Tanzania to host Zone Five championships
Tanzania youth basketall players pose for a group photo during the Giants of Africa clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. PHOTO| COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The championships will feature 29 teams, according to Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) president Phares Magesa. Tanzania will be represented by JKT and Oilers in the men’s category while Jeshi Stars and JKT Stars will represent women. Earlier, Don Bosco Lioness was scheduled to participate in the women’s, but decided to pull out.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will host International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Zone Five club championships scheduled to be held in the country from September 30 to October 7 in the city.
The championships will feature 29 teams, according to Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) president Phares Magesa. Tanzania will be represented by JKT and Oilers in the men’s category while Jeshi Stars and JKT Stars will represent women. Earlier, Don Bosco Lioness was scheduled to participate in the women’s, but decided to pull out.
The four clubs will compete against teams from Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Eritrea. Also in the list are Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan.
Initially each country was required to send two teams (women and men), but some opted to send one team. The deadline of the confirmation is August 30.
Magesa said the tournament will be held at the National Indoor Stadium. He said the venue was expected to be renovated in order to improve its standards.
“The government promised that it will improve the venue...we hope it will attain the highest standard before the tournament kicks-off,” said Magesa.
He said the event will be run parallel to the U-23 tournament featuring 16 clubs from various countries that form Zone Five. The U-23 teams will compete in the 3x3 contests.
Magesa said they were now looking for sponsors ahead of the tournament which is expected to be thrilling.
“It is an opportunity for Tanzanian basketball players to showcase their talents in the championships; we urge team coaches to start their preparations ahead of the competition. We would like to see the teams winning titles,” he said.
Meanwhile; thirteen young basketball players are now undergoing a special clinic known as Giants of Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
The young basketballers are Atiki Ally, Omar Maalim Omari, Guraish Maganga, Hossam Rashid, Josephat Sanka, Noela Uwandameno, Jesca Ngisaise, Judith Pantaleo, Anna Saileou, Catherine Loishiye, Mary Robert, Husna Mohamed and Neema Jonas.
The players are under coach, Bahati Mgunda. The basketball clinic will be under President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Raptors of Canada, Maasai Ujiri, Raptors features in United States famous bakstball league, NBA. TBF President, Magesa said they are planning to host the camp next year.
