding to Kigali for the tourney.

Kasesela was not in a position to say what would happen in the event the body fails to raise the stated sum of money to meet training expenditures. Tanzania would field two teams that have been selected out of players who excelled during the Taifa Cup championships that ended last month in Dar es Salaam.

The players forming the teams are: Men: Frank Kusiga, Ashraph Harun, Edward Robert, Paschal Nsana, Abdallah "Dulla" Ramadhan, Francis Mlelwa, Frank Agustino, Sudi A|bdallah Razak, Mohamed Ally Dibo, Oswald Maboko and Amon Semberya.

Others are Kafashe Abdallah, Tarimo George, Juma Kissoky, Mgindi Mkumbo, Amiri Muhidini, Batungi Gilbert, Alphonse Kusekwa, Jije Makani, Hasheem Thabit and Alex George.

Women: Annosiata Anthony, Agnes Simkonda, Jabu Shabani, Grace Peter, Fraja Malaki Evodia Kazinja, Elizabeth Masenyi, Naima Boli, Mary Meshack, Nipaeli Kessy, Amina Ahmed, Neema Emanuel, Monica Aloyce Zakia Kondo, Dajda Ahmed, Dolita Mbunda, Hadija Kalambo Lucy Sangu, Lucy Augustino Other teams expected to compete in the tournament include Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, Zanzibar and hosts Rwanda.

LESOTHO : Summer Slam 2008 Tournament

Summer Slam 2008 Tournament

This years summer slam was held over the past weekend at Lehakoe Basketball Grounds. There was a good show up of teams this year but the tourney started late because of teams pitching late and the unpredictable weather, and other teams were not able to take part due to the above mentioned reasons. All in all seven teams took part in the tournament and as usual /expected Maseru based teams were dominant. Only Lerotholi Polytechnic registered in the ladies section.

Teams:
Killa Beez
Lerotholi Polytechnic
Under 20
Lialuma
Rangers
Blacklabel
Snakes

As expected Lerotholi Polytechnic reached the finals but lost to Blacklabel by 54:47. The team Blacklabel comprised of players from South Africa and other teams in the NBL including Lerotholi Ploytechnic.

21 December 2008

23rd Champions Cup for men – ½ finals: Etoile du Sahel stun ASA 78 - 53


Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) booked for the first time of its history a ticket for the Grand final of Africa Champions Cup for men after beating ASA (Angola) 78 – 53 in semi finals game of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men, played in Sousse, Tunisia.
The players of coach Abidi Ridha led the game from the start to the end as they won all the four quarters (21 – 20 ; 21 – 12 ; 20 – 09 and 16 – 12).
Maoa Atef and Malik Malik poured 16 points each for Etoile du sahel while Ben Romdan scored 12 points.
Joser Eskimonto of Asa was the best scorer of the game with 19 points followed by his teammate Filipe Abrao who hit 18 points
Etoile Sportive du Sahel will play the final game tomorrow against the winner of the other semi final game between Primeiro de Agosto (defending champion) and Stade Nabeulien while ASA will face the loser in classification for the 3rd and 4th places.

23rd Champions Cup for men –Classification (5th – 8th): El Shabab and Kano pillars post wins


El Shabab Arabi (Libya) and Kano Pillars (Nigeria) beat respectively Union Bank (Nigeria) 91 – 78 and APR Lions (Rwanda) 77 – 68 in the classification game for the 5th - 8th places of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men, played in Sousse, Tunisia.
El Shabab Arabi will face Kano Pillars for the 5th and 6th positions while Union Bank will play against APR Lions for the 7th and 8th places. All these games will be played on Sunday, 21st December 2008 in Hamman Sousse.

20 December 2008

UGANDA : Ambassador’s award KCC Leopards

by Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

Komakech voted 2008 MVP

Overall MVPs
Men: Ben Komakech (Power)
Women: Flavia Oketcho (UCU)
Div 2: Collin Mukiza (Riders)
Div 3: Romunas Mwamba

Regular season MVPs
Men: Ronnie Kasewu (Warriors)
Women: Olivia Mulwana (A-1)
Div 2: Ssali Donald (Ndejje)
Div 3: Emma Atenga (Livingstone)

Top scorers
Men: Boniface Okello (Marines)
Women: Hellen Nakijo (Cubs)
Div 2: Felix Olaba (Heaters)
Div 3: Abel Emwodu (Livingstone)

Most defensive teams
Men: Warriors
Women: UCU
Div 2: Riders
Div 3: UCU JV

Most disciplined teams
St Michael
KIU Rangers

Most improved teams
Ndejje University
UCU Lady Canons

Most promising players
Miraim Tamale (Nabisunsa)
Phillip Sendegeye
Keith Asaba
Emma Enabu

Sadolin Power point guard Ben Komakech beat teammates Isaac Afidra and Joseph Ikong to become the 2008 MTN-Fuba League most valuable player. Komakech received his accolade at the annual Fuba awards ceremony held Friday night at Oasis Restaurant, Lugogo.

“This is a great moment for me. I joined Power this year and was just trying to fit in the team. I never thought I would be MVP,” Komakech, who switched from Miracle Eagles, said. Lady Canons star Flavia Oketcho was voted MVP in the women’s category, beating teammates Frances Nabulobi and Brenda Mbone.

It’s the second time Oketcho, a cousin sister to the late Wilbrod Okecho aka Ox, is taking the accolade. “Ox is the one who told me I could be a great player. I want to thank everybody and although Ox is gone, this league still runs with the Okecho blood,” Oketcho the 2005 MVP, said. The mood changed from cheerful to solemn as speaker after speaker called for a moment of silence in memory of former Power player Okecho, who died in May as a result of bullet wounds.

Many couldn’t control their tears when Jackie Chemisto, the bereaved wife, stood before a fully packed Oasis to read a poem in remembrance of Okecho’s life. Power, who defeated record winners Falcons and UCU Lady Canons, conquerors of A-1 Challenge, were crowned and given cheques of Shs2m each from sponsors MTN.

Surprisingly, Boniface Okello (Marines) and Hellen Nakijo (Makerere Cubs), whose teams never made the play-offs, emerged top scorers in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively.

Although her team lost the final, Olivia Mulwana (A-1 Challenge) deservedly won the women’s regular MVP award while Ronnie Kasewu emerged best in the men’s category.

Livingstone’s Abel Emwodu, who scored a record 58 points in one game, emerged top scorer in Third Division while Felix Olaba (Youth Heaters) took the award in Second Division.

Third Division champions St Michael were the men’s most disciplined team alongside KIU Rangers in the women’s category.

The most improved team award went to Ndejje University in the men’s category and UCU Lady Canons (women).

23rd Champions Cup for men: Swallows ended 9th after beating ASB Onatra 60 - 54


Swallows (Togo) booked the 9th position of the final ranking after beating ASB Onatra (DRC) 60 – 54 in the classification game for the 9th and 10th places of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men, played in Sousse, Tunisia.
However, ASB Onatra made a good start by wining the first quarter (15 – 10) before losing the second (13 – 17) but reached the break with 28 – 27 lead. At the resumption, Swallows woke up and won widely the third quarter (22 – 13) and despite trailed (11 – 13), ending the game with 60 – 54 points win.
Diaby Moctar and Ajavon Messan poured respectively 14 points and 10 points to contribute to the victory of Swallows.
Swallows who took part to its first final round of Africa Champions Cup for men, ended 11th while ASB Onatra who played for the sixth time in the final round, is ranked 10th.

23rd Champions Cup for men : Back beat Lupopo 69 – 66 and ended 11th


Back (Guinea) ended 11th of the final ranking after beating Lupopo (DRC) 69 – 66 in the classification game for the 11th and 12th places of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men, played in Sousse, Tunisia.
Back registered its sole win in this competition, trailed in the two first quarters (19 – 20 and 15 – 17). But in the two last,Back bounced back and won the game with 3 points margin.
With this victory, Back book the 11th place while Lupopo, without a victory in this competition ended at the bottom (12th).

23rd Champions Cup for men – ¼ finals: ASA beat El Shabab 63 - 44


ASA (Angola) booked the last ticket for the semi final of 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men after beating El Shabab Arabi (Libya) 63 – 44 in ¼ final game played in Sousse, Tunisia.
In semi final games, ASA will play against Etoile du Sahel while Preimeiro de Agosto will face Stade Nabeulien.

23rd Champions Cup for men – ¼ finals: Union Bank bow to Etoile du Sahel 67 - 94


Union Bank (Nigeria) failed to Etoile du Sahel 67 - 94 in ¼ finals game of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men in Sousse, Tunisia.
Etoile du Sahel coached by Abidi Ridha won easily the two first quarters (23 – 09 and 26 – 16). The Nigeria’s side woke up and won the third quarter 21 – 19, but trailed 21 – 26 in the last quarter
Ohiero Micheal of Union Bank scored the high game 24 points and recorded 6 rebounds.
Hardy Jamarr Antwon led Etoile du Sahel with 23 points and 2 rebonds while Maoua Atef hit 21 points.
For its first participation at the final round of Africa Champions Cup for men, Etoile du sahel go into semi final while Union Bank will play classification games for the 5th – 8thplaces.

23rd Champions Cup for men – Classification: Swallows and ASB Onatra post wins


Swallows (Togo) and ASB Onatra DRC) respectively beat today Back (Guinea) 68 – 61 and Lupopo (DRC) 64 – 56 in the classification games for the 9th – 12th places of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men in Sousse, Tunisia.
Swallows will face ASB Onatra for the 9th and 10th places while Back will play against Lupopo for the 11th and 12th places. These games will be play on Saturday 20th December 2008 in Sousse, Tunisia

18 December 2008

LIBYA : Al-Ittihad, Al-Nasser Share Top Position

At the end of the third day’s programme of matches in the Basketball League, defending champions Al-Ittihad and Al-Nasser managed to keep their unbeaten record by beating Al-Morog and Al-Shabab respectively.

By virtue of their victories they share the top billing in the league standings, a point ahead of Al-Ahli of Benghazi.

None of the wins were easy as the losers managed to keep up with the victors for moar of the time and at the end only a few points separated the teams.

Al-Ittihad managed only a three-point win (61-58) over Al-Morog, who on their part are still looking for their first victory. It was the closest result of all the four matches played.

Al-Nasser beat last year’s cup winners Al-Shabab by 64-51. The latter have still only won one match, and also had a point deducted when they failed to turn up on time in the season’s opener.

In the other matches Al-Ahli of Benghazi defeated Al-Madina 79-59, while the other Al-Ahli club, from Tripoli, registered a seven-point success (63-56) over Al-Hilal.

LEAGUE STANDINGS
Al-Nasser 6pts
Al-Ittihad 6
Al-Ahli (Ben) 5
Al-Hilal 4
Al Madina 4
Al-Ahli (Trip) 4
Al Morog 3
Al-Shabab 3*
(Alshababab had a point deducted

LIBYA : Wins for Champions and Cup Holders

ON the second day of competition in the Basketball League, two matches stood out in particular, that involving defending champions Al-Ittihad against Al-Madina, and the encounter between cup winners Al Shabab and Al-Ahli of Tripoli. On both occasions the outcome was foregone conclusions, with victories for both Ittihad and Al-Shabab.
In their game against Madina Al-Ittihad dominated from start to finish, eventually winning 81-54 after finishing all the four sessions on top, 21-4, 44-20 and 60-31 before the final points’ tally and despite some Al-Madina’s reaction in the last two quarters.
Mohammed Diop for Ittihad finished as the game’s top points-getter with 24.

The other game Al-Shabab really needed a victory after their disappointment of losing the season’s opener on default after they failed to turn up on time for the match with Al-Hilal.

Well they managed to get the success they sought by beating Al-Ahli at the end of a closely contested tie. Al-Shabab enjoyed a 14-point lead at the end after a 60-46 points victory.

Al-Ahli led 18-16 at the end of the first session, but Al-Shabab were 32-29 half way through. The third session was even closer with Al-Shabab nosing in front 41-40, and then they had their best moments in the final session, particularly from the three-point mark to run up a comfortable advantage.

Mohammed Issa was the game’s top scorer with 33 points for Al-Shabab.
In the other matches Ahli Benghazi defeated Moroj 59-54 while Nasser beat Hilal 76-61.

ANAS SEDDIGH

RWANDA : APR gains ground in Fiba tourney

BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Fiba-Africa Club Championship (Tunisia)

APR’s run

Etoile (TUN) 92-55 APR
Kano Pillars (NGR) 71-62 APR
Swallows (Togo) 67-89 APR

RWANDA’s basketball giants APR breathed life into their campaign at the 23rd edition of the Fiba-Africa club championship following Tuesday’s 89-67 victory over Swallows of Togo in Tunisia.
Mike Buzangu scored 18 points and four team mates finished in double figures to spark the indomitable lions to their first win in Africa’s most coveted club competition.
The result was timely for the Zone 5 Club Champions after an awful start in the championship. Despite being drawn in a relatively easier Group (A), APR succumbed to successive defeats in their opening games against hosts Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) and Kano Pillars of Nigeria.

Tuesday’s win however left APR and Swallows level in fourth place with four points and with two games left (against Lupopo and ASA of Angola), the former need at least a win to progress into the quarter finals.
Kano Pillars also moved top of Group A after a compelling 102-65 win over Lupopo of DR. Congo. The result maintained the Nigerians’ 100% record in the competition.
Etoile du Sahel, also yet to lose a game are second with six points.

In Group B, defending champions Primero de Agosto grabbed their fourth successive win over Back of Guinea. The Angolan giants cruised to a 101-50 victory to stay top with eight points.

Libya’s El Shabab Arabi also leapfrogged Stade Nabeulien of Tunisia after a closely contest game (67-63). El Shabab, second in Group B has seven points, a point more than the Tunisians.

Special 23rd Champions Cup for men: APR stormed Lupopo 90 – 74 and go into ¼ finals


APR (Rwanda) booked the last ticket for the ¼ finals after beating Lupopo (DRC) 90 – 74 in the delayed day 2 game of Group A of the 23rd FIBA Africa Champions Cup for men played at Sousse, Tunisia.
APR join Etoile du Sahel, Kano Pillars, ASA, Primero, El Shabab, Stade Nabeulien and Union Bank in quarter finals to be played on Friday, 19th December in Sousse, Tunisia.
Swallows, Lupopo, ASB Onatra and Back will play classification games for the 9th – 12th places.

17 December 2008

SEYCHELLES : Mauritius friendly tournament - Golden outing for Premium Cobras


IT has been a perfect outing for local basketball team Premium Cobras, who won the gold medal in a friendly tournament in Mauritius. Shooting guard Darren Lesperance was also named the Most Valuable Player.The Cobras left Seychelles on December 4 and returned last Saturday night after making a clean sweep of their Mauritian opponents.

Third in the Men’s division one league, Premium Cobras won all their matches against the Mauritian under-23 national selection, Real and Attila basketball clubs. The matches were played at the Phoenix Gymnasium in Quatre Bornes and the Quorum in Rose-Hill.

They were also challenged by the Barkley basketball team and won the match-up.
Speaking to Sports Nation, Premium Cobras’ club president Roy Collie said it has been a fruitful outing for them as this was the fifth consecutive time they had taken part in the tournament.
“We took the matches seriously even though it was a friendly tournament. The Mauritius under-23 selection, who are preparing for the 2011 Indian Ocean Islands Games, gave a good performance. We expect them to be in good shape in 2011,” said Mr Collie.

He Collie added that the Premium Cobras team were invited to a cocktail reception by new Mauritian sports minister, who was present at all of their games.

They also took the opportunity to meet representatives from the Mauritian sports ministry and the Mauritius Basketball Federation.

He said Premium Cobras will be ready to compete in local competitions next year.

I. H.

LIBERIA : Liberian player gets one year ban

The Liberia Basketball Federation has ban LPRC forward Jethro Bing for the period of one year. The Secretary General of the basketball federation Fred Pratt said the player was ban for attacking a colleague Dewee of Mighty Barrolle basketball team during a basketball team. According to Article 111, section 9 of the LBF constitution which states a player leaving the court of play for a fight, surround disrespect to officials of the LBF, spectators or walk-out, shall subject to suspension from LBF activities for one season.
Jethro Bing who also plays for the national basketball team of Liberia is appealing to basketball authorities to pardon him.

KENYA : How glorious Port girls did it


By PHILIP ONYANGO

Kenya Ports Authority women’s basketball team have attributed there success in the local league scene to player dedication, willingness to learn and unbelievable support from the management.

Team coach, Anthony Ojukwu, while congratulating his players for winning this year’s league title without breaking much sweat to make to make it four in a row, said all this could not be possible without a dedicated team of players and management support.
“What has impressed with this team is that the players have learnt to know what to do thus making our work as technical officials easy,” Ojukwu said.

He, however, says self discipline was still lacking among some players who wait for the coaches to do everything for them instead of setting aside their free time to work on their weak areas.

Similar sentiments were expressed by team captain, Caroline Arato, who believes that what is left for KPA women now is to get international build up matches to conquer Africa.

Main weak point

“It is unfortunate that the only team we can get competition from locally is Mombasa High School which makes it very difficult for us to cope when we meet clubs at the international level”, Arato who was voted this year’s leagues Most Valuable player said in reference to Mombasa High School which are reigning Kenya and East Africa secondary school games basketball champions.

Arato, however, believes the team needs to do a lot of shooting, which he says has been the their main weak point.
“You can see how APR from Rwanda have been gaining from us whenever we play until they beat us at last during the Africa club championships in Nairobi recently because whenever we play, they gain but we do not learn anything from them,” Arato said, adding that practice matches against established teams like Nigeria, Mozambique and Angola would do the team more good.

Coaching clinics

Coach Ojukwu is however urging the Kenya Basketball Federation to support them by putting into place structures which will be followed by all teams.
“We have failed to make an impression at the international level and will not make any soon if the KBF do not support clubs by ensuring that a uniform system of developing players right from the grass roots is adopted”, Ojukwu said.

This he says can be achieved by organising frequent coaching clinics to update the coaches on any new techniques among others things.

Ojukwu who also believes massive recruitment has helped him dominate that local league scene now want to conquer Africa by injecting professionalism into the KPA team for next year’s international assignment.

He says he intends to convince the KPA management to allow him to bring back Kenya’s top basketball players who are in the US for international assignments as has been the case with other teams among them defending champions Desportivo from Mozambique and Primero de Agosto from Angola who invited players from the US for the championships.
“We have Josephine Achieng and Beatrice Awino(Union University), Gladys Wanyama(Lewis and Clerk), and Rose Ouma (Texas), all veruy good,” Ojukwu said

23rd Champions Cup for men : El Shabab beat Union Bank 74 – 57


El Shabab Arabi (Libya) beat today Union Bank (Nigeria) in Day 5 counting for Group B of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men played in Sousse, Tunisia.
El Shabab Arabi won the fisrt quarter (27 – 19) but trailed 11 – 12 at the second quarter. In the second half, Union Bank failed to stop El Shabab’s offensive, lost the two last quarters (13 – 18 et 13 – 18)..
Mayerjr James of El Shabab scored the high game 25 points each while his teammates Mrsal Med and Tagoub Alamine poured 15 points each.
Yusuf Abubakar hit 22 points for Union Bank.
With this win, El Shabab registered 9 points and ended theses preliminaries at the 2nd place of the Group B while Union Bank is placed is ranked 4th with 7 points.
El Shabab Arabi and Union Bank booked their ticket for the quarter finals.

23rd Champions Cup for men : Stade Nabeulien bow to El Shabab 63 - 67


El Shabab Arabi (Libya) beat today Stade Nabeulien (Tunusia) 67 – 63 in Day 4 counting for Group B of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men played in Sousse, Tunisia.
El Shabab Arabi won the three fisrt quarters (16 – 10 ; 17 – 13 and 24 – 19). But Stade Nabeulien bounced back and won the last quarter (21 – 10) but not enough to avoid the defeat.
Dawo Omrame et Mayerjr James of El Shabab scored the high game 23 points each while Kisubanata Geceand Haididen Mouhamed of Stade Nabeulien poured respectively18 points and 15 points
With this win, El Shabab registered 7 points and take the 2nd place of the Group B while Stade Nabeulien is ranked 3rd with 6 points.
Early, Kano Pillars (Nigeria) beat Lupopo (RDC) 102 – 65 and APR (Rwanda) beat Swallows (Togo) 89 – 67 in Day 4 counting for Group A.

16 December 2008

23rd Champions Cup for men : Primero stormed Back 101 – 50


The defending, Primero de Agosto (Angola) stormed today Back (Guinea) 101 – 50 in Day 4 counting for Group B of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men played in Sousse, Tunisia.
Primero led the game from the start to the end by wining all the four quarters (22 – 15; 30 – 11; 21 – 06 and 28 – 18).
Felizardo Ambrosion of Primero scored the high game 16 points and recorded 5 rebounds followed by his teammate Miguel Lutonda who hit 15 points while Mayzer Alexander and Vladimir Jeronimo poured 13 points each.
Back’s side, Kaba was the only to reach 10 points.
Primero remain at the top of Group B with 4 consecutive victories while Back who lost its 4 games, ranked at the bottom (6th) of the Group.

KENYA : KCB is champion again


KCB's Paul and Juma Ikapian with the KBF premier league trophy at Nyayo gymnasium on Sunday. KCB won 86-66 to retain the title. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN

KENYA : Roaring Lions get their prey, Eagles fly high

by CAXTON APOLLO

Kenya Commercial Bank Lions and Kenya Ports Authority successfully defended their men and women’s basketball league titles as the 2008 season ended in Nairobi over the weekend.

KPA went down in history as the only team to have won the league championship a record of nine times. The dockwomen, who first lifted the crown in 1992, beat Eagle Wings 2-0 in the best-of-three series women’s play-offs final.
They have dominated the league and gotten the bigger share in representing Kenya in the Africa club championship. The disbanded Lionesses had won the cup five times with Telkom recording three wins.
KCB Lions, on the other hand joined the disbanded Posta, Co-op Bank and Ulinzi Warriors as the only four clubs to have won the cup more than two times in a row.

Different game plan

Lions, who waited for too long until 2001 to win their first title, resisted pressure coming from a game down to rock Co-op Bank 2-1.
Both teams had tied the series 1-1 forcing the decisive Game Three at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday to separate them.
After having lost 2-0 to KCB Lions in last year’s final, Co-op Bank, under coach Carey Oketch, had approached the 2008 final with a different game plan.
Co-op Bank, who had ended Lions’ regular season unbeaten record by beating them 77-72, won play-offs opener 66-64.
Co-op Bank’s dream of recapturing the league title, which they last won in 1998, started receiving frustrations when they lost Game Two 76-73 to the already wounded Lions.
Then came the decisive Game Three and Lions fought from behind again 16-12 in the first quarter to carry the day 86-66 to retain the title.

Outstanding contribution

The play-offs matches were well officiated as Kenya Basketball Federation deployed three referees as required by the international Basketball Federation (FIBA) standards.
Though this year’s men’s final had something to cheer about due to the tight competition, the women’s match was a big disappointment to the fans.
The MVP for the season, Victor Odendo of Lions, kept the fans up cheering as he did his three-point shooting thing.
He beat Co-op Bank’s defence hands down sneaking to the edge of the court to fire five three-pointer in a row in the third quarter.
Odendo’s outstanding contribution saw Lions clobber Co-op Bank 32-11 in the third quarter, which decided the destiny of the match.
Co-op Bank could not recover from the shock and their key men, Wycliffe Ochieng and Richard Osano, also remained cold. KPA and Eagle Wings seem not to have learned anything from the high profile women’s club championship which Kenya hosted for the first time in Nairobi last month.

In Game Two, KPA registered a low scoring 45-44 win against Wings to keep the cup. Their Game Two in Mombasa was not impressive either as KPA had rocked Wings 55-51.

15 December 2008

ZIMBABWE : Fair play from Raiderz and JBC

RAIDERZ and JBC proved a force to reckon with when they finished fifth and sixth, respectively, at the regional Men’s Africa Club Championship, which ended in Lusaka, Zambia last week.
Zone Six Federation of International Basketball Association (Fiba) president, Anibal Manabe, believes Zimbabwe, has great potential to emerge as regional champions in the future.
"However, one thing that you have to admire in the Zimbabweans is their seriousness. This is why we placed them on our developmental structures,
"Next year there will be Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and Zimbabwe stands a good chance to host the games as they have the infrastructure. They may qualify because Angola and Mozambique are already through,” he was quoted in the press.
Teams from the hosting nation, Heroes and Hetro Bullets, were disqualified in the second round after Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) failed to pay affiliation as well as participation fees amounting to US$9 000.
Zimbabwe’s Raiderz beat fellow countrymen JBC 46-41 in a fifth place play off.
Nine time continental champions, Primeira de Agosto, who had experienced players from the European leagues to boost their team dismissing regional powerhouse, Angola’s Atletico Sportivo de Aviacao.

23rd Champions Cup for men: Union Bank crushed Back 91 - 71


Union Bank (Nigeria) recorded its first victory today after crushing Back 91 – 71 in Day 1 delayed games of Group B of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men, played in Sousse, Tunisia.
Union Bank won the three first quarters (24 – 15, 20 – 18 and 30 – 14) before trailing 17 – 24 in the last quarter.
Arturo Nouha of Union Back poured the high game 22 points followed by his teammate Ovaro Michel with 20 points while Papa Kesse poured 16 points.
Back’s side, Conde Sekou poured 14 points; Keita hit 13 points while Gueye and Savane scored 10 points each.
Union Bank record two defeats and one victory while Back is still looking for a first victory after three games.

23rd Champions Cup for men: Union Bank crushed Back 91 - 71


Union Bank (Nigeria) recorded its first victory today after crushing Back 91 – 71 in Day 1 delayed games of Group B of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men, played in Sousse, Tunisia.
Union Bank won the three first quarters (24 – 15, 20 – 18 and 30 – 14) before trailing 17 – 24 in the last quarter.
Arturo Nouha of Union Back poured the high game 22 points followed by his teammate Ovaro Michel with 20 points while Papa Kesse poured 16 points.
Back’s side, Conde Sekou poured 14 points; Keita hit 13 points while Gueye and Savane scored 10 points each.
Union Bank record two defeats and one victory while Back is still looking for a first victory after three games.

14 December 2008

UGANDA : Power star Komakech favoured for MVP

Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Former MVPs
1998 – Stephen Omwony
1999 – Stephen Omwony
2000 – Wilbrod Okecho (RIP)
2001 - Norman Blick
2002 – Henry Malinga
2003 – Sam Obol
2004 – Henry Malinga
2005 – Norman Blick
2006 - Boniface Okello
2007 – Henry Malinga
2008 - ??

Ben Komakech is favourite for this year’s MTN-Fuba League Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade but must hold off the challenge from Sadolin Power teammate Joseph Ikong.

The MVP will be announced during the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) awards ceremony scheduled for December 19 at Oasis Restaurant, Lugogo.

Both players joined Power at the beginning of this season but were very outstanding as their team won the men’s topflight championship. “It’s too hard for me to make a choice because all players did very well. But I think Ben and Ikong deserve recognition. Their energy lifted the team in big games,” Power coach Andrew Baziira said when asked who he would give the award. “We have already conducted a public vote and are meeting tonight (yesterday) to make a shortlist,” Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano said without giving details.

Highest number
Daily Monitor though learnt from another Fuba source that the Komakech and Ikong got the highest number of public votes.

For the first time, the most outstanding players in the regular season will also be rewarded. “We realized that there are players who do very well in the regular season but their teams don’t make play-offs. At times some individuals do well in the regular season but fail to shine in the play-offs,” he added. The new development means that Kyambogo Warriors’ star point guard Ronnie Kasewu, whose team was eliminated in the semifinals, stands a chance of taking home the regular season award while Isaac Afidra could snatch the play-off series gong.

Power skipper Afidra spent about three months on the sidelines, but returned to spur his side in the play-offs. He helped the team outlast UCU Canons in the semifinals and Falcons in the finals. Frances Nabulobi and Flavia Oketcho, who were instrumental as UCU Lady Canons captured their maiden championship, are lead contenders in the women’s category.

Fuba will also reward the most disciplined team, most defensive side and top scorers in the men’s First Division, Second Division, Third Division and women’s category. Tickets for the awards ceremony are on sale at Shs20,000 each.

UGANDA : Lady Canons lift MTN hoops title

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

RESULTS

Knight Riders 74-61 Ndejje
Lady Canons 59-55 A-1
Leopards 53-52 Rangers
PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS
1998 Lady Bucks
1999 Lady Bucks
2000 Lady Bucks
2001 Lady Bucks
2002 Lady Bucks
2003 Makerere Sparks
2004 Lady Bucks
2005 A-1 Challenge
2006 Lady Bucks
2007 KCC Leopards
2008 Lady Canons

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons are the 2008 MTN-Fuba League women champions.
The university side rallied from a seven-point third quarter deficit to beat A-1 Challenge 59-55 in the decisive game five at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on Friday night, winning the series 3-2.

“I didn’t look at the scoreboard for a single moment because I knew we were winning. I just concentrated on the job at hand,” Lady Canons’ playmaker Flavia Oketcho, said after bagging her third career championship.

The former Lady Bucks star and 2006 Most Valuable Player, scored 10 points but it was Celia Asila that wrestled the championship from A-1 Challenge’s hands.

The first quarter ended 14-all but A-1 Challenge had a two-point advantage (29-27) going into recess. The 2005 champions outscored Lady Canons 17-12 in the third session, giving their fans all reasons to celebrate.

But Robert Mugabe’s UCU had a big surprise up in their sleeves. Asila (19 points) hit double three-pointers inside the first two minutes of the fourth quarter to bring Lady Canons within one point (45-46) before leveling the game from the charity line.

Frances Nabulobi (10), then found her way to the free throw line, converting one of two free throws as Lady Canons went ahead 47-46. For the third year running, A-1 Challenge had to settle for second best as Lady Canons celebrated their maiden trophy.
“Wow, this is our second season in the league and we are champions. This is just the beginning for the team. We are going to win many more championships,” Nabulobi, the three-time league top scorer and favourite for the Most Valuable Player accolade said.

Betty Namukasa top scored for A-1 Challenge with 16 points while Kassim Hatima added seven. Earlier, Knight Riders had overrun Ndejje University 74-61 to win the men’s Second Division championship.

EGYPT : Round 6 results

No surprises in round 6 all big teams got easy wins. Itthhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifad kept their 6th win run over Geish(army) 68-80,this game was held in Army court last night with high number of fans attendance from both sides.Itthad played a very good defensive game changing from man/man to zone defence and keeping the ball under pressure all the time,This made army players commit a lot of turn overs and helping itthad players to score easy lay ups.On the other hand Geish players couldnt make any easy shots last night the only player who helped his team was Ahmed Elgazar who scored more than 25 points last night saving his team from big loss.Amr Abo El Khier(itthad coach) started last night to create a new system in both defence/offence as his team performace is getting better every game.Other results,Ahly 85-73 Shorta,Somouha 70-57 shark insurase,Sporting 68- 50 olympi,Zamalek 101-68 Shams,Gezira 79-59 Gasco.

KENYA : KPA keep women’s league title


By CAXTON APOLLOPosted Saturday, December 13 2008 at 19:35

In Summary

* Port ladies easily hit Eagle Wings in Game 2 to wrap up title as KCB force Game 3

Champions Kenya Ports Authority on Saturday retained the women’s basketball league title as Kenya Commercial Bank Lions forced the decisive Game Three in a tight men’s play-off final at the Nairobi’s Nyayo National stadium.

KPA, who had beaten Eagle wings 55-51 in Game One at home, completed the best-of-three series 2-0 when they pipped
Eagle Wings 45-44 in a low scoring Game Two. Eagle wings needed to win the the tie to force the decisive Game Three.

In the men’s tension charged Game Two, champions KCB Lions cut short Co-operatrtive Bank’s celebration party when they battled from behind to beat their fellow bankers 76-73.

It now means that the make-or-break Game Three set for today at 3pm will determine the 2008 men’s champions.

KPA, started on a low note as Eagle wings went up 16-12 in the first quarter.

Eagles had un upper hand from start with Caroline Achieng and Bridgit nanzala giving the dockwomen a hard time. After KPA tied the duel 9-9, they left Eagle wings loose to lead 29-22 at half-time.

Caroline arato tied the game 31-31 but KPA’s efforts yielded no fruits. Eagles Wings had their top players ejected on
five fouls giving KPA room to take their first lead at 34-33.

The game could go either way with one minute 11 seconds left after both teams locked 43-43. Everline Akoth saved the day for KPA with a key basket as the buzzer went up to the dockwomen’s celebration at 45-44.

Co-op Bank’s took control of the game as they led from start to the third quarter.

Lions, who had trailed 35-33 at half-time, managed to snatch their first lead at 40-39. Both teams worked hard to out do each other in the last quarter with their fans cheering them.Lions built a 15 point margin at 66-51 but never say die Co-op bank came close again 72-70.
Yoni wanambiro scored 24 points, Tobias Onyango had 21 for Lions while Osano scored 21 and Wycliffe Ochieng 20 for C-op Bank.

13 December 2008

23rd Champions Cup for men : ASB Onatra beat Back 57 - 50

ASB Onatra (DRC) has defeated Back (Guinea) 57 – 50 today in a group B game counting for Day 2 of the 23rd FIBA Africa Champions Cup for men in Sousse, Tunisia.
ASB Onatra won the first quarter 10 – 09 but the two teams ended the second with equality 15 – 15 and Back trailed 24 – 25 at the break. At the resume, ASB Onatra won the two last quarters (15 – 13 and 17 – 13) and secured its first victory..
Mutembo Lukusa of ASB Onatra scored the high game 19 points followed by his teammate H Ndala Mutombo who poured 14 points.
Back’s side side, Sekou Conde hit 12 points and recorded 4 rebounds.

23rd Champions Cup for men : Union Bank bow to Stade Nabeulien 54 - 75


Stade Nabeulien (Tunisia) beat today Union Bank (Nigeria) 75 – 54 in a group B game counting for Day 2 of the 23rd FIBA Africa Champions Cup for men in Sousse, Tunisia.
Stade Nabeulien (SN) secured its victory after wining the three first quarters (28 – 17, 19 – 18 and 16 – 06) and trailed 12 – 13 in the last quarter.
Kisubanata Gece of SN scored the high game 17 points followed by his teammate Hadinene Aniswho poured 16 points.
Union Bank’s side, Arturo Nouha hit14 points while Papa recorded 13 and 3 rebounds.

23rd Champions Cup for men : Primero de Agosto crushed El Shabab Arabi 83 - 47

The defending champion, Primero de Agosto (Angola) started its title defence by crushing today El Shabab Arabi (Libya) 83 – 47 in the day 2 counting for the Group B of the 23rd FIBA Africa Champions Cup for men in Sousse, Tunisia.
Primero led by Joaquin Gomez won the first half with 10 points margin (36 – 26). But in the second half, Primero more strong, left no way to El Shabab and increased the gap to end with 83 – 47 win.
The best scorer for Primero were Joaquin Gomez and Olympio Cipriano with 13 points each followed by Felizardo Ambrosio and Carlos Almeida who poured 11 points each.
Mrsal Med of El Shabab Arabi scored the high game 14 points and recorded 2 rebounds.
For its first game, Primero unveiled its goals to retain the title, won last year in Luanda, Angola..
The Day 1 games of Group B will be played on Monday 15th December 2008.

KENYA : KPA, Co-op keen to wrap up series


Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) womens' team and Kenya Commercial Bank will be looking to clinch the league titles when the line up for the second games of the best-of-three final play-offs at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium this weekend.

On Saturday, women’s champions Kenya Ports Authority are up against Eagle Wings in Game Two from 2 pm. KPA lead the series 1-0 after beating the Wings 55-51 in Game One in Mombasa last weekend.
Champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Lions are a game down to Co-operative Bank and go into Game Two at 4 pm looking to take the series into the deciding third game.
Co-op Bank, who have never won the league title since 1998, beat KCB 66-64 in a tense Game One match last weekend.

Clean sweep

Can Co-op Bank and KPA end the series with a 2-0 clean sweep to be declared the 2008 league champions?

Co-op Bank and the dockwomen’s win in Game One did not come easy. It’s highly likely that Lions and Wings can tie the series 1-1 on Saturday.
A win for both Lions and Eagle Wings will delay the celebration party until tomorrow when the decisive Game Three matches will take place from 1 pm.
Co-op Bank, who are the first team two win four consecutive league titles between 1995-8, needed stylish Wycliffe Ochieng’s magic to win Game One from the three-throw line.
Lions, who had rocked Co-op Bank 2-0 in last year’s final, had an edge from the start and at one time enjoyed an eight point lead (31-23).
It was not easy for Co-op Bank who had trailed at 37-32 half-time. They only snatched their first lead at 41-39 and had to resist seven ties to win.

One-game advantage

Coach Carey Oketch said: “Am happy that we have a one game advantage although I predict a tough Game Two.’’
Lions can force Game Three but coach Francis ‘’Officer’’ Ngunjiri needs to stop the habit of blaming the referees whenever he loses matches.
Co-op Bank will need the guile of guard Abel Kimondo, Richard Osano, Lewis Muya, Moses Kamau and Collins Gaya to wrap up the series and the title. Lions have Yoni Wanambiro, Ikapian Juma, Tobias Onyango and Victor Odendo to rely on.
Coach Thomas “Smarts’’ Olumbo of Eagle Wings is well known in making history. He lead Co-op Bank to their first league title in 1995 and also steered Telkom to the league championship and the regional cup.
On Saturday, Olumbo’s squad of impressive Bridgit Nanzala, Caroline Achieng, Eunice Ouma and Rebecca Sarange is extremely strong.

12 December 2008

MOROCCO : Results 7th round

FUS Rabat - ASE Essaouira: 53 - 57
ASE eked out a dramatic victory over FUS confirming their excellent state of preparation. The hosts managed to deny an 11-point halftime deficit before losing in last minutes of the game, mainly due to a lack of concentration and the poor effectiveness of FUS usual scorers Marius and Ndaye.
ASE Essaouira Asvel celebrated this impressive victory and occupied the 1st spot in D1 standing.

IRT Tanger - KAC Kenitra : 91 - 78
IRT was too strong for KAC where Tunisian Marouane Kechrid paced his team to this victory draining 18 points and 8 assits. Papis Diouf dominated the paint nailing 17 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. On the other hand, visitors faced with 5th failure in 7 appearances.

WAC Casablanca - CMC Casablanca : 77 - 67
Very important victory for WAC, who finally moved up from the bottom off D1 standing (1-7). But there is still a lot of work to do for coach Ghissassi if WAC wants to play the playoff this season.

MAS Fes - ASS Sale : 92 - 85
The Great thing for head coach Hachem Ouahidi is that MAS players demonstrated wonderful performance and showed better self confidence. ASS managed to deny an 6 points halftime deficit outscoring 10-2 at the beginning of the 2nd half thanks to a very aggressive defense. But scoring guard Traor putted his team back on the game netting 3 three point shots in the row. Teams then exchanged points in a very intense 4th quarter where ASS players lost concentration and starts missing easy baskets.

IRAN Nador - RCA Casablanca : 72 - 55
Another big performance for IRAN players who round after round are demonstated that they really earned to be promoted to D1. Without their international center player Najah (suspended by the federation), RCA could not impose their rhythm in offense and suffered in defense.

23rd Champions Cup for men : Kano Pillars and ESS post wins

Kano Pillars of Nigeria and Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia started the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men by posting wins respectively to Swallows of Togo (67 – 42) and APR of Rwanda (92 – 55) in the day 1 counting for the Group A games played in Sousse, Tunisia.

Only two day 1 games were scheduled today, the others one have been delayed on Monday 15th December 2008..

NIGERIA : NBBF Set 2009 Agenda

President of FIBA-Africa Zone 3, Muktah Kalleh has assured that Nigeria's basketball will be given a full lift in the new year, saying the Nigerian Basketball Federation is already making effort to get some sponsors for the Premier League.

The former national basket-ball team player who disclosed this to Complex Sports in Lagos, said all stakeholders in the dunking and slamming game must come together to ensure basketball regains its rightful position in Nigerian sports.
"Personally, I am not too impressed with the situation of basketball this year but we have all realized the need to work harder and make sure we do much better next year, said the dark complexioned basket-ball administrator.
"We have lots of international assignments next year and we must make sure we do our best to be in the forefront. The African Championship will be held next year, we have club championships and other com-petitions, so we need to plan properly for the new year," Kaleh explained.

He also disclosed that the Nigeria Basketball federation will not fail to get a sponsor for the Premier League next year.
"We played this year's league without a sponsor and we know how difficult it was. We have however resolved to go all out and get a sponsor or more for next year's league and luckily for us, we are already getting some signals towards that direction.

Meanwhile, Kalleh has called on all basketball stakeholders to support the programmes of the Federation in the New Year.
"The only way we can succeed is to get the support of all stakeholders and everyone must be ready to contribute to the development of the game in Nigeria," he concludes.

NIGERIA : Babalola, First Deepwater boss bags Lagos SWAN awa


Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Deepwater Discovery Limited, Engineer Babatunde Babatunde Friday was rewarded with the Sport Personality of the Year Award by the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN.

The choice of Engr. Babalola for the prestigious award according to the committee set by the Executive of the Lagos Sports pen-pushers was in the First Deepwater boss recognition as a leading contributor to the development of the game of basketball in Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Babalola whose company, First Deepwater Discovery Limited has undertaken the sponsorship of various basketball competitions in the out-going year and is reported to be prepared to do more in the years ahead was chosen by the Lagos SWAN hierarchy as one of the recipient of its 2008 award.

Babalola who played college basketball in the colour of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA recently rebuilt the basketball court of his Alma-Mata and sponsored an all tertiary institutions tournament among higher institutions in Ondo and Ekiti states, tagged Ondo/Ekiti Intercollegiate Basketball Championship”.

Other competitions sponsored by First Deepwater Discovery Limited in the out going year includes the one-day 6-A-Side Bounce 9ja tournament, the Battle for Supremacy, the open and close camping of the nation U22 Wheelchair Basketball Team and the team participation in the Africa U22 Wheelchair Basketball Championship held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Our correspondent gathered from reliable course close to the Oil and Gas mogul that arrangement is in top gear for the floating of two basketball clubs (men and women) that would campaign for honours in the Nigeria premier leagues.

Babalola says he was taken aback by the conferment of the award on him by Lagos SWAN promised to continue to do his best for the continuous growth and development of basketball in Nigeria.

“I see the award as a challenge and as a recognition of our effort as an organization and lastly it is a message to us that we must not rest on our efforts that means people are watching what we’ve been doing.

“I want to thank Lagos State chapter of SWAN for deeming it fit to honours us and I dedicate the award to all management and staffs of our great company.
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NIGERIA : IPNX telecom backs Rookie tourney

The 2008 Rookie Academy annual basketball tournament receive a boost recently as a telecommunications service provider, IPNX Nigeria Limited has thrown its weight behind the Mark Balogun organized tournament for U18 boys and girls.

According to the Executive Director of the Lagos-based telecomm company, Ifeanyi Amah that he was thrilled by the effort being put into developing the young kids in the metropolis by Coach Balogun and his crew.

The IPNX top-shot says his modest outfit might have the financial power to dole out millions of naira to back the 2008 edition of the tournament which is the 10th in the series but his company will undertake some major aspect of the competition in order to add glamour to one of the nation’s foremost youth tournament.

“We are determined to do what we can contribute in order to make this year’s tournament a huge success and that we are doing.

“I am most impressed by the efforts of coach Balogun and his crew members which comprise Maurice Omatoje, Emeka Oputa in contributing to the career shaping of the teeming youths that thronged the basketball court of the Police College, Ikeja daily to learn the rudiment of the game, the IPNX boss said.

Tournament coordinator, Balogun said the six-day event billed to jump-start on Monday will feature teams in the U18 male and female category, U16 male and U12 male.

Balogun who also double as the head coach of the Nigeria Police basketball teams says winning teams will be handsomely rewarded.

09 December 2008

FIBA - Central Board: 1st FIBA World Club Championship in 2010

The FIBA Central Board met on 6th and 7th December 2008 in Geneva. Among important decisions taken, there is the 1st FIBA World Club Championship to be played in October 2010 and will become an annual event featuring eight of the very best clubs in the world.
Further discussions and meetings will be held with the Chinese cities of Chengdu and Nanjing, which have already expressed strong interest in hosting this new competition, together with other interested cities.
The participating clubs will be each of the five FIBA Zone Club Champion teams (5 teams), the runners-up from the FIBA Europe and the FIBA Americas Zones and the final club will be an invited team by the host city (team to be approved by FIBA).
The 1st FIBA World Club Championship will take place over a five-day period in the second week of October 2010 and a total of 10 games will be played. The winner will receive 1 million USD in prize money.

07 December 2008

TANZANIA : Basketball giants set for Kili RBA

By Fadhil Iddi

Tanzania basketball giants, JKT, Vijana City Bulls and Savio are brandishing their weapons for a fierce battle in the forthcoming Dar es Salaam Premier Basketball League.

The trio is part of the 14 men and women teams expected to lock horns in the league which for over a decade has been going as Kili RBA.
Defending champions' Vijana said they would bank on their tactical prowess to retain the championship whose opening date is December 27, at the National Indoor Stadium.
"We are the most technically advanced team and the past results proved it,,"said the team's head coach Bahati Mgunda.
Savio's industrious player, Michael Mwita said Savio would parade all its key players including George Tarimo, Jije Makani and Mohamed Yusuf to clinch the title of the league.

The players were instrumental in Savio's title regain campaign that saw them snatching two major thrones from JKT in 2007/2008 season.
JKT, one of the formidable sides in the league will bank on their fighting spirit, according to the team's key player, Frank Kusiga.
Kusiga said the on-form Ashraf Haroun, Mkumbo Mgendi and Neville Sitta would play a major role in feeding Charles, Makene and Juma Kissoky upfront.

Savio's veteran player, Michael Mwita said the forthcoming league will be the beginning of this year's campaign to clinch all four basketball titles in the 2008/2009 season.
"After the Kili RBA, we vie for the Kili Super Cup, National Basketball League (NBL) and Union League. We have one title while ABC and Vijana hold three remaining titles," he said.

JKT's top marksman, Charles Makene told Sunday Citizen during his team's training session at Mgulani JKT that the plan to hold all four basketball titles are foolproof hence they are sure of an easy victory next week.
The Managing director of Dar es Salaam region Basketball Association (BD) Mbaga Mwambona said yesterday that all preparations have been completed.
According to Mbaga, 14 teams have confirmed to compete in the event including the defending champions Vijana City Bulls, Savio, Pazi, UDSM Outsiders, Hope life, ABC, TM Rockets and Crow.
Mbaga named ladies teams as Jeshi Stars, JKT Stars, PTW Stars, Tanzania Prisons, Cargo ladies and Police Dar es Salaam.

All teams are seriously training in readiness for the event.

KENYA : Photo from game 1. KCB x Co- bank


Paul Onyango of KCB Lions (left) tries to figure out a way around Moses Kamau of Co-operative Bank during Game One of the best-of-three final play offs at Nyayo gymnasium on Saturday. Co-op won 66-64. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN

KENYA : KPA recover to win Game One

By PHILIP ONYANGO

Eagle Wings blew a 20-point half time lead to hand Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) a 56-51 win in Game One of the national basketball final play-offs at the KPA Hall Makande on Saturday.
Wings were 10 points to the good at the end of the third quarter but last ditch efforts by Agnes Anyango and Everlyne Akoth saw KPA home in this closely contested match.
Caroline Achieng and Bridgit Nanzala scored a basket each in the openning minutes as Eagle Wings lead 4-0 but an effort by Agnes Anyango who scored the first basket for KPA made the scores 4-2.
Joyce Makungu and Mwajuma Suleiman combined for four points to tie the scores 6-6 after Rebecca Serange had stretched the lead for Eagle Wings with a jumper.
Wings then punished KPA with basket after another to lead 18-08 at the end of the first quarter with Makungu scoring the lone basket for KPA in five minutes.
The second quarter was evenly contested but it was KPA who enjoyed the batter part of the game leading 29-25 at the breather.

Unanswered points

Wings scored eight unanswered points on resumption to lead KPA 33-29 and stretched the lead to 39-31 at the end of the third quarter.
They continued to dominate KPA in the fourth quarter and with five minutes played they were leading 47-37.
KPA coach Anthony Ojukwu did well to introduce Helen Oketch for Mwajuma Suleiman.
Though she did not score a point, Oketch’s hard work in the defence helped KPA to level the scores 47-47 with Makungu, Anyango and Helen’s older sister Susan Oketch doing the damage.
Wings regouped and were leading 51-50 with two minutes left but Makungu scored a free throw and a jumper before Akoth nailed a three pointer to put the game beyond Wings reach.
Without a short clock, KPA resorted to time wasting and killed a whole two minutes in swinging the ball to win this one.
An angry Wings coach Thomas Olumbo refused to shake hands with Ojukwu at the end of the game accusing his opponent of gamemanship.

06 December 2008

MOROCCO : Day 6 Results

As it was expected, ASS was too strong for winless WAC (67-57). Visitors created impressive start at the very beginning of the game. Until the end of the second period ASS struggled at the offensive end and made lot of defense mistake what the hosts exploited to maintain the score and stay on the game. But in the 3rd period ASS players finally woke up and made the difference leaving coach Ghissassi team with their worst season start of their history (1 win in 6 appearances).

Another big performance for FUS players who outsmarted KAC in Sal (64-67). Despite the over aggressiveness (with some provocations) of KAC players, Coach Uariachis squad responded positively and secured an important win to stay at the top of D1 ranking.

Coach Said Bouzidi paced ASE Essaouira to fourth victory this season (61-54). MAS players realized why no team has won ASE at home. MAS controlled the game tempo during the first three periods, but their stars players lack to shine during the last period mainly due to ASE good zone defense. With their excellent fighting spirit and strong self-confidence, Bouzidis players won 10 points out of 12 possible, making ASE doing so far their best season in the history.

IRAN Nador outplayed CMC in Casablanca with 9 points (76-85) proving that they are a serious candidate for this season's playoff. CMC are slowly drowning since they lost all the games and are not showing any sign of improvement.

Heartbreak game in Casablanca, where the reigning champion suffered and grabbed it (not easily) versus RCA (79-84). IRT players showed poor defense skills and inconsistency in offense. RCA players took advantage of IRT stars bad night to stay in the game and kept exchanging points with Coach Fayed players until last minute of regular time. Visitors couldn't even dream what will happen to them during the last seconds of the game. Another defense mistake resulted in a foul at the buzzer on RCA's Canadian player Dominique when the score was even 70-70. IRT contested the foul and argued with the referee with no success as Dominique had his two free throws to win the game But he missed them!
IRT reacted and won the extra time thanks to Papis Diouf who collected 10 points and 6 rebounds in the last 5 minutes of the game.

23rd Champions Cup for men: The draw made on Friday evening


The draw led by Mr. Abdelraouf Menjour, President of FIBA Africa’s Commission of Competitions attended by the President of Tunisia Basketball Federation and several journalists, has divided the 12 clubs into 2 groups A and B of 6 each.
The defending champion, Primero de Agosto (Angola) is the head of Group B along with Back (Guinea), First Bank (Nigeria), El Shabab Arabi (Libya), Stade Nabeulien (Tunisia) and BC Onatra (DRC).
Etoile du Sahel (Hosting club) from Tunisia, lead the Group A included ASA(Angola), Lupopo (RDC), Swallows (Togo), APR (Rwanda) and Kano Pillars (Nigeria).
In day 1, Etoile du Sahel will fight against APR in openers while the defending champion, Primero de Agosto will begin its title defence against Stade Nabulien.

Group A: Etoile du Sahel, ASA, Lupopo, Swallows, APR and Kano pillars.
Group B; Primero de Agosto, Back, First Bank, El Shabab Arabi, Stade Nabeulien and BC Onatra.

05 December 2008

UGANDA : Champions in waiting


by Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

Today at Lugogo
Riders v Ndejje 5pm
KCC v Rangers6:30pm
Lady Canons v A-1 8pm

A-1 Challenge and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons have just one chance to finish the season with a trophy. The two teams square-off in game five of the best of five MTN-Fuba League final series at Lugogo Indoor stadium tonight.

With the series tied at 2-all both teams reckon there is no room for error. “We are just going to win and nothing else,” Lady Canons’ play maker Flavia Oketcho, said yesterday.
The university team had a chance to seal the championship in game four on Tuesday but simply couldn’t match A-1 Challenge’s tight defence, losing 45-52. “I think we were a bit overconfident in that game. We played like it was a done deal and paid the price in the end. But we have the heart and will take this championship,” Oketcho, the 2005 women’s most valuable player, added.

After losing game one 24-50, A-1 Challenge seemed like they were losing the series 3-0 but called to their experience to keep in the hunt. “Every time we played good defence, we went on to win. It’s the only strategy that will get us the trophy. And I am very confident we are winning come game five,” A-1 Challenge’s utility player Ali Mavita said on Tuesday.
Though A-1 Challenge, champions in 2005, still have a chance, coach Hamza Nyambongo has a difficult task of containing Lady Canons’ fast-paced game.
In game four, A-1 Challenge managed to stop Okecho, limiting her to just seven points. But the former Lady Bucks player has vowed to return and destroy A-1 Challenge’s defence. “It was just a bad day. It will be a different story on Friday (today).”

Knight Riders will meanwhile look to their experience as they try to wrestle the men’s Second Division trophy from Ndejje University’s hands. The series are also levelled 2-all but Riders go into the decisive game as hot favourites.

KENYA : Fiba to fund members secretariats

By CAXTON APOLLO

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has a pilot project to fund all the federation secretariats for continuity in the development of the sport.

FIBA-Africa Zone Five president Morris Aluanga said the international body wants all the federation secretaries-general of the member countries to be full time employees for the continuity of the funded programmes.
According to Aluanga, FIBA will meet the salaries of officials to discourage the current scenario of having to elect the officials every after four years.
Aluanga, who served as the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman for one term between 1999-2002 said FIBA will hold a central board meeting early next year in Europe to deliberate on the 15 countries which will be the first beneficiaries of the pilot project.

Advertise the positions

The project will run in phases to cover all the federations. Vitalis Gode is the current KBF secretary-general.
He said federations will advertise the posts of secretary-general to get a qualified people whose names will be forwarded to FIBA headquarters in Geneva for the monthly full time salary funding.
Aluanga, added that FIBA-Africa will hold a two-day central board meeting in Cairo, Egypt from Januay 25 to discuss the activity reports from all the Africa zones.
“All the zone presidents will be required to submit a calendar of events to be discussed and thereafter sent to FIBA world to show the need for the future funding that will depend to the activeness of each zone’’ said Aluanga.

He said FIBA-Africa under president Ekra Alain and secretary-general Alphonse Bile both of Cote D’ Ivoire is committed in assisting member federations to promote the game.
Aluanga said the two officials presented Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Mozambique with outdoor scoreboards and 24 seconds clocks during the just concluded 14th edition of the Africa women’s club championship in Nairobi.

04 December 2008

TANZANIA : TBF selects basketball teams

By Suleiman Jongo

Tanzania Basketball Federation TBF has selected players for the national teams (men and women) ahead of next month's African Challenge Trophy to be staged in Nairobi.

TBF's secretary general Lawrence Cheyo said American based Tanzanian export Hasheem Thabeet who features for the University of Connecticut Huskies has also been included in the team.
Other selected players in the men's team include Vijana's Abdallah Ramadhani (Dulla), three-point wizard Frank Kusiga, Ashraf Haroun, Mlewa Francis, Juma Kisocky and Mkumbo Mgendi from JKT.
Army Basketball Club's (ABC)'s Frank Augustino and Batungi Gilbert, Pascal Nsana (Oilers), George Tarimo (Savio) and Kenyan based Sudi Abdul.
Lady players are Grace Daudi and Jabu Shaaban (Jeshi Stars), Amina Ahmed (Lady Lions) and Evodia Kazinja (JKT).
This is the second time Thabeet has been called to join the national team but he was not available during the first call in 2001.
Cheyo said should the towering Thabeet who stands at be available it will be a big boost for the national team in the championship.
However, the TBF officials would not confirm the players' availability in relation to footing of the return flight fare and the NBA's college league fixtures in America.
Some of the countries expected to compete in the Nairobi continental championship include Uganda, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and hosts Kenya.

TANZANIA : TBF appoints coaches for regional championship

The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has appointed coaches for national men's and women's teams ahead of next month's regional tournament in Rwanda.

The coaches are Bahati Mgunda and Evarist Mapunda for the men�s team; and Salehe Zonga and Paschal Nkuba for the women�s side.
TBF Secretary General, Lawrence Cheyo said that the teams were yet to start residential camp training as they were busy on club duties.

The players are due to compete in the Dar es Salaam basketball league known as RBA Kili League before traveling to Kigali for the East and Central Africa Challenge Cup.
"We do expect the selected players will be fit for the tournament and the coaches' tasks will therefore be to create playing cohesion ," said Cheyo. Most of the selected players featured in this year�s Barrick Taifa Gold Cup national basketball tournament.
"We have the confidence in the proven abilities of these four individuals and we trust that their experience will lead to good performance by our teams.
We are fully aware of how important this upcoming tournament is and we can only do our country justice if we return triumphant," he said.

The announcement of the national team coaches comes right on the back of this year�s Taifa Gold Cup which for the second year running was sponsored Barrick Gold Tanzania.

Barrick Tanzania Public Relations and Communications Manager Teweli Teweli expressed optimism in the new coaches and the national teams as a whole.
"This is an exciting moment for Barrick Tanzania as the sponsor of the Taifa Gold Cup which produced the two national sides. The experience that our new coaches have will go a long way to ensure national success in basketball, " said Cheyo.

The players who have been selected to form provisional squad are: (men) Frank Kusiga, Ashfar Harun, Edward Robert, Pascal Nsana, Abdallah "Dulla" Ramadhan, Francis Mselwa and Frank Augustino.
Others are Sudi Razak, Mohamed "Dibo" Ally, Oswald Maboko, Amon Mberya. Kafashe Abdallah, George Tarimo, Juma Kissoky, Mgindi Mkumbo, Amir Muhidin, Gilbert Batungi, Alhonce Msekwa, Jije Makani, Hasheem Thabit and Alex George.

The women's side is made of Annosiata Anthony, Agnes Simkonda, Jabu Shaaban, Grace Peter, Fraja Malaki, Evodia Kazinja, Elizabeth Masenyi, Naima Boli, Mary Meshack, Nipaeli Kessy, Amina Ahmed, Neema Emmanuel, Monica Aloyce and Zakia Kondo.

Also in the women's side are Dajda Ahmed, Dolita Mbunda, Hadija Kalambo, Lucy Sangu and Lucy Augustino.

ZANZIBAR : Stone Town team triump

By Hassan Abdullah, Zanzibar

Stone Town cruised to Karume Cup basketball title after beating Police team by 60-47 points in the final match played at the Gymkhana courts in Zanzibar on Saturday.

The Gymkhana court was filled to capacity during the match played to honour Zanzibar�s founder president Abeid Amani Karume. Zanzibar president Karume was the guest of honour.
The thrilling match was spiced up by the political rivalry existing between fans of the teams.
The match started at a cracking pace with each side launching attacks amid cheers from spectators and the guest of honour who were kept spellbound throughout.
Making use of their stalwarts, Masha Humud who notched ten points, Ali Upepo, Said Marine, Fuadi Kassim and Nabil Ali, Stone Town kept their opponents at bay.
Police players, Abbas Himid, Saidi Bilu, Baraka Uzia and Ramadhan Zimbwe, put up an impressive show, but would not match the winner�s pace. Stone Town is coached by an American national, Raymond Dwight.
In the ladies category, JKU narrowly beat Nyuki by 29-28 to emerge winners of the tourney. Winners of both men and women teams were awarded cash prizes to the tune of Sh500,000. Second placed and third place finishers took home Sh400,000 and Sh300,000 respectively.
Police men�s team player Mohamed Kassim and JKU�s Pili Peter were voted as the tournament�s most outstanding players to win Sh50,000 prize.
Meanwhile, a mobile phone service providers, Tigo, presented 20 sets of jerseys and 20 balls worth Sh3 million to all teams who competed in the tourney.
Basketball Association of Zanzibar (BAZA) secretary general Abdul Abdulrahman Mohammed expressed his appreciation to Tigo for the sponsorship and donation.

ZANZIBAR : Stone Town and JKU win basketball titles in Z`bar

By Mwinyi Sadallah, Zanzibar

Stone Town hit Polisi 60-47 to win men`s Karume Cup basketball title in a final match played at the Gymkhana grounds here on Saturday.
The final match was attended by many fans including Zanzibar President Aman Abeid Karume who was the guest of honour.
Stone Town got their points from Masha Humud who scored 10 while the remaining points were registered by Ali Upepo, Said Marine, Fuadi Kassim and Nabil Ali.
Polisi’s points were scored by Abass Himid, Saidi Bilu, Baraka Uzia and Ramadhan Zimbwe.
JKU won the women’s title after walloping Nyuki 29-28 in another final.
Winners were awarded 500,000/- each while first and second runners-up each received 400,000/- and 300,000/-, respectively.
Mohamed Kassim of Polisi was named men’s best player while JKU’s Pili Peter was the best player for women. They were awarded 50,000/- each.
Tigo awarded a set of jersey and ball to all competing teams.
The tournament is normally staged to commemorated the death of former Zanzibar president Amaan Abeid Karume.

UGANDA : Power-ful kings


BY Sande Bashaija
Lugogo

Previous champions
1995 – Makerere
1996 – Power
1997 – Charging Rhino
1998 – Falcons
1999 – Falcons
2000 – Sadolin Power
2001 – Sky Jammers
2002 – Falcons
2003 – Falcons
2004 – Falcons
2005 – Nkumba Marines
2006 – Nkumba Marines
2007 – Falcons
2008 – Sadolin Power

Results (Game Four)
Sadolin Power 78-73 Falcons
Knight Riders 87-80 Ndejje
A-1 52-45 Canons
Friday at Lugogo
Knight Riders v Ndejje 6pm
A-1 Challenge v UCU 8pm

After eight years of waiting, Sadolin Power finally have a trophy in their cabin.
Power on Tuesday night overturned a 12-point third quarter deficit to defeat six-time champions Falcons 78-73 in game four, winning the MTN Fuba League best of five final series 3-1.
“Some people didn’t believe in us but we have done it,” said Stephen Kasamba, one of few players that were part of the championship-winning Power team in 2000. “We’ve disappointed our fans so many times but not anymore,” an elated Kasamba added.
The game was clearly out of Power’s reach as early as halftime with Falcons leading 32-26. Yet, Power’s reliable players Isaac Afidra (17 points), Joseph Ikong (8) and David Kiberu (6) all had four fouls early in the third quarter.
They had to sit out, leaving Falcons to have a field day. At the end of third quarter, Falcons had established a comfortable 59-47 lead and only the bravest of pundits could predict victory for Power.

A-1 Challenge recover
Former women champions A-1 Challenge had earlier recovered to level the series 2-2 against UCU Lady Canons while men’s Second Division giants Knight Riders also forced a decisive game five with Ndejje.

This incited a general feeling that the topflight men’s series would also go down to the wire. But Power were never going to let it happen.

“None of us wanted to play game five. We decided to press in the fourth quarter and everyone was so courageous to attack,” Afidra, who returned to score 11 points in the fourth quarter, said.
Though Power launched a rally, Falcons managed to hold on to a small lead but suffered a setback when their centre Henry Malinga fouled out with 4:10 to play.
With 50 seconds on the clock, Ben Komakech, a lead contender for the most valuable player’s accolade, hit a three-pointer to bring Power within one point (71-72).
Afidra then gave Power a 75-73 lead before Ken Balyejusa (18) and Ikong accomplished the job, sending fans into frenzy. And the wild celebrations at Lugogo Indoor Stadium were justifiably deafening.

Tribute to Okecho
“We have won this for Ox (Wilbrod Okecho). His family members were here supporting us and we couldn’t let them down,” Ikong said. Power dedicated the championship to their departed colleague Okecho, who died of bullet wounds in April.

Francis Tumusime led Falcons with 17 points followed by Sam Obol (15) and Henry (13). Eric Malinga grabbed 10 points but couldn’t save Falcons from losing their first ever final series.

For UCU Lady Canons, they will have to wait until tomorrow to see if they can win their maiden women’s championship. The Mukono side were put to the sword by A-1 Challenge, losing game four 45-52. Olivia Mulwana (11 points), Aggie Nantongo (9) and Rosette Meyar (8) lifted A-1 Challenge, keeping them with a chance of repeating their 2005 exploits.

Celia Asila was the only UCU player in double figures with 10 points. The deadly Flavia Oketcho (7), Frances Nabulobi (8) and Laraine Akinyi (4) were subdued by A-1 Challenge’s tight defence.

Knight Riders beat Ndejje University 87-80 to level the men’s Second Division series and will play a decider at Lugogo tomorrow.

Special 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men: Pillars, Union Bank know opponents

The Nigeria two representatives to the final round of the 23rd FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Men, Kano Pillars basketball club and Union Bank basketball club will this Friday know their opponent.

According to a release from the Secretariat of the continental ruling body the twelve clubs will be divided into two groups of six teams each with host Etoile du Sahel basketball club of Tunisia heading group-A while defending champion, Primero de Agosto of Angola lead other teams in group-B.

The draw ceremony of the continent's most prestigious club competition is billed for 20.00 hours local time at Star's Sport Hotel, Sousse, Tunisia.

The draw ceremony will be conducted by Abdelraouf Menjour, FIBA Africa president of Competitions commission.

The 23rd Champions Cup for men will be played from 12th 21st December 2008 Sousse, Tunisia will see the twelve teams from eight Africa countries vying for honours.

The participating clubs includes host Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia), El- Shabab Arabi (Libya), Stade Nabeulien (Tunisia), Lupopo (RDC), Onantra (RDC), APR (Rwanda), Primero de Agosto (Angola), ASA (Angola), BACK (Guinea Conakry), Kano Pillars (Nigeria), Union Bank (Nigeria) and Swallows (Togo).

EGYPT : 4th round result

The 4th round in the egyptian league finished after strong matches Ittihad , Zamalek ,Gezira , Ahly , Army geish and Shorta police wins the result was as follows :

Ittihad VS Gasco 81/67
Shorta Police Vs Shams 77/72
Gezira VS Sporting 92/85
Smouha Vs Ahly 61/64
Gesh Army VS insurance 77/65
Olympic VS Zamalek 45/73

After these results Ittihad , Zamalek are on the top and it seems that Gezira is doing well after winning two not easy games while sporting seems to has a lot of problems

03 December 2008

SOUTH AFRICA : Egoli Magic Tour Angola

The runners up of the LOP (League of Professionals) and Professional Basketball League team the Egoli Magic did South Africa proud on a recent tour of Angola this past week.

The team was not the original Egoli Magic team their fans have come to love after losing Joseph Mazibuko who left the team to persue other interests. The team added 6'9 center Cedrick (Not sure about his surname) who played college ball in the US and who sounds like an American too. Cedrick cracked the Mandeville backboard last week after throwing down a very strong dunk on a clearly weak structure. They also added Neo Mothiba, the South African National Team captain who currently plays for the Pretoria Heat and Quintin Denyssen who plays for Wits Alumni in the LOP.

Egoli Magic haven't played in over a month with the exception of a few scrimmages they organised prior to leaving for Angola last week. Their schedule was tough nonetheless. On Friday Egoli lost to Primeiro De Agosto 96-71. Not a bad result considering that this is the nucleus of the Angolan national team.

On Saturday the lost to Inter 72-65. This is a game that Egoli would have hoped to lose by only single digits or at least walk away with a W.

On Sunday Egoli finally managed to win a game after they beat the Under 20 National team 72-52. This is a game they should have won in my opinion. In their final game against Libolo they won 69-68.

So in retrospect they left Angola with a 33% win record against teams over 20 years of age or against people their own size. That's not bad for a South African team playing away from home. Overall they won 50% of their games if you include the under 20 team.

Well done to the Egoli Magic for what I and Egoli Management considers a very successful tour.

Until next time..... Tshepo Ditshego OUT!!!

RWANDA : 14th Champions Cup for women: FERWABA Hails APR Girls

The president of the Rwanda basketball Federation (FERWABA), Fidele Rutagarama has hailed APR's resilience in the14th FIBA-Africa Champions Cup for women that wrapped up last Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Rwandan giants scooped a 7th spot finish to emerge as the best ranked team in East and Central Africa (zone 5).
"The team did well. It emerged as the best team in the region. It even beat Kenya's KPA who won the Africa Zone 5 Club Championships in Ethiopia last month," Rutagarama said.
Despite losing to Angola's Primero de Agosto, APR made sure they finished their campaign on a high by thumping KPA 67-50.
It was sweet revenge for the first timers who painfully lost to the hosts 44-43 at the group stage.
After the game, APR's assistant coach Charles Mbazumutima told Fiba-Africa that he was happy at the achievement.
"We are happy to come here and end up in seventh position in only our first tournament. It gives us hope that we can do better in future," he said.
Desportivo of Mozambique meanwhile retained the championship title after a 70-63 victory over Primero de Agosto in a thrilling final.
First Bank from Nigeria finished third after beating ABC from Ivory Coast 64-53 in the third and fourth playoffs.
CSA of Ivory Coast wound up in fifth position after shocking Djoliba 59-57 in a closely fought game.

Julius Mbaraga

02 December 2008

NIGERIA : Udoka powers First Bank to third best

Mfon Udoka hit 17 points as First Bank of Nigeria defeated ABC of Cote d‘Ivoire 76-62 on Friday to place third in the classification match of the 14th Africa Champions Cup for women played at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The FIBA Africa 2003 champion won the first quarter 24 - 13 before ending the second 12 - 12. First Bank, won the third 23 - 18 but ABC with a last effort won the last quarter 19 - 17 but could not avoid defeat.

First Bank’s Oselabi Funmilayo had 15 points while Camara Fatouma of ABC hit the highest game points 19 as her teammate Berte Salimata scored 12 points.

On Saturday defending champion Desportivo of Mozambique retained it‘s trophy after beating last year‘s runner up, Primero de Agosto of Angola 70 - 63 in the final. Desportivo, who beat First Bank, in the semifinal 67-55 in the championship‘s most entertaining game, won the first quarter 18 - 10 but the Angolans cut down the margin with a 16 - 11 win in the second and trailed 29 - 26 at the break. The Mozambicans won with a huge 26 - 17 points gap in the third quarter but lost the last 15 - 20 but the score line was enough to win the game at 70 - 63 and hold the trophy for the second time in a row.

Yolanda Jones scored 27 points for Desportivo while Aleia Rachide had 17. Milcenete Nasicella hit 19 points and Obaye Asion 13 points for Primero.

CSA of Cote d‘Ivoire finished in the fifth position when they shocked Mali’s Djoliba 59-57 in a closely fought game to decide the fifth and sixth place.

Also, host Kenya Ports Authority, lost 67-50 to APR of Rwanda. The Kenyans thus finished in 8th position as APR playing in their first championship took the 7th place.

KENYA : Coach young players

Kenyans watched as foreign teams stole the show at the Africa women’s basketball club championships that drew to a close at the weekend in Nairobi with Mozambique’s Desportivo retaining their title by defeating Angola’s Primero de Agosto in the final.

Home teams Kenya Ports Authority and Eagle Wings failed to make the last four in the annual tournament.

With qualification tournaments for the 2012 Olympic Games not too far away, lessons have been learnt and the ball now lies squarely on the Kenya Basketball Federation court if our national teams are to make any impression in international competitions or qualify for the Olympics.

As teams prepare for the new season, it is imperative that the federation’s marketers get more aggressive and bag sponsorship deals that will increase the sport’s profile, especially in the Premier and National League competitions.

The dearth of club competitions is rather worrying and the gap between Kenyan clubs and the rest of the continent was quite obvious at the Nairobi championships.

The run-of-the-mill leagues are not doing any justice to the development of the game that has been seriously dented by the absence of a youth programme.

That the average age of Kenyan players was 30 as compared to 20 for the Mozambicans, Angolans and, indeed, most of the other clubs in the Nairobi tournament speaks volumes about the need to rethink the technical development of our junior basketball.

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