FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 08/10/2024

FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 08/10/2024

Zambia

The Zambian Super League continues as the playoffs approach. With just one loss this season, Matero Magic aimed to maintain their near-perfect record in a matchup against Matero Warriors, ultimately securing an 84-61 victory. Munali Suns, also fighting to hold onto their playoff position, understood the crucial importance of defeating NAPSA Hurricanes, with little separating them from Bulldogs, Lusaka Basket Kings, and Green Buffaloes in the standings.

Only three of these four teams will join Matero Magic in the playoffs. Munali Suns secured an 85-44 victory over NAPSA Hurricanes, while Green Buffaloes triumphed 90-63 against KSM Giants, who were battling relegation. Perhaps the weekend's biggest surprise came from LCC Looters, who pushed Lusaka Basket Kings to the limit before losing 87-82 despite being in the relegation zone. The playoff picture is becoming clearer, and teams are giving their all to ensure a solid finish to the season.

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Botswana

It was a significant weekend in Botswana as the league staged the championship game in a best-of-three series, where the Northern League's champions faced the Southern League's champions. The first game was between Orapa Juggernauts and BDF V, with BDF V winning 59-50 despite playing away from home. Orapa Juggernauts made good use of their forwards, creating many second-chance opportunities. However, when BDF V's coach, Israel Mphato, made some much-needed changes, the tide began to turn.

This was crucial, as his captain had been injured early in the game. He hinted at bringing in a player for the second leg when they return to Gaborone. BDF V will be looking to close out the season in front of their home fans. Orapa, aware of the challenge ahead, will aim to level the series and force a game three, hoping to be crowned champions in front of their own supporters.

Mozambique 

The first stage of Liga Mozal in Mozambique took place in Nampula, the country's northern province. Six teams participated, with the top four qualifying for the final stage, set to take place later this year. The teams involved in this conference were CF de Maputo, CF de Nampula, A New Vision Pemba, CD da Maxaquene (the most successful club in Mozambique with 18 national titles), U Juvenile de Napipine, and Soluções Rurais Nampula.

One of the most notable games saw CD Maxaquene defeat CF de Nampula 76-65, both teams being highly regarded. Another standout match was A New Vision Pemba's narrow 75-71 victory over Maxaquene. The tournament has now concluded, and we await the next phase, where six more teams will compete to secure four additional spots for the playoffs in December. The four teams that qualified from this conference are CF de Maputo, CF de Nampula, A New Vision Pemba, and CD da Maxaquene.

South Africa

It was a weekend for the women’s semi-finals in the Basketball National League (BNL) in South Africa. A two-game series was held for the first time in a long while to determine which teams would advance to the finals. The Tshwane Suns faced the Limpopo Pride in a closely contested match. The first game ended in a draw, with both teams scoring 65 points, leaving everything to be decided in the second game. Suns captain Charity Chigumba led her team in the decisive match, recording 12 points, 17 rebounds, and five steals, helping them secure a 62-48 victory and book their spot in the finals.

The other semi-final featured the defending champions, the Mountaineers, against the Free State Warriors, who were making their first playoff appearance. The Mountaineers demonstrated their experience and pedigree by winning both games convincingly, scoring 79-43 and 66-28, respectively. This result sets the stage for a repeat of the 2023 finals. The weekend also included a curtain-raiser game between two of the top high schools in the country, St Benedict’s College and St John’s College. This match set the tone as these young, aspiring players competed on a national platform in a game broadcast internationally. St Benedict’s went on to win the thrilling contest by just two points, finishing 55-53.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of ZSL, BNL, Liga Mozal and BBF]