DB Lioness, Fox Divaz meet in NBL Championship
What you need to know:
- The final, scheduled to start at 8pm, is expected to be fiercely contested by players from both teams vying for the championship title left vacant after defending champions Vijana Queens of Dar es Salaam were eliminated in the semifinals.
Dar es Salaam. The women's final of the betPawa National Basketball League (NBL) is taking place today, November 20, 2024 between DB Lioness and Fox Divaz on the Chinangali Court in Dodoma.
The final, scheduled to start at 6pm, is expected to be fiercely contested by players from both teams vying for the championship title left vacant after defending champions Vijana Queens of Dar es Salaam were eliminated in the semifinals.
Fox Divaz advanced to the final after defeating JKT Stars 75–62, while DB Lioness secured their spot by edging out Vijana Queens 48–44. Fox Divaz are entering their second consecutive final in the betPawa-sponsored league, which started on November 10 and concludes today.
Meanwhile, DB Lioness are equally hungry for the title, having defeated defending champions Vijana Queens in a clean 2-0 sweep.
Before the final, two matches are set to take place. The first game, a third-place playoff between Viipers Queens and Orkeeswa, will kick off at 4pm at the Chinangali Court A.
This will be followed by a classification match between Viipers Queens and Orkeeswa at the Chinangali Court B. Winners in both men’s and women’s categories will be awarded Sh2.8 million, while the runners-up will receive Sh2.4 million.
These funds have been provided by the main sponsors, betPawa, who have allocated over Sh144 million to cover various expenses and prizes.
Third-placed finishers in the women’s and men’s categories will receive Sh700,000, while the Most Valuable Players (MVP) in both categories will each take home Sh700,000.
Additionally, awards will be presented to top scorers, best defenders, and “best rookies” in both categories, with each winner receiving Sh420,000.
A sportsmanship award for both men and women will also be presented, worth Sh280,000 each. The Secretary-General of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), Mwenze Kabinda, expressed anticipation for intense competition in the final matches, noting that all teams are composed of star players.
“Each winning team receives a cash prize of Sh140,000 per player (12 players) and four team officials through the Locker Room Bonus, provided by our main sponsors, betPawa.
So far, all players from winning teams have benefited from these rewards,” Kabinda said.
Meanwhile, UDSM-Outsiders secured third place in the men’s category after defeating Kisasa Heroes 51–45 on Monday evening, earning Sh700,000.
