31 August 2013

UGANDA : KIU recover to beat Ndejje as UCU complete double on Falcons

KIU recover to beat Ndejje as UCU complete double on Falcons
Ndejje Angels 62-67 KIU Titans
Falcons 68-75 UCU Canons

After a poor offensive and defensive first half, KIU Titans exploded for 34 third quarter points on course to a 67-62 win over university rivals Ndejje Angels on Friday night at YMCA.
Guard, Julius Lutwama scored all his 16 points in the third frame drowning all his three long range attempts as Titans overwhelmed Angels.
“Man – we were not playing in the first half. We couldn’t defend or score and we had to change that” KIU’s coach Nimrod Kaboha said.
Edwin Katerega and Chris Omanye scored 11 points each for Titans (10-5) but combined for 10 points in the scorching third quarter. Despite a 7-for-21 shooting from the field, Francis Kasekende had game high 17 points to go with 8 boards. Center, Bol Akol had 7 points and picked 12 rebounds
Ndejje zoned up on Titans in the first quarter but switched to man-to-man in the next ten minutes and were torn into shreds.
Guard, Jeasle Mony scored 12 points to lead Angels (9-5), Geoffrey Soro added 11 points while center, Brian Sentongo returned with a 10 points and 12 rebounds double-double. Francis Tumusiime contributed 10 points.
KIU committed 27 turnovers but made up by out rebounding Ndejje 52-42.
Meanwhile, UCU Canons used a big second half to complete a regular season double on Falcons. Desmond Owili scored 18 points, picked 8 rebounds and swatted 2 shots as Canons (14-2) came from a 12 points first half deficit to pin a 68-75 loss to Falcons.
Three other canons scored in double figures. Sudi Ulanga had 15 points, Boniface Okello 14 points and Martin Okwako scored 11. Big man Ivan Lumanyika grabbed game high 14 rebounds to go with 8 points.

Philip Ameny had game high 21 points and 10 boards in a losing effort. Steven Tumwesigye and Abdullahi Ramadhan contributed 12 points each for Falcons (7-7).

30 August 2013

UGANDA : Falcons face Canons in NBL

Falcons face Canons in NBL
 
Ndejje Angels Vs KIU Titans 6:30pm
Falcons Vs UCU Canons 8:30pm

Falcons probably have the best individual players in the league but they are far from a team. That has been evident all through this season as they have lost nearly all games that call for team play.
UCU Canons meanwhile have been the best team thus far. UCU will try to take another step toward clinching a post season berth as the top seed when they play Falcons on Friday night at YMCA.
All the six games Falcons have dropped have been to opponents above them on the log apart from Ndejje Angels which they edged 63-60 in the first round. Falcons (7-6) were barely competitive the last time out (against Power) as Steven Tumwesigye (21 points) and Abdulahi Ramadhan (12 points) showed up but such attitude in another big game is improbable and given the quality of players on the team you can’t write them off.
Falcons and Canons presented the most offensive and probably the best game of the season. Canons beat Falcons 101-91 behind Sudi Ulanga’s 26 points. Steven Omony and Abdulahi Ramadhan scored 27 and 22 points respectively for Falcons.
Falcons have conceded 79 points on average in the six losses. Canons (13-2) have won all their four games in the second round including a big one against City Oilers to open the second round while Falcons are 1-1 in the second round.

In the first game of the evening, it will be a battle of the university sides when Ndejje University Angels face KIU Titans. The first match up between the sides was settled in overtime as Angels (8-5) outscored Titans (9-4) 15-11 for a thrilling 82-78 win.
Swingman, Brian Odur and power forward, Geoffrey Soro who combined to put away Warriors nine days ago scored 18 and 15 points respectively to lead Ndejje past their university rivals last month.
KIU are 2-1 in the second round averaging 66.3 points and letting in 48.7 points while Ndejje are averaging 82 points while conceding 65 points in the second round.

29 August 2013

SEYCHELLES : MBU dampen down the Heat’s title chances


After a terrific start to the season where they ended the first round unbeaten, Beau Vallon Heat have found the going tougher in the second round, and they suffered a third defeat last weekend, against a very determined MBU Rockers.

Daniel Hoareau led Rockers with 17 points as they sent Beau Vallon Heat crashing to a 68-80 defeat at the Victoria Gymnasium on Saturday. MBU came out strong for the game and after the first quarter they led 19-18. They kept their momentum in the second quarter to increase their lead to three points outscoring their opponents 17-15. The game remained close despite MBU slowly distancing themselves from their challengers and won the third quarter 16-14, their overall lead at this point was by five points. The final quarter was where they managed to pull away from Heat as they won it 28-21 to win the match with a 12-point margin. Robert Leon led the game’s scoring with 24 points.

The loss sees Beau Vallon Heat’s title chances now resting on PLS Hawks losing at least two of their remaining three matches. The two sides have yet to meet in the second round of the league and their meeting will likely decide where the title will go this season.

In other games played at the weekend, Amadou Sylla scored 22 points to lead the scoring for Premium Cobras as they beat Angels 66-50. Dominic Françoise scored 18 for Angels. Baya went into their game against Drifters thinking they were going to have an easy afternoon, but they were pushed all the way by their opponents, although they managed to win in the end, after overtime. The final score was 86-76.

In the men’s second division, Anse Etoile got 25 points from Christian Toulon as they beat AAP Brothers 74-58. Naddy Marie scored 21 points for AAP. Leaders Cascade Bullets can seal promotion back to the first division this weekend if they manage a victory against Praslin Warriors on Saturday. Bullets are unbeaten in 11 games this season.

The men’s division one table is published below:
 Played Win Loss ForAgainstDifferencePoints
Beau Vallon Heat   15 12 3 1178 1037 41 27
Baya  15 10 5 1113 920 193 25
 PLS Hawks  1311  2 1114 794 320 24
Mont Fleuri Dawgz 15 8 7 967 927 40 23
 Premium Cobras 14 9 5 957 880 77 23
 MBU Rockers 15 7 8991  949 4222
 Drifters 15 4 11 984 1215 -231 19
 Angels  12 3 9 821 984 -73 15
 RC Dynamics 14 0 14 853 894 -32714

28 August 2013

UGANDA : Flimsy Warriors face Charging Rhinos in NBL

Flimsy Warriors face Charging Rhinos in NBL


At YMCA
MUK Sparks Vs KIU Rangers 6:30pm
Charging Rhinos Vs Riham Warriors 8:30pm
If you don’t remember when Warriors last lost back-to-back games in the regular season, then your memory is probably as good as mine. The defending champions have already lost as many games as they did in the first round with just three games into the second round of its schedule.
Facing Charging Rhinos who seem to be in a similar position as Nkumba, Warriors have some work on their hands. In the successive losses, Warriors (10-4) have scored below their season average of 72.2 points. Clearly scoring has been a problem for the two time champions in the last couple of game but another loss is something fans and players can’t take.
Rhinos (4-9) are not any better at scoring. The Rhinos have won one of the last five and scored more than 40 points just twice. With the drop zone not far from them and the post season not assured, the Charging Rhinos will be out there for it.
Warriors blew out Rhinos 82-59 in the first leg. Henry Malinga scored game high 23 points on a 10-for-10 shooting from the field. However, the center has been far from the basket and scored a combined 24points in the two losses on 8-f0r-18 shooting from the field.
Rhinos’ choice of shots is wanting. Even when there is an open shot they would rather prefer to drive to hoop where they are a complete mismatch. With the size of Malinga, Gumisiriza and Gombya, Rhino’s will have to jump shoot
In the women’s division, MUK Sparks play KIU rangers. While Sparks (3-11) are scheming for means of playing in the premier division next year, Rangers (8-5) are in search of a play off place.
Rangers have beaten Sparks twice already but the second meeting was close as Sparks lost by 13 points.

KENYA : Blades face KPA as Classic basketball continues

File pictures
File pictures
 
 Updated on 28/08/13  |    By NOEL ROBERT

The Classic Premier League continues this weekend at the Nyayo gymnasium with the game pitting Strathmore Blades against KPA men on Saturday stealing limelight of the weekend. The dock men aim at completing their dominance over Blades this season after beating them in their first meeting of the season at the former’s backyard.
Blades are however in a bullish mood this season counting from their performance in the first leg and look forward to winning this game to propel their securing a top playoffs spot. Defending Champions Eagle Wings’ game against last season’s semi-finalist, COOP Bank will also bring into fore some sort of rivalry the game of basketball needs. Kingdom Queens will miss the services of guard Irene Makori nursing a shoulder injury while Wings’ will rely on the services of Silalei Owuor and guard Samba Mjomba to extend their winning streak. The game starts at 3pm while the Blades-KPA game kicks off at 4.30pm.
In other games slated for the weekend, 2010 second runners up, Strathmore Swords will entertain KCA University on Saturday at 1.30pm while KPA Men return to the court on Sunday to take on Paul Nyakinda-led Nairobi Aviation a game also expected to be of interest after Aviation shocked KPA in Mombasa. Kingdom Queens also make a return to the court on Sunday with a date against Mennonites on Sunday at 3pm.
Meanwhile The Friday Night Basketball is back. The monthly basketball show hosted by Code Red outfit is bigger and better after securing a partnership with a pay-channel StarTimes for the event.
The All-Star show will pit Nairobi’s very best players against their counterparts from Kisumu City a game that will be punctuated by a series of performances from Kenya’s finest comedy duo of Erick Omondi and Teacher Wanjiku besides performances by Willy Paul.
Tickets sell at Nyayo gym’s entrance for sh.300 and the show starts from 6pm ‘till very late’ according to the organizers.

UGANDA : Wobbly Warriors get ‘soft landing’

Two defeats later, Riham Warriors are expected to turn their Airtel National Basketball League form around against eighth-placed Charging Rhino at YMCA court today.
The champions are wobbly in the absence of talisman Ronnie Kasewu, who has sat out the past 10 days following a twinge in his thigh muscle.

In his absence, Ndejje University Angels beat Warriors 84-69 and Nkumba Marines did the same, winning 58-56.

Kasewu aside, Warriors should have competed better against Ndejje had it not been for giving away several second chance points. Then came the Nkumba miracle. Jude Ochen and Andrew Okot scored 13 each for Warriors but those were too few to avoid a fourth defeat that left them with a rather unpalatable 10-4 win-loss record. Warriors led 56-53 with 18 seconds on the clock only for Nkumba to tie it with a three-pointer then a Wilson Otweyo lay-up with two seconds won it.
Nkumba got their fifth win in a season they have spent and will spend fighting relegation. However, that cannot the inability of the rest to fold when the going gets tough.

RWANDA : Afrobasket:Rwanda bows out

photo
Rwanda's Kenneth Gasana scores against Tunisia. He is the top-scorer in the 2013 Afrobasket championship in Abidjan. The New Times / Courtesy.

Eighth Final Round
Senegal              67-57     Rwanda
Tunisia               67-77     Egypt
Cape Verde       67-60     Congo-Brazzaville
Morocco             86-81     Algeria
Cameroon          75-42     Mozambique
Ivory Coast        100-60     Burkina Faso
Angola               82-36     Mali

RWANDA men’s basketball team was bundled out of the 27th Africa Cup of Nations – Abidjan 2013 Afrobasket after losing the quarter final berth 57-67 to Senegal last night at the Palais des Sports Treichville, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
The Rwandans began the game on a bright note, clearing out a 2-0 scoring run to close the first half with a 35-33 point’s advantage as they won the first quarter by 15-13 and tied the second quarter 20-20 points.
Senegal needed a strong second half to seal the victory. They posted a 14-7 tally in the third period and finished the game with a 20-15 run.
Rwanda led 55:54 with 5 minutes to go, but Senegal needed a 13-2 run to seal the victory. Lack of concentration hampered Moise Mutokambali’s chances of reaching the last eight.
Senegal’s power forward Abdou Badji showed his leadership as he top-scored for the winners with 20 points and made 8 rebounds while small forward Maleye N’Doye nailed 13. N’Diaye Hamady delivered 8, whilst Louis Adams had 7.
Rwanda’s centre player Kami Kabangu produced 14 points and 12 rebounds, whilst Kenny Wilson had 12, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Lionel Hakizimana nailed 8, whilst Hamza Ruhezamihigo brought 7.

Elsewhere, defending champion of the Africa Cup of Nations-Afrobasket Tunisia followed Rwanda in the exit chamber with a 67-77 points loss to five-time champions Egypt.
Tunisia who finished top of group-B failed to reenact its 2011 tempo thus succumbing  to the more determined Egyptian side that had good command of the game.
Morocco landed a quarter-final slot after registering an 86-81 points win in over-time over Algeria after both sides ended regulation time with 72 points apiece.
Lions of Cameroon recorded an emphatic 75-42 points over Mozambique while Cape Verde rallied to victory in the fourth quarter, the only quarter it won to defeat the Congolese by 67-60 points to secure a place in the quarter-final.
The most successful team in Africa, Angola booked its place in the last eight by dominating the Eagles of Mali with an 82-36 win.

Quarter finals action gets underway today.


Contact email: bonnie.mugabe[at]newtimes.co.rw

27 August 2013

NIGERIA : 2013 Afrobasket - Bakare Charges d'Tigers Not to Underrate CAR

As the Nigeria's D'Tigers prepare to battle Central Africa Republic (CAR) in the second round match of the ongoing 2013 Afrobasket Championship in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire today, Coach of the Nigerian team, Ayo Bakare has told the players not to underrate their opponents.
Bakare, who gave the charge while addressing the D'Tigers players, congratulated the players for picking the second round ticket on a clean slate.
He said the players have made a statement to other teams in the competition by beating a highly rated Cameroonian team, adding that "you played yourself into the easier part to the semi-final as you will now avoid Angola and Cote d'Ivoire."
"I am personally proud of you for putting up a star performance and winning a day off for yourselves. You can savour this moment for now but ensure that you raise your game because any team that loses now goes home," he told them at the locker room.
Meanwhile Sports Minister and Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Tijani Umar have both congratulated the players for the victory.
"The minister called to congratulate the players yesterday after the victory and promised to be in Abidjan to boost their morale as they progress in the competition. I am equally happy that despite the injury worries, the players are doing well. They have shown commitment and determination to succeed and I hope they will continue in that spirit," Umar said on telephone yesterday.
Meanwhile, Team Doctor, Suleiman Ohida and Physiotherapist, Ekundayo Ogunkunle, yesterday worked on the players who confessed that the Cameroon match-up stretched them to the limit as they gave Al-Farouk Aminu thumbs up for his sterling performance in the crucial game.
In the other pairings today, Tunisia will face Egypt, Cape Verde will battle Congo while Algeria confront Rwanda. The D'Tigers match against the Central Africa will come up at 5:30 this evening.

UGANDA : Nkumba hand Warriors second loss in a row

KAMPALA- University sides must be loving games against Riham Warriors during this spell when they are unconvincing or rather willing to cede some ground.
The champions lost to Nkumba Marines, 58-56, on Sunday night at the Lugogo MTN Arena, a second defeat in as many games.
Ndejje University Angels did beat Warriors 84-69 last Wednesday at the same venue in the Airtel National Basketball League
Geoffrey Soro scored 24 points to earn Ndejje their biggest result yet and Nkumba’s Brian Sivanchi didn’t mind picking a leaf. Sivanchi scored 17 points and 15 rebounds and Wilson Otweyo added 18 to withstand the pressure for a team that has only eight players, of whom one played under four minutes. Jude Ochen and Andrew Okot scored 13 each for Warriors but those were too few to avoid a fourth defeat that left them with a rather unpalatable 10-4 win-loss record. Warriors led 56-53 with 18 seconds on the clock only for Nkumba to tie it with a three-pointer then an Otweyo lay-up with two seconds won it.

RWANDA .: Rwanda faces Senegal in quarter-finals

photo
Kenny Gasana (right) and Cameron Bradley (left) going into half time against Burkina Faso. Gasana is the tournament's top scorer going into the last four games. Times Sport/ Courtesy.

Group B, Sunday
Tunisia  
                83-81     Rwanda
Burkina Faso      63-84     Morocco
Today, (1/8 Finals)
Tunisia     vs      Egypt   2.30pm
Cape Verde    vs  Congo    3pm
Senegal     vs     Rwanda    7.30pm
Nigeria   vs   Central Africa     10pm

RWANDA take on Senegal in the last eight of the 2013 FIBA Afrobasket Championships for Men today evening at Palaise de Sport Treichvile in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Moize Mutokambali’s team drew the West African giants after finishing third in Group B with a win and two losses, while their opponents also finished second in Group A with two wins and one loss.
In a final and decisive Group B match against Tunisia on Sunday night, Rwanda narrowly missed on registering a win over the reigning champions with an 81-83 defeat in over time.
Tunisia improved to 3-0 record while Rwanda fell at 1-2 record and finished third in the group. Tunisia opened the game with a 26-17 rally, but then Rwanda caught up in the second period.
Rwanda posted a 24-13 surge to take 41:39 half-time lead.  The North African team only needed 15-13 in the fourth period to tie the score at the end of regulation time.
Macram Ben Romdhane top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Mejri Salah and Mourad El Mabrouk posted 16 each.
Kenny Gasana answered with a game high 22 points for Rwanda, while Kami Kabange Kami added 20 points and 14 rebounds. Ruhezamihigo Hamza produced 19 points and Shyaka Olivier chipped in with 13 points.
Gasana leads the top scorer’s chart with 66 points and made 16 rebounds in three matches, making an average of 22 points per game in 114 minutes played.
Since he first represented Rwanda at the 2009 Afrobasket, the US-based point guard has made tremendous contributions with his scoring ability. In the past two editions, he has averaged 17 points and 3.7 assists per game.
Morocco finished second in Group B with a 2-1 record after beating Burkina Faso 84-63 while debutants Burkina Faso finished bottom of the table with a 0-3 record.

Head coach Moise Mutokambali said, “We played a good game despite some lapses of lack of concentration in the final seconds of the game against Tunisia. This will boost my team’s chances against Senegal,”

If Rwanda edges past Senegal, they will face the winner between Nigeria and Central Africa Republic in the last four on Wednesday.

26 August 2013

AFROBASKET2013: 6ème journée] – Groupe D : 3 matches 3 victoires pour le Nigéria


Le Nigéria et le Cameroun ont produit l’un des plus beaux matches de la 27ème édition de l’AfroBasket à ce jour alors qu’ils se disputaient la première place du Groupe D avant les huitièmes de finale.
Ce sont les D’Tigers du Nigéria qui vont obtenir le gain de cette rencontre à rebondissement qui a changé 16 fois de leader et dans lequel il y a eu 10 égalités.
Les deux équipes vont bien démarrer la partie et c’est le Nigéria qui va prendre la main à la fin du premier quart 24-18 grâce a Alade Aminu très à l’aise à l’intérieur.
Le coach du Cameroun Lazare Adigono lance alors Brice Vounang qui répond dans la raquette adverse et relance les siens qui vont refaire leur retard et mener d’un petit point d’avance à la pause 40-39.
Au troisième quart, c’est au tour des stars NBA des deux équipes de montrer l’étendue de leur talent. Al Farouq Aminu (Nigéria) et MBAH Amoute (Cameroun) vont se rendre coup pour coup. Christian Bayand, auteur de 20 points et 3 rebonds)  va se mettre en exergue au niveau des tirs pour le Cameroun et permettre aux siens de mener de 3 points à l’entame du dernier quart 65 à 62.
Les Camerounais sont bien dans la partie et vont même mener de 10 points décart. C’est ce moment que va choisir Iké Diogu (25 points, 15 rebonds and 2 contres),pour sonner la révolte. D’abord par deux lancers francs ensuite deux tirs à trois points, bien aidé par LAWAL les nigérians vont s’imposer en fin de partie.
Le Nigéria termine donc à la première place du groupe D et va affronter mardi la Centrafrique 4ème du groupe C.
Quant au Cameroun 2ème du groupe D, il rencontrera le Mozambique 3ème du groupe C.

UGANDA : Marines shock Warriors as Eagles die hard against Power

Men
Dmark Power 75-69 Miracle Eagles
Riham Warriors 56-58 Nkumba Marines

Women
UCU Lady Canons 62-22 Gladiators
MUK Sparks 37-77 KCCA Leopards

Nearing the end of the regular season and in the hunt for a playoff berth, Nkumba wanted nothing more than to have Sivachi back in the lineup. The big man scored 17 points and picked 15 rebounds to help Nkumba Marines beat Riham Warriors 58-56 on Sunday.
Marines (4-11) led most of the fourth quarter and with the university side leading 56-53 with 11 seconds to the final buzzer, Warriors in bounded and the ball ended with Andrew Okot (13 points) knocking down a score tying corner 3-pointer with 3 seconds. A time out was called by Nkumba and on return Wilson Otweyo finished off Warriors with a game winning pull up buzzer beater.
Otweyo scored game high 18 points and Wynard Kigobe added 8 points.  Captain, Jude Ochen led Warriors (10-4) who have now dropped two in a row with 13 points.

Still searching for means of survival, Miracle Eagles played their offensively best game of the season in a losing effort. Eagles (1-14) lost to Dmark Power 69-75 on Sunday. Four Eagles’ players scored in double figures led by Abraham Isyagi’s 16 points off the bench. Ian Mago and Frank Karoro added 11 points apiece and Raymond Bukenya had 10 points.
Forward, Isaac Afidra led Power (13-2) with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Reserve center, Daniel Owiti added 15 points and 10 rebounds.
In the women’s division, Claire Lamunu tormented her former side as kcca leopards routed muk sparks 77-66. The forward poured in 26 points to go with 6 rebounds. Center, Muhayimina Namuwaya added 12 points while Flavia Oketcho and Rebecca Akullo contributed 10 points each for the defending champions. Sparks were led by Winnie Anyango with 11 points and Susan Mirembe had 10 points.
UCU Lady Canons maintained a perfect record with a 62-22 win over gladiators. Point guard, Angella Namirimu scored 12 points to lead the way for Lady Canons. Peace Proscovia added 11 points and 21 boards as Lady Canons struggled to score going 21-for-90 from the field. Purity Odhiambo had 8 points and 11 rebounds. Gladiators were led by Joan Muchiruku with 13 points.

ZIMBABWE : HBA Readies for New Season

THE Harare Basketball Association has begun their preparations for the 2013-2014 season with the renovations of their facilities as they seek to bring back the glory days of the sport in the province. The province held their elections last month that ushered in a new executive led by veteran coach Ngoni Mukukula and the league is expected to take off on the weekend of September 28 at various venues.
HBA spokesperson, Carlos Munda, said most teams are currently playing in community basketball pre-season events as part of their preparations for the season while the association is renovating the facilities.
Some of the areas to be renovated are Dzivarasekwa and Richwood Park courts. "The most exciting thing is that the new executive is gearing up for the league with the renovations of facilities which is a step up for the players and the clubs. As we speak now renovations are happening throughout the province," said Munda.
Munda said this coming season they will have one league for men unlike in the previous season when they had two leagues running as they were trying to create more competition among the clubs.
"We are still having pre-season community basketball every weekend. There is going to be one league with 12 teams, last year we had two leagues and it was a way of bringing competition to the league but now the new executive want to bring back the good old days, so we are going to have one league. For women there is also going to be 12 teams and we are starting a developmental league for junior players.
We are encouraging them to play and then have them in the main league when they are ready, we want them to play in their proper age-groups. It will be more of a B league, they used to play in the same league but there was no competition," said Munda.
Munda said they are expecting to hold a pre-season tournament but are yet to come up with the dates for the competition.

UGANDA : Falcons defiant

Kampala- This is as bad a crisis as Falcons have faced in the past four years. Seventh is not where the record Airtel National Basketball League champions belong if history counts for anything.

Friday was a new low. Falcons looked disinterested in the 84-55 loss to DMark Power at YMCA court. It passed as a practice session for the five-time champions who enjoyed every bit of the Falcons carcass. In a rather defiant post-match interview, Gad Eteu, sees light at the end of the tunnel. “We will be okay,” the coach said. “We are regrouping and rebuilding.” There were few facts to attach to his statement. However, Philip Ameny and Serge Kabangu returned to the team after absconding lately.

Geoff Omondi must have had his feet raised on a couch in a ‘villa’ somewhere having refused to play until team management (read finances) of the club is sorted.
Missing on the night was club president Dennis Mbidde, who sources have blamed for the six-time league champions’ predicament. A section is fighting to get him out and his option is silence.

Henry Ssemanda, one of the club’s administrators, refused to comment on reports of forcing Mbidde out. “I have no comment on that but we are now fine,” Ssemanda, brother to club founder John Ssimbwa (RIP) said.

Stability is something Falcons have not known lately following a player exodus in 2009, a flirt with relegation in 2010 and death of Ssimbwa in 2011. “We are now training consistently,” Eteu added. “I promise you, we will better against UCU (Canons) on Friday.”

24 August 2013

KENYA : Thrilling action as live Broadcast resumes

  • Crucial matches are lined up this weekend in the Kenya Basketball Federation national classic league including three ties that will be broadcast live on Supersport from the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani gymnasium on Saturday.
    Co-operative Bank, the men league defending champions, will face a stern test when they play twice.
    On Saturday, they have a date with Lions at the Kasarani gymnasium in one of the matches to be televised. The others to go live include the Nakuru Club against Nairobi Aviation College match and a division one tie pitting Equity Bank against Strathmore University.
    A day later, Carey Odhiambo will lead his charges against Thunder in yet another potentially explosive match for the champions.
    In their first leg encounters, the bankers lost 72-63 to Thunder on the first day of action in March and 65-55 to Lions in June.
    The bankers, who missed Zone V qualifiers in Burundi earlier this month, are keen to get their campaign back on track after a frustrating first leg that places them fourth on the log.
    However, it will not be easy as they face the top two teams in the league and the fact that they are currently fourth on the log pulls the advantage way from their corner. Consequently, a win in both matches will see them catch up with the leaders.
    “We will play each match at a time. There is nothing special with the teams,” said Odhiambo, Co-op Bank head coach.
    All the players are fully fit and ready for the challenge ahead. Captain Brian Busu, James Mwangi, point guards Salim Ali and Joseph Khaemba will be some of the key players for the bankers this weekend.
    Lions, who top the league with 26 points, will be keen to consolidate their lead with a win against the bankers. Ancetas Wafula, the tree-pointer wizard, comes out as the key player for Lions but there are other notables like James Omune, formerly of Ulinzi Warriors, Tobias Onyango and Moses Wanjara who are good as well.
    Ulinzi face Terrorist 
    Thunder, second on the log with 24 points, will welcome back star player Griffin Ligare who took part in the KECOSO games held in Kisumu last week. They will be looking to make it a double over Co-op Bank this season having won the first leg encounter.
    Before that, they will face off with Mennonite on Saturday in a match they are highly expected to win.
    Ulinzi, fresh from their military games triumph, will get back to league action with a match against on-form Terrorist at Upperhill School on Saturday.
    The University of Nairobi side has had a good run in the league for the last two months losing only once.
    This match will, however, pose a great test in their bid to avoid relegation for the second season running. Captain Hillary Kubai is their key player for the match while Ulinzi will welcome back players who sat out of the military games.
    In the absence of Victor Odendo who is on a military mission, Mike Tanui, Bernard Mufutu and William Ochieng will be called upon to lead their onslaught.
    Coach William Balozi will be hoping for a replica of their performance at the military games as they play a catch-up game with the pack leaders.
    Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, will play host to Blazers in Makande on Saturday. Ladies defending champions Eagle Wings will have an easy task when they play Kenya College of Accountancy- University, KCA-U, on Saturday and Mennonite on Sunday.
    Second placed Sprite Storms will have the chance of inflating their points when they play Kenyatta University Oryx.
    Key players include Angela Luchivya, Linet Mukiri and Susan Akinyi. Storms’ experience will count a lot against a demoralized Oryx which has been frustrating in their debut season.
    National team call-up Betty Kananu is expected to lead the team. Current leaders Co-op Bank will equally be active playing Safe Spaces on Saturday the same day that Strathmore University will play Oryx.
    Collated Fixtures: Saturday- KAA vs Little Prince (10am, Upperhill), Co-op Bank vs Safe Spaces (10am), KCA-U vs KU Pirates (12pm), Umoja vs Parklands Baptist (12pm), KU Oryx vs Strathmore University (1:30pm), Eagle Wings vs KCA-U (1:30pm), Zetech College vs World Hope (3pm), Terror vs Ulinzi (3pm), Mennonite vs Thunder (4:30pm), KPA vs Blazers (2pm, KPA Gym), Equity Bank vs Strathmore University (4pm, Kasarani), Nairobi Aviation College vs Nakuru Club (6pm), Co-op Bank vs Lions (8pm); Sunday- Strathmore University vs Little Prince (9am, Nyayo Gym), Storms vs KU Oryx (10:30am), Mennonite vs Eagle Wings (12pm), Equity Bank vs KU Pirates (1:30pm), Co-op Bank vs Thunder (4:30pm).

    NIGERIA : Afrobasket - D'Tigers Record Second Win, Beat Congo 93-75

    Abidjan — Nigeria's basketball team, D'Tigers on Friday beat Congolese team 93-75 to record its second straight victory in the on-going African Nations Basketball Championship (Afrobasket) in Abidjan.
    The D'Tigers had earlier beaten the Malians 74-59 in the opening leg of the tournament. Coach Ayo Bakare told newsmen after the match that he was happy recording two straight wins. "It was a strong game, but I must say that we are happy winning our first two games," he said.
    Some supporters of the team who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the match commended the team for their sense of commitment. One of them, Maximus Frank, a Nigerian based in Abidjan said the win against Congo was only possible because the team showed commitment and focus.
    "It was a strong game; we saw the Congolese team come out better than they did against Cameroon. "They also played quite a good game, but in all, I commend the Nigerian team for their show of commitment," he said.
    Another D'Tigers' supporter, Gift Adorolo, urged the team to make the country proud in the tournament. "We have a good team, we are proud of their performance so far, that is why we have come to support them.
    "I want them to come out with stronger force in very game, they have the potential to go far," she said. NAN reports that Congo also in grouped D, lost its first game to Cameroon 74:43 on Wednesday. Nigeria will play Cameroon in the last group match on Sunday.

    RWANDA : Rwanda suffers heavy defeat to Morocco

    photo
    Kenneth Gasana scored a game high 22 points but it wasn't enough to help Rwanda in the defeat against Morocco on Friday. Saturday Sport/ Courtesy.

    Yesterday
    Group B
    Morocco     87-57     Rwanda
    Tunisia    100-45   Burkina Faso
    Today
    Group C
    Mozambique     vs     Cape Verde
    Angola                  vs     CAR
    Group A
    Senegal                vs                Algeria
    Cote d’Ivoire      vs                Egypt

    Rwanda men’s basketball team lost to Morocco 87-57 in their second Group B match at the on-going Fiba Afrobasket Championships played yesterday  at Palaise de Sport Treichvile Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
    Morocco surged into a 30-10 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They won the second quarter 20-15 and held a 25-point advantage at the halftime.
    Rwanda managed to win the third quarter 20-16, but could do little in the fourth quarter as Morocco took it 21-12.
    Abdelhakim Zouita was the top scorer for the North African side with 21 points and Abderrahim Najah added 20. El Masbahi Zakaria delivered 12, while Mustapha Khalfi, Reda Rhalimi and Younes Idrissi added 8 points each.
    Rwanda’s Kenny Gasana scored a game high 22 points and Bradley Cameron added 15 points for Moize Mutokambali’s team. Team captain Aristide Mugabe only managed a miserable 6 points as Rwanda failed to repeat their heroics from the first game against Burkina Faso.
    It was Rwanda’s third successive defeat against Morocco at the Fiba Afrobasket championships following defeats in 2007 and 2009.
    In the second game, defending champions Tunisia routed debutants Burkina Faso 100-45 to put one foot in the second round.
    They won all four quarters 28-14; 28-10; 18-13; 26-8 to put the North African side into pole position to reach the knock-out stage.

    Ben Romdhane was the top scorer for Tunisia with 23 points, while El Mabrouk chipped in with 16 points.

    Tunisia leads Group B standings with four points followed by Rwanda and Morocco, who are tied on three points, while Burkina Faso is bottom of the table with two points.

    Action in Group B resumes on Sunday when Rwanda take on Tunisia as Morocco faces Burkina Faso.

    23 August 2013

    UGANDA : Old foes Falcons, Power seek to reverse fortunes

    Old foes Falcons, Power seek to reverse fortunes
    Point guard Ben Komakech (C) goes for the hoop. The DMark Power point guard, a two-time MVP, has endured a quiet season by his own standards and must rise to the occasion. Photo by Eddie Chicco.   DMark Power seem to have forgotten how to win big games. Galaxy Falcons are worse as no one has a concrete idea on where their troubled season will wind up.

    The two most successful sides in the history of the Airtel National Basketball League clash at YMCA court today. “This is the game we always look forward to most,” Isaac Afidra, a Power player since 2000, said.

    Besides the history, these two teams are in a similar situation. Power, who started the season with a 10-match winning streak, have lost their previous two games against play-off bound teams.

    Warriors thrashed Power 91-65. Thereafter, City Oilers found the legs to outlast the five-time champions 82-69 in overtime on the back of Kami Kabangu’s 27 points and 13 rebounds. They have failed to compensate for their lack of size by boxing out on the inside. Now, coach Bernes Ankunda must also fast-track the return of Ben Komakech from injury.
    The point guard – a two-time MVP - lost Emmanuel Enabu - forever his understudy - this week; the latter moving to Canada for family reasons. It hardly matters that Komakech has barely had glimpses of his best form this season. Without Komakech, Power have struggled to manage their ball. Falcons might look at Power’s problems as a drop in the ocean and not the splash they are facing. Talk of strife over the lack of money has been the song since the league tipped.                           
    The record league winners - currently seventh - have only beaten one side in the top six. Power beat them 87-78 in the first round despite Stephen Omony’s 28 points for Falcons.
    Lately, Kenyans Philip Ameny and Geoff Omondi, and Serge Kabangu have absconded from playing with reports indicating the former is in West Africa scavenging for a team.

    Coach Gad Eteu, once reportedly sacked, Stephen Omony, skipper Peter Elungat and Abdullahi Ramadhan are holding the team together.

    RWANDA : Rwanda faces Morocco in 2013 Afrobasket

    photo
    Rwanda will be looking up to Kami Kabange to exhibit his ability against Morocco on Friday. Times Sport/ Courtesy.

    Today
    Group B
    Morocco     vs  Rwanda               2:30pm
    Burkina Faso   vs   Tunisia                  5:30pm
    Group D
    Congo   vs   Nigeria    7:30pm
    Mali  vs  Cameroon   10pm
    RWANDA take on North African rivals Morocco in their second Group B match of the Fiba Afrobasket Championships on Friday in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
    Coach Moise Mutokambali’s side goes into today’s fixture with confidence after beating Burkina Faso 80-61 on Wednesday, while Morocco lost their first game to defending champions  Tunisia 56-52.
    “It is good to go into the next game on the back of a resounding win. We are determined to try and win the game even as we know it will not be easy against a very good side,” Mutokambali said.
     “Morocco is tough, but I hope we will find a winning formula,” he added.
    Lionnel Hakizimana and Aboubaker Barame, who were rested against Burkina Faso, could start in today’s game.
    This will be the third time Rwanda meets Morocco in a Fiba Afrobasket Championship.
    In 2007, Morocco beat Rwanda 74-68 before doing the same in 2009 with a 85-84 win.
    In the opening game of the tournament, Rwanda edged Burkina Faso with an 80-61 win.
    Kami Kabange was particularly impressive in the game.
    The 6’8 forward scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, five of which came on the offensive end, as the world’s 67th-ranked team downed their FIBA Africa debutant opponents.
    Kenneth Gasana and Cameroun Bradley also chipped in with a combined 41 points and 10 rebounds.
    In the second group match, Tunisia snatched a 56-52 win against Morocco.
    Makram Ben Romdhane, 24, scored 21 points, including the game-winner with just a second left on the clock.
    Point guard Nizar Knioua was the only other Tunisian to score in double figures, hitting three of his five attempts from beyond the arc and adding six free throws for 15 points.

    Still in Group B, defending champions Tunisia face debutants Burkina Faso in the evening.  In Group D, Congo Brazzaville take on Nigeria, while Mali face Cameroon in the other match.


    Contact email: bonnie.mugabe[at]newtimes.co.rw

    22 August 2013

    KENYA : Don Bosco Hit FoB in Nba Showdown At Railways

    DON Bosco beat Friends of Basketball (FoB) 47-37 in a Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) match at Railways Club. Two time leading scorers Joel Atebe managed 18 points and 2 threes while Lewis Wanyoike had 10 for the losers. Baraka Xtreme clobbered Our Lady Queen of Peace 63-41 behind 21 points from Howard Juma who had 11 straight in the third quarter.
    Johnny Murumba had 13 points for the losers. Mount Kenya Unversity Thika (MkU) dismissed Lycans 56-26 as on form Derick Juma made 14 points for MKUwhile Joseph Njoroge shot 10.
    African Nazarene University (ANU) hit Multi Media University (MMU) 41-39 in a match that saw Cossiga Bayless score 15 as Henry Dego replied with 14. In other matches played over the weekend, women champions Strathmore University blanked Zetech College 40-30.

    TOGO : Champions of the Lome - Gulf League Known On Saturday

    The basketball League of Lomé Gulf will know its champions after Game 3 of the playoffs. Winners of Games 1, the Etoile Filante in ladies and Model in the male have been the awakening of their opponents in the 2 Games played Sunday.
    The last games of the series of these Finals begin at 15h 30 on Saturday.
    Final Results
    Games 1
    Final ladies: Etoile Filante 50-37 Swallows
    Men's Final: Model 46-43 Fighters
    Games 2
    Final ladies: Swallows 48-42 Etoile Filante
    Men's Final: Fighters 58-43 Model

    GHANA : Keen Interest Awaits 2013 Ghana Basketball and Leadership Camp

    With barely six days for the start of the hugely anticipated Sprite Ball Clinic in Accra, enthusiasm among participants have reached fever pitch. Over 100 players, both male and female are expected to participate in the one-week clinic which runs from August 25-31 at Penfield International School at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.
    Organizers have expressed their delight with the numbers that have expressed interest and continue to troop to their offices to register. It's an experienced of a life-time that players and wannabe's don't want to miss as they will be taken through the rudiment of the game by seasoned coaches from Germany, the United States of America and Ghana.
    The expatriate coaches will team up with the highly-rated locals to train the kids within the six-day period. News of the event has gone viral on social media with kids aged between 10-19 who are eligible to participate in the event keen to get their names on board before Thursday's deadline.
    Parents have walked to the offices of the organizers, which has been buzzing with lots of activities. Campers who excel are likely to get educational scholarships abroad, an innovation which has sparked huge joy among potential campers.

    RWANDA : Afrobasket: Rwanda make winning start

    photo

    Kenny Gasana was Rwanda’s second top scorer with 22 points as the country coasted to an 80-61 win over debutants Burkina Faso yesterday in Cote d’Ivoire. The New Times/ Net Photo

    Group A, Tuesday
    Ivory Coast 64-47 Algeria
    Egypt 70-72 Senegal
    Group B, Wednesday
    Rwanda 80-61 Burkina Faso
    Group C, Tuesday
    Angola 75-50 Cape Verde
    Central Africa 66-70 Mozambique
    THE Rwandan men’s basketball team got off to a bright start at the 2013 Fiba Afrobasket championships with an 80-61 victory against debutants Burkina Faso in their Group B opening match yesterday at Palaise de Sport Treichvile Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
    The first quarter ended with both teams tied 17-17 before the West Africans took the lead 38-32 by half time.
    But Moise Mutokambali’s boys recovered to win the third and fourth quarters despite the Burkinabe’s impressive efforts.
    Kami Kabangu’s sterling performance ensured the third period ended 54-47 in favour of Rwanda while Kenny Gasana, Pascal Twagirayezu and Hamza Ruhezamihigo all scored crucial points for the winners.
    Kabangu was the top scorer for Rwanda with 24 points while Gasana and Cameron netted 22 and 19 points each.
    Moussa Quattara and Jean Paul Bayala were Burkina Faso’s top scorers with 10 points each.
    The victory will have given Rwanda much needed boost ahead of games against much tougher opponents in their quest for a slot at the 2014 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
    The national team takes on Morocco on Friday. Morocco was due to face 2011 champions and favourites Tunisia last night.
    Elsewhere, Senegal, featuring an intimidating pair of former NBA stars, scrapped a 72-70 victory against Group A opponents Egypt.
    Ibrahima Mbengue won it for Senegal with a second to go.
    Hosts Cote d’Ivoire coasted to a 64-47 victory over Algeria in their first game of round-robin play.
    Angola took a 25-8 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, routing Cape Verde 75-50 while Mozambique beat Central Africa Republic 70-66 in Group C.
    The first of three round-robin games of all the four groups was played before the 16-team knockout tournament begins next Monday.
    No team will be eliminated in the group stage but seeding will be decided based on win-loss records throughout the rest of the week.

    21 August 2013

    RWANDA : Its Rwanda vs Burkinabe at 2013 Afrobasket tourney

    photo
    Rwanda will be looking to Kenneth Gasana (L) and Hamza Ruhezamihigo's experience to play a winning role against Burkina Faso today. The New Times/ File Photo.

    Today
    Group B

    Rwanda vs. Burkina Faso 12.30p.m
    Tunisia vs. Morocco 8p.m

    Group D
    Cameroon vs. DR Congo 3p.m
    Nigeria vs. Mali 5:30p.m

    THE national men’s senior team starts its quest for glory at the 27th edition of the African Basketball Championships against debutants Burkina Faso today at Palaise de Sport Treichvile Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
    The tournament serves to pick one of the three slots to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Madrid, Spain.
    The Rwandan team which landed in Abidjan over the weekend trained on Monday and Tuesday night ahead of the tricky opening day tie.
    Head coach Moise Mutokambali, who will be guiding Rwanda to a fourth consecutive appearance since their debut in 2007, is eager to help the team finish inside the top ten.
    He said yesterday, “Our target is to finish in the top ten. We finished 12th in 2011, but this time round, we want to do much better.”
    “Winning the first game will help boost confidence in the squad as we target to finish second in the group. Players are in good mood and we are well prepared for tomorrow’s (today) match,” added Mutokambali.
    After Burkina Faso, Rwanda take on Morocco on Friday before facing title holders Tunisia on Saturday.
    Skipper Aristide Mugabe is confident they are ready for the tournament.
    “We have already gotten in the mood of the competition. Everyone is ready and we want to ensure that we start with a win against Burkina Faso,” added Mugabe.
    The 16-team tournament, divided in four groups, got underway on Tuesday in Cote d’Ivoire capital city of Abidjan.
    The number of African players plying their trade in Europe and the US has increased significantly over the past few years and many look keen to take their teams as far as possible at the AfroBasket 2013, a qualifying tournament for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
    Some players feature in some of the most prestigious basketball leagues in the world including the NBA, Spain’s ACB, France’s Ligue National de Basket, the Greek League, China’s CBA, while several others come with US college experience.
    Since the FIBA Basketball World Cup increased the numbers of participating teams from 16 to 24 in 2006, Africa gained an extra slot with the top three African teams securing direct qualification to the event.
    Intriguingly, the number of potential world cup contenders has doubled with Tunisia, Senegal, Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire among hot favourites.

    In Group A, hosts Cote d’Ivoire will take on Egypt, Senegal and Algeria. Angola is in Group C alongside Mozambique, Central African Republic and Cape Verde, while in Group D, Nigeria will square off against Cameroon, Mali and Republic of Congo.
    Two years ago, Tunisia stunned Angola in the final of the Afrobasket in Madagascar to claim their first continental title ever.
    And this year, head coach Adel Tlatli made public his team’s intention to successfully defend its crown.
    Indeed with the likes of Makram Ben Romdhane and Real Madrid’s new recruit Salah Mejri in their ranks, Tunisia will be taken as serious contenders yet again.
    Although Nigeria will be competing with a largely different team from the one that came in third two years ago, they kept half of the team that stunned Greece at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and went on to play at the London Games.
    Needless to say the Angolans won lots of admirers over the course of the past two decades, and they are the continent’s most successful team having won 10 African championships.
    Four of their players – Joaquim Gomes, Armando Costa, Eduardo Mingas and Carlos Morais— have each won three AfroBasket titles.
    Yet pundits can hardly ignore hosts Cote d’Ivoire, particularly since home advantage has always been a key factor in Afro-basketball.
    But Cameroon are no pushovers either.
    The return of new Sacramento Kings recruit Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, added to the presence of both Gaston Essengue and Christian Bayang and the AfroBasket experience of head coach Lazare Adingono, make Cameroon a genuine title contender.
    Still, Senegal, Egypt, Republic of Congo and Cape Verde have all what it takes to ruin away with it.
    In recent years, Senegal became famous for having quality big men. But this might be the year when they make the most of quality point guards, including Louis Adams who plays in the American collegiate ranks at South Carolina State University.
    Egypt’s head coach Amr Aboul-Kheir said last week that their AfroBasket preparations have been affected by the ongoing political turmoil in the North African nation. But they can count on a talented team that dominated the African youth scene over the past six years.
    The Republic of Congo might be the surprise team as they bring an exciting Europe-based crop of players led by Giovan Oniangue and Nobel Bongou-Colo.
    Cape Verde will not have Ivan Almeida who pulled out the team, but experienced players like Rodrigo Mascarenhas and Mario Correia are poised to give them some pedigree and make an impact in Group C.

    20 August 2013

    UGANDA : City Oilers Surprised By Good Showing

    Kampala — The rise of City Oil basketball team has been one of rising and rising higher, going on to become champions every season in every division they participated in since 2011.
    Even when their performance pedigree was there for all to see, very few people expected them to shine in the country's top flight league, the Airtel National Basketball league.
    As things stand, they are in the top four, a position that guarantees them a playoff berth and a shot at winning the championship in their debut year.
    A few weeks ago they registered a morale boosting win against table leaders and title hopefuls D-Mark Power and followed it up with a well-earned win against troubled Miracles. The club management however is aware that even though they surpassed their season expectations, the league has not ended and that anything can happen. Silver Rugambwa, the general manager of the club in an interview said that the club has set a new target which is to play in the playoff seeing that things are working out well as of now.
    "We are performing more than we expected, the surprise element is there, and very many people underestimated us. Our target now is to make the play offs and then win the championship next year," Rugambwa ambitiously stated. He notes that they've been making strategic recruitment of players who fit in the club's way of playing and this has helped the club since 2011.
    "When we got promoted, we sat down and looked at the players we needed to improve as a team, these players recruited have helped us," he added.

    19 August 2013

    KENYA : Swords, Aviation in convincing wins

    File pictures
     
     
     Updated on 17/08/13  |    By MICHEZOAFRIKA

    Strathmore University ladies basketball team on Saturday registered a powerful 61-13 win over Shimba Hills in the ongoing Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League.
    The ladies won all quarters 22-05, 12-01, 14-04 and 13 -03 while their male counterparts - Strathmore Blades - suffered a 61-65 loss in the hands of World Hope.
    Saturday Results.
    Strathmore   25/61                   vs             World Hope 21/65
    KCA-U   20                 vs              Parklands   00
    Walkover to kca-u
    Storms     20             vs           Safe Spaces     00
    Walkover to storms
    Strathmore    34/61      vs        Nyta Shimba   06/13
    22/12/14/13                            05/01/04/03
    Mennonites   23/63       vs       Terror     17/67
    11/12/14/16                             19/08/22/18
    12 pts Collins Ochieng               12 pts Erick Makokha
    Nairobi Aviation    27/67       vs        Blazers   23/41

    TOGO : The League of Lome Launched Its First Camp of Youth Basketball

    Franck Traore, scout of the NBA Africa, had spent a weekend in Lome in a promotional week of basketball (BPW2013) held from 4 to 10 March 2013 by the Association Leading Youth, Sport and Development (LYSD).
    He advocated the establishment of basketball camps to teach the basics of the discipline to young Togolese.
    This is now done! Indeed, the Basketball League of Lome Gulf has since August 12 started the first Togolese basketball camp at the municipal stadium of Lome with the support of the Embassy of the United States inTogo.
    The initiative has a dual purpose. First, teach and reinforce the fundamentals of 90 young people (45 boys and 45 girls) aged 12 to 18 present at the camp led by former the NBA player of the Dallas Mavericks William Tommy Davis. And secondly educate the youth about societal issues such as respect for others, leadership, teamwork, health, nutrition, STDs and drugs. The event will end on Saturday with the game of the top young.
    Freddy Zotchi of just 16 years old, who had been noticed during the BPW 2013 should once again prove to his advantage, waiting to participate in the camp of the best young basketball players in West Africa organized by NBA Africa in December to which he was invited. A step that could allow him to pursue his dream of playing basketball at a high level.
    An initiative such as this camp should be sustained and enable Togo to join in the coming years Afrobasket whose 2013 edition starts on August 20 will be played without the Togolese national team. We will find still many of the best players in the selection mid afternoon after the closing of the camp for the final of the Togolese championship pitting Model to Fighters, a game that promises to be explosive.

    NIGERIA : Olumide Oyedeji, 11 Other Nigerian Players for Afrobasket 2013

    The Nigerian Basketball federation, NBBF, has disclosed that the men's national team to the Afrobasket 2013 tournament in Cote d'Ivoire would arrive Lagos on Saturday on Virgin Atlantic at 5.30 a.m.
    The team is expected to fly out to Abuja on Medview Airline where they would be hosted at a reception by the NBBF at Westpoint Hotel, Wuse on Saturday. The guest of honour at the event would be the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who would formally bid the team and staff farewell and wish them a successful championship in Cote d' Ivoire.
    The team would thereafter depart Abuja for Abidjan on Sunday.
    After the training camps in Abuja, Los Angeles and Orlando and the Stankovic tournament tour of China, the selected players and staff to represent Nigeria at the championship would include:
    PLAYERS:
    1. Abdulwahab Alade Aminu
    2. Alfarouk Ajadi Aminu
    3. Andy Obinna Ogide
    4. Ben Chukwukelo Uzoh
    5. Chamberlain Nnameka Oguchi
    6. Gani Oladimeji Lawal
    7. Ike Somtochukwu Diogu
    8. Jamaal Olasewere
    9. Olumide Oyedeji
    10. Richard Chukwuma Oruche
    11. Stanley Gumut
    12. Stan Chukwuemeka Okoye
    STAFF:
    1. Head Coach-Ayodele Bakare
    2. Assistants-Sani Ahmed
    3. Ayinla Johnson,
    4. Ogoh Odaudu and 5. Abdulrahman Mohammed
    Doctor-Dr.Suleiman Ohida
    Physio-Ekundayo Ogunkunle
    Media Officer-Patrick Omorodion

    NIGERIA : Pillars, Union Bank Battle for Final Four Title

    Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF in conjunction with the DStv, sponsor of the Premier Basketball league have fixed September 6-8, 2013 for the Final 4 Play-Offs at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos, following the conclusion of both the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences' Top Four competition.
    Towards this end, a joint press briefing to usher in the competition will be held on September 3, 2013 by the NBBF and DStv while a clinic for invited Secondary Schools as well as a demonstration game by selected sides will will hold on September 4, 2013.
    A day before the Final 4 Play-Offs dunks off, an All Star Game will hold, shortly after the 3-point shooting and Slam Dunk competitions.
    Four teams, Kano Pillars and Mark Mentors from the Savannah Conference and Atlantic Conference duo of Union Bank and Dodan Warriors will vie for the top position after emerging from the Top 4 competitions held in Abuja and Lagos respectively.
    The top two teams of the Final 4 will represent the country in the 2013 African Cup Club Championship.

    NIGERIA : Afrobasket 2013 - NBBF Names 12-Man SquadaAs Team Depart Sunday

    After a series of trial matches and camping which took the Senior Men's National team through Abuja to China and the United States, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF yesterday named a 12-man squad for the Afrobasket 2013 which dunks off on Monday in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
    According to the list released by the team's Head coach, Ayo Bakare, the players are Abdulwahab Alade Aminu, Alfarouk Ajadi Aminu, Andy Obinna Ogide, Ben Chukwukelo Uzoh, Chamberlain Nnameka Oguchi, Gani Oladimeji Lawal, Ike Somtochukwu Diogu, Jamaal Olasewere, Olumide Oyedeji, Richard Chukwuma Oruche, Stanley Gumut and Stan Chukwuemeka Okoye.
    The technical staff led by Head coach Bakare include Sani Ahmed, Ayinla Johnson, Ogoh Odaudu and Abdulrahman Mohammed while team doctor is Suleiman Ohida, Physioterapist is Ekundayo Ogunkunle as well as Patrick Omorodion, the Media Officer.
    Meanwhile, the team are expected to arrive Lagos today from the United States where they had their final camping and head straight to Abuja where the federation will host them to a reception later this evening, Tijjani Umar, the NBBF president disclosed.
    Sports Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi is expected to attend the reception and officially bid the team and officials farewell and a successful championship before they depart Abuja for Abidjan tomorrow.
    The championship holds from August 20 to 30 and the play their first match against Mali on August 21, 2013.

    UGANDA : Tough Warriors hold nerve to beat KIU Titans

    Kampala. Friday night unfolded in almost predictable fashion, like a movie where the script is followed to the dot. Riham Warriors set the tone at the Lugogo MTN Arena.

    KIU Titans never gave up, pushing the champions to the limit. They were in it, as expected, only for Warriors to come through 75-70 and close in on the Airtel National Basketball League leaders.The champions, playing their first game since finishing fourth at the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships, were quick out the blocks going 6 for 7 beyond the arc with their opening shots.

    Warriors finished 6 for 20 but more importantly they did just enough to improve to 10-2. Only co-leaders DMark Power and UCU Canons, both 11-2, have better records.
    They also completed the double over KIU, adding to the 58-46 first round victory. The difference is probably in the fact that one team knows how to win while the other has an idea but not the method.

    Tanzanian Sylvain Yunzu was 2 for 2 from downtown in the first period in his best game since joining Warriors. Jude Ochen, Ivan Enabu and Brian Gumisiriza joined in the clinic earlyEven when the shots dried up, coach Emmy Samanya’s team was relatively comfortable, holding an 11-point lead for much of the game. It’s that margin (51-40) they had going into the final quarter.
    Sam Gombya’s 12 points and 11 rebounds kept Warriors in control. Enabu (pictured) chipped in with a game-high 17 points and Yunzu sunk 10. As Gombya’s legs gave way so did the ability to rebound.
    Then came the stirring comeback. Edwin Kateregga with a game-high 15 points and Chris Omanye’s 12 pulled KIU level at 68-up with 2.04 minutes to play.
    “We just got away from had been working for us,” Samanya said. “Our defensive players were all in foul trouble and that hurt us.”

    KIU’s old ghost of lacking that killer instinct resurfaced. They didn’t score again until 33.3 seconds to the final buzzer when Henry Mwinuka shot two free throws. The university side, sixth at 8-5, wanted to win, always do and tried to. They just don’t know how to, just yet.

    16 August 2013

    UGANDA : Plucky KIU test for Warriors in League

    KIU Titans are never too far away from beating the so-called title contenders in the Airtel National Basketball League. Often, they are close to winning.

    It’s that killer instinct that coach Nimrod Kaboha has set out to find in the second round where KIU are fond of putting up their best displays ahead of the playoffs. They have already beaten Charging Rhino 62-35 following the resumption but it’s teams like Warriors, who they face today at the Lugogo MTN Arena, that can really test their mettle.
    “Yes, you are right we must play better towards the end of games,” Kaboha admitted. The most costly of those poor finishes came in the 67-64 loss to Power.
    On the flipside they held off play-off bound newcomers City Oilers 48-47 in a humdinger which was the first time the fifth-placed KIU managed to beat a team in the top four.

    Kenyan Michael Makiadi missed a running lay-up with 11 seconds to play when Power led 65-64 and has arguably been their best defensive player.Makiadi underwent an operation after an abdominal problem and won’t play again this year. He is a big miss. Edwin Kateregga and Bol Akol have a huge challenge to step up.
    There won’t be much of a honeymoon to find comfort in the role vacated by Makiadi. Veteran Henry Malinga is indisputably the best if not the greatest inside player this country has ever seen.
    He is been outstanding in bits this season, including a 28-point display in the 91-65 rout of rivals Power that ended the latter’s unbeaten start to the season at 10 games.

    Malinga was even able to carry that class (it’s not form) to the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships in Burundi with Warriors finishing a disappointing fourth. The champions have only lost twice in 11 games despite a rocky start to the season and coach Emmy Samanya must be looking to milk time out of recently signed Tanzanian Sylvain Yunzu.
    In the early fixture, Ndejje University Angels could miss Steven Okias, Jonah Otim, Geoffrey Soro and Brian Odour for their game against eight-placed Rhino.

    The quarter travelled to Nairobi for the East Military Games as part of the UPDF Tomahwaks contingent.

    Today at Lugogo
    M: Warriors vs. KIU (8.30pm)
    M: Rhino vs. Ndejje (6.30pm)

    Wednesday Results:
    M: Miracle 44-81 City Oilers
    W: Gladiators 46-70 Stormers

    RWANDA : Senior hoops team coach eyes top ten finish

    photo

    Moise Mutokambali

    Aug. 21
    Rwanda vs Burkina Faso
    Aug. 23
    Rwanda vs Morocco
    Aug. 25
    Rwanda         vs     Tunisia

    RWANDA national men’s senior team departs Friday night for the 27th edition of the African Basketball Championships (Afro-basket) to be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast from August 20 to 31.
    The only East African nation to ever compete in the continental event, Rwanda qualified for this year’s championships following their impressive performance at the Zone V tournament held in Tanzania early this year. Rwanda lost in the final to Egypt 82-76.
    Rwanda will be making a fourth consecutive appearance since its debut in 2007. Rwanda will  face-off with Egypt on Sunday in a warm-up match.
    Moise Mutokambali’s team will start their campaign against debutants Burkina Faso next Wednesday, while Egypt will take on Senegal on Tuesday in their first game.
    In the last edition in Madagascar in 2011, Rwanda finished 12th, while their group opponents Morocco, finished sixth and Tunisia beat for winners Angola 67-57 to lift the title and qualify for 2012 London Olympic games.
    According to Mutokambali, the target is to finish in the top ten or even better, “We finished 12th in 2011, but this time, we want to do better and finish in top ten.”
    However, by press time, Mutokambali preferred to keep his final for the championships a top secret, at least until the last training session
    Rwanda will open up their campaign against Burkina Faso on August 21, take on Morocco two days later before taking on title holders Tunisia on August 25.

    The tournament also acts as the qualifiers for the world basketball championships set to be held in Spain next year.

    14 August 2013

    UGANDA : Vegetarians get out of drop zone as Power rebound

    ANBL Review: Vegetarians get out of drop zone as Power rebound
    Women:                                                                                                                                         Gladiators 50-37 Nabisunsa                                                                                                             UCU Lady Canons 80-27 MUK Sparks 
    Men:
    Proline Heaters 52-58 Vegetarians                                                                                                     KIU Titans 62-37 Charging Rhinos                                                                                                     Nkumba Marines 51-86 Dmark Power
    After starting the season with league worst 0-10 record, Vegetarian have won three of the last four games. With Vegetarian facing Proline Heaters who got their first and only win of the season in opening game against them in May, the game was always going to be a close one – indeed it was.
    Thanks to the dominant play of the big men, Vegetarian came out victorious. Bernard Okumu scored game high 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Vegetarian (3-11). Grace Adra added 10 points and 11 boards while John Otto contributed 19 points.
    Adam Kakuru scored 20 points to lead Heaters (1-12) who have now dropped all 12 games in a row. Javani Odhiambo added 9 points.
    After two successive losses, Dmark Power were set to snap the losing streak against short-handed and relegation threatened Nkumba Marines. It didn’t turn out different as Power (11-2) routed Marines (3-10) 86-51 behind a balanced attack after a poor opening period. Five DMark players scored in double digits. Isaac Afidra, Allan Musoke and Micheal Kojjo scored 14 points each, Derrick Mbusi added 12 points and Norman Blick chipped in with 10.
    Wilson Otweyo matched season high 23 points in a losing effort for Nkumba and Wynard Kigobe had 12 points. Brian Mwamba’s crossover of Norman Blick turned out a real highlight side show than Power’s dominant performance.
    The only reason KIU Titans have dropped four games is that they can’t score as much as they can defend. Facing playoff hopefuls in Charging Rhinos who nearly matched them in the first round, Titans (9-4) played in a relentless manner for a 62-35 win. Center, Edwin Katerega scored 11 points, Donat Habiyambere and Albert Achiko added 10 points apiece as KIU extended their winning streak to three. Isaac Kamya scored game high 12 points to lead Rhinos (4-8) and Fahmy Sebantindira added 10 points.
    Unbeaten beaten UCU Lady Canons went for their thirteenth when they faced MUK Sparks. The university side are only matched by KCCA Leopards and having put away the defending champions in the first round, Lady Canons will have no match until they face KCCA – again. Moreen Amoding nailed game high 26 points, Peace Proscovian and Francis Nabulobi contributed 12 points apiece as Lady Canons blew out Sparks (3-10) 80-27. Hilda Nakadu had 8 points for Sparks.
    In the other women’s game Gladiators snapped a five game skid with a 50-37 win over Nabisunsa. Joan Birungi scored 12 points to lead the way for Gladiator (3-10). Esther Nayugo and Stella Nikuze contributed 11 apiece. Zainah Lokwameri scored game high 14 points for Nabisunsa(0-12)

    NIGERIA : Union Bank Emerge Atlantic Conference Final Four Champions

    Union Bank of Lagos on Monday defeated Dodan Warriors of Lagos 79-63 to emerge the champions of the 2013 DStv Basketball Atlantic Conference Final Four competition.
    The two clubs would represent the Conference at the 2013 National Final Four Championships to hold later this year.
    At the national championships, the two clubs would meet the Savannah Conference Final Four champions - Kano Pillars - and the runners-up - Mark Mentors of Abuja.
    The dates for the National Final Four competition, to take place in Lagos, have yet to be decided by the organisers, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF).
    Lagos Islanders emerged third in the Atlantic Conference while Oluyole Warriors was fourth.
    Union Bank's Assistant Coach, Chris Okoh, said after his club emerged the champions that it was a great achievement.
    "It is the greatest moment in the club's history. We have had years of setbacks, but this season is just something special. The club's current players are obviously the best you can think of right now.
    "We will continue to train hard and remain positive as we prepare for the National Final Four, which is the ultimate," Okoh said.
    Coach Peter Ahmedu of Dodan Warriors said that he was proud of the team's second position.
    He said that he was looking forward to the National Final Four.
    "We played well, but luck was not on our side; we are the best team of the Conference.
    "We look forward to the next and crucial event which is the National Final Four competition, where we shall prove our worth," Ahmedu said.
    In the other match played at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, venue of the competition, Oluyole defeated Lagos Islanders 59-53.
    The defeat halted Islanders dream of playing in the seasons National Final Four.
    While new comers - Oluyole - rejoiced at picking one game out of the three matches they played, it was tears at the Islanders camp as they needed only one win to beat Dodan to the Conference's second place position.
    NAN

    LIBERIA : LPRC Oilers Win LBA National League for Third Year in a Row

    History has been made and in an unprecedented fashion, manner, form and style. Sensational LPRC Oilers are the newest triple champions in Liberian sports history.
    The conquering basketball squad of Oilers Sports Association won the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) national league in sensational fashion for the third year in a row.
    But Oilers, who were backed by their workforce in an all 'gold and black,' needed a bucket of sweat to beat NPA Pythons by 59 to 51 points in game three of their best out of five series on August 9.
    There was an elaborate celebration before the match with managing director T. Nelson Williams, II lifting everyone.
    A live music band was on hand to make the party grand as Oilers contained Pythons, who provided some flashes of their deadly abilities.
    "We are certain of victory. The Oilers will siphon the snake and there will be no come back for our opponents," Williams told reporters before kick-off.
    Few teams like Mighty Barrolle, Pythons, C-Delta and rivals K-Delta have been strengthened with a foreign player or two but the Oil Boys relied on an array of local stars. And Williams was pleased that head coach Paul Houlsen stuck with the local guns during their championship march.
    "We have an international coach who has shown commitment in training our players, and we are on top of our game. "We are ready to go international to compete with clubs in Angola, Nigeria, Senegal, etc," Williams noted.
    The elegant Peter Bimah, explosive Jethro Bing and the rest of the playing party made life difficult for Pythons on a cozy night.
    Comptroller Elizabeth Matu Tubman, marketing manager Charles D. Sherman, II and management information system manager John Momolu Dukuly found time in their busy schedules to cheer Oilers to victory.
    It was an electrifying atmosphere with ecstatic supporters singing in a spirited manner as Oilers annihilated Pythons for the third time in a row to emerge as triple champions.
    But pundits will eagerly be waiting to see whether Oilers can reproduce their performances on the international stage when they fly the Liberian flag at regional or continental level.
    As always, only time will tell.

    SEYCHELLES : Ah-Kong and Juliette appointed men’s national coaches

    Nigel Ah-kong and Tony Juliette have been appointed the men’s national team coaches.

    Sports Nation contacted Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) chairperson Sheila Ah-kong about this matter and she said that they had actually appointed two coaches but informed that further clarifications should be sought from the coaches’ commission.

    According to coaches’ commission chairman Alix Allisop, they had given the coaches an opportunity to apply for the vacant post but sadly no one responded. As a result, the SBF had to decide on two candidates as they are planning to organise a tournament for the two national teams.

    However, it seems Ah-kong and Juliette will be installed to take care of the national team on a temporary basis as the vacancy will remain open as the SBF hopes to appoint two permanent coaches.

    Ah-kong and Juliette had apparently been asked to prepare the squad for a National Day tournament which was eventually cancelled as the invited teams declined the invitation.
    Therefore the federation had to sort out this pressing issue of the men’s squad as they have to start training in preparation for a tournament in December. As a result, they decided to go back to those two local coaches to train the squad.
    Nevertheless, when contacted coach Ah-kong told Sports Nation that he had not been informed of this decision though he said he would think about it seriously.
    As for Premium Cobras’ coach Tony Juliette, who has previously worked with the team, he told Sports Nation that he had been informed but was to meet the federation to give his decision though he admitted he felt compelled to help as he had hoped other candidates would have come forward but unfortunately no one applied for this vacant post.
    The men’s national team will be preparing for a friendly tournament where the federation is planning to invite Botswana, Mauritius, Kenya and Uganda to give our local players some much-needed test matches as they prepare to defend their Indian Ocean Island Games gold medal in Reunion in 2015.

    As for the two coaches, namely Ah-Kong and Juliette, if they agree to work with the squad, they will also be permitted to continue with their club sides Mont Fleuri Dawgz and Premium Cobras.

    R. J-L.

    RWANDA : Hakizimana and Karekezi declared fit for Fiba Afro-basket finals

    photo

    Lionnel Hakizimana (left) seen here in a past competition for Rwanda. The pivotal player has been declared fit for the 2013 Fiba Afro-basket finals set to be held in Ivory Coast. The New Times / File.

    THE duo of Lionnel Hakizimana and Pascal Karekezi have been declared fit to feature for Rwanda at the Fiba Africa Basketball Championship which will be held in Cote d’Ivoire from August 20-31.
    The pair were reported injured during the Fiba Zone V championship, a feat which hampered Espoir’s chances of retaining the title after losing the title to Burundian Urunani side.
    But the national basketball team doctor Martin Uwimana has declared them fit.
    In an interview with Times Sport, Uwimana said, “Two key players (Lionnel Hakizimana and Pascal Karekezi) who had picked injuries from the recent zone five championship in Burundi with Espoir basketball club are now fit and can travel with the national team for the continental tournament if included  in the squad” 
    “For Karekezi, it was a very minor knee-injury and he is now training normally with the team. We were a bit doubtful on Hakizimana but his ankle recovery rhythm is faster and he will be fit in time for the team’s departure,” added Uwimana.
    Espoir’s Hakizimana and Karekezi picked ankle and knee-injuries respectively in the zone five championship semi-final tie against Burundi’s new stars which they beat 63-62 to set up a clash against Urunani.
    Hoping to maintain unbeaten record, Espoir lost to Urunani 65-56 to finish in second spot.
    This was the second time that Urunani had beaten Espoir in a title deciding final match after the 62-61 victory for the Burundian side in the Gisembe memorial tournament final two months ago.
    Meanwhile, the national team departs for Abidjan on August 16 and they are expected to face Egypt in a warm-up match prior to the start of the competition.
    Rwanda is drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Morocco and debutants Burkina Faso.

    The team starts its bid against Burkina Faso on August 21, then Morocco on August 23, and Tunisia on August 25.

    13 August 2013

    RWANDA : Gasana Joins Hoops Senior Team Camp

    US-based Kenneth Gasana arrived in Kigali last evening and is expected to join his teammates in camp ahead the forthcoming Afro-basketball championships scheduled for August 20-31 in the Ivorian capital Abidjan.
    According to the head coach Moise Mutokambali, the point guard will be a good addition to the team which is preparing for its fourth appearance in the continental showpiece.
    The 29-year-old made his debut for Rwanda during the 2009 FIBA Africa Championships in Libya where he shone with 31 points against Morocco helping Rwanda to the ninth position, the country's best performance ever in the continental championships.
    Meanwhile, Mutokambali confirmed that Zone V champions Egypt agreed to play a warm-up game against Rwanda in Abidjan before the main event starts.
    "We have secured a friendly game against Egypt before the start of the tournament but the date has yet to be confirmed," the former Rwandan international told Times Sport.
    He said the national team will depart for Abidjan on August 16. Rwanda is drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Morocco and debutants Burkina Faso.
    The team starts its bid against Burkina Faso on August 21, then Morocco on August 23, and Tunisia on August 25.
    Meanwhile, after losing in the final of Zone V Championships against Burundian side Urunani on Saturday in Bujumbura, Espoir players joined the national team camp on Monday.

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