30 November 2014

UGANDA : Komakech, Enabu offer Oilers lifeline

Oilers’ Kabenge managed a paltry four points in the third
Oilers’ Kabenge managed a paltry four points in the third semi finals playoff at the MTN Arena, Lugogo on Friday. Oilers and Canons faceoff in Game Four today. Photo by I Kezaala. 
By  Elvis Senono


As Niccola Machiavelli once stated, “Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot”.
Leading 2-0 going into game three of the best of five series on Friday, UCU Canons had the chance to destroy the champions City Oilers.
Instead they played with constraint, losing 70-58 and must now live with the fear of Oilers vengeance ahead of game four of the best of five semifinal series at Lugogo today.
Having struggled with knee trouble, Ben Komakech looked like he benefited most from two days of rest brought about after the rain washed out game on Wednesday.
The first two games had brought 10 points, on Friday he doubled that, scoring a game high 20 points including a three pointer that gave the Oilers a 24-13 lead as the champions made a fast start.
“We just cannot afford to give our opponents another fast start,” explained Nick Natuhereza after the game.
Shooting guard Jimmy Enabu added 16 points and dished out seven assists as the Oilers overcame a rare off day for centre Kami Kabange who managed a paltry four points.
They still trail the semifinal series 2-1 with UCU holding yet another opportunity to close out the series and make the finals for the first time in their history.
In the ladies, KCCA Leopards set up yet another final with nemesis UCU after sweeping A1 Challenge 3-0 following a 52-34 win.

28 November 2014

KENYA : Champs Co-op bank leads playoffs survival push

  • KBF Referee Joseph Amoko gestures at a past league match.(Photo by Shutterspeed)
Men premier league defending champions Co-operative Bank will be one of the six teams fighting to stay afloat this weekend when Kenya Basketball Federation league quarterfinal playoffs enter game two.
The bankers play Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, on Saturday with nothing but a win in mind after 59-69 game one loss. A loss on Saturday will automatically see them lose the title they have held for the past four seasons.
“We lost game one because of our attitude. It's not easy since we must win on Saturday to force game three. There is belief that we can achieve that,” head coach Carey Odhiambo said.
Strathmore University and Blades are the other two teams that must overturn last week’s losses to get back into contention. Blades lost 83-89 to Kenya Ports Authority, KPA,  in overtime and will play away in Mombasa.
Strathmore play against United States International University- Africa, USIU-A, keen to level the series after 34-59 loss in game one.
It’s a delicate balancing act for head coach Tony Ochieng with both teams played at two different venues.
Lions will also have the opportunity to stay in contention when they play Ulinzi Warriors and trailing from their 54-73 loss in game one.
Only two games will be played in the women premier as Eagle Wings seek to fight back from their 34-39 loss to Sprite Storms last weekend.
KPA,USIU in Tunisia
Strathmore University play Co-op Bank and a win for the students will take the series to game three.
Games involving KPA and USIU-A have been put on hold as both sides are in Tunisia for the FIBA-Africa Champions Cup for Women.
KPA is leading Ulinzi Blades after a 73-43 win in game one while USIU-A won 47-34 against Safe Spaces.
In Tunisia, KPA is in Group A with CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), Anjis (Cameroon), First Bank (Nigeria) and Primero (Angola) while USIU-A is in Group B alongside Interclube (Angola), INSS (Congo DR), CSPC (Mauritius) and Dolphins (Nigeria).
KBF Playoffs Fixtures: Saturday- Dankind Academy vs Lakeside (12pm, Kisumu), KPA Men vs Blades (11am, Mombasa), World Hope vs KCA-U (8:30am, Nyayo gymnasium), Upper Hill vs Umoja (10am), Co-op Bank vs Strathmore University (11:30am), Sprite Storms vs Eagle Wings (1pm), KAA vs Co-op Bank (2:30pm), Lions vs Ulinzi Warriors (4pm); Sunday- Lakeside vs Dankind Academy (12pm, Kisumu), KPA vs Blades (11am, Mombasa), Trailblazers vs Zetech University (8:30am, Nyayo gymnasium), Umoja vs Upper Hill (10am), Strathmore University vs Co-op Bank (11:30am), Eagle Wings vs Sprite Storms (1pm), Strathmore University vs USIU Tigers (2:30pm), Co-op Bank vs KAA (4pm), Ulinzi Warriors vs Lions (5:30pm).

UGANDA : UCU-Oilers clash moves to Lugogo as Natuhereza bemoans postponement

Kami Kabange and Ramadan Arou of City Oilers look on Kami Kabange and Ramadan Arou of City Oilers look on as UCU’s Desmond Owili goes for the basket during the second semi-final playoffs at the MTN Arena Lugogo. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALAKampala- What if the weather had not intervened? Why did UCU Canon and City Oilers not wait for the YMCA court to dry up? Why wasn’y the MTN Arena not available for a sporting activity like it is today?
Those and more could be some of the questions many basketball followers have been asking themselves since Wednesday.
For rain washed out what would have been the first of three opportunities UCU Canons have to clinch the best of five semifinal series against City Oilers.
UCU lead the series 2-0 after Sunday’s 61-56 win over the champions.
With the court drying up after a heavy evening downpour, the final decision was taken by the management of both teams to have the game postponed.
UCU coach Nick Natuhereza though was not pleased with the decision that sees Game Three being replayed today at the Lugogo MTN arena.
“It leaves the team that progresses from our series at a disadvantage considering that we would play Games Four and Five on consecutive days,” he argued.
“Which is why we are hoping to close out the series today,” he added.
A day’s rest though will have come in handy in the short run for City Oilers particularly guard Ben Komakech who has been struggling with knee trouble.
“We would obviously miss him a lot because of his contribution to our offensive game,” Oilers guard Omondi explained.
Omondi also believes the postponement offers less excuses for the champions that have to win three straight games to return to the final.
“You obviously want to go into such kind of a game with no excuses about the surface and players worrying about getting injured,” he said.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS AT MTN ARENA- LUGOGO
SEMIFINALS – GAME THREE
MEN: UCU vs Oilers (8pm)
WOMEN: KCCA vs .A1 Challenge
(UCU, KCCA lead series 2-0)
essenono@ug.nationmedia.com

26 November 2014

KENYA : Equity Claims NBA Crown After Beating Strathmore


EQUITY Bank won the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) women's title after beating Strathmore University 73-19 in the final staged at Railways Club.
The bankers, who finished their fixtures with a clean record led in all quarters 14-7, 22-5, 20-5 and 17-2. Linda Mfuchi bagged 17 points and national team guard Samba Mjomba added 10. They had rolled over students 71-27 to take the second game (20-5, 15-8, 24-8, 12-6). Mfuchi nailed 15 points and Mjomba scored 12. Sylvia Kamau posted 15 for the students.
Equity took Game One 68-15 with Mjomba contributing 18 and Joyce Nabwire adding 12. The team won their entire fixture without losing a single game.
"We had a good run and we hope to keep up the spirit when we start our premier league campaign next year. With these same players, I am sure we will do well," said coach David Maina. Laura Makokha and Steffi Ngabwire nailed 12 points a piece as the impressive duo guided Daystar University to the third place finish. In the men's final, Emyba nipped Don Bosco 52-51 (11-10, 21-11, 7-17, 13-13), behind 17 points from Joel Simiyu. Joel Atebe was restricted to an all time low of 10 for the losers who lead the series 2-1. Don Bosco had taken the opening two matches 61-52 and 60-57 in Game One and Two respectively.

25 November 2014

UGANDA : Oilers reeling as Canons extend lead


UCU’s Sudi Ulanga evades Jimmy Enabu of City Oil during the second semi-final playoffs at the MTN Arena Lugogo on Sunday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala 
It’s not the 2-0 margin that must cause Mandy Juruni anxiety. It’s the manner of those defeats that must raise grave concerns for the City Oilers coach.
In two semifinal games, champions City Oilers have looked like a team in a rush to find the exit door. An unrelenting UCU Canons want to tear their carcass apart.
They will get that chance tomorrow after Sunday’s wire-to-wire 61-56 win at the Lugogo MTN Arena on the back of Sudi Ulanga’s 21 points. Not even a late flurry of baskets to cut into UCU’s 49-25 periphery at the start of the fourth will be a cause of optimism for Oilers.
A sweep looks a certainty after handing Oilers a sixth successive league loss and seventh in all.
“It’s not going our way,” Oilers coach Juruni said. “We will keep fighting.”
Despite only five Oilers scoring, they punched UCU into a corner. But, calling most of the latter’s scoring ‘garbage time points’ wouldn’t be farfetched.
Their offense has collapsed and Kami Kabenge looks like a lone ranger for long periods with the UCU inside players making it as hard as they can for the reigning MVP.
After his 27 points and nine rebounds in 69-66 Game One loss on Saturday, Kabange had 23 in Game Two 24 hours later. He is averaging 25 whereas Ulanga is on 22.5.
Ulanga has received support from ther entire cast.
A returning Desmond Owili had 15 points and seven rebounds on Sunday, just after Ivan Lumanyika’s 11 and 18 a day earlier.
Owili and Lumanyika have sparked a 91-53 rebound advantage! Also in stark contrast, Jimmy Enabu’s 15 points, two more than he managed in Game One, are too few to beat a good team.
Besides Enabu’s 28, Geoff Omondi has six and Ben Komakech is on 10 for the series. No wonder most fans left after this game as Tiger Head Power’s fight back was watched by a handful. Power defied Henry Malinga’s 29 points to beat Warriors 71-65 and level the other men’s semifinal series at 1-all.
In the women’s division, another KCCA Leopards-UCU Lady Canons final is almost certain even if the latter were made to work for their 68-65 win over Magic Stormers. They lead 2-0 with former MVP Maureen Amoding averaging 19.5 points. Power-Warriors and UCU-A1 resume their exchanges today at YMCA.
NBL PLAYOFFS
SUNDAY RESULTS
MEN
Power 71-65 Warriors
(Series tied 1-all)
UCU 61-56 Oilers
(UCU lead series 2-0)
WOMEN
KCCA 66-36 A1
Stormers 65-68 UCU
(KCCA and UCU lead series 2-0)
PLAYING TODAY AT YMCA
MEN (8PM)
Warriors vs Power
WOMEN (6PM)
UCU vs Stormers

24 November 2014

TANZANIA : Temeke Off to Dodoma for Taifa Cup Championship

AS the Inter-Regional Basketball Championship, dubbed 'Taifa Cup,' throws off in Dodoma today, Temeke Municipal team leaves this morning eager to win the title.
Dar es Salaam was supposed to field three teams - Temeke, Ilala and Kinondoni - but the other two have pulled out due to financial constraints.
Temeke's contingent of 12 players drawn from JKT, Chang'ombe and Kurasini and an official received a major boost from several stakeholders.
The team is under captain Franklin Simkoko. Among them is the Chief of Defence Forces, General Davis Mwamunyange and National Service (JKT) Chief, Major General Raphael Muhuga, who have both provided transport to and from Dodoma and will foot accommodation bills.
The team's patron Phares Magesa, a CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) member and former TBF Vice-President, donated over 1m/- and offered to pay for the team's meals. Magesa had on Saturday given the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) two big trophies worth 600,000/- to be presented to the men and women's winners.
Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony in Dar es Salaam, he urged other stakeholders to support the tournament which is an important platform for unearthing talents and grooming them into future stars. "We expect you will do your best to come back with the title.
I know you have the ability to excel in Dodoma and make the region proud," Magesa said. "I also urge public and private institutions to assist regional teams so that they can participate in this crucial tournament.
But let's not forget TBF that needs our support in facilitating the event that brings together basketball players from across the country," he added.
TBF requires over 58m/- to stage the week-long annual tournament to be held at the Jamhuri Stadium and Dodoma Secondary School court.
TBF Secretary General Saleh Zonga commended Magesa for the donation, saying it is high time other stakeholders emulate him as the tournament has failed to secure sponsorship.
The tournament was initially scheduled to start yesterday but due to unavoidable circumstances it was pushed back for a day and most teams are already in Dodoma ready for the opening ceremony.
Zonga said 17 regions had by yesterday confirmed participation in the event.
They are Tanga, Coast, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Ruvuma, Katavi, Temeke, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Tabora, Shinyanga, Rukwa, Mara, Kagera, Kigoma and hosts Dodoma. Tanga and Dar es Salaam are the defending men and women's champions respectively.

TANZANIA : TBF Reschedules Taifa Cup Tournament

THE Inter-Regional basketball championship dubbed 'Taifa Cup' which was earlier scheduled to start on Sunday in Dodoma has been pushed forward for one day, to give organisers and host region more time to finalize preparations.
Director of Technical and Competition Commission of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Manase Zablon said the tournament will now start on Monday at the Jamhuri Stadium and Dodoma Secondary School basketball courts.
Manase said the decision to push forward the event which brings together regional basketball teams also target to give the federation more time to get sponsors to rescue the tournament, which is hanging in balance because the federation is in deep financial troubles.
TBF officials are insisting that the tournament will take place as planned despite the financial setback, which was caused by the eleventh hour withdrawal by a company that had earlier shown interest to support the event.
"The decision of pushing forward the event for at least one day was to give the hosts and the federation time to finalise preparations and look for plan B, after failing to secure sponsorship for the event," he said.
The federation has requested all the participating regions to incur some of the tournament's expenses such as accommodation and food as part of cost sharing.
"Other costs will be handled by the federation and we expect to use gate collections as part of the source of income to enable the event to carry on as planned," he said.
TBF need 58m/- to facilitate a week-long annual tournament, which brings together basketball players from various regions in the country. According to TBF, 17 regions have confirmed their participation in the event.
The regions are Tanga, Coast, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Ruvuma, Katavi, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Tabora, Shinyanga, Rukwa, Mara, Kagera, Kigoma and host Dodoma.
Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke will also compete as regions. The event defending champions are Tanga in men's category while Dar es Salaam are the ladies category reigning champions.

KENYA : Basketball fans endorse playoffs


  • Basketball fans who turned out in large numbers as the Kenya Basketball Federation playoffs started were treated to a dominance by KAA over Co-Operative Bank at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium. (SNA File
Basketball fans endorsed the Kenya Basketball Federation league playoffs which began over the weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
Twelve games were on the cards on Saturday and Sunday attracting huge crowds as compared to regular season. Their attendance was not in vain as teams displayed quality games.
The men's premier league encounters pitting Co-operative Bank against Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) versus Blades turned out to be the real crowd pullers.
With the crowds fully behind them, KAA dominated the champions from the onset and never surrendered the lead to win 67-59. They were the best team for the entire period scoring 17 free-throws against Co-op Bank’s nine and six three-point shots against the banker’s four.
The bankers had pointguard Salim Ali fouled out in the fourth quarter with five fouls, Frederick Odongo had four fouls while the entire team committed 22 fouls.
This was far worse than KAA who had Shem Otieno highest casualty with three fouls and accumulated 15 team fouls. Billy Ongute top-scored for KAA with 18 points while Allan Ouma scored 14 for the bankers.
Before the game, head coach Carey Odhiambo had said the absence of two key players Titus Musembi and David Ogolla who are serving a one year ban would affect his team’s push for the title defense.
KAA led 37-22 at halftime winning the first two quarters 16-8 and 21-14 respectively. Co-op Bank won the third 20-10 and KAA the fourth 20-17 with the second game on Saturday a must-win for the bankers.
KPA needed overtime to beat Blades 89-83 after the game tied 61-all in regulation time. Kooshin Diriye scored 16 points for KPA with Martin Kitonga and Ariel Okal adding a combined 30. Emmanuel Soja and Valentine Nyakinda top scored for Blades with 21 and 19 points respectively.
Enjoyed a three-points cushion
Ulinzi Warriors also has an upper hand going to the second game after defeating Lions 73-54. Ulinzi won the first quarter 19-15 and Lions the second 18-17 as the soldiers enjoyed a three points cushion at halftime.
It was Ulinzi’s game upon resumption as they won the remaining quarters 21-11 and 16-10. William Ochieng and Ancette Wafula scored highest for Ulinzi with 19 points each while Denis Opiyo had 12 for Lions.
The last quarterfinal game had United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) beat Strathmore University 59-35. Abel Nson scored 13 points for USIU-A and Hugh Ayara 12 for Strathmore. USIU-A won all quarters 13-8, 10-7, 17-2 and 19-18 respectively.
The women's premier league games were averagely low scoring. Defending champions KPA was the only high scoring team beating Ulinzi Blades 73-43. Yvonne Akinyi top scored for KPA and Bridgit Nanzala for Ulinzi with 12 points. The dockers won all quarters 21-6, 11-10, 21-11 and 20-16.
Sprite Storms will have an advantage over Eagle Wings after winning game one 39-34. Silalei Shani for Eagles and Angela Luchivya for Storms top-scored with 12 points each. Storms scored 15 of its points from the three-point line and eight from free-throws compared to Eagles who had only one three-point shot and scored five free-throws.
USIU-A beat Safe Spaces 47-34 helped by 13 points from Sarah Chan and 10 from Georgia Odhiambo. Safe Spaces’ top scorer was Jane Ouko with 10 points.
Co-op Bank will have the advantage over Strathmore University heading to game two after registering a 41-30 win on Sunday. The bankers started off poorly losing first quarter 6-9.  They had seven team fouls compared to Strathmore's one with Beatrice Achieng committing three and Grace Wanjiku two.
It was a dangerous balancing act for head coach Robert Mugabe in the remaining three quarters. “Strathmore is the best offensive rebounding team in the league and goes out at all cost to get the ball. Also, our boxing out was not good,” he explained.
Dominant in the second quarter
The bankers were dominant in the second quarter which hey won 13-0 for a 19-9 halftime lead. The second half was equally low scoring but highly competitive as Co-op Bank won the third quarter 12-10 and Strathmore the fourth 11-10. Celine Okumu scored 11 points for the bankers and Mollete Achieng had 14 for the students.
“The fact that we have won does not mean we will go there and rest. There is game two to come with a possibility of game three so its important we remain consistent,” Mugabe said.
In division one, Zetech University beat Trailblazers 62-51, Umoja beat Upper Hill 72-26, Dankind Academy won 73-47 against Lakeside while Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) registered a 62-45 win over World Hope.
KBF Playoffs Results
Men's Premier League: Ulinzi Warriors 73 Lions 54, Co-op Bank 59 KAA 67, USIU-A 59 Strathmore University 34, KPA 89 Blades 83.
Women's Premier League: USIU-A 47 Safe Spaces 34, KPA 73 Ulinzi Blades 43, Eagle Wings 34 Sprite Storms 39, Strathmore University 30 Co-op Bank 41.
Division One: Zetech University 62 Trailblazers 51, Umoja 72 Upper Hill 26, Lakeside 47 Dankind Academy 73, KCA-U 62 World Hope 45.

UGANDA : Injured Koma leaves Oilers in spot of bother

KAMPALA
City Oilers got away with a thin team enroute to winning the National Basketball League title in their first season last year.
Centre Kami Kabange, who would go on to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, and guard Jimmy Enabu shouldered the burden, brilliantly. The club’s management knew additions were needed. Geoff Omondi (Falcons) and Ben Komakech (Tiger Head Power) joined to spread the options on offense. But their inconsistency could ultimately decide how far they can go.
Coach Mandy Juruni was concerned about both, but more of the latter’s contribution, after losing 69-66 to UCU Canons, a fifth league defeat in a row to the same side on Saturday. With that UCU took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series. “His knee hurts,” Juruni said of Komakech. “It’s bothering him.”
The two-time MVP in the title-winning seasons of 2008 and 2010 at Power has had a below par season though exploding at this time of the year is often a certainty.
Injuries have played their part as he has also had a groin and finger problem too. The late season show as the out-of-jail card for Power is yet to materialize at Oilers.
Point guard Komakech scored four points and five assists following a return from injury as he sat out the 2-0 quarterfinal series sweep of Sharing Youth to accord his knees time to heal. He made only four attempts, scoring his first points with a minute to the final bell against UCU. “We will be fine,” is all an uptight Komakech would say. Juruni spent time talking to Omondi, Enabu and Komakech after the game. “They know they could have done a better job. Only Kami (27 points) took the fight to them.”
editorial@@ug.nationmedia.com

21 November 2014

UGANDA : UCU-Oilers rivalry blows up into near ‘me-lee’

Kami Kabange of City Oilers blocks Canons’ Brian
Kami Kabange of City Oilers blocks Canons’ Brian Namake during their semi final playoff game at YMCA Wandegeya on Wednesday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala  


KAMPALA- In the 90s, it was Blue Jackets-Charging Rhino-Tiger Head Power and then Falcons. The latter carried that rivalry to the turn of the millennium with Power.
Then Warriors-Power was born as a rivalry from the 2009 National Basketball League final which the former won 3-1. The latter earned revenge in the next two climaxes.
Today, UCU Canons versus City Oilers might just trump any series, even if Warriors and Power are facing off in the other best-of-five semifinal series.
Besides rain washing out their Game One on Wednesday night at YMCA court, the scenes that followed the cancellation point to more than just competitiveness.
It bordered on hate as the two sets of players and management traded insults and tried to get physical. Police had to restrain them.
Champions Oilers had been leading 50-39 with seven minutes to play in a contest that could have passed for a scene from the Trojan War.
You could barely pinpoint an individual from either side who can claim to be innocent except Oilers’ coach Mandy Juruni, just maybe was a saint.
Apologies have been flying back and forth. Juruni’s team must wait to clinch a first league win over UCU having lost four in four and in the final of this year’s UCU Invitational, 65-77.
Their 77-69 win in last year’s UCU Invitational final is the last time they beat the university side and they had a good chance on Wednesday. With the ‘fighting’, it’s now mental.
Today, two former champions Warriors and Tiger Head Power face off in the first Power-Warriors series in three years.
Warriors did the double over Power with two of the best games this regular season, including clawing back a 21-point deficit to beat their rivals 74-71 under a month ago. Two wins won’t be enough, three will do.
Also Boniface Okello’s UCU Lady Canons play Magic Stormers in the ladies semifinals game one.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
City Oilers 50-39 UCU (ABANDONED)
KCCA leopards 64-49 A1 Challenge
(KCCA lead best of five series 1-0)
PLAYING TODAY
WOMEN: UCU Vs Magic Stormers
MEN: Power Vs Warriors
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

20 November 2014

KENYA : KPA and USIU to Represent Kenya At Africa Ball in Tunisia


Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and United States International University (USIU) will represent Kenya and the region in the Africa womken's basketball championships in Tunisia from November 28 to December 6.
The two Kenyan clubs will join seven others who have confirmed entry.The defending champions are Interclube of Luanda, Angola. The other clubs are hosts Club Sfaxien (Tunisia), First Bank and Dolphins (Nigeria), INJS (Cameroun), INSS (DR Congo) and Primeiro d'Agosto (Angola).
There are still three more slots to be filled by wild cards.
USIU thrashed KPA at the Makande Welfare hall in Mombasa in August to win the Zone Five club show that had five teams. The two finalists earned the right to the Africa event where they will showcase their prowess against some of the continent's best teams.
Meanwhile in a Premier League match played yesterday in Nakuru, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) dismissed Nakuru Club 82-74 at Menengai High School.
The porters, who had a five game tour were due to play Mennonites in their last fixture of the year. They led 40-33 at the break against a tough home side.
Arial Okal managed to score 24 points while Antony Okello scored 14. The losers had 19 from their danger man James Okerio and 18 from George Kiarie.
Don Bosco took a head start in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) men's final when they dismissed Emyba 52-41in Game One of the finals at Railways Club.
Joel Atebe led with 25 points and Collins Ocholla added 7 for the winners. Emyba who looked drained from the previous day's 62-51 victory over Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika had 13 from Collins Ochilo and 10 from Roy Javan.
Equity Bank thrashed Strathmore University 68-15 to take Game One of the ladies finals.Samba Mjomba nailed 18 points and Joyce Nabwire scored 12 for the bankers. Strathmore who failed to hit double figures in scores in all quarters had Sylvia Kamau posting 8.

19 November 2014

NIGERIA : 2014 ACCW - Ochuko Vows Dolphin Will Prove Mettle Among Africa's Best


Coach of Dolphin female basketball club of Lagos, Ochuko Okworogun, has said her team will not be push overs in the African club champions Cup for women competition in Tunisia holding November 28 through December 7.
Speaking in Lagos as her team finalizes preparations for the event, she expressed delight at players response to training, saying that they are good to fight for a place in the top ranks. We will definitely be fighters, not mere participants, she said.
Dolphin emerged champions of Zone-3 in Burkina Faso, relegating First Bank to second place although both clinched the FIBA Africa Zonal tickets for the continental finals against teams including champions Inter Club of Angola, USIU Flames and KPA of Kenya (Zone 5), INJS of Cameroon, and INSS of Democratic Republic of Congo (Zone 4), US Beau Bassin of Mauritius (zone 7) and CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, the host club. Senegal and others.
Dolphin, who took a week off on return from the zonal finals will not witness any change in the squad as Coach Ochuko said her side would remain the same as the squad that played the zonal competition. "We are aware it is a competition that has traditional teams and former winners who are packed with experience, we will not let that worry us because we proved ourselves against some of the best in the zonal play-offs.. Though Dolphin players lack the kind of experience and exposure other teams have, we are more than determined to play knowing it is going to be tougher.
"However, we will give our best out there. One thing I am promising is that Dolphin will not play as outsiders but as real contenders.
"We are preparing ourselves to be fit mentally and psychologically. We won't disgrace Nigeria. Rather we are going to lift our game high and earn some respect in the continent and come back home with our heads high," she said."
Meanwhile, Nigeria's other team First Bank has set a target to win the title for a third tim, according to Coach Aderemi Adewunmi. First Bank won the crown in 2003 and 2009. According to Aderemi, "our aim is to lift our game and make our management and country proud. Our target is to gun for the African title once more."

TANZANIA : TBF - Taifa Cup On As Scheduled

BARELY three days left and with hopes of securing sponsorship for the forthcoming Inter-regional Championship tournament, dubbed 'Taifa Cup', fading away, the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) insists the tournament will take place as scheduled.
TBF Technical and Competition Commission Director, Manase Zablon, told the 'Daily News' in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday the Taifa Cup slated for November 23- 30 in Dodoma will be held as planned, despite the federation's failure to get sponsors. "We are going to conduct the tournament as planned whether we secure sponsorship or not," he vowed.
"There are no plans to postpone the event which is a very important platform for identifying and grooming talent." Manase said they are still discussing with some sponsors and if they fail to get one they will move to plan B -- to request all the participating regions to foot transport, board and lodging expenses.
He said administration costs, which include officials and referees transport and per diem allowances, will be handled by the federation.
TBF requires over 58m/- to facilitate the week-long annual event which brings together basketball players from various regions across the country.
According to Manase, only nine out of the anticipated 26 regions beat Saturday's deadline confirming participation. However, the door is still open to other regions which are willing to take part in the event to confirm their entries.
Regions which have already confirmed are Tanga, Coast, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Ruvuma, Katavi, Temeke and hosts Dodoma.
Temeke are competing as a region following TBF's decision to allow the three Dar es Salaam districts of Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke to participate in the Taifa Cup as separate entities.

KENYA : Ulinzi Warriors and USIU-A Flames lead the charge to playoffs

By francis marangu
Nov 18, 2014
  • Magnifique Nguze of USIU-A and Pauline Okech battle for possession in a league match. USIU-A Flames finished top of the log and face Safe Spaces in the playoff. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Ulinzi Warriors and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) basketball teams have topped men and women premier leagues respectively as the 2014 regular season came to a close over the weekend.
Only two games are remaining in men premier pitting Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) against Nakuru Club and Mennonite. Even with that, the playoffs begin this weekend with the best-of-three quarterfinal games.
Ulinzi finished with 58 points from 28 wins and two loses just a point above defending champions Co-operative Bank who won 27 games and lost three. Ulinzi is now prepared to reclaim the title they last won in 2006.
William Balozi, the Ulinzi head coach will be banking on consistency as they play Lions this weekend in the first game. “We worked really hard this season which was my main aim as the coach,” he said.
The coach added: “In regular season, we were playing every team but for playoffs its one team. We have seen them play, we have their statistics and Ulinzi is ready for the battle.”
The coach maintained Lions was a worthy opponent having started off the season on a low to make it to the playoffs. “They recruited well and we expect a tough challenge from them. Whether they are a threat to us or not, I can only say that after the first game is over.”
Lions finished eighth with 46 points having won 18 games, lost 11 and forfeited one.
The soldiers won their last game of the season 119-57 against Blazers on Saturday as Victor Odendo scored 35 points and Joseph Ngoshi 24. Second-placed Co-op Bank will play seventh-placed Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who have 46 points from 16 wins and 14 losses.
KAA lost their last game 51-58 to KPA on Saturday. The dockers also beat Strathmore University 85-79 and Nairobi Aviation College 74-54.
Head-to-head determine top team
USIU-A who are third and KPA on fourth might trade positions depending on how the dockers perform in their remaining games. KPA are four points behind the students and if they win the two games, both teams will have 55 points with head-to-head record determining the podium finisher.
Subject to the outcome, they will play either Strathmore University or Blades who are fifth and sixth respectively.
USIU-A, last year's losing finalist ruled the women's premier league with and iron hand. They have 43 points having won 21 games and lost once. In the playoffs quarterfinal, they will play Safe Spaces who finished eighth with 30 points from eight wins and 14 losses.
At the weekend, USIU-A beat Strathmore University 82-33 in their last game while Safe Spaces lost 41-67 to Sprite Storms.
Defending champions KPA came second with 42 points from 20 wins and two losses and play Ulinzi Blades. The soldiers were seventh with 31 points from 11 wins, 10 losses and one forfeited game. KPA won 49-19 against Mennonite and 97-22 over Western Delight in their last games over the weekend.
Storms and Eagle Wings will confront each other in the quarterfinals. Eagles were third on the log with 39 points from 17 wins and 5 losses as Storms came in sixth on 35 points from 13 wins and 9 losses.
The toughest matchup will be between fourth-placed Strathmore University and fifth-placed Co-operative Bank. Both teams tied on 36 points from 14 wins and eight  losses but Strathmore came top after beating the bankers at home and away in the regular season.
In division one, Zetech University who finished top with 56 points will play Trailblazers. Umoja will be up against Upper Hill while Lakeside and Dankind Academy pair up.
The other fixture has Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) up against World Hope.
This weekend's games will be played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, Makande gymnasium in Mombasa and Kisumu Sports Ground.
KBF League weekend results
Friday: Terror 67 Strathmore University 81, Nairobi Aviation College 54 KPA Men 74.
Saturday: KPA Ladies 97 Western Delight 22, Sprite Storms 67 Safe Spaces 41, Ulinzi Warriors 119 Blazers 57, KAA 51 KPA (Men) 58, Nakuru Club 58 Mennonite 55.
Sunday: ANU 0 Barclays Bank 20, Eagle Wings 72 Western Delight 38, USIU Flames 82 Strathmore University 33, Blades 67 Equity Bank 59, Strathmore University 79 KPA (Men) 85, Mennonite 19 KPA Ladies 49.
Playoffs, Quarter finals fixtures
Men: Premier League; Ulinzi Warriors vs Lions, Co-op Bank vs KAA, USIU-A/KPA vs Strathmore University/Blades; Women: USIU-A vs Safe Spaces, KPA vs Ulinzi Blades, Eagle Wings vs Sprite Storms, Strathmore University vs Co-op Bank; Division One: Zetech University vs Trailblazers, Umoja vs Upper Hill, Lakeside vs Dankid Academy, KCA-U vs World Hope.


MALAWI : Diamonds salvage point


Sports-2 Former OG Issa champions Diamonds staged a stunning comeback to salvage a point against holders Complex Tigresses 29-29 in a dull and rough encounter on Sunday.
The two giants met at College of Medicine Sports Complex as Blantyre Youth Centre was booked.
Defenders from both teams were guilty of rough play that threatened innocent souls on the court. Yet nobody dared to punish culprits while officials from both teams were just murmuring but did nothing to restrain their player’s from violent play.
Umpires Steve Nyadila and Titus Wankhamwa failed to stamp authority leaving officials from both teams seething with rage.
Tigresses seemed to be cruising for victory after leading the first quarter 11-5 and second quarter 18-12. In the third quarter Diamonds were trailing by five baskets as Tigresses scored 25 against 20.
Sensing defeat was imminent, Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda made some tactical changes to turn around the team’s fortunes.
Firstly Saenda pulled out Rebecca Germany for Jessica Mazengera Sanudi before replacing stylish attacker Sarudzai Gondwe with Wezzie Mzembe.
The seasoned coach later substituted shooter Grace Chazungulira and recalled Gondwe from the bench. The tactical changes unsettled Tigresses and Diamonds took advantage of the situation to level the tie.
Tigresses shooters Sindie Simtowe and Ellen Chibokho misfired while Beatrice Mpinganjira and centre Catherine Yikwanga struggled to create spaces and supply balls quick enough.
Saenda said they never gave up and promised to continue with the same rhythm in the second half.
“I kept on reading the game and I realised that we had to minimise our mistakes. I thank the players for putting up impressive performance after I made those changes,” he said.
Tigresses coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua was not happy with the result.
“I don’t want to talk about officiation even though there were some questionable decisions. We didn’t play our usual game especially from centre court to shooters,” she said.
Diamonds top the table with 31 points from 11 games while Tigresses are second with 28 points. Tigresses can go on top if they beat MTL Queens in their final game of the first round.
In other games played on Saturday, Tigresses beat Prison Sisters 82-25 while Airwing Sisters humbled Chilomoni Sisters 52-32.
Shizaella Queens and MTL Queens were awarded free points after Aquaid Queens and Polytechnic respectively failed to report for matches.
Diamonds were also awarded free points when Polytechnic did not show up for the match while Alliance Capital Stars beat Shizaella 36-30.
Airwing Sisters beat Gold Sisters 47-36 at Cobbe Barracks. Gold Sisters also went down to Prison Sisters 30-37.

18 November 2014

UGANDA : FUBA Playoffs: City Oilers Vs UCU Canons preview


UCU's Brian Namake going for a basket over City Oilers' Kami Kabange (R) Photo Credits: Ugfix UCU's Brian Namake going for a basket over City Oilers' Kami Kabange (R)
Game 1: Wednesday, November 19 at 8:00pm, YMCA
Game 2: Saturday, November 22 at 7:30pm, YMCA
Game 3: Tuesday, November 25 at 8:00pm, YMCA
Game 4: Thursday, November 27 at 8:00pm, YMCA (If necessary)
Game 5: Saturday, November 29 at 7:30pm, Lugogo (If necessary)

In their debut season in the top flight, the City Oilers were tagged all kinds of names – from underdogs to title pretenders. They emerged champions after seeing out experienced Falcons 4-3 in the seven game spread playoffs finals.

After the off season business that saw them add Ben Komaketch and Jeff Omond to the championship team, it has been different this season. The Oilers have been out right favorites in every game they have played and no surprise they were top seeds in the normal season.

Even if you are blind – to reality, one thing you can’t miss to see is the fact that City Oilers are by far the most organized team (by all parameters) in the local game.

Their coach, Mandy Juruni knows exactly what organization can do. The soft spoken coach associated last season’s triumph to organization.
“It is about being organized and taking your chances” he said back then.
The UCU Canons were the only team to win a first-round playoff series in three games. If that says anything, it should be that Canons faced tougher opponents. City Oilers meanwhile had a clean sweep of Sharing. UCU’s coach, Nick Natuherza says
(Playing City Oilers) It is a different challenge. We have got to play well inside-out and we have got to start with defending first” he told Kawowo Sports after Game 3 with Falcons.
Having beaten his team in the last four league meetings, Mandy Juruni (while he looked relaxed) admitted they have got to be more cautious playing against the Canons. Juruni said after the second round loss the UCU
We have got to give due respect to a team that beats us whenever we meet. We just have to figure out how to beat them.
Sudi Ulanga and Sunday Okot were unfazed by Falcons’ defense and center Ivan Lumanyika helped Canons control the paint. Now, the Canons will have to get past the toughest and physical brand of perimeter defense to get everything they want at the rim.

UCU’s under the hoop players, Ivan Lumanyika and Desmond Owili (who mostly might be at 4) will find it tough to get close looks against Kami Kabange, Arou Ramadhan and Samuel Kalwanyi. Ulanga will have to make some tough shots in the face of Jeff Omondi and Jimmy Enabu as he will without doubt be the center of attention on City Oilers’ defensive end. It (defense) is something the City Oilers are not shying away from. Jimmy Enabu says:
“It will come down to good team defense. We intend to limit him (Ulanga). It will not be me or Jeff (Omondi) but any other guard who comes within the team’s rotation”
Finishing fourth seed and dispatching the Falcons at the first round, the Canons knew the journey to their first championship round would have to go past holders City Oilers, but that’s where it ends. Canons may have handled the regular season series pretty well – winning both normal season games but this is the business end of the season, City Oilers will be an absolute juggernaut.City Oilers guard, Jimmy Enabu told Kawowo Sports:
We have lost to them a number of times which challenges us to get better. I believe we are better prepared.
Samuel Kalwanyi in his own words echoed Enabu saying:
This is our time to show that we are the best team irrespective of how many times we have lost to these guys”
Prediction:
As much as I want to believe this Canons team can make some noise because they have a knack of making life miserable for City Oilers, I also think this Oilers’ machine just seems too good to break down especially at this level. While both teams have got a lot of offensive potential to produce heavy offensive games, defense seems first for both teams. We could see a series of low scoring games. I go with City Oilers in 4

17 November 2014

TUNISIA : Tunisia's National A Basketball Championship Day-10 Results

Tunis — Results of Tunisia's national A basketball day-10 championship played on Saturday.
Group A
Saturday, November 15:
Monastir:
US Monastir - EO Goulette 76-63
Radès
Gazelec sport - JS Kairouan 58-66
Radès:
Ezzahra - C.Africain 58-65

Standings Pts G
2 Club africain 16 5
1 US Monastir 14 9
JS Kairouan 14 9
4 EO Goulette 13 9
5 Ezzahra Sports 12 9
6 CA bizertin 11 8
7 Gazelec sport 8 8

Group B
Ezzahra:
ES Radès - CS Cheminots 81-69
Hammamet:
AS Hammamet - JS Menzah 75-64
Nabeul:
Stade nabeulien - ES Sahel 63-82

Standings PTS G
1 ES Radès 17 9
3 ES Sahel 16 9
4 Stade nabeulien 15 9
5 JS Menzah 12 8
AS Hammamet 12 9
6 CS Cheminots 10 8
7 Sfax RS 7 8

KENYA : Warriors Shaft the Blazers in Top Ball At Safaricom Stadium


FORMER national champions Ulinzi Warriors thrashed Blazers 119-57 in a premier league basketball clash at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.
The soldiers, who became only the second team this year to post a century scores in the league, after Kenya Ports Authority, blasted off to a 19-8 lead in the first quarter. They went out guns blazing in the second to record a huge 37-13 advantage as both teams went to the break with a 56-21 cushion.
After resumption, the losers did well to close in to trail in the third quarter before seeing Ulinzi erupt for a stunning 34-14 edge in the last quarter. Victor Odendo scored 34 and Joseph Ngori 24 for the menacing Ulinzi who are now top with 58 points.
For Blazers, who finished their 30 game fixture without a win, the pain ended with relegation to the lower echelon next year.John Gacheru picked up 13 points and Jay Michoma shot another 10 in a losing effort.
KPA men and women teams had a fruitful tour of Nairobi as they won all their matches. The men dismissed Kenya Airport Authority 58-51 as Samuel Ocholla sunk 19 points and Arial Okal managed 11. Shem Otieno scored 10 for KAA.
In their second game of a busy week that will see them play five games in six days including a trip to Nakuru, the porters beat Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) 74-54. KPA moved to fourth spot on the standings with 49 points.
Strathmore University dismissed University of Nairobi "Terrorists" 81-67. Shilton Ochieng nailed 28 points and Joseph Ongoro added 20 for "Strath". UoN had 16 from Hillary Kubai and 15 from Frankline Manyala 15.
Reigning women champions KPA thrashed Western Delight 97-22 to move closer to leaders United States International University (USIU). The other tie saw Sprite Storms beat Safe Spaces 67-41.

UGANDA : FUBA Playoffs: Canons see off Falcons to storm the second round

UCU Canons 58-49 Krishna Falcons (Canons win series 2-1)

The UCU Canons will play in this year’s second round of the Pepsi FUBA Playoffs. Thanks to another explosive performance from their star shooting guard, Sudi Ulanga.
Ulanga once again delivered 26 points performance on Sunday night as the UCU Canons saw off Falcons 58-49. Desmond Owili returned with 11 points and 8 rebounds to help the Canons get over the first hurdle.
The Canons who trailed 10-12 after the opening period stepped up in the second, both offensively and defensively, scoring 16 in the frame and limiting their opponents to season low 5 points. The university side did not look back with UCU’s coach Nick Natuhereza saying
We didn't play the first two games pretty well but I’m glad we didn't struggle today. We finished strong. I think we hit some big shots today
Steven Omony had 21 points and 6 rebounds for Falcons who wont be at the second round for the first time since 2011 having been losing finalist for the last two season. Jonah Mukwaba and Peter Elungat contributed 8 apiece in a losing effort.
The Canons will face defending champions City Oilers in the best-of-five semi finals starting Wednesday at YMCA.

16 November 2014

UGANDA : UCU seek to defy history on return of centre Owili

Omony (left foreground) and Rumanyika will face off tonight.
Omony (left foreground) and Rumanyika will face off tonight. PHOTO BY Ismail Kezaala. 
By Ismail Dhakaba KigongoKAMPALA
Only one of the eight semifinal slots in the National Basketball League remains. Predictably, it comes down to UCU Canons and Falcons, seeds four and five in the men’s top tier.
The short three-match series has the two level at 1-all with a decisive Game Three at the Lugogo MTN Arena today. History points in one direction.
That Falcons have never lost to UCU in a series is a fact. The record champions beat the university side 2-1 in the 2007 semi-finals and by the same margin at this round last season.
While that history will ring a bell in everyone’s mind, it’s the return of Kenyan centre Desmond Owili from a one-year ban for an altercation with an umpire that will be the headlining act.
Fitting Owili
While Owili was way, Ivan Lumanyika has grown as coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s centre and a contributor with the national team.
Could he use two rim protectors at the same time for long spells? That’s highly unlikely.
The last time Owili played for his side, he scored 18 points but they lost 82-76. Stephen Omony has a message for him: “We have beaten UCU with Desmond there so we can do it again.”
Elungat factor
Of course this series is different from the ones Omony cites especially as Peter Elungat has awoken from his year-long slumber to carry Falcons’ cross.
The forward scored 21 points and 10 rebounds in the 67-63 Game One victory and 14 in the Game Two 80-76 overtime loss.
Ulanga holds aces
UCU may not have that luxury of rotating scoring options. Guard Sudi Ulanga must rise to the occasion.
His series-high 51 points covers up for his conversion rate of 6 for 13 from the field, 4 for 14 from behind the arc and 2 for 8 at the charity line in Game Two.
“What’s better, scoring eight points and we win or 40 and we lose?” he joked. His coach thinks there is more to come.
“We still haven’t played a great game in my opinion. We still need better,” Natuhereza said.
Resurgent Kiviri
Sam Obol maybe a rookie as a coach. His major task is to transfer his wisdom and calm on to Syrus Kiviri in what has been an average for the ex-UCU guard.
Like a man desperate to respond, Kiviri scored 20 points on Tuesday and more of the same from him might validate the old adage: history repeats itself.
Basketball League playoffs
Today at Lugogo
UCU vs Falcons
Game Three at 7pm

14 November 2014

KENYA : Basketball stakeholders look to clean up act ahead of playoffs


  • Basketball Referees ahead of a past premier league match.(Photo:SNA File)
A crucial meeting bringing together the key stakeholders will be held early Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium to address concerns raised by teams ahead of the league playoffs.
Referees, team managers and captains of all premier league clubs as well as representation from sponsors and the federation are expected to attend. Officiating will be a key agenda for discussion.
There have been issues around officiating with referees facing the wrath of players for what is seen as “poor officiating”.
The teams are now keen to have things streamlined as the league enters a crucial stage.
During the meeting, referees are expected to share new FIBA rules that came into force from October 1.
“Every time referees make blunders, they tell us its the new rules which we have no idea about. This meeting will shed more light on that so that we are reading from the same script,” a team captain who sought anonymity said.
Playoffs on the agenda 
The playoffs could also be in the agenda as teams seek to have their welfare taken care of.
Due to the live television schedule, games are expected to run through the week and late into the night just like last season.
However, teams have insisted on being offered transport for the games ending late in the night or time changes effected.
“We are not keen to go through the same experience we had last season. Some of us come from far and getting out of Kasarani late was challenging.”
All that will be addressed at the meeting with the playoffs tentatively slated to begin on November 22.
The date is still not official because some teams have few games to play. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has five games remaining in the men premier while Strathmore University, Mennonite and Nakuru Club have two games pending each.
Ulinzi Warriors, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Blades, Equity Bank, Terror, Blazers and Nairobi Aviation College all have a game to play.
Packed weekend schedule
KPA will have a marathon play this weekend in Nairobi to cover three of their five games.On Friday, they play against Nairobi Aviation College before taking on KAA on Saturday.
They then play Strathmore University on Sunday with all games at Kasarani.
Nakuru will host Mennonite on Saturday for both teams to remain with a game while Ulinzi play Blazers to complete their season roster.
Other games of the men premier have Blades up against Equity Bank while Terror tackles Strathmore University.
Equity Bank is certain to miss out on the playoffs as they sit ninth with 43 points and a game at hand.
A win this weekend will tie them at 45 points with KPA who have five games at hand and Strathmore who are yet to play twice.
KAA, Blades, Lions, USIU-A, Ulinzi and Co-operative Bank have all secured their playoff spots. Blazers and Mennonite are at the bottom of the table.
Women premier league defending champions KPA will be left with a game after playing Western Delight this weekend while United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) completes its play against Strathmore University.
Western Delight will play their last game of the regular season against Eagle Wings on Sunday.
Apart from KPA, all the teams in the league will be through with their games this weekend. Despite financial challenges for the better part of first leg, Safe Spaces have made it to the playoffs for the second season running.
They sit a point above Kenyatta University Oryx who are ninth with 28 points and have played all their games.
Safe Spaces will play Sprite Storms on Saturday with a chance of increasing their points tally.
Other teams making it to the playoffs are Ulinzi Blades, Storms, Strathmore, Co-operative Bank, Eagle Wings, KPA and USIU-A. Mennonite and Western Delight sit at the bottom of the table going to the deciding weekend.
Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) who have played all their games and sit two points above Western Delight will be crossing their fingers this weekend.
Their closest challenger in the relegation battle Western Delight play two games against title contenders KPA and Eagle Wings in Nairobi.
Losses for the Kakamega side in both games will put them at par with KCA-U.
KBF Weekend Fixtures: Friday- Terror vs Strathmore University (6pm, Kasarani), Nairobi Aviation College vs KPA (8pm); Saturday- Nakuru Club vs Mennonite (12pm, Nakuru), KPA Ladies vs Western Delight (11am, Kasarani), Ulinzi Warriors vs Blazers (1pm), Sprite Storms vs Safe Spaces (3pm), KPA Men vs KAA (6pm); Sunday- ANU vs Barclays Bank (9am, Kasarani), Eagle Wings vs Western Delight (11am), USIU Flames vs Strathmore University (1pm), Blades vs Equity Bank (3pm), Strathmore University vs KPA Men (6pm).

13 November 2014

Tunisia: National « A » Championship - Day 9 Results

Tunis — Results of Tunisia's National « A » basketball Championship day-9 games played on Wednesday afternoon:
Group A:
Goulette:
C.Africain - CA Bizertin 93-53
EO Goulette - Ezzahra 78-68
Kairouan (closed doors):
JS Kairouan - US Monastir 62-75
Ranking: Pts G
1 Club Africain 14 7
2 US Monastir 13 8
3 JS Kairouan 12 8
EO Goulette 12 8
5 CA Bizertin 11 8
Ezzahra Sports 11 8
7 Gazelec sport 7 7
Group B
Ariana:
JS Menzah - S. Nabeulien 65-68
Bouhima (Rades):
CS Cheminots - Sfax RS 92-62
Sousse:
ES Sahel - ES Rades 83-71
Standings: Pts G
1 ES Rades 15 8
3 ES Sahel 14 8
Stade Nabeulien 14 8
4 JS Menzah 11 8
5 AS Hammamet 10 7
6 CS Cheminots 9 7
7 Sfax RS 7 8

KENYA : Warriors Poised to Take Pole Position Ahead of Play-Offs


Former six times champion Ulinzi Warriors are poised to take the pole position heading into the national basketball league play offs games.
The soldiers who posted two crucial wins beating reigning champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya and United States International University (USIU) are second with 56 points but they have a game at hand.
A win or loss in their last fixture of the season will see Ulinzi firmly at the top having beaten Co-op Bank in their two fixtures.
Co-op lead the 16 team pack with 57 points but have finished their fixtures.
The two giants have won the national title 14 times between them with the soldiers having been crowned six times and the bankers eight times.
Ulinzi won their last in 2006 while Co-op have bagged the last four crowns.
Third placed USIU have 55 points but have also finished their fixtures. Lions are fourth on 46 points. Blades have 46 with a match to play, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) are sixth on 45.
The other teams in with a chance in the post season are Strathmore who are are seventh with 45 points while Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) occupy the last spot with 45 points with five games still to play.
In the women's category, USIU lead with 41 points with a game to play. The students are as good as leaders. Reigning champions KPA have 38 points with two games left while Former champions Eagle Wings are third on 37 points.
Co-op are fourth with 36 points but have finished their matches, Strathmore will leapfrog them as they have 35 but with a game left. Sprite Storms are sixth on 33 points, Ulinzi "Blades" lie in the seventh place with 31 and Safe Spaces occupy the eighth spot with 29.
The lower division is all clear having finished their fixtures. Zetech University tops (56), Umoja (52) Kenya College of Accountancy(KCA) University (50), Lakeside (49), Dankind Academy (48), World Hope (48), Upper Hill (48) and Trailblazers (46).

UGANDA : FUBA Playoffs: City Oilers, KCCA complete their clean sweeps

M: Sharing City 54-75 City Oilers (Oilers win series 2-0)
W: Crane High 30-117 KCCA Leopards (Leopards win series 2-0)

The series between top seeds City Oilers and Sharing as well as KCCA Leopards and Crane High were always not going to present any surprises.
And so it was; when title favourites City Oilers and KCCA Leopards completed the sweep of Sharing and Crane high respectively on Wednesday night at YMCA. Oilers and Leopards were too dominant a force to contain let alone to stop.
City Oilers followed their 87-47 game 1 beating of Sharing with another emphatic 75-54 win over the debutants. James Okello scored 13 points and picked 13 rebounds to lead the Oilers who were once again with out start players Kami Kabange and Ben Komakech (Knee). Arou Ramadhan added points 12 and Samuel Kalwanyi chipped with 10.
Kutai Gatwech had game high 25 points for Sharing and Tonny Okello added 10.

Meanwhile KCCA Leopards put another century past the school side, Crane High. Claire Lamunu had another 30+ points performance netting game high 30 points in the 117-30 win. Babra Namukaya contributed 22 points and Flavia Oketcho had 17. Jackie Basemera and Halima Nabusimba chipped in with 13 and 10 points respectively.
Nakkazzi and Terry Nailo scored 9 and 8 points respectively for the school side.

KCCA Leopards will face A1 Challenge in the second round while City Oilers will play the winner between UCU Canons and Falcons whose decider will be played on Sunday.

UGANDA : Desmond Owili was banned for a year last season after an altercation against Falcons.


Owili (R) rises to shoot against Falcons’ Herbert Akita in last season’s quartefinal play-offs at YMCA. Owili returns on Sunday after a one-year ban. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA 
By ISMAIL DHAKABA KIGONGO

Tuesday results
MEN: UCU 80-76 Falcons (OT)
(Series tied at 1-all)
W: A1 Challenge 49-39 KIU Rangers
(A1 win series 2-0)
TOMORROW AT YMCA
Warriors vs. Ndejje, 8pm
Lady Canons vs. Mak Sparks, 6pm
KAMPALA. Falcons’ Syrus Kiviri was in the mood to deny UCU Canons a second chance. His former teammates just wanted to give Desmond Owili a chance to play this year.
UCU defied Falcons, winning 80-76 in overtime at YMCA court on Tuesday night, to tie the three-match National Basketball League quarterfinal series at 1-all.
The decisive Game Three is on Sunday. Owili’s one-year ban expires today. Was Owili ever a motivating factor to survive elimination?
“No doubt, we wanted him for at least one game,” coach Nicholas Natuhereza said. The last time he played for his club side, the Kenyan centre scored 18 points.
That ended in an 82-76 loss to Falcons at the same stage last year and an altercation with an umpire.
“We have beaten UCU with Desmond there so we can do it again,” Stephen Omony, scorer of a game-high 29 points and 16 rebounds last November, said.
Kiviri’s three with 2.1 seconds of regulation time left tied the game at 70-up. The shooting guard finished with 20 and Stephen Omony scored 19 and 12 rebounds. Peter Elungat had 14. The university side bossed the extra five minutes but didn’t run away even as Kiviri fouled out. Actually, this result was probably earned much earlier.
Falcons had led 38-23 at the end of the second period and increased that to a 16-point advantage.
Point guard Sande Okot and forward Brian Namake, nine points and eight rebounds forced a 17-point turnaround to help Sudi Ulanga to a game-high 28 points and seven rebounds. However, Ulanga’s conversion rate of 6 for 13 from the field, 4 for 14 from behind the arc and 2 for 8 at the charity line left a lot to be desired. Natuhereza admitted as much. “We still haven’t played a great game in my opinion. We still need better.” The odds will be against them as they have never beaten Falcons in playoff series.
Ivan Lumanyika awoke from his Game One slumber with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Lumanyika will now have support on the inside in Owili.
editorial@ug.nationmdia.com

12 November 2014

KENYA : Equity Bank Set to Face Strathmore Inplay-Offs


EQUITY Bank will meet Strathmore University in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) women's play-off final.
The bankers, who are the only unbeaten side in the league, swept Daystar University 64-30 for a 3-0 series win. Linda Mfuchi scored 13 points for the bankers while Claire Muthusi pepped the students with 12 points.
Strathmore also beat Footprints 42-31 to take the series 3-0. Jemimah Night propelled the winners with 11 points while Priscilla Mutie replied with 13 points for Footprints.
Don Bosco qualified for the men's finals with a 78-61 win over Strathmore University. Joel Atebe scored 28 points while Keith Okeyo scored 20 for the students.
They had pipped Strathmore University 64-55 in Game 3. Joel Atebe scored 28 points for the winners while Keith Okeyo paced the losers with 13 points.
Emyba forced game 5 with a crucial 60-59 win against Mount Kenya University, Thika. Maxwell Miya topped with 21 points while Lameck Namwini scored 11 points for the students.
MKU Thika had walloped Emyba 74 -62 in game 3 to take a 2-1 lead. The deciding game will be played this Saturday and the winners will take on Don Bosco in the finals.
Lameck Namwini led the students with 16 points while Patrick Ruto and Emmanuel Ekai with 18 points.
University of Nairobi 'Dynamites beat Zetech University 35-27 in a classification game. Adeline Munguti scored 10 points for the winners.
Zetech University beat Neosasa Morans 69-62. Ian Muindy scored 19 points for the students while Joseph Achega scored game high of 34 points in a losing effort. 4-Christ won over Ulinzi 41-38.

TANZANIA : Teams Eye RBA Title


WITH most basketball players and fans setting eyes on the forthcoming national championship, known as the Taifa Cup, Dar es Salaam Regional Basketball League (RBA) rages on at the National Indoor Stadium, with all teams determined to lift the trophy at the end of season.
Teams like Pazi, JKT and Don Bosco continued to shine in the league over the weekend. Don Bosco snatched a 71- 58 victory over Changombe United who have failed to improve by losing many matches in the league while Savio were severely punished 70-57 by JKT.
Pazi have continued to put themselves in a good position after winning two games consecutively over the weekend. They first edged out Vijana 'City Bulls' 97-93 and rounded up the win with an 89-63 thrashing of Kurasini.
In the ladies category, Don Bosco Lioness defeated Tanzania Prisons Queens 77-47, while JKT Stars humbled Vijana Queens 72-53. JKT Stars also defeated Prisons 84-55 as Vijana regained form to beat Chui 71-64.
Organised by Basketball Dar es Salaam, RBA aims to raise awareness and boost basketball in the region and the country at large. BD Vice-President Richard Julies said they are committed to revive basketball following the poor progression of competitions in recent years and the league was last held in the 2012/2013 season due to financial constraints.
"Our clubs didn't have the power to stand by themselves and we didn't have any sponsor. As a result, the association depended on clubs to donate something to run the league," he said.
"But now we have sponsors, Azam, and we are confident we'll be able to turn around basketball's fortunes," he added. Meanwhile, College of Business Education (CBE) thrashed the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) 59-31 in a highly competitive basketball match.
The monthly affair branded "Bball Kitaa Kamyu Uni Grudge Match" was commemorating its first anniversary because of the heated rivalry that exists between the two teams. Earlier this year CBE also won.
The winning team went home with a 1m/- cash prize, T-shirts and basketball shoes. One hundred thousand raffle prizes were also given away to fans throughout the game.
Speaking after the game, Angaza Nkurlu, Kaymu Tanzania's Head of Marketing as well as the initiator of the event, congratulated CBE for their good performance, saying the game was very competitive and entertaining.

UGANDA : FUBA Playoffs: UCU down Falcons in OT, A1 sweep KIU

W: A1 Challenge 49-39 KIU Rangers (A1 win series 2-0)
M: Krishna Falcons 76-80 UCU Canons (Series tied 1-1)

The UCU Canons arrived late for Game 1 of the FUBA Playoffs against Falcons last Friday. It is the major reason their coach, Nicholas Natuhereza advanced for losing that game. With Game 2 on last night, the Canons arrived for the game nearly two hours before tip-off time and it paid off.
The Canons beat Falcons 80-76 in overtime behind Suudi Ulanga and Ivan Lumanyika’s big night. Ulanga scored 5 of his game high 26 points in overtime and Ivan Lumanyika contributed 25 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
Falcons took the first quarter 18-15, and 20-9 in the second to go into halftime leading by 14 points. The Canons exploded for 27 points in the third frame to take a 51-50 lead into the fourth quarter.
With Falcons leading 66-62 with just over 2 minutes to play in the fourth, Canons went on an 8-1 to lead 70-67 with 14 seconds when Ulanga knocked off Syrus Kiviiri for a 3-point play to cap the run. On in-bounding, Steven Omony’s long range attempt drew steel but Syrus Kiviiri’s drained the triple on the second chance with 2 second to take the game to Overtime.
Ulanga opened the scoring for UCU in the extra period with a lay-up through traffic, a frame in which Canons out scored Falcons 10-6 to force the series into a decider due on Sunday.
Syrus Kiviiri had team high 20 points for Falcons, Steven Omony had 19 and 12 boards while Peter Elungat contributed 14 points. Steven Mwesigye had 9 points to go with 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile, A1 Challenge completed the 2-0 clean sweep of KIU Rangers following their 49-39 game 2 win. This was A1’s second sweep of KIU in as many years.

Vickie Ntale scored 10 points and picked 15 rebounds to pace A1 and Sylvia Nakazibwe contributed 10 points.

Aurore Irakoze had 13 points and 9 rebounds for KIU.

UGANDA : Gazelles door still open for Amoding, Nansobya


Amoding goes for a lay-up against Nabisunsa two seasons ago. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA 
By ELVIS SENONO

KAMPALA
Gazelles coach Timothy Odeke has revealed Maureen Amoding and Judith Nansobya still have a chance to play for the national women’s basketball team.
The pair snubbed the national team during the Zone V Afro Basket qualifiers held here in September, opting to travel to Brazil for the World University Basketball 3-on-3 Championship that coincided with the start of the Lugogo tourney.
This was in spite of pleas by the national team organizing committee persuading them to drop the travel plans. Odeke though said the pair will still be considered for future engagements.
“Every player stands a chance of being invited for future engagements as long as they are playing well,” Odeke explained.
The national team management committee, however, allowed centre Peace Proscovia to join the team after a successful Netball World Cup qualification campaign with the She Cranes in Botswana.
Proscovia missed the Gazelles’ opening 65-61 loss to Egypt at Lugogo but returned from Botswana in time to feature against Kenya.
There has been a feeling that the pair was treated unfairly compared to Proscovia, who returned to the country around the same time like them. “We gave them an option of either staying and helping the national team or travel to Brazil, and they opted for the latter,” said Odeke.
“Peace’s case was different,” Odeke clarified. “We do not have many good players in the country who play in her position.” “Secondly, she was representing the country in a competition which weighed heavily in comparison to the other two players,” he added.
“Then we also factored in the fact that the distance from here to Botswana was a lot shorter than that covered by Amoding and Nansobya from Brazil which made it likely that they would be more exhausted.”
The Afro Basket is due October next year in Cameroon while the All-Africa Games are to be staged September in Congo Brazzaville.
Between now and next year, a lot will have changed but Odeke argues that only form will determine who is picked for the tournaments.
“They (Amoding and Nansobya) are still some of the best players in the league and if they continue playing well there is no reason why they should not be part of the national team set-up,” he noted.
Despite the obvious disappointment of missing out on the zonal event, Amoding has no regrets about her decision.
“I do not regret travelling to Brazil because I believed I was still able of featuring in the Zone V games,” she said.
The UCU Lady Canons guard is, however, also still keen on a return to the national team if a chance presents itself.
“If I am invited I would obviously play,” Maureen, one of the best guards in the country, affirmed.

11 November 2014

KENYA : Co-op Bank concede third league loss


  • Valentine Nyakinda of Strathmore University in a previous league match against KAA. Strathmore University lost to Ulinzi Warriors at the weekend. (SNA File Photo)
Co-operative Bank suffered their third loss of the season over the weekend falling 53-60 to Ulinzi Warriors in a national classic league game played at Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani.
The soldiers completed a 2-0 record over the champions this season having won the first leg encounter.
It was a close contest as both teams were separated by a point at halftime, Ulinzi winning the first quarter 22-9 and Co-op Bank the second 20-8. Ulinzi were dominant in second half taking the third and fourth quarters 12-11 and 18-13 respectively.
Eric Mutoro led the scores for the military side with 18 points and Allan Ouma for the bankers with 15.
Ulinzi won the second game of the weekend beating Strathmore University 70-61 while Co-op Bank beat Equity Bank 68-54. Equity saved face with a 74-61 win over Thunder in their second game after leading 38-37 at the breather.
Fred Lugasi scored a game high 25 points for the bankers while Mandela Otieno scored highest for Thunder with 16. In Mombasa, Anthony Okello scored 16 points to lead Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to a 67-45 win over visiting Blades.
KPA enjoyed a 27-17 halftime lead as Edwin Otula top- scored for Blades with 13 points. KPA’s second game was a 81-55 win over Kenyatta University Pirates.
The other game had United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) beating Lions 78-61.
Two home wins
KPA, the women's premier league defending champions KPA registered two home wins against Strathmore University and KU Oryx. Strathmore was the first casualty on Saturday going down 30-64 to the dockers who enjoyed a 27-22 halftime lead.
Lynette Atieno top scored for KPA with 16 points while Susan Manya scored 15 for Strathmore. Oryx were dominated losing 31-88 as Yvonne Akinyi scored 18 points for KPA who led 33-19 at halftime. KPA won first quarter 25-9 and Oryx the second 10-8.
The dockers were unmatched in second half with 23-4 and 32-8 wins in the third and fourth quarters respectively.
Bridgit Nanzala scored 35 points to help Ulinzi Blades beat Safe Spaces 75-51 after a 35-25 lead at halftime. Blades won all quarters 21-12, 14-13, 21-14 and 19-12 while Evelyne Itabu top scored for Safe Spaces with 15 points.
It was a fruitful weekend for Blades who took home a second win of 51-42 over Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) helped by 25 points from Nanzala. Rebecca Nkatha scored highest for KCA-U with 14 points.
USIU-A and Sprite Storms won on the road beating Western Delight 81-42 and 53-30 respectively in Kakamega.
KBF weekend results
Friday: Ulinzi Warriors 70 Strathmore University 61, Lions 61 USIU-A Tigers 78.
Saturday: KPA Ladies 63 Strathmore University 30, KPA Men 67 Blades 45, ANU 61 MKU Eldonets 67, Zetech University 60 Baraka Xtreme 50, Ulinzi Blades 75 Safe Spaces 51, Thunder 61 Equity Bank 74, Co-op Bank 53 Ulinzi Warriors 60, Western Delight 42 USIU-A  Flames 81, Nebulas 0 Trailblazers 20.
Sunday: MKU Kakamega 20 Parklands Baptist 0, Western Delight 30 Sprite Storms 53, KPA Ladies 88 KU Oryx 31, KPA Men 81 KU Pirates 55, KCA-U 42 Ulinzi Blades 51, Barclays Bank 72 World Hope 60, Equity Bank 54 Co-op Bank 68.

UGANDA : Power eject KIU as Falcons, UCU Canons measure up

KAMPALA. Tiger Head Power became the first men’s team to qualify for the semi finals of this year’s national basketball league playoffs after sweeping KIU Titans 2-0 on Sunday.
That hardly tells the whole story though. The five time champions required triple overtime to dispatch a determined university side 101-95 at the Lugogo MTN Arena.
Led by Michael Makiadi who scored nine of his season high 29 points and 18 rebounds in the first quarter, the Titans edged the first two quarters 16-15 and 20-15.
“We did not deserve to lose but that is what you get when your guards fail to control the game,” Titans coach Henry Mwinuka mumbled after the game.
Power responded by claiming the third 22-12 before regular time ended 67-all. First Makiadi saved the sixth seeded Titans as the first overtime period finished 10 apiece while Francis Sokoroza (21 points)’s three pointer at the death tied the game at 89 each going into the third period. As Chris Omanye 16 points and Makiadi fouled out, KIU wilted to hand Power, with six players in double figures led by Joseph Ikong (24 points), Paul Mwaka (19 and 10 rebounds) victory.
In the Ladies games, Magic Stormers also progressed to the semifinals after sweeping Nkumba Lady Marines 59-40 in their second game.
Today, Falcons can eject UCU Canons at the quarterfinal stage for the second season running with victory in their second game at YMCA.
Flacons lead the best of three series 1-0 after Friday’s 67- 63 victory.
PLAYING TO AT YMCA
Women: A1 Challenge Vs KIU Rangers
Men: Falcon Vs UCU Canons

10 November 2014

NIGERIA : NBBF Division One Championship - Civil Defence Thrash Benue Braves 96-69

Civil Defence Basketball team, on Saturday, secured the ticket for the final at the ongoing National Men's Basketball Division One Championship in Abuja after defeating Benue Braves 96-69.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Civil Defence lost only one match since the championship started on Monday, losing to FCT Rocks 73-76.
It is the fourth win for the Civil Defence side after beating Kano Pyramids 81-57, crushing APA Flames 90-60 and defeating Dashion Mambas 85-71 in their previous matches.
In Saturday's game, Civil Defence took control of the game by leading in all the quarters, winning the first 19-18, the second 29-18, the third 30-21 and the last 22-12.
At the end of the match, Olusegun Ayodele, Deputy Commandant of Civil Defence, was in triumphant mood, praising his players and expressing confidence that they would keep up the energy.
He said "we lost only one match since the beginning of this tournament; we just won our fourth game now.
"We are qualified for the final tomorrow and I believe that by God, we will triumph."
On his part, Manasseh Akeranna, Coach of Benue Braves, said it was a tough game.
He said "we tried our best in the game, but we ended up losing the match because we missed a lot of shots.
"The Civil Defence team was more prepared and it worked out for them. This is our fifth game, we have only won three and lost two; so, we are out.
"We are going to prepare better and fight harder in the next tournament."
In other matches at the championship on Saturday, Delta Force beat T. Joba Talents
70-53 and Kano Pyramids defeated APA Flames 68-67.
Hoop & Read also crushed 87-43, while Base Hawks lost to O.S Lion 63-65.
NAN reports that 12 teams from both the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences are participating in the championship.
FCT Rocks, APA Flames, Civil Defence, Dashion Mambas, Benue Braves and Kano Pyramids are from the Savannah Conference.
Delta Force, Base Hawks, O.S Lion, Raptors, Hoops and Read, and T.Joba Talents are in the Atlantic Conference.
The top team from each conference will be promoted to the 2015 DSTV Premier League.
The championship, which will end on Sunday, is holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium, and is organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

UGANDA : Elungat punishes UCU Canons in Falcons victory

KAMPALA
Last year, UCU Canons failed to live with Stephen Omony during the first round of the National Basketball League playoffs. His ‘dance’ on the post decided the thrilling three-match series which Falcons 2-1. It’s impossible to ignore the forward’s impact.
When he took a supporting role in game one on Friday, UCU, yet to beat Falcons in playoff series, must have felt a sense of entitlement. Omony finished with four points, nine rebounds and four steals while committing two turnovers in 28 minutes.
They couldn’t have guessed that Peter Elungat was ready to lead in his 33 minutes. An irresistible performance worth 21 points and 10 rebounds gave Falcons a 67-63 victory and a 1-0 series lead. “I just had to play well,” Elungat said. This was by far his best game in the two seasons when he has largely gone into slumber. He connected with 7 of his 16 attempts from two-point range.
UCU were late on defending him as he engaged attack mode as much as they were 30 minutes for the game and didn’t get the chance to warm up.
Sam Obol’s team, or rather Elungat, were ready to feast on a disorganized UCU outfit, taking a 55-30 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, consistency is one thing Falcons must buy.
After keeping UCU to 28 points in three quarters, they let in 35 in the final eight minutes to offer the university side a glimmer of hope.
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com

RWANDA : Ferwaba set to gain from NBA Africa partnership


photo
Espoir's shooting guard Pascal Karekezi, left, attended the Basketball without Borders programme in 2011. (File)
As one of the most successful countries in the East and central African region, Rwanda has represented the Zone 5 area four consecutive times at the Fiba Afrobasket championships including the 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 editions.
In an exclusive interview with Times Sports, the vice president of NBA Africa Amadou Gallo Fall said, “We know that there is a lot of interest across the region. We were in Kigali three years ago with Luol Deng (Miami Heat) for Sprite clinics and we saw a lot of passion in the young people that we had in the camp.”
 “The Rwanda Basketball Federation is very dynamic and we want to be part of that. We definitely realize the potential that is in this region and we are looking forward to starting programs and continue to take steps to grow the sport here,” he explained.
NBA Africa set up an office in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010 headed by Amadou, who had earlier worked as the vice president of international relations at the Dallas Mavericks.
His vision in Africa was and is still to grow the game at the grassroots level on the continent and has so far seen tremendous success.
Through the Basketball without Borders (BWB), a global basketball development program set up by the NBA and FIBA, NBA Africa has been able to promote the sport and encourage positive change in the areas of education, health and wellness.
Phenias Bagabo represented Rwanda this year at the BWB in Johannesburg and notably national team shooting guard Pascal Karekezi attended the 2011 edition. 

08 November 2014

UGANDA : Canons Aim for Revenge


It is a match-up both sides didn't want at this early stage of the Airtel Basketball League play-offs but it is a fact Krishna Falcons and UCU Canons have to deal with.
Tonight, the two sides meet for the second straight time in the quarterfinal as Canons bid to avenge last season's exit, writes Felix Eupal.
While most coaches were busy calculating who they would be facing in the playoffs quarter finals, that was the last of worries for UCU Canons head coach Nick Natuhereza. "It doesn't matter which team you meet; if you are to be a champion, then you have to beat everyone, we are ready for anyone".
That is the kind of confidence that he is taking into this year's playoffs. You have to give it to him, being so buoyed up yet his team has never reached the finals. The semifinals are their best this far. But then again a look at how the Canons come to this quarter finals suggests he should be having his head up.
They have exhibited a great level of focus and concentration, working out that paint and are relying more on field goals than the perimeter shots. However like in the previous years, Canons have failed to pass the maturity test, always self-distructing and losing their heads when the stakes get high.
The question of whether they will be of age this time round will have its first answer this evening. Natuhereza also has to work on the fouling rate of his best forward Ivan Lumanyika who often is on three fouls by the third quarter.
Both teams shared the spoils in the regular season with Falcons walking away with the first-round win courtesy of a fantastic individual performance from Cyrus Kiviri. The second round saw the Canons put up a stellar team performance. All that is in the past now.
So is even Falcons' disheartening second-round performance where they have exhibited lapses in concentration and poor recovery whenever they turn over the ball. It is a fresh script now. A new ball game and Falcons star man Stephen Omony knows the drill, "We have been poor; that is true but a lot of effort has been put on correcting those errors". The game will be televised live on UBC TV.
Meanwhile, all is not well with the club managers after Airtel Uganda, the official sponsor of the regular season, issued out a directive to all clubs in top-flight to have their logo on their jerseys. Clubs have been using jerseys without the Airtel logo throughout the season without any queries from Airtel and are arguing that the directive is coming in because the games are televised.
The technical committee didn't come in to help the matter, so it waits to be seen what the case will be on Sunday as Tiger Head Power take on KIU Titans in game two. Power lead the series 1-0 after a 71-61 win on Wednesday night and the directive has to come into effect then.

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