31 October 2014

NIGERIA : Zamfara Shooters, Gilali Leading Div. Two Tournament

The Zamfara Shooters and Gilali Basketball Club of Abuja have emerged as early front runners to gain promotion to the National Basketball Division 1 Championship as both clubs continue to cruise at the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised National Division Two tournament holding at the Package B of the National Stadium in Abuja.
The tournament which started on Monday has witnessed three days of mouth-watering actions. The Zamfara Shooters have been shooting down all opposition as they remain unbeaten in the competition. The Shooters secured a 51-63 win over Benue Pearls, have already gotten the better of Coal City Kings of Enugu by 75 to 51points and struggling hosts, Team FCT 57-49 who finally got their first win yesterday.
Another team firing in Abuja, is Abuja-based Gilali Balls Club who have secured two wins from two, beating Solid Heat of Nasarawa by 66-52 points and a narrow 50-48 victory over the Benue Pearls to keep their 100 percent record in the tournament. . Action continues today in Abuja, as six teams battle for promotion to Division One.

28 October 2014

Arab Basketball Champion Clubs Cup - GS Petroliers Win Against Saudi Arabia's Ohod

Rabat — GS Petroliers won their first victory at the Arab Basketball Champion Clubs Cup (men) by beating Saudi Arabia's Ohod on a score of 86 to 62 (half-time: 51-26) in a game counting for the first day of pool 2, played Sunday in Sale (Morocco).
GS Petroliers, Algerian reigning champion, will face, during the next game day, scheduled Monday, the Alexandria Sporting Club (Egypt) at 5:00 pm, local time.
The Arab Basketball Champion Clubs Cup (men), taking place from October 26 to November 8 in Salé (Morocco), regroups 14 team divided in 3 pools.
The GSP plays in pool 2 alongside Saudi Arabia's Ohod, Petrol of South (Iraq), Alexandria Sporting Club (Egypt) and Rades of Tunisia.
The two first teams of pools 1 and 2 as well as the two first of pool 3 will be qualified for the quarter finals.

KENYA : Eagle Wings, KPA men register double wins


By francis marangu
Oct 27, 2014
  • Lucy Muchuma of Eagle wings against Mennonites in a KBF women's premier league match. Eagle Wings had their wings clipped by Ulinzi blades at the weekend. (SNA File Photo)
Eagle Wings and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), two former champions of the women and men premier leagues respectively, had a fruitful weekend coming off with two wins each as they seek to reclaim their lost glory.
Eagle Wings beat Ulinzi Blades 69-65 on Sunday as Annerose Atieno top scored with a game high 26 points. Blades captain Bridgit Nanzala scored 25 individual points with Rebecca Sarange adding 19. Eagles had on Saturday beaten Kenyatta University Oryx 69-36 helped by a combined 28 points from Eunice Ouma and Evelyne Nora.
Oryx top scorer was Betty Kananu with 19 points. Blades beat Strathmore University 55-43 on Saturday after leading 30-24 at halftime. Nanzala scored 20 points while Strathmore's top scorer was Mollete Achieng scoring 11 points.
Co-operative Bank had a mixed outing winning one game and losing another. On Saturday, the bankers beat Safe Spaces 56-33 with Angela Namirimu scoring 10 points. Safe Spaces trailed 17-20 at the breather and had Evelyne Itabu top score with 14 points. On Sunday, they lost 37-44 to United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
The students won the first, second and fourth quarters 8-5, 13-10 and 17-14 while Co-op Bank won the third 8-6 in the low scoring game. Hilda Indasi led the scores for USIU-A with 12 points and Grace Wanjiku for Co-op Bank with 13 points. Champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) made good their homeground advantage to beat Sprite Storms 51-34. Lynette Atieno scored 11 points for KPA and Yvonne Akinyi 10 for Storms.
Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) beat Western Delight 44-27 in Kakamega. KPA men side reaped maximum points with two home wins against Blazers and Lions. The dockers beat Lions by half a basket in their 49-48 win down from a 25-19 halftime lead. Ariel Okal had 12 points for KPA and Joseph Ouma added 11 as Richard Adega top scored for Lions with 14 points. Okal led the rout against Blazers scoring 16 points in the 94-32 win. It was a one-sided encounter as KPA won all quarters 21-9, 28-7, 23-3 and 24-13 respectively.  
Co-operative Bank registered a 55-36 win over Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Mark Mayien scoring 8 points for the bankers and Aleu Dhol 10 for KAA. Strathmore University beat Kenyatta University Pirates 59-44 with Blades going down 36-57 to Ulinzi Warriors. Pirates suffered the second loss of 63-79 against Thunder in a game both third and fourth quarters ended in identical 20-all scores for both teams.
Nakuru Club earned advantage in the battle against relegation beating Equity Bank 57-51 while United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) won 52-40 against Terror.  

KBF Weekend Results: Saturday- Nebulas- Kakamega 47 KCA-U 49, Western Delight 27 KCA-U 44, KPA 51 Sprite Storms 34, KPA 94 Blazers 32, Ulinzi Blades 55 Strathmore University 43, Safe Spaces 33 Co-op Bank 56, Eagle Wings 69 KU Oryx 36, Dankind Academy 61 Upper Hill 31, KU Pirates 44 Strathmore University 59, KAA 36 Co-op Bank 55; Sunday- KPA 49 Lions 48, Lakeside 59 KCA-U 42, Lakeside 77 ANU 71, Upper Hill 20 Trailblazers 0, USIU Flames 44 Co-op Bank 37, Eagle Wings 69 Ulinzi Blades 65, Thunder 79 KU Pirates 63, Blades 36 Ulinzi Warriors 57, Nakuru Club 57 Equity Bank 51, USIU-A 52 Terror 40.

24 October 2014

KENYA : KPA Prepare for a Lions Attack At Makande


KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) will host Lions in a tough premier league basketball clash at the Makande Welfare hall tomorrow.
KPA who are lying mid table will have to be at their best to stop a smart Lions surge that has seen them move to the top four.
Joseph Ouma, Martin Gitonga and Arial Okal will be key for the porters who also have a date withwinless Blazers.
Women champions KPA who have Yvonne Akinyi, Natalie Akinyi, Carol Mureji and Hellen Oketch to bank on will also welcome Angela Luchivya's Sprite Storms.
At the Upper Hill school courts in Nairobi, champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya have a date with early pace setters Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Leaders United States International university will hang on to the top stop with a win over University of Nairobi "Terrorists" who have lost three close calls and have blamed it on the officiating. Former national champions Ulinzi "Warriors" confront Strathmore University. The soldiers will have their hands full with another varsity side- Blades. Thunder, who have blown hot and cold this year take on Kenyatta University "Pirates". At Menengai High School Nakuru Club banking on James Okerio's exploits host Equity Bank who stunned KPA 57-47 in Mombasa.
Women's matches will see leaders USIU play Co-op Bank who also return the following day to meet Safe Spaces. Eagle Wings face Ulinzi "Blades" who have in Bridgit Nanzala a potential match decider. Western Delight welcome Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University at the Kak.

KENYA : Kenya on the spot over age cheating


  • Co-operative bank Titus Musembi(centre) in a past league match against Ulinzi. Musembi is one of the players who has been banned by FIBA for age fraud.(Photo:SNA File)
Three Kenyan male basketball players have been banned for one year each by the International Basketball Federation, FIBA over age fraud.
Titus Musembi and David Ogolla from Co-operative Bank together with Kenya Ports Authority’s Evans Letting are ineligible to take part in any basketball activity for the next one year.
The ban that came into effect in August comes only four years after Kenya was on the spotlight again for the same reasons.
In August 2010, Purity Auma Odhiambo was banned for one year over age cheating. This came as she represented the country at the Africa Under-18 Women's Basketball Championship held in Cairo, Egypt.
The penalty resulted in Kenya losing all the points gained in their group games. The three players are accused by FIBA of producing two different birth certificates in 2008 and 2013 which clearly shows a huge disparity in their ages.
In 2008, the trio were registered by Kenya to participate in the under-18 championship which has now come with dire consequences six years later.
Musembi and Ogolla have not played for Co-op Bank since August when they missed the Zone V Club Championships held in Mombasa and are no longer under the club’s payment.
“This is very disheartening for them because they play basketball to earn a living,” a top official at the club told sportsnewsarena.com.
KBF jury yet to make ruling 
On Monday, a 3-member jury sat at the Nyayo National Stadium to offer audience to the two players at the request of the club.
“A decision was not taken because the jury asked to be given time to hear from other relevant parties. We just hope all this mess will be cleared by the time we head to playoffs as these are our key players,” the source added.
According to the source, the Kenya Basketball Federation, KBF, could have helped avert such sanctions since the players were on national duty and the period it has taken is long.
However, KBF secretary general Vitalis Gode defended the federation saying the players could have sat out for long were it not for their timely intervention.
He says the initial correspondence received from FIBA had banned the players for two years each but they mitigated and was reduced to one year.
“They are set to return in August next year but we are still working to have them back in April,” Gode said.
If the push bears fruit, the players will be ready to play at the start of the 2015 season. Even in the absence of the duo, Co-op Bank will continue with its hunt for league points this weekend when the national classic league resumes.
They play Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Saturday at Upper Hill School. Leaders United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) play Terror on Sunday and Abel Nson’s 3-point shots mastery will be vital.
KPA hosts Blazers and Lions 
KPA has a huge treat in Mombasa with two games against relegation-bound Blazers on Saturday and high-riding Team Lions on Sunday.
The dockers will have to do without Tobias Onyango who has left due to work commitments but have dependable Ariel Okal, Joseph Ouma and Martin Kitonga. Nakuru Club which is fighting relegation plays host to Equity Bank with George Kiarie their key player.
Other games in men premier league have Strathmore University up against Kenyatta University Pirates, Blades play Ulinzi Warriors and KU Pirates complete their double against Thunder on Sunday. The battle in women premier will be tight this weekend as top teams are in action.
Leaders USIU-A has a tight one against Co-operative Bank while defending champions KPA welcome Sprite Storms in Mombasa.
The bankers have a second game against Safe Spaces.
It will be a bruising battle as Strathmore University and Ulinzi Blades clash on Saturday with the soldiers playing former champions Eagle Wings on Sunday.
Eagle Wings have a second game of the weekend against Kenyatta University Oryx as Western Delight play host to Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) in Kakamega.
KBF weekend fixtures: Saturday- Eldonets vs Little Prince (10am, UG), Lakeside vs ANU (10am, KSG), Nebulas- Kakamega vs KCA-U (9am, KPC), Western Delight vs KCA-U (10:30, KPC), KPA vs Sprite Storms (3:30pm, KPA), KPA vs Blazers (5pm), Ulinzi Blades vs Strathmore University (9am, Upper Hill), Safe Spaces vs Co-op Bank (10:30), Eagle Wings vs KU Oryx (12pm), Dankind Academy vs Upper Hill (2pm), KU Pirates vs Strathmore University (4pm), KAA vs Co-op Bank (4pm); Sunday-Eldonets vs Baraka Xtreme (10am, UG), KPA vs Lions (4pm, KPA), Nakuru Club vs Equity Bank (12pm, MHS), Nebulas- Kakamega vs Little Prince (9am, KPC), Nebulas- Kakamega vs ANU (2pm, KPC), Lakeside vs KCA-U (9am, KSG), Lakeside vs Little Prince (2pm), Upper Hill vs Trailblazers (9am, Upper Hill), USIU Flames vs Co-op Bank (10:30), Eagle Wings vs Ulinzi Blades (12pm), Thunder vs KU Pirates (2pm), USIU-A vs Terror (4pm), Blades vs Ulinzi Warriors (4pm).

23 October 2014

UGANDA : Power, UCU Canons push for second play-offs slot

Power’s Ramadhan (R) scored 17 points against UCU in the first round. PHOTO: I. KEZAALA

KAMPALA. Even if it’s still the regular season, games between UCU Canons and Tiger Head Power have a certain minor prize about them in the Airtel National Basketball League.
It hardly matters that the last of Power’s five titles came in 2011 and UCU have never been to the finals, plus, neither has looked like a title favourite yet this season.
The duo’s game normally decides the seeding at the top when both are competitive. Last season, Power ended UCU’s nine-game winning streak and took their own to 10. That helped them seal top spot.
Neither made the final as fourth-seeded City Oilers clinched the title. So does it matter that the two will be jostling for second seed tonight at YMCA court? “You don’t get to choose where you finish. The important thing is to win as many games as possible,” Nicholas Natuhereza, the UCU coach, said.
His team is playing some of its best basketball this year and has improved to 12-5 whereas Power are 13-5 after victories over KIU Titans and Vegetarian over the weekend.
“We can play better,” point guard Sande Okot, one of UCU’s five players to notch double figures against Falcons last week, noted. Can they play better when the playoffs start next month? “Yes,” he added.
Power beat UCU 65-59 on the back of Abdullahi Ramadhan’s 17 points back in July. But, it’s been a stop-start for them since. The avalanche of inside players on the UCU roster will trouble Power but the latter’s overall skill levels and ability to feed off mistakes makes them slight favourites. Defeat for either side will aid Warriors’ late surge for second. The former champions are now 13-6 and still have to play both Power and UCU before the playoff starts.
Playing today at YMCA
W: UCU vs. Stormers (6.30pm)
MEN: UCU vs. Power (8.30pm)
TUESDAY RESULTS
WOMEN: KCCA 78-28 Mak Sparks
MEN: Diamonds 62-63 Rhino

22 October 2014

ZAMBIA : Stringers Stun Lunga Bullets

Stingers 78 Lunga 73
THE race for the 2014 Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) northern region league championship heightened at the weekend as YMCA Stingers edged their title rivals, Lunga Bullets during the fixtures played in Kitwe.
These week 23 matches played at the Copperbelt University (CBU) Courts saw Stingers put up a brave fight to beat league leaders, Bullets, who are also defending champions, to move to within a point from the top on 27 points.
Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Cavs overwhelmed Magnets 118-73 to move to 21 points. Magnets are stuck on 15 points. The victory saw CEC Cavs tie on points with Ndola Nets, who beat Konkola Trotters 70-62 in the other game.
Struggling Konkola Trotters are still on 13 points after playing 14 games and winning only two in the league.
Meanwhile, in the ZBA South League, Matero Magic beat Junior Looters 90-38 to open up a four-point lead over second placed UNZA Pacers who suffered a 44-61 defeat to Green Buffaloes.
Magic leads the log with 41 points followed by Pacers while Napsa Hurricanes also tumbled to a 82-85 defeat to LCC Looters to remain third on the log on 36 points, one ahead of their opponents.

KENYA : Mixed fortunes for Strathmore in weekend action

The two Strathmore University men basketball teams registered contrasting results over the weekend in the Kenya Basketball Federation league action.
Strathmore won two games while Blades lost twice. On Saturday, Peter Shilton fired home 28 points to help Strathmore beat Terror 69-67 and scored 16 on Sunday in their 56-48 win over Nairobi Aviation College.
Strathmore led Aviation 22-21 at halftime with Ben Oluoch scoring 13 points for the losers.
Strathmore scored 17 points from the free-throw line and 15 from 3-point shots compared to an inferior record for Aviation who had 7 free-throws and scored only one 3-point shot. Blades was unlucky falling to a 53-56 loss to Nairobi Aviation College on Saturday despite enjoying a 24-16 halftime lead.
On Sunday, they lost second game 53-64 to Co-operative Bank. Billy Oyombe scored 14 points for Co-op Bank while Emmanuel Soja had 15 for Blades and Valentine Nyakinda added 14.
James Mwangi grabbed 12 rebounds for the bankers with Pascal Nabwana grabbing 6 for the students.
From the 3-point shots, Co-op Bank scored 24 points and 10 from free-throws while Blades had seven 3-point shots and 7 free-throws.
Shooting was the weakest point for the bankers who train at the Nyayo gymnasium on a daily basis.
Head coach Carey Odhiambo admitted its a concern for the team but defended his players.
“We are not doing well in that department.Game situation and training are very different so its not the mistake of the players,” he said. “During a game unlike in training, the players are under pressure from the coach, themselves and the opposing team which all contribute to poor shooting.”
Their second win of the weekend was 54-49 over United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) on Saturday.
The bankers trailed 28-35 at halftime and James Mwangi led the comeback with 6 rebounds while Allan Ouma scored 19 points.
Lions just edge out Nakuru
Victor Bosire was USIUs top scorer with 21 points.
Lions played out one of their toughest game of the season beating Nakuru Club by a half basket in their 70-69 win on Saturday. The game tied 36-all at halftime with both teams measuring up in strength for the entire duration.
Simon Mayien top scored for Lions with 21 points while George Kiarie scored 15 points for Nakuru. Ulinzi Warriors recorded two wins for the weekend beating Mennonite 90-50 on Saturday and Terror 70-54 on Sunday. Eric Mutoro scored a combined 47 points for Ulinzi in both games.
Mennonite lost second game to Thunder 56-76 on Sunday as Griffin Ligare scored 21 points for Thunder and Eric Makokha had 17 for Mennonite.
The Mennonite ladies team was no match for former champions Eagle Wings going down 29-78 in the only game of women premier played. Annerose Atieno scored a game high 34 points for Eagle Wings who won all quarters 19-9, 13-8, 22-8 and 24-4 respectively. Evelyne Wabwire and Phenny Akinyi top scored for Mennonite with 12 points each.
KBF Weekend Results: Saturday- ANU 40 Dankind Academy 63, KCA-U 69 JKUAT 43, Eagle Wings 78 Mennonite 29, Upper Hill 54 Baraka Xtreme 57, Ulinzi Warriors 90 Mennonite 50, Lions 70 Nakuru Club 69, Terror 67 Strathmore University 69, Nairobi Aviation College 56 Blades 53, Co-op Bank 54 USIU Tigers 49; Sunday- Zetech College 68 Parklands Baptist 45, Nairobi Aviation College 48 Strathmore University 56, Co-op Bank 64 Blades 53, ANU 78 Baraka Xtreme 50, World Hope 78 JKUAT 37, Dankind Academy 46 Barclays Bank 62, Little Prince 43 KCA-U 49, Mennonite 56 Thunder 76, Ulinzi Warriors 70 Terror 54.

UGANDA : Sharing Youth date Ndejje as playoff fight heats up


For a while, talk surrounding Ndejje University Angels has been about trying to improve a dismal run of results that has seen them win five of 17 games thus far.
While the effort has not been lacking as evidenced in the 68-62 and 62-48 losses to Falcons and City Oilers respectively, the wins have been hard to come by.
Currently two places out of the play off places with five games left, Ndejje who finished sixth going into last season’s playoffs need to win, starting with today’s Airtel National Basketball League game against Sharing Youth.
The newly promoted side were seventh and three places above Ndejje before last evening’s game between Charging Rhino (eighth) and Diamond In The Sun which should give today’s game an added edge.
Sharing Youth meanwhile are also on a three game winless streak that has seen them lose 68-53 to Riham Warriors 103-82 to Tiger Head Power and 75-63 KIU.
The other game has KIU Titans hoping to recover from Sunday’s 59-73 loss to UCU with victory against bottom placed Nkumba Marines that have managed a paltry two wins in 18 games.
Today
Airtel National Basketball League
Sharing Youth vs Ndejje Univ. Angels 8:30pm
Nkumba Marines vs KIU Titans
6:30pm
Sunday Results
KIU 59-73 UCU
Warriors 102-78 Falcons

20 October 2014

TANZANIA : Savio Surrender to Chui in RBA League

SAVIO lost their first match in the Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball League (RBA) after beating Chui 58-51 at the National Stadium on Friday evening.
It was a seesaw encounter as Savio, who are Ilala champions was a second best side against Chui, who are the Kinondoni runner-up. It was the second victory for Chui, who lost their two opening games.
The victory saw Chui posting two points, while Savio remained with eight points. Savio played four matches in which they won three and lost one while Chui has played three matches so far.
Chui's Fadhili Chuma was nominated man of the match and was awarded 100,000/-. He played a vital role for his team in both assisting and scoring. Chui was defeated by Kinondoni champions Pazi.
In another game, Oilers recorded its first victory after defeating Kurasini heat 78 - 70. It was the fourth match for Oilers, who have lost all their three opening matches. Basketball Dar es Salaam, Vice President, Richard Julies told the 'Sunday News' on Saturday that they are impressed with the level of the performance which all teams have shown in the tournament so far.
"It is a wonderful season and we are impressed with what we have seen so far. It is a wonderful season for RBA.
"Players are ambitious for real, you can see how they have been waiting this league to show their talents, we are witnessing wonderful games," he said.

KENYA : USIU face Co-op

USIU-A sits top of the table with 49 points from 26 games while the bankers are second on 44 points collected from 23 games. Their game on Saturday will be a crucial one for both teams but the bankers have an upper hand having lost only twice against USIUs three losses.
Co-op Bank is likely to welcome back Titus Musembi, Allan Ouma and Patrick Khaemba who had been allowed time off after national duty in Uganda last month.
On Sunday, they will play Blades only a week after losing to their sister club Strathmore University. Blades will play their first game of the weeknd against Nairobi Aviation College on Saturday while Strathmore will be up against Terror on Saturday and Aviation on Sunday.
Blades have in their ranks Valentine Nyakinda and Emmanuel Soja while Strathmore will rely on the high scoring Peter Shilton to collect maximum points. Captain Hillary Kubai has a tall order leading Terror against Strathmore as well as Ulinzi Warriors on Sunday.
He will be shored up by Dan Nabuya and Frank Manyara who have proven to be reliable. Lions will play host to Nakuru Club on Sunday with the latter completing its second game on Monday at home to Blades. Aviation will also be up against USIU-A on the same day.
In women premier, only two games are lined up for the weekend. Eagle Wings plays Mennonite on Saturday and Kenyatta University Oryx tackles Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U).
KBF Weekend Fixtures: Saturday- ANU vs Dankind Academy (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), KCA-U vs JKUAT (10:30am), Eagle Wings vs Mennonite (12pm), Upper Hill vs Baraka Xtreme (2pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Mennonite (4pm), Lions vs Nakuru Club (12pm, Kasarani), Terror vs Strathmore University (2pm), Nairobi Aviation College vs Blades (4pm), Co-op Bank vs USIU Tigers (6pm); Sunday- Zetech College vs Parklands Baptist (9am, Nyayo gymnasium), Nairobi Aviation College vs Strathmore University (10:30am), Co-op Bank vs Blades (12pm), ANU vs Baraka Xtreme (2pm), World Hope vs JKUAT (4pm), Dankind Academy vs Barclays Bank (1pm, Kasarani), Little Prince vs KCA-U (3pm), Mennonite vs Thunder (5pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Terror (8pm); Monday- Parklands Baptist vs Baraka Xtreme (12pm, Kasarani), KU Oryx vs KCA-U (2pm), Nairobi Aviation College vs USIU Tigers (6pm), Nakuru Club vs Blades (12pm, MHS).

SEYCHELLES : Baya clinch second league title in dominant fashion




The 2014 men’s division one league title will settle in Bel Air this year as Baya managed to wrestle the league championship from challengers Mont Fleuri Dawgz.
Baya title winning game took place at Victoria Gymnasium on Saturday evening where they faced the task of defeating an MBU Rockers side who had already defeated them in the first round.
As this was a high profile match, the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) took every necessary precaution as they deployed police officers around the grounds to ensure order among the passionate fans.
Baya showed their intention from the start as they opened up a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter much to the delight of the large crowd inside the gymnasium. It ended 26-16 on favour of coach Michel Malbrook’s side.
The second quarter continued much like the first as Baya kept on scoring to increase the gap to 13 points to take the scores to 42-29 at the end of the first half. By then the Baya fans had already began celebrating as although not impossible, on this day it would prove difficult for MBU Rockers to get back in the game.
By the third quarter, the game picked up in intensity with very neat passing and finishing taking place on the court, which delighted the fans. Again it was Baya who had the edge in this quarter as they put the result beyond any doubt, taking the score to 65-44 and within minutes of the league championship.
The final quarter saw the Rockers playing for pride, as this day belonged to the hard working Baya side, who despite already putting the game to bed, continued to give the fans some good displays.
Timmy Adam was again the star man as he put the fans and his own players to their feet with two one-handed dunks in a row. He finished as the game’s highest scorer with 25 points.
With time winding down, Baya were in possession when the final buzzer rang to send the fans and players into raptures as they claimed a second league title to cement their position as the best basketball team in the country. The final score was 92-64.
“I am extremely happy right now. We knew what we had to do before the game and we came out and achieved it,” said Baya coach Michel Malbrook.
“When we defeated Mont Fleuri Dawgz last week, I said that we will not look back now and that is what we did today.”This is Baya’s second league title after winning it for the very first time in the 2008 season and will now hope to add the knockout title to their collection and of course, they will be hoping not to have to wait as long to taste another league success.
As for MBU Rockers, they have been ever-improving over the years and will hope that they can challenge for the league title next year.

In the other first division match played last weekend, Ervin Agathine scored 31 points to lead Drifters to an 87-79 win over Beau Vallon Heat.

S. N.

17 October 2014

TANZANIA : RBA League Rages On

DAR ES SALAAM Regional Basketball Association (RBA) League is expected to continue today with two matches taking place at the National Indoor Stadium in the city.
In the first match Oilers from Kinondoni will face Kurasini Heat from Temeke to be followed by a clash between Savio from Ilala and Kinondoni's Chui.
According to Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD) officials, JKT and Savio are the only unbeaten teams so far. With four matches played, JKT are leading the table with eight points ahead of Savio who have played three games and won all.
The exciting league also took place last weekend when RBA brought together different teams at the National Indoor Stadium. In the girls' series, Jeshi Stars edged JKT 68-63 while DB Lioness humbled Vijana Queens 65-38.
Things did not go well for Chang'ombe who lost their two games to Jogoo and Kurasini Heat in the men's category. Chang'ombe were thrashed 80-43 by Jogoo on Saturday and fell 57-53 to Kurasini Heat the following day.
In other matches, Prisons beat DB youngsters 79-69, Vijana defeated Oilers 55-47 and Pazi won 72-60 over Chui. BD Vice-President Richard Julies said all is well in the league and everything is in order.

16 October 2014

UGANDA : UCU Canons tame Falcons for fourth straight win


Courtesy photo UCU's Joseph Chuma (13) in an earlier game. The forward scored 16 points off the bench last night to help UCU beat Falcons
 
Charging Rhinos 58-81 Riham Warriors
Krishna Falcons 74-81 UCU Canons

The UCU Canons seem to be picking form just in time. The mukono based university side followed Friday’s 74-65 win over defending champions, City Oilers with another huge win – against last year’s finalists.
UCU came from 5 points down at halftime to beat Falcons 81-74 at YMCA. Thanks to the production from the bench that contributed 35 points on the night, the Canons (11-5) have now won four on the bounce.

“I think we wanted to win this game and the bench helped us a lot” a delighted Nicholas Natuhereza told Kawowo Sports. “When we were down it was just that we had not played hard enough. Normally we give the other team the initiative but when we changed that the game becomes much easier for us” he added.

Foward, Joseph Chuma came off the bench and tormented Falcons with pinpoint mid-range shooting in the second half and matched team high 16 points to lead the Canons along with the star man, Sudi Ulanga who also netted 16 points. Sunday Okot and Ivan Lumanyika contributed 11 points each and Brian Namake chipped in with 10.
Falcons’ captain, Steven Omony was disappointed with their defending. “Our defense was a bit reluctant because we let them take too many open shots and that cost us” Omony who poured in game high 24 points said.
“They came out (in the second half) more harder and physical and we kind of backed off and let them play their game and switching to that affected us as we did not react to that situation very well” Falcons’ star forward added.

Steven ‘Duxx’ Mwesigye contributed 17 points and grabbed game high 13 rebounds as Falcons dropped their fourth game of the season

Meanwhile, Riham Warriors run of form continued as they blew out Charging Rhinos 81-58 in the first game of the evening. Veteran, Steven OkiaS led the four Warriors who reached double figures with game high 21 points. Ronnie Kasewu added 11 points while Ivan Enabu and Henry Malinga contributed 10 points apiece.

Joseph Ondiek led Rhinos (6-13) with 20 points and 5 boards. Isaac Kamya had 10 points.

UGANDA : Koma leads Oilers fight back

KAMPALA- Coach Mandy Juruni had asked his City Oilers team to improve mentally and play as a team after Friday’s 74-65 defeat to UCU Canons.
On Tuesday though, none of that was greatly required as the champions responded with a comfortable 62-48 victory over struggling Ndejje University Angels on a wet and chilly YMCA Court.
Ben Komakech, who managed a paltry four points against UCU countered that performance with a game high 20 points for the Oilers whose dominance was not reflected in the score sheet. Kami Kabange who was never required to be at his best added nine points and Jeff Omondi seven as Oilers improved to 15-3.
For Ndejje, meanwhile, this was a 12th defeat in 17 games for Walker Obedi’s side who play Sharing Youth next week. The two along with Charging Rhino and Vegetarian and separated by three points seem locked in a four-way battle for the final two playoff slots.
Geoffrey Soro and Jonah Otim top scored for Ndejje with 11 points apiece while Francis Tumusiime added nine.
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com

15 October 2014

UGANDA : UCU, Falcons in Dicey Clash


The Airtel basketball league resumes tonight with an intriguing encounter.
UCU Canons always win the regular season encounters but Falcons has a habit of triumphing when the two teams meet in the play-offs, writes Felix Eupal.
The Canons made a big statement last Friday when they defeated defending champions City Oilers for the fourth time in row. Nick Natuhereza's UCU charges had started the season with a number of cracks. Not only did they lose key matches to giants such as Power and Warriors, they were shocked by new entrants Diamonds In The Sun.
However, Natuhereza wasn't in any way fazed and he believed that his team would be able to turn around fortunes and all that mattered was making the eight-team play-offs. Now that they have two back-to-back wins over Ndejje Angels and Oilers, Canons have shown they will be a hard nut to crack in the post season. Their record now stands at five losses in 15 outings.
They have been disciplined on defence and are exhibiting a high level of concentration. Those are the attributes that enabled them claw back a 14-point deficit to beat the Oilers. This evening, they go up against the record champions Falcons in what promises to be a tricky tie.
Falcons were on a roll in the first round but haven't been the same in the last few games. Charging Rhino pushed them to the limit and they struggled against Ndejje Angels. They will also have to do without influential forward Emmanuel Ateng, who went to India for studies. Ateng would have given them options outside of the ark and inside the paint.
Falcons head coach Sam Obol is optimistic about his side's chances: "Every game is different and we just have to change our approach because they [Canons] play both an inside and outside game."
For Natuhereza, he will rely on his big men to get the job done.
"In our league, you can't expect a team to shoot all day. So, as long we get them out of the paint, we will have a chance," he told The Observer.
Indeed, Canons' Francis Ogola, Ivan Lumanyika and Joseph Chuma will all have to bring their A game if they are to overcome Falcons. Canons have to consider that they have no time to rest since they play KIU Titans on Sunday and Tiger Head Power next Thursday.
Meanwhile, Fuba signed a partnership deal with national broadcaster UBC, which will air the play-offs live. The deal was signed on Tuesday morning at Mount Zion hotel.

RWANDA : Ferwaba closes door to Hoops team for foreign players


photo
Robert Thompson is one of the Naturalised Players that won't be called for national duty again. (File Photo)
Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) will have to embark on a hunt for local talent following a decision to end their reliance on American born players.
Ferwaba Secretary General, Richard Mutabazi, said recently that they took into account the fact that naturalised players on the national team have not been performing well.
Since 2007, Rwanda has recruited six American basketball players after they were naturalised
in efforts aimed at strengthening the national team to compete in major continental and sub-regional competitions.
Some of the Americans who were naturalised include Manix Auriantal, Robert Thomson, Edouard Miller, Kenneth Gasana, Cameron Bradley, and Mathieu Miller. Mutabazi said, “Despite recruitment of high-level basketball players, the performance of the national team still leaves much to be desired,"
"Outside the detection of local young talents, this decision will help reduce the huge expenses in allowances and other costs paid to these American basketball players," Mutabazi said.
The decision comes a few days after the newly appointed Minister of Sports and Culture, Ambassador Joseph Habineza urged all local sports federations to promote the recruitment of young local talents.

13 October 2014

ZAMBIA : Hawks halt Pacers

THE Hawks picked up a vital 75-65 win against title contenders UNZA Pacers as the ZBA Super League gains momentum in the third series of the season.
The two teams went into the week 20 match level after the two series but with the different objectives.
Pacers were looking to keep in touch with league leaders Matero Magic, while Hawks were playing to consolidate their fourth position.
The win pushed Hawks to 31 points and fourth position, but Pacers lost ground on Magic as they trail the league leaders by three points though with a game in hand.

Magic travelled to Mazabuka and came back with all two points after a convincing 79-35 win to increase their points at the top to 37 while Comets remained rooted to the bottom with only 20 points.

Third-placed Napsa Hurricanes went level on points with Pacers after beating Spartans 80-50 and increased their chances of fighting for the title while their opponents remained on seventh position.

The battle to climb into the top four has also gained momentum where fifth-placed LCC Looters beat sixth-placed Green Eagles 69-54 and Green Buffaloes beat Junior Looters 95-83.

In the women’s league, Hot Spurs lost 38-63 to Green Buffaloes while Napsa Breeze humiliated Spartress 61-8.

In the northern league, Lunga Bullets remained on course to retain the title with a comfortable 84-46 win over Konkola Trotters, while CEC Cavaliers beat Kwacha Crusaders 75-43.

KENYA : KPA extinguish USIU Flames unbeaten run, Co-op bank floored


  • Ulinzi Byron Mabonga in action against Thunder's George Mandela in a KBF premier league match on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.(Photo by Shutterspeed)
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Saturday cut short United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) unquestioned dominance in the women premier league this season with a 71-64 win in Mombasa.
The students had not lost a league game this season with the result opening a new war front for their rivalry. KPA lost the Zone V final to USIU at the same venue in August with the dockers winning the league last season over the students in the playoffs final.
Both teams are hot favorites to emerge overall winners this season.
The dockers led 39-24 at halftime and won in all quarters 17-13, 22-11, 15-14 and 17-14 respectively. KPA registered the second win on Sunday beating Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 65-22.
Bridgit Nanzala was the star as Ulinzi Blades registered one win and a loss from their weekend games.
Ulinzi floored by Coop
On Saturday, she scored 25 points as the soldiers narrowly lost 48-49 to Co-operative Bank having led 27-26 at the breather.
Nanzala had a game high 26 points on Sunday to help Ulinzi beat Sprite Storms 55-46 with Sylvia Omollo top scoring for Storms with 10 points.
The military side scored 10 points from the free-throw line and 3 from the 3-point shot while Storms had five 3-point shots and 11 free-throws. Western Delight was awarded a 20-0 walkover win over Mennonite who failed to show up on time in Kakamega.
Co-op men fall to Strath
In men premier, defending champions Co-operative Bank suffered their second defeat of the season falling 63-69 to Strathmore University. Strathmore’s shooting precision proved stronger scoring 33 points off the 3-point line compared to Co-op Bank’s 12.
Strathmore had five points short of Co-op Bank’s 15 from the free-throw line. Peter Shilton scored a game high 29 points for the students with Tony Abondo top scoring for the bankers with 19 points. On Saturday, Co-op Bank beat University of Nairobi’s Terrorist 67-62 from a 35-32 halftime lead.
Terror fell to a last-minute 59-61 loss to Blades, the second team from Strathmore University, on Sunday.
It is Valentine Nyakinda who won it for Blades with a basket at the buzzer as the game tied 59-all and destined for overtime play. Nyakinda scored 24 points as William Sulnodi scored highest for Terror with 12 points.
KPA had mixed results at home beating USIU-A 63-52 on Saturday and lost 47-57 to Equity Bank on Sunday.
Nakuru Club took a huge leap away from the relegation worries after collecting three points from the possible four they were playing for this weekend.
On Saturday, they beat fellow relegation candidates Kenyatta University Pirates 82-56 at home.
They failed to match Ulinzi Warriors on Sunday losing 70-102 in Nairobi. 27 of Ulinzi’s points came from the 3-point line and 17 from free-throws while Nakuru had six 3-point shots and 20 free-throws.
George Kiarie scored 17 points for Nakuru that came off five 3-point shots and a basket while Eric Mutoro was Ulinzi’s top scorer with 21 points. The soldiers won the first, third and fourth quarters 20-18, 23-22 and 40-14 respectively with Nakuru winning the second 21-18.
Blazers sunk further into oblivion losing twice, 39-77 to Thunder and 63-80 to Nairobi Aviation College.
KBF Weekend Results: Saturday- Nakuru Club 82 KU Pirates 56, Western Delight 20 Mennonite 0, MKU Kakamega 66 Kisumu Lakeside 62, KPA 71 USIU Flames 64, KPA 63 USIU Tigers 52, JKUAT 0 MKU Eldonets 20, Baraka Xtreme 54 Barclays Bank 65, World Hope 62 Upper Hill 50, ANU 56 Zetech College 74, Ulinzi Blades 48 Co-op Bank 49, Nairobi Aviation College 80 Blazers 63, Ulinzi Warriors 63 Thunder 55, Terror 62 Co-op Bank 67; Sunday- Ulinzi Warriors 102 Nakuru Club 70, Sprite Storms 46 Ulinzi Blades 55, Barclays Bank 56 Zetech College 75, Terror 59 Blades 61, Thunder 77 Blazers 39, Strathmore University 69 Co-op Bank 63, KPA 64 KCA-U 22, KPA 47 Equity Bank 57.

10 October 2014

KENYA : Usiu and KPA Confirmed for Next Month's Tunisia Tour


UNITED States International University and Kenya Ports Authority will travel to Tunisia next month for the women's FIBA Africa Club Championships.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary Vitalis Gode, yesterday confirmed the two teams have been entered for the continental show. He, however, said the exact dates for the championships will be released soon.
"It has been confirmed by FIBA Africa that the championship will be held in Tunisia.The dates are yet to be announced," said Gode, who is also the regional secretary. He urged the teams to start training considering they will be up against some of the Africa top teams led by reigning champions Inter Club of Angola.
USIU and KPA battled in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 show last August in Mombasa as the students emerged victorious 63-28 in the finals played at Makande Welfare hall. It will be the second time in a row that the students, who are yet to lose a game in the women's Premier League, will represent the country in the prestigious continental showcase.
Last year, they were in Mekness, Morocco with compatriots Eagle Wings who bagged the bronze medal. USIU were placed fifth.

TANZANIA : Nyerere Basketball Tourney Throws Off


NYERERE Cup basketball tournament throws off in Musoma today to celebrate 15 years since the death of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
Organised under the flag of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), the event aims to recognise Mwalimu's huge contribution towards national development.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga said yesterday the winner will be awarded a trophy donated by Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Executive Committee member Phares Magesa.
"The tournament throws off tomorrow (today) in Musoma to honour Mwalimu Nyerere for good leadership and excellent service he rendered to the nation when he was the President of the United Republic of Tanzania," he said.
He added that the tournament will reach its climax on October 14, this year when the participating teams will tour his grave and clean its surroundings.
Zonga named teams taking part as Profile from Mwanza, Mwembeni 1, Mwembeni 2 and Makoko -- all from Musoma. Dar es Salaam will be represented by JKT.
On his side, former TBF Vice-President Magesa said the event has great importance to the nation and that's why he decided to donate the trophy to keep Mwalimu Nyerere's name alive.
He said apart from honouring the Father of the Nation, sports also play a great role in developing youth in the country. "We have witnessed sports, especially basketball, creating employment to many youths in the country.
Personally, I was a sportsman and I will remain a sportsman forever, ready to support sports whenever it is possible," he said.

ANGOLA : Huíla and Namibe Promote Inter-Provincial Basketball Championship

Lubango — The provincial Basketball associations of Huíla and Namibe will jointly hold as from Saturday in Lubango city an inter-provincial senior men's championship with the participation of dour teams.
Angop learnt that the provinces are participating in the event with two teams each, namely Heja Sport Club do Lubango and Desportivo do Tchioco do Lubango (Huíla), CAB do Namibe and Misto do Namibe (Namibe).
Speaking to Angop on Thursday, secretary general of the Provincial Basketball Association of Huíla, Diogo Gomes, said that in this first edition the matches will be played in six rounds in the cities of Lubango and Namibe.
Check fixtures:
First round
Heja Sport Club do Lubango - CAB do Namibe
Desportivo do Tchioco do Lubango - Misto do Namibe
Second round
Misto do Namibe - CAB
Heja - Desportivo do Tchioco

UGANDA : City Oilers seeking to break UCU jinx

 City Oilers’ Samuel Kalwanyi in action against Tiger Head Power City Oilers’ Samuel Kalwanyi in action against Tiger Head Power during the Airtel National Basketball League this week. Oilers take on UCU tonight. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
Currently in their second season, City Oilers have managed to defeat every team in the Airtel National Basketball league apart from UCU Canons
Nick Natuhereza’s team not only did the double over last season’s champions but also beat them77-65 in the final of the UCU Invitational Open earlier this year.
The Oilers then suffered a 77-72 defeat to the university side in the opening game this season to make it four straight wins.
Today, the two teams meet again in a second round fixture with UCU dreaming of another double.
“Off course we would love to do it again but it will more difficult now than before,” stated forward Boniface Okello.
UCU tuned up for today’s encounter with a straightforward 78- 64 win over the struggling Ndejje University Angels.
Sudi Ulanga top scored with 16 points to lead four other UCU players in double figures. There was also a double-double for centre Ivan Lumanyika who picked 10 rebounds in addition to his 10 points.
Oilers meanwhile, eased their way past Tiger Head Power with a 73-66 victory to move to 13-2 this season.
Despite the victory, Mandy Juruni seemed unsatisfied with his players’ performance.
“We won because our opponents played worse,” Juruni told his players after Sunday’s game.
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com

09 October 2014

NIGERIA : First Bank Move Into Akure Close-Camp

In a bid to make it to the final round of the Africa Champions Cup for Women slated for Tunisia next month, two-time champion of the continent's biggest women club competition, First Bank basketball club of Nigeria will from tomorrow move into a close camp in Akure, Ondo State to further strategise for the FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifier holding in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
First Bank basketball club head coach, Adewumi Aderemi, said yesteday that the team's aim for the competition is to make it to the final round and put up a big show with an eye for the title it won in 2003 (Mozambique) and 2009 (Benin). The Elephant Girls started the 2014 campaign by reclaiming the Nigeria domestic title which has eluded it for four seasons which made one of the two representatives that will fly Nigeria flag at the Burkina Faso Zone-3 qualifier.
"We are more determined this time around to see that we are not just participants but contenders and we aim to qualify for the final round. "We have played second fiddle for too long and we really appreciate what our management is doing for us and our desire to reciprocate their gesture of good management towards our goals. "We will respect every team that has confirmed their participation in the FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifier which comes up from October 20 through 29 and the final round billed for November in Tunisia.
"We know our onions and what we can do to give our club and Nigeria good representation so the reason why we are moving into close camp away from distractions so that we can achieve our goal of being among the top contender for the title. "The club continental competition is not new to us as a team and we will present the best team ever with a mixture of young and experience players who can compete for honours.
First Bank and Dolphins basketball club will represent Nigeria at the Burkina Faso Zone-3 qualifiers alongside other teams from the other seven FIBA Africa Zone-3 nations.

08 October 2014

KENYA : Strathmore and Mt Kenya Top Nba Play-Off Quarter Finals


STRATHMORE University and Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika will be top seeds in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) play-off quarter finals that gets underway at Railways Club this weekend.
Following qualifiers played at the same venue last weekend, Strathmore who have goal getter Keith Adams took the pole position in the Eastern Conference and will take on Zetech University while MKU Thika, who topped the Western Conference and rely on Benaya Musubi will play 4-Christ.
The other matches to be played in the best of three series will see Emyba led by three points leader Collins Ochillo play Neosasa Mirans. Ulinzi lock horns with Don Bosco led by Joel Atebe, NBA scoring leader.
In the ladies matches, top seed Equity Bank led by Samba Mjomba and Linda Mfuchi who led the league in points scored, free throws and three points meet Zetecch University; Daystar University meet University of Nairobi; Parklands Arya Girls tackle Strathmore University and Gladiators play Footprints.

07 October 2014

TANZANIA : Taifa Cup Set for November


THIS year's Taifa Cup basketball championship will be held in Dodoma from November 23-30. Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Secretary General, Saleh Zonga, said in Dar es Salaam on Monday that the tournament will bring together regional teams from across Tanzania Mainland.
"This is among the major tournaments falling in the federation's calendar and we've decided to stage it in Dodoma this year," he said.
"We're currently working around the clock to get the funds required to facilitate the event which we hope to conduct as per our calendar," he added.
According to Zonga, the TBF needs 113m/- to stage week-long tournament and they are looking for sponsors and stakeholders to assist them in facilitating the event.
"We appeal for support from sponsors so that we can conduct the event which is one of the main sources of identify and promoting talent in the country," he said. TBF, under the previous leadership of Mussa Mziya, failed to stage the tournament in Mbeya region from November 28 to December 8, last year, as planned due to financial constraints.
The Taifa Cup is one of the major sources of getting national teams players as the event involves both men and women's teams from all the regions.
Meanwhile, TBF has announced that the Nyerere Memorial tournament will be held in Musoma, Mara region starting fromTuesday.
"It's an open tournament to allow as many teams as possible to take part in," Zonga said. "During the competition TBF leaders and participating teams will have the opportunity to visit Mwalimu's grave at Butiama," he added.
The tournament commemorates the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who passed away on October 14, 1999 in London, England.

KENYA : Blades take Strath to the barber shop


  • Samuel Mogoko of Strathmore University is stopped by Billy Ongute of KAA in the men's basketball premier league. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Beaten 50-40 in the first leg, Blades returned the favor by beating Strathmore University 62-52 on Saturday at the student's backyard.
It was an identical margin of 10 points win and loss by the teams which are part of the Strathmore University outfit.
Emmanuel Soja and Nelson Mandela had a combined 25 points for Blades who led 40-32 at halftime. Luide Kakembo top scored for Strathmore University on 14.
Blades dictated the pace early in the game winning the first quarter 19-15 and the second 21-17. The third quarter was tight but Blades narrowly won 12-10 and the fourth was all square at 10-10.
The momentum was the same for both sides on Sunday as Blades registered the second win while Strathmore University suffered their second loss for the weekend.
Blades beat Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) 62-60 in a comeback win after trailing 24-30 at the breather. Pascal Nabwana scored 14 points for Blades and Shem Otieno had 10 for KAA.
Strathmore University were second-time unlucky falling 61-65 to United States International University-Africa (USIU-A). Strathmore enjoyed a one-point lead at the breather after winning first quarter 19-13 and lost the second 7-12.
USIU-A were still struggling to gain their footing in the third quarter which Strathmore won 22-20. Blades won the fourth quarter 20-13.
Kevin Kigotho scored 19 points for USIU-A while Peter Shilton and Joseph Ongoro scored 15 points each for Strathmore.
Co-operative Bankers bagged maximum points at the weekend by beating Blazers and Nairobi Aviation College. On Saturday, the bankers beat relegation-threatened Blazers 88-40 after leading 36-24 at halftime.
In this game, Japheth Areba scored 10 points for the bankers and Joel Wafula 13 for Blazers in a game Co-op Bank won all quarters 15-8, 23-16, 27-12 and 23-4 respectively.
It was not easy for the bankers in the second game against Nairobi Aviation College on Sunday. They trailed 26-28 at halftime before coming back to win 56-52. Co-op Bank won the first closely contested quarter 14-13 and Nairobi Aviation the second 15-12.
The bankers cut the deficit to one point at the close of third quarter with a 12-11 win before sealing it off in the fourth with a 18-13 win. Tony Abondo top scored for Co-op Bank with 12 points while Job Byron and Franklin Delano scored 15 points each for Nairobi Aviation Aviation.
Lions beat Thunder 78-61 as Kenya Airports Authority lost 34-68 to Ulinzi Warriors. The soldiers had a good outing beating Equity Bank 55-47 in the second game while hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) beat University of Nairobi’s Terror 88-47.
USIU-A was on a roll in the women's premier maintaining their unbeaten run by beating Ulinzi Blades and Sprite Storms. Against Ulinzi, Sarah Chan scored a game high of 26 points to steer USIU-A  to a 61-38 win. At halftime, the students led 21-18.
Bridgit Nanzala top scored for Ulinzi with 20 points. Chan was also instrumental on Sunday and scored 20 points to help USIU-A beat Storms 52-37. Mercy Wanyama top scored for Storms with 14 points.
Strathmore University had mixed results as 16 points from their former player Melissa Akinyi helped Co-op Bank to a 44-41 win on Sunday. Susan Manya scored 13 points for Strathmore.
On Saturday, Strathmore beat Kenyatta University Oryx 41-30 while Eagle Wings beat KPA 41-37 in Mombasa.
Results
Saturday: World Hope 55 KCA-U 63, ANU 38 Umoja 59, KU Oryx 30 Strathmore University 41, Barclays Bank 51 Little Prince 30,USIU-A Flames 61 Ulinzi Blades 38, KU Pirates 81 Nairobi Aviation College 91, Blazers 40 Co-op Bank 88, Ulinzi Warriors 68 KAA 34, Blades 62 Strathmore University 52, MKU Eldonets 68 Trailblazers 45.
Sunday: MKU Eldonets 64 Dankind Academy 44, Parklands Baptist 44 ANU 50, JKUAT 40 Umoja 69, Barclays Bank 47 KCA-U 57, World Hope 39 Zetech College 72, Co-op Bank 44 Strathmore University 41, Ulinzi Warriors 55 Equity Bank 47, USIU-A Flames 52 Sprite Storms 27, Co-op Bank 56 Nairobi Aviation College 52, Blades 62 KAA 60, Thunder 61 Lions 78, Strathmore University 61 USIU Tigers 65

UGANDA : Oilers win to cast doubt over Power title credentials

KAMPALA- At the start of the season, City Oilers and Tiger Head Power looked like they had the best rosters and many backed them to contend for this year’s title.
But after Oilers won the fifth consecutive meeting between the two sides on Sunday 73-66 (last year’s final three semi final playoff games inclusive) many might now have reservations about the latter.
“There is no mental block,” Bernes Ankunda the Power coach insisted when put to him that his team had lost five straight games to their opponents. “We were just poor on the day which I know is very frustrating for our fans when we face a top side,” offered the coach whose side are now 10-5.
Ankunda also remained optimistic that his team who again struggled on the inside with the absence of Phillip Ameny who was serving the last of his eight game suspension would improve.
“If Ameny returns and Isaac Afidra gets over his back problem then they can make a huge difference for us,” he explained.
Power though were ultimately undone by reigning MVP Kami Kabange who scored a game high 23 points and eight rebounds as Oilers improved to 14-2. Samuel Kalwanyi also continued season form contributing 11 points and picking 18 rebounds while Jimmy Enabu and Daniel ‘Najja’ Jjuko added 12 and 11 respectively.
For Power, meanwhile Abdulahi Ramadhan notched a double-double that included 20 points and 10 rebounds with Paul Odong and Joseph Ikong contributing 17 and 12 points respectively.
Elsewhere, guard Fahmy Sebatindira’s 12 points helped charging Rhino to a shock 71-66 victory over six time champions Kryshna Falcons for whom Yves Kalambai 24 points, Steven Mwesigye 16 points and 14 rebounds were futile.

05 October 2014

ZAMBIA : Magic Face Comets

REINING Champions Matero Magic will today be hoping to maintain the winning formula in their bid to retain the title as they square up against relegation feared Assumption Comets in the Zambia Basketball Association (ZBA) southern region league Week 20 match to be played in Mazabuka.
Magic, who recorded a 77-66 win over Green Eagles last weekend to go top of the table on 35 points, are the favourites to emerge victorious as they eye the title for a second year running.
On the other hand, Comets are bottom of the table with 19 points out of 18 games played and win against the champions will boost their hopes of surviving relegation.
Unza Pacers v Hawks
Second placed UNZA Pacers will take on Hawks as they look forward to keep up the pressure on Magic.
But Hawks, who are fourth with 29 points and have proven to be stubborn side this season, will not be a push over side. Third placed Napsa Hurricanes, who are just a point behind Pacers guest 7th placed Spartans.
Fixtures: LCC Looters v Eagles, Hotspurs v Buffaloes, Buffaloes (B) v Nkwazi, Intrepid Bulls v Munali Suns, ChINZAM Dragons v Hornet Ruiners, Denvers v ZCAS Blazers, Kafue Nkosi v Lusaka Rockets, Legends v Magic (B), Breeze v Spartress, Lootress v UNZA Honeys, Heroes Unity Play v JNR Hurricanes.

UGANDA : Champions City Oilers set for titanic clash with Tiger Head Power

Today
Crane High Ladies vs A1 Challenge 11:30am
Diamonds In The Sun vs KIU Titans 1:30pm
UCU Lady Canons vs KIU Rangers 3:30pm
 Falcon vs Rhino 5:30pm
City Oilers vs Power 7:30pm
Friday results
Magic Stormers 69-45 MUK Sparks
Ndejje Univ. Angels 67-69 KIU Titans
Airtel Fuba League Fixtures

Kampala
If the seven games played during the week have not eliminated the hangover from last weekend’s euphoria surrounding the Gazelles and Silver backs qualification to next year’s Afrobasket and All Africa Games, this evening should.
This is because of what promises to be a feisty encounter when the Champions City Oilers(12-2) play Tiger Head Power(10-4) in the peak of the Airtel National Basketball league games today at YMCA.
Mandy Juruni’s team with four players from the Silverbacks team, tuned up for today’s game with a comfortable 67-54 victory over Vegetarians on Thursday.
The Oliers had Daniel Jjuko benefitting from more playing minutes top score with 14 points with Jeff Omondi adding 11 while Ben Okumu managed a game high 24 points albeit in a losing effort for Vegetarian.
Power meanwhile are well rested save for Norman Blick who featured for the Silverbacks with the rest of his teammates having last played competitively three weeks ago in a 78-66 win over Ndejje University Angels.
KIU who relied on Donate Habiyamere’s buzzer beating shot to edge Ndejje University Angels 69-67 on Friday also return to action against Diamond in The Sun.
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com

03 October 2014

KENYA : Kenya Captain Wafula Now Quits After Uganda Bonanza


KENYA national men's team captain Ancette Wafula has announced his retirement from international basketball.
The lanky Ulinzi Warriors shooting forward made the announcement in the Ugandan capital Kampala after the national team's last game of the FIBA Africa Zone five All Africa Games/Nations Cup qualifiers.
"Today I am passing on the button to the younger generation. I have been a regular player for the national side for five years and now I think it is time to call it a day, " Wafula said after Kenya's last tie to host Uganda.
Kenya finished fourth in the eight-day tournament. Kenya only won the opening match 97-77 against Somalia. They, however, lost to Rwanda 77-82 eventual winners Egypt 53-85 and Uganda 70-81.
Wafula though insisted that he will continue to play Ulinzi--a team he has captained to six national titles. Wafula has had a successful career that has also seen him skipper the Nairobi men's side to the Inter Cities Championships across the region.
He will now turn his attention to coaching. His first step is to register as a participant in the clinic that will be hosted by the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) in November. The facilitator will be FIBA Africa instructor Ronny Owino.
"Having played up to this level for all those years, I believe the time is now ripe for me to venture into coaching. This is the only way I can contribute to the development of the game.
" I have participated in many tournaments, I know where we need help and I will work towards achieving that goal," he said.

RWANDA : Why Espoir Basketball Club Remains Indomitable


Espoir Basketball Club might have missed the services of the recently named 2014 MVP Mike Buzangu when they tried to sign the forward, but he got snapped by Cercle Sportiff de Kigali in March this year.
Still, they remained one of the best teams in the region and they still have the best players in the country, and are favorites to win a fourth straight title next season. In June this year, the reigning champions defeated Muzinga of Burundi 85-48 in the 2014 Gisembe basketball memorial tournament.
Despite struggling in their quest for a second regional title against Kenya Ports Authority by 43-96, Espoir still managed to find a way to get the job done by continuing to repeat another milestone of retaking the play offs and league title unbeaten, just as during the previous two seasons.
The Nyamirambo-based club had won 60-50 game one and 86-66 game two in the play-offs before CSK put up a fight by winning game three by 74-63. But in game four, Espoir was indomitable and won the decider 85-54 to clinch the title.
In addition, Espoir won its third league title in a row with two matches left to the end of the season. They sealed their victory with a 79-63 victory over the Rubavu-based Gisengyi BBC, with captain Aristide Mugabe scoring a game high of 20 points for the champions.
In light of such great performances, Espoir coach Jean Bahufite has stressed that one of the reasons why Espoir has managed to keep the spirit of winning straight titles is because his players respect training sessions.
"In today's approach to better performance, players have to train in order to get better as a basketball player. Preparing to train is just as important as the training itself." Bahufite said. "Without this critical first step, you will go to court and haphazardly attempt to work on the game and athletic development with minimal results. You got to put in the time and sweat to really improve your game. We tell the players to train with the same effort and competitiveness as they do in games."
"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. That is why Espoir plays to win, whether during practice or a real game," Bahufite added.
It also helps that Espoir can boast of an excellent group of star players, some of whom even feature in the national basketball team.
"The players have been a great group to work with," Bahufite said. "They play as a team, stay focused and they respect the process; as a result the process has always turned out really well this season and they again finished as champions."
The forwards Olivier Shyaka, Pascal Karekezi and Bienvenu Ngandu may not be much more than hired guns at this point in Espoir, but they remain some of the best shooters in the local league.
Shyaka has improved his three-point shooting this season and played well in the play offs. As did Pascal Karekezi. Lionel Hakizimana also played a pivotal role in the playoffs for Espoir and is a great energy guy off the bench.
Their backcourt of Aristide Mugabe grants Espoir not just the offensive options but the ability to thwart opponents. He is clearly one of the most skilled players in the league.
Speaking to Focus Sport team, captain Aristide Mugabo hailed his teammates for the efforts and sacrifice throughout the season.
"Winning two trophies this season was another milestone, which I dedicate to fans, teammates, coaching staff and club management," he remarked. "We have to play more regional friendly games to be able to compete effectively in the regional and continental championships. The more games we play, the more exposure we shall obtain at that level."
But for future success, Espoir will have to act now. Mugabo has carried the club along the way on his broad shoulders, but at some point he is going to need new future young stars to help with the heavy lifting in the future. Veteran Jean Louis Habineza's knees are also not getting any younger.
The club will have to recruit if they are to maintain their dominance.

ANGOLA : Basketball Women Team Coach Considers Quitting

Istambul — Angola's basketball senior women team coach, Aníbal Moreira, Tuesday in Istanbul (Turkey), admitted quitting the ladies and join the men.
The coach was speaking to Angop after the 44-119 defeat of his team to US in the third round match of the World Basketball Cup's group D.
He said it was the end of a very good cycle, despite the score of the matches, in which the Angolan ladies had a good attitude.
Speaking about the championship at which Angola wound up their participation with three defeats, Anibal Moreira, recognised the superiority of the opponents.
With these results, Angola get eliminated from the World Cup that kick started on September 27 going until October 5.

UGANDA ; I want to be a complete player on and off the court - Jonah Mukwaba


Jonah Mukwaba (L) listening to instruction during a breather Courtesy photo Jonah Mukwaba (L) listening to instruction during a breather
Taking a season off and then turn into one of the mainstays on Falcons’ rotation at the first go and juggling defensive and offensive responsibilities and finding the basket quite regularly requires a special blend of talent, ability, hard work and desire.
The talent, ability, desire and hard work of Jonah Mukwaba.
The twenty one year old Mukwaba started his basketball life nearly eight years ago at Ndejje S.S. It took him just two years to be the best in high school as he was named MVP in the 2009 NASBA Championships.
He later joined National Basketball League side, Charging Rhinos (then were in Division II) and earned promotion that year to play in the premier division in 2012.
The guard took off the 2013 season for personal workouts something he says helped him to make the leap to Falcons where he was welcomed well.“I was welcomed well at Falcons. Of Course you get a bit nervous but the mere fact that they took me up means they saw something in me and it was up to me to take up the challenge” he told Kawowo Sports in an interview.

While Mukwaba knows he has made progress playing for the six-time champions, he does not rest on his laurels as he sees this as only the beginning.where near what i want to be but i have made progress – in confidence, physical ability and i have got a better understanding of the game now than then when i just used to play.
I have got confidence in my dribble, i can call a play” he said. Well, he is also capable of taking over a game at any given moment.
The young guard may be third in the pecking order at Falcons behind Syrus Kiviiri and Kelly Martin and comes on at times for a few minutes but says that does not bother him. He just keeps competing.
“Competition keeps you at your best. You always work hard to get a place and it only comes when you deserve it” he argues.
“At Falcons we have learnt to put the team first. If you are on court you have got to be doing something for the team and when you are pulled off then you support your teammates from the bench” he says.
Under the mentor-ship and guidance of Sam Obol who has seen him through his basketball life, the versatile shooting guard might just be on track to greatness in the local game. That’s the popular wisdom going by how he is developing through the years.
“I want to be the best i can become. I want to be a complete player on and off the court.” Mukwaba told Kawowo Sports. “If it comes with accolades, well and good”
Mukwaba harbors the ambition of playing for the Silver-backs. “Of Course at some point i want to play of the national team. I want to get a place on the national team when i deserve it” he says.

UGANDA : 5 talking points from Team Uganda’s success at the Zone V Basketball Qualifiers


Uganda's national basketball sides, the Silverbacks (men) and the Gazelles (women) had a successful tournament at the Zone V nations qualifiers. The Silverbacks qualified for the Afrobasket championship due in Tunisia while the Gazelles qualified for the Afrobasket championships in Cameroon and All Africa games  in Congo Brazzaville. Kawowo Sports' Aisha Nassanga examines five talking points.
1. Home court advantage is not a myth:
Fans of the game flocked Lugogo Indoor arena to cheer for the teams. The crowd was helpful throughout, urging them on even in defeat. “Our backs were against the wall, we needed to win against Kenya and every time you heard the shouts of ‘let’s go Uganda’ it was a exhilarating and lifted us up,” said Vicky Ntale the captain of the Gazelles who was glad to finally beat Kenya after years of trying. This was a view shared my many of the players alike.
2. Organisation goes a long way in ensuring success:
uganda basketball
Team Uganda has stood out largely because the back room staff was well prepared and run like a well-oiled machine. Player welfare and allowances was top priority and all the players had to do was go out and perform. Organization goes a long way in ensuring you are prepared for any eventualities and can deal with them as was the case when the championship had to be postponed from June to September.
3. Sponsorship is important, in fact a necessity:
The staging of this competition was as compelling as ever for the Federation of Uganda Basketball (FUBA), yet challenges were always going to be expected. With a number of partners on board like City Tyres, Ling Long, Castle Lite and Coca Cola, there was a smooth flow of roles and responsibilities and overall general outlook of the competition. Games started on time, the officiating was spot on and participating nations were catered to efficiently.
4. The foreign based contingent of players was really as good as we thought:
john balwigire
With accents and swag, we first had a glimpse of them in June, vastly superior talent; they fitted right into the teams and showed why over the course of the championship. John Baligwire scooped most outstanding player of the tournament. Sharon Karungi, Josh Johnson, Kassim Nangwere and Samuel Mukooza all contributed immensely and most importantly played like a team that had played together forever.
5. Good Coaches put a team together, Great Coaches triumph with that team:
gazelles coaches
Mandy Juruni (men) and Timothy Odeke (women) perhaps had the hardest job of delivering results in the shortest amount of time possible. And they did just that. Bringing together a team that had not played together before, Odeke’s team went on to win the three-team event and qualify for the Afrobasket and All Africa Games while the Silverbacks (men) qualified for the Afro basket championships.

02 October 2014

UGANDA : Lamunu revels in historic feat


Members of Uganda’s Zone V women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, celebrate with their trophy on Sunday. PHOTO BY Ismail Kezaala 
By Elvis Senon

Kampala. By losing a battle you find a new way to win the war. That is what Claire Lamunu set out to do and accomplish after Uganda had lost their opening two games against Egypt and Kenya at the Fiba Africa Zone V National Basketball Championship that ended on Sunday.
“I had to find a way to improve my shooting so instead of relaxing, I used the rest day (Thursday) to perfect my shot,” revealed Lamunu whose gun was loaded for subsequent games.
The small forward who had managed 17 and 11 points in the first two games proceeded to score 24 points in the two ensuing games as the Gazelles thumped Egypt 78-45 and Kenya 64-61 respectively to emerge champions for the first time ever.
The qualification also sealed a maiden appearance for the ladies at next year’s Afrobasket and All Africa Games while Lamunu also emerged MVP top scorer with 76 points at the tournament.
“Failure for us to qualify would have been catastrophic considering the efforts team Uganda management put in. We just had to do it for them,” the 21 year old KCCA player explained. The Gazelles’ victory was also reciprocated by the men’s team, the Silverbacks, who finished second behind Egypt after beating Rwanda 69-61.
Individual prizes
Women MVP - Claire Lamunu
Top Scorer - Claire Lamunu
Men’s MVP - John Balwigaire
Men’s top scorer - Abdelhalim Amrsherif
esenono@ug.nationmedia.com

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