30 April 2013

ANGOLA : 1º De Agosto Try to Keep Lead in Baibasket Final Four

Luanda — 1º de Agosto will try to keep their lead of the final four phase of the national senior males basketball championship, when they face this Tuesday Recreativo do Libolo at Luanda's Dream Space pavilion, for the group A's third round.
1º de Agosto lead the competition with four points, while Recreativo do Libolo are at the fourth place with three points.

NIGERIA : Dstv Premier Basketball League - NBBF, Stakeholders Trade Words

Basketball stakeholders have cried foul over the non release of sponsorship funds of N58 million naira to clubs participating in the 2012/2013 DStv Premier Basketball League season.
Though the new league season finally took off over the weekend with matches in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences, stakeholders are not at peace with what the NBBF has described as 40% - 60% sharing formula for the 16 clubs.
In a statement by the stake holders made available to Sports Vanguard yesterday, they expressed worry over the fact that no monies had been credited to the accounts of clubs before the start of the league on April 26th, 2013.
Clubs are particularly worried that given the new 28 games format which has made the over head cost extremely enormous as the N1.45m the federation intends to pay for was grossly inadequate.
In his reaction, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Tijani Umar challenged clubs in the country's top flight DSTV Basketball league to look for alternative sources of revenue instead of depending on the paltry amount they get as sponsorship funds.
Speaking to Sports Vanguard yesterday Umar said the accusation was spurious and lacked logic.
"The money they are talking about got into our account only on Thursday and today is just Monday. How on earth do you think all the banking procedures could have been completed before the end of day today?" he asked, adding , "as I speak, one of the clubs is yet to forward their bank details to us."
Tijani insisted, "we are very accountable. This is election period, I believe some of them have a hidden agenda and I don't care about what they say. What they should bother about is how to make money for themselves through intensive marketing instead of clinging unto sponsorship money, which is not enough, by the way."
He explained that the federation's share of the sponsorship money has been earmarked for officiating and technical, management of league board, upgrading of facilities and logistics for the entire season.
He challenged clubs to look for alternative home grounds. "In Lagos alone we have UNILAG, Teslim Balogun stadium and Rowe Park indoor sports halls. Why are they insisting on playing at the indoor sports hall of the national Stadium?"

UGANDA : Inter-Cities Basketball: Mukono ladies make solid start

By Julius SenyimbaKampala B 44 Mukono 71
MUKONO ladies team made a statement of intent in the opening game of the annual Inter-cities Basketball tournament that kicked off on Monday with 71-44 points win over KCCA B at the Lugogo Arena.
The side that finished fourth in the last edition, after losing to KCCA A in the third place playoff, opened this campaign looking the hungrier team.
Mukono outscored KCCA B in three of the four quarters and the team’s skipper, Purity Adiambo attributed the near perfect performance to their strategy which focused on cramping their opponents for space.
“With this attitude, we will win this championship. The challenge is their but still, we are going to give it our best to reach the finals and clinch it,” Adiambo explained after their resounding win.
Adiambo lead her side’s scoring with 17points and 10 rebounds while vice-captain Maureen Amoding on bagged 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Joy Chemutal made a game-high 21points but couldn’t stop her team from tasting defeat Mukono.

29 April 2013

KENYA : Defence was key in win Over Co-op Bank – Eliud Nzioka

File Picture
File Picture

Updated on 29/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Ulinzi Warriors Coach Eliud Nzioka has a good display of defence by his side to thank when they beat Defending champions Co-op Bank 51-46 on Saturday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
Nzioka was speaking to michezoafrika.com after the match and he hailed the tight defence play Ulinzi Warriors exhibited in the match, “in our last game we lost because the defence allowed our opponents to shoot. We knew Co-op Bank would shoot and we did everything we could to avoid that, I am pleased that the players followed instructions and it worked for us.”
The win was Ulinzi’s first win since the league began and Nzioka describes this as a huge morale booster, “beating the defending champs has put us in the right state of mind and the boys know what they are capable of so I know we will go for the coming matches with a positive attitude.”
Ulinzi so far has four points from three matches having lost two and winning one.

KENYA : Thunder remain unbeaten after win over Blazers

Blazers vs Thunder in past league match
 
Updated on 29/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Thunder basketball team continued their dominance of the KBF Premier League after they beat Blazers 56-37 on Sunday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
Thunder has so far managed to upset the Defending Champions of the KBF Premier League Co-op Bank when they beat them 72-63 in their season opener, defeated the runners up of the 2012 season USIU Tigers 71-60 while Blazers were their latest victims. The win sees the Shauri Moyo based team with 6 points from the 3 wins.
In the match Thunder won all the quarters with the 1st quarter ending 13-8, the 2nd quarter 15-6, 3rd 10-6 and the last quarter 18-17. Thunder captain Griffin Ligare who has been instrumental for the side had 10 points while Nelson Njau sunk in 17 points the highest in the match. Jay Michoma gave Blazers 7 points to lose their second consecutive match after they were beaten by debutants Nairobi Aviation College last weekend.

KENYA : Nairobi team heads to Kampala for Inter-cities Championship

Nairobi team in Kampala last year
Nairobi team in Kampala last year

Updated on 29/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

The team which will represent Nairobi in the upcoming inter-cities basketball tournament that is scheduled for Kampala, Uganda will travel on Monday evening.
The ladies team will be going to defend their title but according to Dan Were the Nairobi Basketball Association League treasurer the team is still short of funds, “the team will be departing on Monday evening but even as we travel we do not have enough funds to comfortably travel. Transportation to and from Uganda is available and now the biggest hurdle will be accommodation. All in all the players are determined to go and play and we shall push with the little we have got from well wishers.”
The tournament will run from the 29th of April to the 4th of May. Below is the squad that will travel to Kampala.
Samba Mjomba, Hilda Indasi, Angela Luchivya, Celia Asila, Grace Wanjiku, Zipporah Adhiambo, Linda Alando, Emma Nyakweba, Denise Okoth, Vilma Owino, Susan Akinyi, Eleanor Amboko. Coach - Sylvia Kamau

KENYA : KBF Division One League weekend wrap up

KCA-U vs KU Pirates in past Div One match
KCA-U vs KU Pirates in past Div One match

Updated on 29/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

The Kenya Basketball Federation Division One league resumed over the weekend with 6 matches played at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
On Saturday Kenya College of Accountancy University were up against Kenya Airports Authority where the students were beaten 42-38 while in the second match of the day saw newcomers Zetech College overwhelm Trail Blazers 62-48. In the match Joshua Okumu gave Zetech 14 points with Felix Bwana sunk in 10 points for Trail Blazers.
In the last match played on Saturday Little Prince was up against Strathmore University (B) where the students managed to floor their opponents 59-43. Both teams are debutants in the Division One league after being promoted from the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league. Mugambi Mawina had the highest points in the match giving Little Prince 19 points while Strathmore’s Michael Ligare had 11 points.
In the matches played on Sunday Radhi Ndalu’s Equity shook off last weekend’s defeat to Zetech when they defeated Parklands 70-46. Equity’s new acquisition Brian Obimbo scored 18 points while Kelvin Eboi gave Parklands 18 points. Strathmore University (B) continued with their top form in the league after they won their second match of the weekend beating KAA 70-53. Peter Shelton had a good outing as he gave the students 26 points as KAA’s Elvis Ochieng had 21 points.
The last match on Sunday saw KCA-U lose their second match of the weekend after they were beaten 48-56 by Umoja. The league resumes next weekend.

KENYA : Strathmore Blades slay Lions in KBF Premier League

Strathmore vs USIU in past league match
Strathmore vs USIU in past league match

 
Updated on 29/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Strathmore “Blades” University on Sunday afternoon beat Lions 62-59 in the KBF Premier League at the Nyayo Gymnasium to hand their opponents their first defeat of the 2013 season.
Lions took the first quarter with 14 points against the students 10 points then in the 2nd quarter Strathmore managed to take it with a single point the scores being 16-15 and this put the half time scores at 29-26 in favor of Lions.
The 3rd quarter saw the two teams draw with 11 points each but in the high scoring last quarter the Madaraka based students squeezed past Lions with 22 points against 19 points to take the day. Chiza Aristote gave Lions 13 points while Samuel Odera had 17 points in the match.
In the women’s Premier League match played at the same venue Safe Spaces managed to beat Mennonites 38-24. Mennonites won the 1st quarter with 7 points against Safe Spaces 6 points but Safe Spaces won the subsequent quarters the scores being 8-2 in the 2nd quarter, 7-5 in the 3rd and 17-10 in the last quarter.

UGANDA : Can Falcons Return to Their Previous Best?

Kampala, Uganda — It's almost impossible to talk about basketball in Uganda without mentioning Falcons basketball club.
They have won a record six titles. But for various reasons the club has been on a freefall prompting its management to restructure. This season Falcons riding on a Ush30m ($11,323) sponosrship bounty from Galaxy Fm to reclaim their throne.
Innocent Nahabwe proprietor of Galaxy Fm offered his patronage to the team promising casch bonuses for special wins among other incentives.
Falcons realized that their success is fan based and last week at Club Amnesia unveiled their squad and launched a fundraising drive to raise Ugssh75m ($28301) needed run the club.
Club directors Robert Kagoro and Denis Mbidde reiterated their desire to return to the top by doing everything right including players affairs.
"Our ambition of course to win the championship, last season showed that we can. There is pressure on us to be the best which is a good thing, pressure will drive us to success," Mbidde told East African business week sports desk.
The club has blended experience with young talent as a recipe to deliver, it showed against Rhinos intheir season opener last week. Captain Peter Elugant, Sam Obol, Steven Omony, Geofry Omondi and youngsters Stephen Tumwesigye make up the manttle of the team. Head coach Tony Oluka has cut out his technical approach clearly prefering a defensive approach rather than a running game.
Falcons is having their plans but it should be noted that basketball in Uganda is on the rise gauging from competition in the league.

NIGERIA : Milo Basketball - Adamawa, Katsina for Final

The stage is set for the final of the Confluence Conference of the 2013 Nestle Milo Basketball championship holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, KogiState.
The final which comes up Tuesday will see AdamawaState taking on Katsina in the Boys category while Zamfara and Kano will fight for honours in the Girls category.
In the semi final matches decided yesterday, Adamawa Boys sent out hosts, Kogi Boys by a marginal one point victory as their highly contested, tension-soaked encounter ended 33-32 in favour of Adamawa.
The victors defied the massive support enjoyed by the home side from the spectators that included the Chief Judge of KogiState, Justice Nasiru Ajana to achieve their feat.
In the other semi final, Katsina Boys out dunked their BornoState counterparts to qualify for the final. Katsina won the tie by 53 to 50 points.
In the Girls category, Kano stole the show in their contest with Adamawa, beating them 12 - 8 to set up a mouth-watering final against free-scoring Zamfara State Girls who defeated Katsina 24 - 4.
Meanwhile, the losers' final will be coming up today as Kogi Boys take on their Adamawa counterparts while Katsina and Adamawa slug it out in the girls category.

UGANDA : Three KCCA teams enter inter-cities

The annual inter-cities basketball tournament gets underway today with hosts, Kampala, fielding three teams – two men and one for women.
The Lugogo MTN Arena will be the venue for the tournament which has attracted over 10 cities. The tournament was initially set for Dar es Salaam only for the Tanzanians to pull out at the eleventh hour.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) stepped in as hosts for a second successive year.
The draws were to be conducted by press time as per the arrival of the foreign teams. “We have three teams from South Sudan, two from Somalia, one from Somaliland, two from Kenya, Dar es Salaam and Mwanza from Kenya,” tournament official Joy Olinga said.
Entebbe, Jinja and Mukono will also take part with today’s opening ceremony to be graced by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
It’s an opportunity for the national team to play in a competitive tournament outside the confines of the annual Zone V event.
“One team is mainly of established national team players and the other is for the next generation who are under 23 and will take the mantle in future,” Olinga added.
DMark Power coach Bernes Ankunda will handle the national team, the bulk of whom were in Dar last year for the Zone V whereas national coach Mandy Juruni is in charge of the development side.
In the women’s draw, KCCA Leopards will play as Kampala whereas UCU Lady Canons take the Mukono slot in what should be a nail-biting week-long event.

28 April 2013

KENYA : Eagle Wings soar past Storms as Co-op Bank holds off Strathmore

Eagle Wings
Eagle Wings

Updated on 27/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

KBF Premier League Defending Champions in the ladies category Eagle Wings continued with their good start to the league as they overcame Storms 65-43 on Saturday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium. Eagle Wings has won all the matches that they have played so far and in the match against Storms they took the first 3 quarters then drew in the last quarter.
The 1st quarter ended 19-6 while the 2nd quarter saw Storms push Eagle Wings getting 14 points against the Champions 16 points to put the half time scores 35-20 in favor of Eagle Wings. The 3rd and 4th quarter ended 17-10 and 13-13 respectively to ensure Eagle Wings take 2 league points home after the win. Team captain Silalei Shani gave Eagle Wings 18 points while 2011 MVP Samba Mjomba had 15 points. Linnet Mukiri was Storms top scorer with 11 points.
In the other women’s premier league match Co-op Bank ladies team survived a scare as they narrowly beat Strathmore University 32-30 at the same venue. They took the 1st quarter with a resounding 13-5 win and then dominated the 2nd quarter also with 10 points against Strathmore’s 5 points to put the half time scores at 13-10 in favor of the Bankers.
The 3rd quarter was a close call for Co-op Bank as Strathmore had 11 points while Co-op Bank sunk in 13 points and in the last quarter the students beat Co-op with a margin of 3 points the score being 9-6 but Co-op survived the day. Celia Asila gave the Bankers 10 points followed by Linet Atieno who had 7 points while Susan Manya gave Strathmore 8 points.
The league resumes on Sunday where the Strathmore men’s team will be up against Lions.

KENYA : Ulinzi floors Defending Champs to register first league win

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File Picture

Updated on 27/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Ulinzi Warriors beat KBF Premier League defending Champions Co-op Bank 51-47 on Saturday evening at the Nyayo gymnasium to register their first win since the 2013 season began.
Ulinzi had lost the 2 matches they had played so far and the win came as huge relief for the Defence Forces side. In a tense 1st quarter Ulinzi managed to draw 1st blood after 3 minutes of play through Mike Tanui when he hit the Bankers with a 3 point shot with Ulinzi eventually winning the quarter with 13 points against Co-op’s 8 points.
The 2nd quarter saw another neck to neck battle but Cary Odhiambo’s side managed to take the quarter with a difference of one point the score being 13-12 to put the half time scores at 25-21 in favor of Ulinzi. In the 3rd quarter both teams upped the tempo in terms of offence but Ulinzi came out on top as they got 18 points while Co-op Bank sunk in 15 points to put the scores at the end of the quarter at 45-36 with Ulinzi still leading.
The last quarter saw Co-op push for a comeback and they took the quarter with 11 points against Ulinzi’s 8 points but it was a little too late and they succumbed to their 2nd defeat in the 2013 season.
Mike Tanui who was instrumental for Ulinzi in the win gave his side 15 points followed by William Ochieng who had 10 points to his name. Allan Ouma was Co-op’s top scorer with 10 points.

UGANDA : Homecoming for UCU in first varsity season derby

TODAY AT UCU MUKONO
M: UCU vs. KIU (4.30pm)
W: UCU vs. KIU (2.30pm)
TODAY AT LUGOGO
M: Nkumba vs. Vegetarian (5.30pm)
M: City Oilers vs. Miracle (7.30pm)
W: Gladiators vs. Nabisunsa (3.30pm)
FRIDAY RESULTS
M: Falcons 63-60 Ndejje
W: Stormers 61-45 A1 Challenge
KAMPALA
Six years ago, UCU Canons ‘arrived’ in the National Basketball League having earned promotion following two seasons in the lower tier.
In their debut year, 2007, they completed the regular season unbeaten only to lose 2-1 to Falcons in the best-of-three semifinal playoffs. They have since reached five semifinals but are yet to make the final. All their history is written at the Lugogo MTN Arena and YMCA court.
Today will feel like a homecoming following Fuba’s decision to allow universities to host their home games and KIU Titans make the trip to Mukono.
It’s a season opener for both. “Playing at home will help us bring the game to our fans which they deserve,” UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza noted. “And there is a fan base for us.” There is more to them that guard Cyrus Kiviri has joined from champions Warriors to spread their scoring options.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com

27 April 2013

KENYA : Ulinzi ready for clash against Co-op Bank

File Picture
 
Updated on 26/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Ulinzi Warriors coach Eliud Nzioka will be leading his side as they seek their first win since the onset of the 2013 season on Saturday afternoon when they face Defending Champions Co-op bank in the KBF Premier League.
Ulinzi has lost the two matches that they have played in so far losing to Mombasa based KPA and Lions and Nzioka says that they have a chance to redeem themselves against Co op,
“we are 2-0 down since this season began and we have to work on that. We have prepared for the game well enough but I also know Co op will not under rate us since they also suffered an upset against Thunder so it is going to be at a tough match that fans will enjoy.”
The match will kick off at 4:30 pm at the Nyayo Gymnasium

KENYA : Co-op Bank to face Ulinzi in KBF Premier League

Co op in action against USIU
Co op in action against USIU

Updated on 26/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
2012 Kenya Basketball Federation Premier league Champions in the men’s category Co op Bank will be facing Defence Forces side Ulinzi Warriors on Saturday from 4:30 pm at the Nyayo gymnasium as the league resumes this weekend.
Ulinzi will be seeking to recover from a shaky start of the league since they have not managed to win a match since the 2013 campaign began going down to Kenya Ports Authority 100-71 in their first match then lost in their second game to Lions. Co op Bank has suffered one defeat out of the two matches that they have played after being beaten by Thunder 72-63.
The Co-op Bank ladies team will also be in action as they face Strathmore University at 3:00 pm.
Below are the collated fixtures for the weekend:
Saturday 27.4.13
Division One
KCA VS KAA 9:00:00 NYAYO
ZETECH VS TRAILBLAZORS 10:30:00 “
LITTLE PRINCE VS STRATHMORE 12:00:00 “
Premier League
STORMS VS EAGLE WINGS (W) 13:00:00 “
CO-OP BANK VS STRATHMORE (W) 15:00:00 “
CO-OP BANK VS ULINZI 27.04.13 16:30:00 “
Sunday 28.04.13
Division One
PARKLANDS VS EQUITY 9:00:00 NYAYO
STRATHMORE VS KAA 10:30:00 “
UMOJA VS KCA UNI 12:00:00 “
Premier League
SAFE SPACES VS MENNONITES (W) 13:00:00 “
THUNDER VS BLAZERS 15:00:00 “
LIONS VS STRATHMORE 16:30:00 “
NAKURU CLUB VS NAIROBI AVIATION 12:00:00 NAKURU - MHS

NIGERIA : Uplifting the Fortunes of Basketball in Nigeria

The jury is still out on whether there is a connection between the first-ever sponsorship of Nigeria's men basketball league, and the qualification of the team to the London 2012 Olympics.
Prior to the sponsorship of the league by MultiChoice Nigeria which commenced in 2008/2009 season, D' Tigers, as the male team is popularly known, had striven unsuccessfully to qualify for the grand stage of basketball competition at the Olympics.
Time and time again, the team fell short, sometimes painfully close but never attaining qualification. However, three seasons into the sponsorship of the DStv Premier Basketball League, D' Tigers qualified for the very first time for the grand stage and did the league and country proud. Is the link between MultiChoice's sponsorship of the DStv Premier Basket League and D' Tiger's qualification for the Olympics tenuous?
This question is perhaps best answered in 2016 after the Rio Olympics must have been concluded because the sponsorship deal that led to the uplifting of the fortunes of male basketball in Nigeria has been renewed; and this time, the deal is bigger and better. Between now and the Rio Olympics, the growth and development of basketball in Nigeria is expected to maintain its upward curve as MultiChoice/DStv has ramped up its sponsorship of the league, from the previous N150million to about N230million (US$1.45m).
This is complemented with added incentives such as the continuous broadcast of live matches of the league which value runs into hundreds of millions of naira, expansion of the league to accommodate more clubs, and the attractiveness of the league to potential teams' sponsors as well as other avenues for brands to connect with their customers. With the growth in the popularity of the league coupled with high definition broadcast of matches, the DStv Premier Basketball League becomes a major platform for brands to connect with their customers.
With 16 teams from both the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences competing in the league, other sponsors beside MultiChoice who is the title sponsor have opportunities to benefit from using the DStv League to reach their target audiences. The immediate benefit the renewed sponsorship brings to basketball is what is most exciting.
First is that it gives the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) stability in managing its affairs, planning for the future, and expanding the reach of the sports to the grassroots, thereby expanding the scope of the game.
This much was attested to by the President of the NBBF, Tijjani Umar, who expressed delight at the sponsorship deal, promising to work with MultiChoice and other basketball stakeholders to continue to develop the game with a view to making it the number one family sport in the country.
Umar also said that the federation will implement a series of developmental programmes to support the clubs and raise the standard of the game in the country
"We will work very hard and consistently to build on our London 2012 Olympics outing. We will also take basketball to the grassroots so as to widen the base of the sport and also recruit the next generation of basketball stars for the benefit of the country," he added.
The sponsorship initiative, which if added to the previous one becomes an eight-year period, is no mean feat particularly in an environment where organisations are grappling with operational challenges as well as high overheads, and an inability to plan long term as the variables required for such extensive insight are in a constant flux. The sponsorship and support from MultiChoice give the NBBF stability, which is a crucial element needed for long term planning and growth.
Mayo Okunola, General Manager, DStv, described the sponsorship deal as a relationship in progress.
"The profile of teams, players and the league has been considerably boosted since we entered into the partnership with NBBF to sponsor the league. We can only envisage a brighter future for basketball in Nigeria following the renewal of the sponsorship deal. Our long term commitment to the development of quality programming on TV also extends to our contribution to the development of sports, which we believe will have a positive impact on the lives of people and their communities."
The 2012 - 2016 seasons will likely witness clubs building on the experience that they have garnered over the past four years competing in a stable league that was ushered in by the previous sponsorship. There will likely be more focus on improving the quality of play, enhancing the marketability of the names of the clubs, attracting more fans to the courts, which without a stable environment, would have been impossible to bring about.
"We would be raising (more) money for the clubs and the league through the branding and marketing of most of the clubs jerseys," said Umar.
According to the NBBF president, the 16 clubs will share 40 percent of the new sponsorship fee while the balance 60 percent would be for the running of the league.
"Yet again, we will be experiencing another four years of value being added to our league and the federation itself. We are happy about this development for it is indeed another milestone achievement that would yield a great thing for basketball," enthused Umar.
The greatest benefit, however, is the unstated, incalculable value that the broadcast of matches brings to the league.
The matches are broadcast live on high definition channels to millions of homes in 50 countries in Africa and to some other parts of the world. Without such a platform, no sport can attract any worthwhile or meaningful sponsorship: without TV broadcast, the scope of sport is limited to just the fans at the arena where the sporting event is taking place. With TV broadcast, however, the scope is expanded beyond the confines of the sporting arena to millions of homes, hotels, airports, and anywhere a TV set might be. Indeed, without TV broadcast, sports will lose most of its attraction.
The value of the live broadcast is better appreciated when it is beamed on primetime on the DStv premium and compact plus bouquets, which is a status only enjoyed by highly regarded and valuable sports content. What this means for the DStv Premier Basketball League is that the players and clubs enjoy premium exposure to potential sponsors, just as the brands of potential sponsors will enjoy exposure to their customers and potential customers. It is thus safe to predict that the clubs in the league would in the near future become brands in their own right, strong enough to attract organisations to sponsor their paraphernalia such as jerseys. Clubs could start investing in building a fan base, deepening their franchise, and generally make themselves more attractive.
It is almost impossible to imagine sports without television. The growth of the English Premier League in Nigeria, just as it is in many other countries, is tied directly to TV broadcast. While attending matches physically has its inherent enjoyment and satisfaction, TV broadcast however extends this enjoyment to fans that cannot be physically present in arenas to watch their teams play.
It is against this background that the value MultiChoice brings to the DStv Premier Basketball League is appreciated. Coupled with the sponsorship fee, it is indeed a great developmental initiative which has long term benefits for the growth of basketball in Nigeria.

UGANDA : Sterner test for Falcons after demolition victory

Falcons’ Mwesigye (L) powers for a lay-up
Falcons’ Mwesigye (L) powers for a lay-up against Rhino. photo by Ismail Kezaala
By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

Posted Friday, April 26 2013 at 10:23
In Summary
Against Ndejje tonight, Falcons will confront the reigning regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) and top scorer Geoffrey Soro plus his side-kick, guard Jonah Otim.

 Wednesday night was an easy walk in the park for Falcons, restricting Charging Rhino to 16 points in the first half, coasting to a 89-53 victory in their Airtel National Basketball League opener.
They spread the floor brilliantly much to the satisfaction of head coach Tony Oluka in the YMCA court dugout despite Rhino doing so many fancy things to deliver thrill for the handful of fans. Peter Elungat scored 30 points and 12 rebounds, Steven Mwesigye had 19 points and 18 rebounds, Geoff Omondi added 14 and 10 whereas Stephen Omony contributed 16 points and seven boards.
Falcons had only seven players having lost almost all their bench players and still await the return of center Philip Ameny and guard Abdullahi Ramadhan. There also seemed to be no ill-effects from the launch of the Falcons’ fans club the previous night where club chairman Dennis Mbidde introduced his players as “the best in their positions.” Oluka will know they must raise the ante against Ndejje University Angels in a repeat of last year’s quarterfinal playoffs which Falcons swept 3-0 at the Lugogo tonight. Ndejje coach Walker Obedi has also added two former Falcons in Brian Ssentogo and Francis Tumusiime to his roster

26 April 2013

UGANDA : CITY OILERS TO CHANGE FACE OF UGANDAN PREMIER BASKETBALL.

oilers
For the very first time in Ugandan basketball, a team coming from the lower division could change the fate of Premier League basketball. City Oilers are only a two year old basketball Team but they’re backed by liquid. The Oilers sponsored by City Oil, a petroleum distribution giant started out in 3rd Division in 2011, fielding several veteran players. With this cast, they managed to make it to 2nd Division in second place after losing the final to Bushcourt. In Division 2, they transformed into a Team full of experience as well as fire with the inclusion of senior players like Mandy Juruni and Ronnie Kalule as well some young and athletic players like James Okello and Christopher Ouma. They consequently went ahead to win the Division 2 title in 2012, defeating arch rivals Bushcourt and Rhinos at the semis and finals respectively.
In a players market that is as dynamic as the Ugandan one, Teams are already in crises. Truth be told, many teams in Uganda – even the finest ones struggle to put off players’ allowances. This is the most outstanding justification for players moving from one team to the next in a span of one season or two.
But how about when they’re approached by a Team that’s likely to meet its contractual obligations?!
Already, Basketball256 has received unconfirmed reports that the Oilers have received the signature of Bienvenue Ngandu from Rwanda’s Espoir. The center played for Falcons in 2010 but abandoned the team towards playoffs citing unpaid wages. They’re reports that the Oilers are also finishing off the deal with Norman Blick very soon amid very many other alleged talks with some of Uganda’s elite players.
I personally had a chat with Mandy Juruni – the former Warriors Championship coach whose contract expired at the end of last season about a possible move to City Oil, this time as Head Coach. He mentioned that he’s out of contract at Warriors but was keen not to admit he’s already put pen to paper at City Oil.
Backed by loads of cash, the Oilers are poised to have an absolute advantage in the players market this pre season and it’s quite guaranteed that they’ll get the players they want though we remain to see who they bring on board and if the cast they finally come up with can actually go all the way to claim the Championship.
By Cucu Brian

UGANDA : Falcons’ day out

Hot on the heels of their one-sided win over Charging Rhino on Wednesday nightin the new Airtel national basketball league, new-look Galaxy Falcons take on Ndejje Angels in a tricky game that could either way, writes Felix Eupal.A lot has changed since Falcons finished runners-up to Warriors last season. They let go several players such as Julius Lutwama, Brian Ssentongo, Francis Tumusiime and Edward Kateregga. Off the court, they acquired a new sponsor in Galaxy FM and with it a huge financial package.
Prior to the start of the season, they pulled a stunt by organising a party for fans, who filled Club Amnesia on Tuesday evening and fundraised more than Shs 12m. However, the most successful club in Ugandan basketball left a lot to be desired before their league opener on Wednesday night.
For a team that is vying for a seventh league title, it came as a shock when they fielded only seven players in Timothy Otim, Peter Elungat, Steven Mwesigye, Herbert Akita, Steven Omony and Geoffrey Omondi. So confused they looked that newly-appointed assistant coach Sam Obol had to play because the team couldn’t make the required numbers.
Their foreign imports Abdullahi Ramathan and Phillip Amenyi are yet to return from Tanzania and Kenya respectively while recent signing Moses Okwera has not been cleared. Meanwhile, former Dmark Power player Richard Balemwa, who was cleared early this week, hasn’t practiced with the team.
Despite the distractions, the depleted Falcons were still too good for Rhino and easily won 89-53. However, tonight’s opponents Ndejje will not be pushovers. The university side has beefed up their squad with former Falcons players Tumusiime and Ssentongo.
Ndejje are yet to play a game this season because their would-be opener last Sunday was postponed after Victoria Heaters asked Fuba for more time to put their house in order. Ndejje coach Walker Obedi is aiming to improve this season after the team reached the playoff quarterfinals last season.
“My players have improved a lot and the team is better. So just expect us to do the best we can in every game,” he says. With last season’s regular season MVP Geoffrey Soro in fine shape, a lot is expected from this Ndejje team and will definitely give Falcons a stern test.
The game will determine a lot on the future of both teams in this campaign but Falcons head coach Tony Oluka believes his team will walk away with victory. “Ndejje is poor at shooting, they play an inside game, so, we will have to employ a tight zone on them,” he says.

25 April 2013

GAMBIA : 2nd round basketball league resumes


Thursday, April 25, 2013
Brikama Basketball team defeated Sports House 51-31 points at the second round basketball league competition last weekend at the Manneh-Sillah Court in Banjul.
Another match also saw Wallidan beat Gambia Armed Forces. They made 40 points to 25 in the second encounter.
Saint’s beat Serrekunda West by 58 points to 49 at the Independence Stadium basketball court.
YMCA went home with 68 points carrying winner at the expense of Serrekunda East, who got 50 points.
The league is set to hold a knockout whilst it is in progress.

24 April 2013

KENYA : Loss to Zetech bad day in office- Equity Coach


Updated on 24/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Equity basketball team coach Radhi Ndalu has described their loss to Zetech College in the KBF Division One League over the weekend as ‘a bad day in the office’ as they were beaten 72-61.
The loss came as shock to the Bankers as Zetech had never beaten them while in the Nairobi Basketball League. The two teams are debutants in the Division One league with Equity gaining promotion by virtue of winning the inter-provincial basketball games while Zetech replaced UoN Terrorists who moved back to the Premier League.
“Our game plan did not just work for us, we tried everything but it was not just our day. Zetech played well and they took the day. Every team has one of those days no matter how good they are.” stated the coach. “We just have to go back to the drawing board this week and prepare ourselves for the next match and hopefully we shall overcome the loss.”
The loss was Equity’s first loss since they joined the Division One League.

SEYCHELLES : Stars, Cobras collect easy wins

Women’s champions Anse Etoile Stars and Premium Cobras collected easy wins at the weekend, while MBU Rockers rebounded from two consecutive losses to PLS Hawks to edge Baya.
Pictured here against Mont Fleuri, Magdeline Julienne (with ball) scored 15 points in Stars’ win against Juniors

In the men’s division one, Premium Cobras outscored RC Dynamics by 30 points to claim a 79-49 win. Dan Come led the scoring for Cobras with 16 points, Amadou Sylla added 15 and Michael Jean chipped in with 12 as they outscored Dynamics in all four quarters – 22-15, 22-12, 21-9 and 14-13.
Keneth Domingue led the Dynamics with 16 points.

This was Premium Cobras’ second win in as many matches after edging Angels 66-63 in their first game, while Dynamics suffered a second loss in a row after losing 43-66 to Baya in their first game.
Ervin Agathine netted 13 of his game-high 21 points in the final quarter but they weren’t enough to prevent Drifters from losing 58-73 to Mont Fleuri Dawgz.
The Dawgz, who dominated the first three quarters 18-14, 27-14 and 12-9 before losing the fourth 16-21, were led by Sergio Ah-Kong and Steven André with 11 points apiece.
Anse Boileau-based Drifters have now lost their second game in a row after losing 68-89 to Beau Vallon Heat in their first match.
The game between Baya and MBU Rockers was a very tight affair and the Rockers eventually won by a mere two points. The final score was 71-69 as the Rockers celebrated their first win in the league following an 83-91 loss to defending champions PLS Hawks in their first game.
Pascal Bibi had the hot hands for the Rockers with 20 points, while Daniel Hoareau scored 16 and playmaker Nigel Sinon added 14.
Centre Timmy Adam scored 15 points for Baya who had three other players – Dave Roseline, Faizel Naiken and Alex Baron – finishing with 10 points each.

Meanwhile, in the men’s second division, Razors cruised past Wolf 89-48 winning all four quarters in the process, while AAP Brothers lost to Cascade Bullets on a 45-66 score.

In the women’s league, Simone Malbrook and Magdeline Julienne scored 15 points each to help Anse Etoile Stars earn a 102-29 victory over Juniors.
Reigning female player of the year Jana Malbrook added 13 points for defending champions Stars who have already won the Curtain-raiser title this year.
The Stars dominated all four quarters 30-6, 21-9, 30-5 and 23-9.

The match of the day – Sunday – though was between HotShots and Mont Fleuri. HotShots battled hard in the final two quarters to outscore the Mont Fleurians 37-33, but their opponents had already done the damage in the first half which they won 38-18 (20-12 and 18-6).

The final score was 71-55 in favour of Mont Fleuri who were led in scoring by Lindy Morel and Agnes Bristol with 16 and 14 points respectively.
Sheriffa Agathine led HotShots in scoring with a game-high 24 points.

S. N.

23 April 2013

KENYA : NBA in dire need of sponsorship

Nairobi team in Kampala
Nairobi team in Kampala

 
Updated on 23/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

The Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) needs a minimum of Ksh.350,000 for them to be able to send a team that will represent Nairobi at this year's Inter Cities tournament that will be hosted in Kampala, Uganda from the 29th of April.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com, the treasurer of the Nairobi Basketball Association Dan Were appealed to well wishers to come to the rescue of the teams, “we always depend on friends and well wishers to facilitate the trip but this time round we were not so lucky and we desperately need someone to come through for us,”
NBA was planning to send two teams to the tournament but due to lack of funds they opted to send one, which was the ladies team, “the ladies team has won the tournament 10 times and because they will be defending their title, we saw it best that we send the ladies team since we could not afford to send two teams.”
Nairobi ladies team has won the Inter Cities tournament a record 10 times in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the only times the team has not won the tournament was when they failed to travel due to lack of funds.

NIGERIA : Rivers, Bayelsa Win Milo Basket Ball Atlantic Conference

Rivers State University of Science and Technology International Secondary School, Port Harcourt Monday qualified for the national finals of the Nestle Milo Basketball tournament billed to hold in Lagos later this year.
The Rivers boys emerged champions of the Enugu Conference by beating their Bayelsa State counterparts, Winners International Academy Secondary School, Yenegoa, 54-41 points.
The final match being a local derby between the finalists was fiercely contested with the first quarter ending 9-9 before the Rivers team upped their game to win the second quarter by 21 to 19 points.
On resumption for the third and final quarter, the Rivers State team increased the tally by 38-27, just as they coast home with 54-41 points to emerge champions.
The elated Rivers State team coach, Tekena Okumgba, stated that his joy knows no bounds as this is the first time in almost a decade that the school will qualify for the national finals.
"I'm very happy about this victory because it to us a long time to achieve this feat. I also want to say here that we are going to Lagos to battle hard for the title," he boasted.
Meanwhile, St. Jude's Girls secondary school, Bayelsa also qualified for the national finals after out dunking Reinhold International secondary school, Abiriba, Abia by 40-19 points.

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LIBERIA : Barrolle Hand Oilers First Defeat of the Season in Liberia Basketball League

Monrovia - What a game it was at the Sports Commission on Broad Street when Mighty Barrolle handed sensational LPRC Oilers their first defeat of the 2013 season on April 21.
The Red Boys pepped the Oil Boys by just a point--68 to 67 in a tense but thrilling first division encounter.
Barrolle coach Asad Fadel, with three foreign imports, won the first quarter by 12 to 10 points. With his traditional mentality of regularly shifting his first five, Oilers coach Paul Houlsen won the second quarter by 16 to 11 points.
Back from the break, Barrolle won the third quarter by 25 to 20 points before losing the last quarter by 20 to 21 points.
Kolontia Yamouna Camara, one of two Guineans and weighing 195 pounds at six feet and six inches, scored 30 points while Nigerian Joseph Light Omyemachie had six points.
Guinea's Donacien Camara combined with his West African brothers to keep the court slippery for Oilers and their three dunks thrilled spectators.
Anyone who may have predicted a win for Barrolle could have done so on sentiments but the Red Boys defied all odds in inflicting Oilers' first defeat over seven games.
And it was Barrolle's third straight win since losing 59 to 67 points to NPA Pythons on March 15.
Earlier, K-Deltas whipped Phoenix by 74 to 34 points in a female chase and Desert Knights narrowly beat Sac-Base by 64 to 61 points.
On April 20, Uhuru Prince lost to Georgia Blazers by 49 to 57 points in game one; Commissioners beat Supreme Sisters by 50 to 31 points and Monrovia Sky Force went down to Timberwolves by 45 to 52 in the first division.
On April 19, Desert Ladies white-washed Angel Shooters by 82 to 35 points; C-Deltas dumped Phoenix by 63 to 29 points and Pythons regained confidence by beating SOS Trotters by 83 to 48 points in the first division.
It was Pythons' third straight win since they surprisingly lost by 45 to 48 points to Sky Force on April 14. The league continued on April 22 with Matadi Knights forfeiting to Kardinals zero to 20 points while Uhuru Prince woefully disgraced Supreme Brothers by 104 to 30 points.
The first quarter ended six to 24 points and eight to 23 points in the second quarter.
The third quarter ended five to 26 points and 11 to 31 points in the last quarter. Game three between Bardnersville Celtics and Desert Knights was in progress when our reporter left for base.

UGANDA : Fuba Makes Changes in Basketball League

It is going to be a trying season for the Federation Of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) after it announced changes in the way the hoops' leagues will be played.
First of all the top flight basketball league for both men and women has been renamed to National Basketball League (NBL), a second tier for women with eight teams has been formed and together with what has been known as second division for men will be called the first division and the men's former third division will now be called the development league (D-League).
The National Basketball League will be managed and marketed differently from the first division and D-League, Ali Balunwya the federation's publicist revealed.
Another notable change is the federation allowing Universities teams to host their home games against other University teams in their backyards. Changes were also made in the D-League playing format with four subdivisions called conferences established; these teams will face off, four times a season with the top two playing in a playoff to get the promoted.
Uganda Christian University, Nkumba University, Ndejje University, Kampala International University and Kampala University are some of the universities with teams playing league basketball at different levels.
This move is aimed at popularizing the sport and allows communities associate with the sport, Sande Manano, the competitions council chairman said.
However FUBA said that NBL will maintain the regular season and playoffs, also two teams will be demoted to first division and two will be promoted to NBl after playing the first and second rounds.
The federation secured a sponsorship deal with telecom firm airtel for the NBL but has kept details to themselves. Balunywa was tightlipped on who will be bankrolling the first division and D-League.

UGANDA : Uncertainty looming over Heaters future

Warriors guard Ivan Enabu elevates to the bucket against hapless Miracle in a very one-sided contest.
Warriors guard Ivan Enabu elevates to the bucket against hapless Miracle in a very one-sided contest. photo by ISMAIL KEZAALA
By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

Posted Tuesday, April 23 2013 at 01:00
In Summary
Miracle have lost almost everyone with Andrew Opio, Mohammed Yusuf (both City Oilers), Donald Ssali (Warriors) and Ivan Rumanyika (yet to find a team) all leaving.
From Youth Heaters to Heaters to Proline Heaters to Victoria University Heaters, naming a team has never been that hard for Heaters whenever new owners sought.
Now, there’s uncertainty over existence of Heaters though they are penciled in among the fixtures of this year’s National Basketball League.
On Sunday, their game against Ndejje University Angels didn’t tip off to nearly confirm many people’s fears that the club has folded, just months after making the playoffs for the first time. “They wrote to the competitions committee last week and requested to be given two weeks to put their team in order,” basketball body president Ambrose Tashobya allayed the fears. Derrick Mbusi (DMark Power) and Andrew Okot (Warriors) moved on.
Others can neither confirm nor deny whether they are still part of Heaters. The erstwhile club chairman Denis Osikol has been away in the US since late last year. It’s almost inevitable that Heaters will at the very least get relegated or forfeit some fixtures. Their predicament should remind many of the dangers of ‘cosmetic’ growth the league has undergone in recent years. Meanwhile after making the playoffs twice in three years, Miracle Eagles looked like apprentices in their 94-26 mauling at the hands of champions Warriors.
Miracle have lost almost everyone with Andrew Opio, Mohammed Yusuf (both City Oilers), Donald Ssali (Warriors) and Ivan Rumanyika (yet to find a team) all leaving.
Barring a miracle of gigantic proportions, the relegation scrap awaits them. Ssali scored a game-high 20 and 12 points against his former team whereas Okot added 19 and eight to enjoy the feast on what is left of the caucus in an empty Lugogo MTN Arena.
Noel Hesbon contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds as the champions swept the boards 64-27 in an easy victory against the weakest of the four teams we have watched thus far. In the women’s league, Carol Nyafwono scored 35 points and 20 rebounds to lift Magic Stormers to a 127-57 win over Nabisunsa.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia
Indeed they might need a stay of execution as most of their players left in the offseason.

UGANDA : KCCA, Power Open Season in Style

THERE was no pomp or ceremony to mark the start of the 2013 National Basketball League (NBL) season at Lugogo on Friday.
So it was left to the two opening matches to provide all the action, and they offered enough to wet the appetite ahead of the new campaign.
The men's clash between D'Mark Power and City Oil was the more tantalising affair, ending 68-65 in favour of the five-time champions, who debuted their classy white and gold outfit.
Joseph Ikong dropped a game-high 17 points for Power and Paul Odong added 14 on his top-flight debut.
Odong took a leap of faith to shift his young and promising career from Division 1 Bush Court, where he was the talisman for the last two seasons, but his display suggested a bright Power future ahead.
"My team-mates gave me confidence and kept on encouraging me to play," the guard remnarked after the match.
Also making his Power debut (a third one to be precise) was Ken Balyegusa, keen to revive a career that was derailed by injury.
Balyegusa (who made two points) is still way out of shape but they say class is permanent.
City Oil intends to become a permanent member at the high table of local men's hoops and their NBL debut went well despite the defeat.
Andrew Opio sunk a game-high 18 points, Jimmy Enabu added 14 and Yusuf Mohammed 11 for Mandy Juruni's side, which will get much stronger once they complete the acquisition of Ramadan Arur and Kami Kabange.
Meanwhile, Martha Soigi scored a game-high 22 points while Claire Lamono made 20 points on her debut as the KCCA Leopards thumped A1 Challenge 76-60.
Barbara Okot and Olivia Mulwana made 19 and 11 respectively for A1.

KENYA : College side demolish persistent Bankers in men’s Division one league

Zetech College rose to raid persistent Equity Bank 71-60 in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s Division One league played at Nyayo stadium on Sunday.
Joshua Okumu and Brain Simiyu contributed 14 and 13 points to the students as Godfrey Abuya sunk 12 for the bankers.
Both teams had a balance of force in the initial quarter which ended 15-15. Equity then rose in the second to win 18-14 to take the lead in the breather.
On sensing danger, Zetech College head coach Job Munene pumped his charges with secrets that saw them dazzle on resumption, winning the third quarter 18-12 and the last one with a whooping 30-9.
“I changed our tactical approach in the half but what aided our win was good coordination among my players, they were receptive,” Munene said.
Munene confided to FeverPitch that they suffered an 82-38 loss to Umoja on Saturday due to overconfidence by his charges.
“My players became bombastic following our first win against Parklands Baptist,” added Munene.
WINNING WAYS
Equity coach Radhi Ndalu is hopeful his side, that so far has won three matches, will be back to winning ways this weekend as they face off with Parklands Baptist.
Blazing Umoja proved a hard nut to crack when they met Parklands in the category. Umoja ultimately won 51-36 after registering a 22-14 lead at the breather.
Women’s champions Eagle Wings continued to soar with a 67-41 win against Co-op Bank in the women Premier League.
Ever green Samba Mjomba and new signing Vilma Achieng aided Eagle Wings to victory with 27 and ten points. Co-op Bank had Eleanor Musundi with 11 points.
Strathmore University overcame Mennonites 68-40  as Lions edged Ulinzi 84-73 in the men’s Premier League.
BARCLAYS VALOUR
Barclays Bank of Kenya (BBK) Eagles flew past Our Lady Queen of Peace with 48-22 win in a Nairobi Basketball Association match played at Railway club with Neville Ogutu shooting 20 points for the Eagles and John Murumba had 10 for the losers.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Nairobi campus stunned Old Pirates 57-48 as Roy Onyango shot 23 points. Pirates missed the services of red hot Mannah Otieno as he called the shots for the students. He left the task for Alvin Ali who had 12.
MKU, Thika campus who lacked height surprisingly won 50-37 against Dankind Academy behind 12 points from Gaston Simidi.
Legacy nipped Daystar University 48-41 as Lameck Ombuya made 11 for the winners and David Julius had ten for the student side.
Brian Amanya and Patrick Naiser scored ten points each to guide Neosasa Morans to a 60-40 win over CFC Bank who had Peter Njongi collecting a game high 33 points.
In the ladies ties, BBK Eaglets won 48-33 over reigning champs Strathmore University as Ulinzi Blades blanked Daystar University 74-20 with Bridgit Nanzala bagging 27 for the soldiers.

NIGERIA : Multichoice Basketball League - Union Bank Beats Comets in Ceremonial Match

Union Bank Basketball Club of Lagos on Saturday defeated their city rival, Comets, 76-43, in a ceremonial match played at the National Stadium, Lagos, to herald the 2012/2013 men's league season.
The match was jointly organised by the Nigerian Basketball Federation and the league sponsors, Multichoice Nigeria Plc.
Union Bank dominated the match right from the blast of the whistle and won each of the four quarters of the match.
Coach Johnson Ayinla of Union Bank said after the match that his team was just warming up for the league scheduled to start on April 26.
"Although, this is a warm up match, our best is yet to come. We are determined to put in our beast when the league starts. We played good today, but it was still below our standard. We have to do better than this if we are to win the championship. Comets did not pose any treat after the first quarter, perhaps they are yet to really blend as a team," he said.
Coach of Comets, Ayo Bakare, admitted that his team played below expectations in the match.
Bakare, however, assured that his team had talented young and old players who could outplay any team in the coming season.
"We approached the game well enough in the first quarter but later allowed Union Bank to dominate and seize control of the match. We allowed many unforced turnovers and lost several chances at scoring and totally lost grip of the game," he said.
Olumide Oyedeji, Nigerian International and captain of the senior national team, who watched the match, expressed happiness that the DSTV men's league had resumed.
"I am delighted the new season has resumed after eight months of no actions. This is where we groom our home-based players and also develop the quality of the game at home. I look forward to seeing these great athletes play," he said.
Oyedeji, currently with Tochigi Brex, a club in Japanese League, also expressed his desire to come back home soon to end his career.
NAN reports that actions will resume in the 2012/2013 league season on April 26 in three venues across the nation: Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

22 April 2013

NIGERIA : Bayelsa, Rivers in Milo Basketball Final

The Eastern Conference final of the 2013 Milo Basketball championships comes up later today at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Bayelsa and Rivers states who have been very impressive in the tournament will clash in the finals.
In the Boys category, Bayelsa defeated Enugu 30-21 yesterday to scale through to the final while Rivers beat Anambra 56-45 points in the second semi final clash to qualify. In the Girls category, Bayelsa who defeated Rivers state 64-15 will clash with Abia state
Meanwhile,Coach of Beyelsa teams, Tony Tounarigha has applauded the sponsor of the tournament, Nestle , saying it will help in the development of basketball talents in the country.
"I am really impressed with what i am seeing in this tournament and i am grateful to the sponsor. We came here with the determination to make our state proud and we will do our best to emerge the best", he said

KENYA : USIU to usher in more young players


 
Updated on 22/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Kenya Basketball Women’s league side USIU Tigers is set to have more young players in its side.
Tigers’ coach David Maina was at the term one KSSSA games which were hosted at the Mangu High School and was concluded on Saturday where he was officiating as a referee but also went to scout for potential talent for his side.
Speaking to michezoafrika.com while at the tournament Maina stated that the best place to look for potential players was the school games where there is an array of talent, “this is the place where you can find players who have potential and if nurtured well can be better players, that is why I am on the lookout.”
USIU Tigers finished 2nd in the 2012 KBF Premier League.

KENYA : Lions maul Ulinzi to continue with good start in KBF Premier League



Updated on 21/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
Lions continued with their impressive start to the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League when they beat Ulinzi Warriors 84-73 at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.
The win means that Lions are still unbeaten in the 2013 season despite losing their sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank earlier in the year. Ulinzi kicked of the match on a high note taking the 1st quarter with 21 points while Lions sunk in 14 points.
The 2nd quarter saw reversed roles as Lions overcame their opponents with 20 points against 15 to put the half time scores at 36-34 in favor of Ulinzi. Lions dominated in the subsequent quarters with 21 points in the 3rd quarter while Ulinzi had 12 points and in the last quarter they managed to get 29 points against Ulinzi’s 25 to take the day.
Chiza Aristote was in superb form as he gave Lions 20 points from the match while Ancentas Wafula who captained Kenya in the Zone 5 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in January hit 19 points with 9 of those coming from the 3 points shots. William Ochieng who was impressive for the military side was in a class of his own sinking in 26 points, the highest in the match followed by Tiberus Menya who had 11 points.
The loss to Lions must be disappointing to Eliud Nzioka’s side having lost to Mombasa based KPA in their first match of the season.

UGANDA : Warriors obliterate Miracle Eagles

By Gloria Kyomugisha
Men
Warriors 94 Miracle 28
Power 68 City Oil 65
Women
Stormers 101 Nabisunsa 50
Leopards 76 A1 Challenge 60
DEFENDING champions Warriors handed Miracle Eagles a rough start to the National Basketball League with a 94-28 whitewash of the Eagles, Sunday at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Both teams have unfamiliar line-ups after losing several players during the transfer season the game ended by the close of the first quarter.
Despite talk of early retirement, Ivan Enabu returned to the Warriors camp at took charge of scoring duties.
The quick, versatile guard scored a game-high 21points to lift the defending champions who are still regrouping after losing some of their star players in Norman Blick, Cyrus Kiviri and Micheal Kariuki.
Henry Malinga contributed 17points, 20 rebounds with Ronnie Kasewu adding 18 points for the Warriors whose campaign to retain the league title started on a high note.
After losing half of the team in the post-season transfer trade, Miracle Eagles presented a lightweight squad and were duly punished by the champions.
There is little time for Miracle to dwell on their heavy 66 point loss. They take on newcomers City Oil on April 28.
In the women's encounter, Magic Stormers rallying behind Carol Nyafwono's 28 points obliterated Nabisunsa 101-50 in an earlier match.

21 April 2013

KENYA : Defending Champs Eagle wings up against Bankers

Samba Mjomba in action for Eagle Wings
Samba Mjomba in action for Eagle Wings

Updated on 21/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO
After winning their first game against Western Delight two weeks ago, Basketball Women’s Premier League defending Champions Eagle Wings will be stepping up their efforst to defend their title and line up for a 4th league triumph when they face off with Co-operative Bank this afternoon at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.
The hige encounter is ex[pected to be preceded by another matchin the Women’s Premier League pitting Strathmore and Safe Spades.
In the Division one leagues, Parklands will be playing Umoja while newly promoted Equity Bank face off with students Zetech.
In the men’s premier league, the huge match of the day is expected to be between Ulinzi Warriors and Lions, which will be the last match of the day. Strathmore and Menonites will face off before this tie

KENYA : Blazers go down to debutants Nairobi Aviation


Updated on 21/04/13 | By BRIAN AYIEKO

Debutants in the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League Nairobi Aviation closely beat Abel Nson’s new team Blazers 68-66 on Saturday afternoon at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
Blazers won the 1st and 2nd quarter getting 16 points in both quarters while Aviation had 14 and 15 points respectively in the quarters to put the half time scores at 32-29 in favor of Blazers.
It was in the 3rd quarter that the students overwhelmed their opponents getting 19 points while Blazers could only manage 12 points. In the last quarter Blazers rallied back with a close 22-20 win but it was not enough and Aviation took the day.
Below are the collated results for matches played on Saturday.
SATURDAY 20TH RESULTS AT NYAYO

1. KCA-U 21/56 VS LITTLE PRINCE 16/40
2. STORMS 32/58 VS KCA-U 13/24
3. UMOJA 39/82 VS ZETECH 38/
4. COOPBANK 37/70 VS MENNONITES 12/37
5. WORLDHOPE 29/54 VS TRAILBLAZERS 25/68
6. BLAZERS 32/66 VS NRB AVIATION 29/68

KENYA ; KCA-U teams post mixed results in leagues

Nairobi; Kenya; Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) teams posted mixed results in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) leagues played at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi yesterday.
KCA-U men won 56-40 against Little Prince in the Division One league as their women counterparts went down 24-58 against Storms in the Premier league.
KCA-U had a brief scare in the first quarter going down 6-10 to Little Prince but managed to rise and lead in the remaining quarters 15-6, 11-10 and 24-14 with the help of Gerald Mwangi who scored 18 points as Victor Okoth managed 13 for the losers.
Yesterday’s loss was the second straight one in a row for Little Prince, who commenced their new league category on a silver platter, picking two all important points against the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who could not constitute a team last month. Little Prince lost 49-69 to Equity Bank in their second league encounter.
“My players have not been training due to the heavy rains and lack of training venue. We used to train at NPC Woodley, unfortunately the gymnasium was taken by the church that now has a team in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) league this season,” said Little Prince coach Maurice Kobi.
Kobi, who is ferociously looking for a sponsor to secure for his team a training ground, said the other reason as to why they lost to KCA-U was due to the absence of his four key new players Malek Lino, Mogambi Mawira, Clifford Gatonye and Tony Mwenda, who had work commitments.
KCA-U coach Charles Goro is a happy man as far as the standings in the men’s Division One league is concerned.
Goro so far has maintained a clean sheet in the men category following his other wins against Parklands Baptist and World Hope.
“We were technically superior for Little Prince who did their best to give us a run for our money. We congratulate them for the effort displayed,” said Goro.
According to Goro, his men have a tough task next weekend as they have been lined up by KBF to tackle the resurgent KAA and Umoja in their next fixtures.
“We are embarking on a tough training programme this coming week, we lost to KAA in the second leg last year and I am not ready for such a repeat,” said Goro.

KENYA : Upper Hill, Maseno to Contest for Title in Final Showdown

Upper Hill secondary school will be seeking their first ever Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national basketball title when they clash with 2010 champions Maseno High in today's final.
Upper Hill, representing Metropolitan humiliated hosts Mang'u 72-29 in yesterday's semi-final.
Uppe Hill won all the sets of the one-sided encounter with their opponents failing to grab a double digit score in any.
The Nairobi Centre of Excellence side set the tone for their romp with a 21-8 score in the first, 21-6 in the second to be 42-14 leaders at the break. Mang'u showed resilience in the third, falling narrowly 10-7 before succumbing to a 20-8 whipping in the last.
Maseno beat Friends School Kamusinga 64-35 as they intensified their hunt for a triple of titless after winning in 2005 and 2010.
Maseno won the first quarter 18-11, the second 16-6 to go into the break 34-14.
Kamusinga rallied back into the game with a 13-11 win in the third set but could not break Maseno's resolve, falling 19-5 in the last.
Buru Buru Girls will be seeking to dethrone reigning champions Shimba Hills of Mombasa in the girls basketball final. Buru Buru beat Bahati of Nakuru 66-33 while Shimba thrashed St. Brigids 109-39

ANGOLA : Petro De Luanda Win Angola Cup in Basketball

Luanda — The senior males basketball team of Petro de Luanda won the 2013 edition of Angola cup, after beating Recreativo do Libolo by 96-94, in the second leg match of the final.
In the first leg match, played on Tuesday, Petro de Luanda had already defeated their opponent by 107-118.

UGANDA : Oily scare for Power

There are so many storylines from the opening day of the Airtel-Fuba National Basketball League and newcomers City Oilers came within a whisker of stealing the headlines. Their 68-65 loss to five-time champions DMark Power at the Lugogo on Friday was expected.
But the manner in which the loss came was a bit of a surprise as they lost within the last six seconds. The Oliers stood toe-to-toe with Power and know they could have done a better job. “We played an inside game. A game of guards,” Jimmy Enabu, who moved from Power in the off-season, said.
Oilers couldn’t get Kami Kabange (Espoir, Rwanda) and Ramadhan Arou (ISIU, Kenya) cleared in time whereas Norman Blick’s transfer from Warriors to Power has hit a snag.
Power are yet to meet his Shs2m buy-out clause though Bilck sat in the dug-out of the team he left two years and cheered like this was a Game Seven of the finals. Enabu scored 14 points, Andrew Opio added an impressive 18 and Mohammed Yusuf 11.
Opio and Yusuf joined from Miracle and this was their Oilers’ debut as was Mandy Juruni’s as coach since leaving Warriors.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com

20 April 2013

KENYA : Thunder Heads for Nakuru Duel With Menengai High

LEAGUE leaders Thunder tackle Nakuru Club in a premier league basketball show at Menengai High School, Nakuru on Sunday.
Led by Griffin Ligare, Aleu Dhol and Sammy Kirya the self sponsored Thunder are on a roll winning three of their matches played so far. Joseph Okerio, the Nakuru Club main point getter will have his hands full at home. Blazers, who have won match and loss the other entertain Nairobi Aviation (NAC) who have yet to win any of their two matches so far played. This tie could go either way. Abel Nson the Blazers new signing will battle against Ben Oluoch.
The women matches will see Angela Luchivya's Sprite Storms play Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University while multi talented Co-operative Bank of Kenya led by Irene Makori meet Mennonites. Champions Eagle Wings have a date with Co-op Bank in what is clearly the game of the week. National team stars Samba Mjomba and Silalei Shani against Irene Makori and Emma Nyakweba. United States International University (USIU) play Strathmore University who are still smarting from their loss to Storms last week. The lower division matches will see KCA meet Little Princs, World Hope face Trailblazers, Umoja confront Zetech College, Parklands Baptists meet Umoja with Equity taking on Zetech

KENYA : Upper Hill Rock Maseno in Basketball Showdown

Upper Hill School from Nairobi Metropolitan beat 2010 Kenya Secondary School basketball champions Maseno from the Lake region 74-43 to finish top of Pool "A" at the ongoing Brookside national games at Mang'u High yesterday.
Upper Hill sounded their intent right from the start as they rallied to a 23-10 advantage in the first quarter.
Maseno had themselves to blame after missing a glut of chances. The script was somewhat the same in the second but the free scoring tendency of Upper Hill was dimmed despite running away 8-5 winners.
Upper Hill, a national centre of excellence, exerted their dominance as they went 33-15 up in into the break.
Maseno put up a spirited fight in the third quarter as they tried to rally back into the game, clawing a 14-14 score to trail 47-29.
Sensing danger, Upper Hill - who play in the Kenya Basketball League and coached by national coach Ronnie Owino - intensified their offence, hitting a massive 26 points against Maseno's 15 in the final quarter.
Francis Muthui had a game high score of 21 for Maseno while Upper Hill, who are hunting for their maiden title, had Joseph Ongoro as their top scorer with 19.
Despite the loss, Maseno progressed to the semis since they had already won their first two matches against Shimba and Kapsabet.
Shimba Hills beat Kapasabet 77-36 in the other pool "A" formality encounter. Shimba won all the quarters 21-13, 15-9, 13-10 and 26-4 to take the bronze medal.

KENYA : Lions and Ulinzi Warriors set to clash in exciting league duel

Lions and Ulinzi Warriors are set to clash in a surprise Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s Premier League fixture this weekend.
Both teams got the sudden cut-throat fixture from the KBF officials in the course of this week.
While Lions will be seeking a third straight win for the season in the match, Ulinzi will be out to get their maiden win after suffering a heavy defeat against Kenya Ports Authority (100-70) on an away fixture in Mombasa last month.
Lions who won their two fixtures against Nairobi Aviation and Blazers said they are leaving nothing to chance for the wounded Ulinzi.
“Right now we are perfecting on our rebounding and also working on our defensive skills. We are out to win this match,” said Ancette Wafula, Lions captain.
Lions who still have no sponsors, were this week blessed by a volunteer doctor. Ulinzi coach Eliud Nzioka initially had written to KBF to postpone the fixture terming it unacceptable but having left with no option he has decided to tackle the Lions head on.
“I am encouraging my charges to psyche up, we lost our season opening match but this one we will strive to win,” Nzioka said.
Ulinzi did not sign up any new players for the season and coach Nzioka is optimistic some of the old players will come back to link with the club in the course of the league.

UGANDA : City Oil Make Basketball League Bow

National Basketball League
Women: KCCA v A1 (5.30pm)
Men: Power v City Oil (7.30pm)
FUBA have plans to make 2013 a landmark season for Ugandan basketball. City Oil have spent the money to ensure they make their own mark on the campaign.
City Oil make the debut of their debut season at the highest level of Ugandan basketball against D'Mark Power today at the MTN Arena and few will be surprised if they walk away with a victory.
Last year's FUBA men's division two champions have splashed the cash to put together a team that will not only guarantee their survival at the big stage but one that could see them contend for the title ahead of a season of significant changes.
Like the name of the FUBA men and women's first division, which has now been changed to the National Basketball League (NBL).
For a team with no history at top level of FUBA men's basketball, City Oil's participation on such a historic night may not sit well with some local hoops traditionalists.
But, if it is any consolation, City Oil's arrival on the big stage is only going to add to the quality of the NBL, what with all the good players they have signed.
Unfortunately, Kami Kabange and Ramadam Arur had not yet been cleared to take part in today's match by press time.
Similarly, Power had not completed the re-signing of Norman Blick from the Kyambogo Warriors by press time although it seems a matter of when not if that deal will be done.
Power were stunned at the quarters in last year's playoffs and are hoping the return of Norman, who helped them win the 2010 title, will boost their hunt for a record-tying six championship.
Meanwhile, the prodigious Claire Lamono is in line for her KCCA Leopards' debut as the reigning women's champions face A1 Challenge in the day's opening game.
Lamono left the Gladiators in the preseason following an impressive showing in February's Afrobasket Zone Five Championship in Tanzania

19 April 2013

GAMBIA : Basketball women coaches ambitious

Friday, April 19, 2013
Two Basketball Women Coaches Yassin Joof-Jow and Binneh Marong are set to improve the performances of their teams following a test game between the two sides recently.
The Armed Forces Basketball Women team beat Saints women side 9-8 at an all-star game last weekend.
Despite the win over opponents, team coach Yassin Joof-Jow is not pretty satisfied with the performance of the girls as they could have performed much better, because they have been together for so long
She said the team performed below expectations which resulted into their poor result after snatching a 1-point victory ahead of their opponents.
She, however, revealed that the girls were nervous due to the high number of spectators, saying they did not have collective training, but she however, promised to go into a massive training ahead of the second round of the basketball league due to commence soon.
Madam Joof-Jow, who is also a member of the GBA, said she is working on developing academics of male and female to help develop the game in the country.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the coach of Saint’s Binneh Marong, who says her girls also could not perform up to expectations.
She said both tried despite below expectations, adding that the game was for fun and they are working ahead for their preparation of the league.
Author: Adama K. Jallow

UGANDA : Guide to the 2013 Basketball Season

Ahead of tonight's season opener between newcomers City Oilers and 2011 champions Dmark Power at the Lugogo Indoor arena this evening, Felix Eupal gives a lowdown and prospects of the men's top division teams.
Dmark Power:
After a disastrous 2013 season in which they were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage, the 2010/11 champions brought back prodigal son Norman Blick in a move meant to restore their pride and championship challenge. Blick led them to the 2010 championship. Power has also elected Joseph Ikong as team captain with Ben Komaketch as his assistant. On top of that, they have acquired the services of Paul Odong from Bush Court, Derrick Mbusi from Heaters and Daniel Owogi from St Michael. On the other hand, Power also offloaded Collins Mukiza, Jimmy Enabu and Richard Balemwa.
City Oilers:
The league debutants made quite a statement when they won the 2013 edition of the UCU Basketball Open last month despite just one week of practice. It's their third year in existence and they have already progressed each year. Their target is to win the league in five years. As for this season, they have set the bar at making the playoffs. To achieve that, they signed point guard Yusuf Ramathan from Miracle, Jimmy Enabu from Power, Arou Ramadan from Kenya's USIU and last year's winning coach Mandy Juruni.
UCU Canons:
Ask any Canons fan and they will tell you they have waited enough for a championship but all in vain. They will also tell you that this year; they are ready to get the monkey off their backs. Canons have never failed to make playoffs since joining topflight in 2007. Their biggest undoing, however, is losing players at the end of every season and having to rebuild a new team each year.
This season, they don't have such worries, having only lost Robert Ogweno. They have beefed up their squad by bringing back Sam Lukaire from junior side UCU JV. In addition, they have improved their back court with the services of forward Ivan Lumanyika from Miracle and improved on the front court by adding point guard Cyrus Kiviri from Warriors as well as Jonathan Egau from Kings. Ndejje Angels:
Last year, the university side made the playoffs and has kept the same team. In a bid to go a step better, they signed Francis Tumusiime and Brian Ssentogo from Falcons plus Dixon Ayega from Heaters. By press time, they were on the verge of signing Stephen Okias from Warriors.
Galaxy Falcons:
The six-time champions have been silent in preseason and the only news from their camp was the acquisition of a new sponsor in form of Galaxy Fm. That's why they are now called Galaxy Falcons. However, they lost Ssentogo, Tumusiime, Julius Lutwama and Edwin Kateregga. At the moment, they are in talks with Heaters' Moses Okwera, Power rejects Balemwa and Mukiza.
Kyambogo Warriors:
Can defending champions Warriors do it again? Most probably not. That's the answer most pundits will give you due to the fact that they lost several key players like Blick, Kiviri and coach Juruni. Emma Samanya, who has been assistant coach for some time, has been elevated to head coach. Other teams like KIU Titans, Miracle Eagles, Vic Heaters, Charging Rhinos, Nkumba Marines and Vegetarians remain tightlipped about any new developments.

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