Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 5 News: Embark on a basketball journey across East Africa from Kenya's 3x3 women’s team news, huge signing from Rwanda to Egypt, Africa Games Round-Up and much more
Last Updated on
April 4, 2024
Kendi Mwiti
Staff Writer
Kenya’s 3x3 women’s team, aiming for a spot at the Paris Olympics, recently completed a vital leg of their preparation in France. As African champions, they participated in the Pro League 3x3 Hoops Factory Edition, Stop 3 in Toulouse, during their week-long stay.
Under the leadership of captain Natalie Akinyi, the squad, including Madina Okot, Hilda Indasi, Joy Mupalia, and reserve player Valarie Kemunto, competed in four matches. They secured two victories, securing a commendable fourth place among nine competing teams. This rigorous training stint is crucial to their readiness for the upcoming UOQ2 (FIBA 3x3 Universality-driven Olympic Qualifying Tournament), which is scheduled for Japan in May 2024.
In the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league, Nairobi City Thunder, the frontrunners for the title, maintain their undefeated streak as the regular season approaches its climax.
However, defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) faced unexpected setbacks, suffering consecutive losses against the USIU Tigers and Ulinzi Warriors. Such defeats are unusual for the Cliff Owuor-led team, particularly on their home court in Makande, Mombasa.
In the women’s league, KPA Ladies and Zetech Sparks continue to assert their dominance, remaining unbeaten and showcasing their superiority throughout the regular season. Their consistent performance is a testament to their strength and makes them formidable opponents for any team.
The Ugandan 3X3 U23 Silverbacks secured the bronze medal at The 13th African Games in Ghana. Despite a valiant effort, the host nation fell short against Algeria in the gold medal match, with the North Africans claiming victory with a score of 16-11.
Algeria had previously defeated Uganda 21-14 in the semi-finals. In the battle for third place, Uganda bounced back with a 17-11 win over Botswana, showcasing their resilience and determination on the court.
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has entered into a lucrative three-year partnership with betPawa, a prominent betting company in Uganda. Valued at Shs2.6 billion (over USD 600,000), this agreement will significantly benefit the senior men's team, known as the Silverbacks, and the women's team, the Gazelles.
During a press conference held at the Fairway Hotel, it was disclosed that the funding would cover various future team expenses, including training, travel, tournament accommodations, medical insurance, and supplements. This significant investment underscores betPawa's commitment to supporting the growth and development of basketball in Uganda.
According to Times Sport, African-American point guard Michael Dixon has left the APR basketball club and will join Egyptian team Al Ittihad Alexandria. The transfer was finalised earlier this week during friendly matches between the Egyptian club and the army side in Rwanda. Dixon, 33, had joined APR in October 2023, shortly after competing for rivals Patriots in the playoffs of the Rwanda Basketball League 2023 season.
South Sudan's Bright Stars are set to take on some of the world's top teams at the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. They have been placed in Pool C alongside defending champions USA, Serbia, and the winner of the OQT in Puerto Rico. The top two teams from each group and the best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage.
Eight teams have secured their spots in the Olympic Games group stage so far. They will be joined by the four winners of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT) held in Riga, Latvia; Valencia, Spain; Piraeus, Greece; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 2nd to 7th July.
