Dar City outshine ABC to win National Basketball League title
Dar City and ABC players fight for the ball during game two of the betPawa National Basketball League (NBL) on the Chinangali court in Dodoma on Wednesday. Dar City recorded 78-46 to win the title for the first time in history. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Dar City recorded a commanding 78-46 victory to complete a straight 2-0 series win over Army Basketball Club (ABC) in a thrilling final encounter held on the Chinangali Court in Dodoma.
Dar es Salaam. One of the country’s most prominent clubs, Dar City, has been crowned this year’s betPawa National Basketball League (NBL) champions.
Dar City recorded a commanding 78-46 victory to complete a straight 2-0 series win over Army Basketball Club (ABC) in a thrilling final encounter held on the Chinangali Court in Dodoma.
In Game 1, played last weekend, Dar City dominated ABC with a 97-48 win in a one-sided affair at the same venue.
The victory marks a historic moment for Dar City, as they have claimed the title previously held by JKT, who failed to progress past the quarterfinals after being eliminated by Kisasa Heroes of Dodoma.
Dar City’s triumph also secured their qualification to represent Tanzania in the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL), the continent's elite men’s basketball club competition, next year.
The team’s success this season was evident from the start of the league on November 10, as they went unbeaten from the group stage in the tournament organized by the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) with betPawa as the main sponsor.
The NBL tournament featured over ten men’s teams from various regions, divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Eight teams advanced to the quarterfinals, leading to the playoffs and ultimately the final showdown.
Dar City will receive Sh2.8 million for winning the title, while runners-up ABC will take home Sh1.4 million, courtesy of league sponsor betPawa.
Additionally, the tournament introduced a Locker Room Bonus of Sh140,000 per game, awarded to teams as an incentive. Dar City players expressed their excitement after receiving the bonus, saying it boosted their morale throughout the competition.
"We are thrilled with this recognition. The bonus motivated us to give our all in every match," said one player.
UDSM-Outsiders, also from Dar es Salaam, secured third place after defeating Kisasa Heroes 51-45 on Monday evening, earning Sh700,000.
Dar City’s journey to the top was marked by their determination and teamwork, showcasing their potential to compete at the continental level. Their upcoming participation in the BAL represents a significant milestone for Tanzanian basketball.
