Basketball in Africa

By Renatha Msungu

Tanzanian referee Gosbert Boniface has been named by the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) to handle the U-17 East and Central Africa tournament set for next week in Kampala, Uganda.
Tanzania Basketball Federation (BFT) Secretary-General Lawrence Cheyo said yesterday that it was the first time for a local referee to be appointed by the body to officiate such a crucial event.
``We are very happy for the appointment because it shows that we have qualified referees,`` he said.
He also said Tanzania would not send a team in the regional tournament due to poor preparation and lack of funds.
Cheyo added that the national basketball championship will be held on October 19 at Dar es Salaam`s Indoor Stadium.