Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 4 News: The latest highlights and updates from Cameroon's National Elite Men's and Women's Championships, the Regional Basketball League and Gabon's YOUZOU Elite Basketball
Last Updated on
March 19, 2024
Elango Mbotona
Staff Writer
The Cameroon National Elite Men’s Championship witnessed intense action during the fifth and sixth game days over the weekend. Eight teams gathered in Yaoundé, and the atmosphere was fever-pitch, ready to enjoy the day’s games. Saturday and Sunday featured several thrilling games, highlighting the tournament’s competitive spirit. Below is a roundup of the two-day action.
Ecole de Basket de Douala is at the top of the men’s championship standings, having played six games with five wins and one loss against the Douala Firebirds. Followed closely is Kadji Sports Academy, with six games played, resulting in 4 victories and two defeats.
Next up is Yaounde-based outfit, Alph Basketball, who have consistently surprised opponents this season with their strong defensive play. However, FAP Basketball holds the fourth position after securing two consecutive wins despite facing a tough challenge in one game where they trailed throughout. Nevertheless, they rallied and secured the victory, solidifying their position in the standings.
Despite holding the fifth position, BEAC Basketball has yet to lose hope. While they stumbled in their last three games, they are determined to turn their season around in the second round of the championship. They started by securing flawless victories in their last two games and boast the best defence so far, conceding only 32 points in a game against the Douala Firebirds, who currently sit in the 6th position. The 7th and 8th positions are held by newcomers Falcons of Yaoundé and FCBC from Douala, respectively.
A draw will take place in Yaoundé and Douala on March 16th and 17th, 2024, marking the knockout stages of the Cameroon Cup in the women’s league (Elite Seniors Dames).
Additionally, the concluding day of the Men’s championship and the start of the second round in the Men’s Elite Championship promise to elevate Cameroon basketball to new heights.
The focus of the Elite Women’s National Championship has shifted to the capital city of Cameroon for a showdown, with the defending champions yet to taste defeat. Meanwhile, the Daniel Battistion Foundation, who clinched third place in the championship last season, are determined to again contend for the title.
Having maintained an undefeated record since the season’s start, both teams are gearing up for an intense matchup on the sixth day of the Cameroon Elite Women’s National Championship.
Christian Bayang, former Cameroon men’s basketball team captain and current Center Regional Basketball League president, organised an Under 18 basketball camp at the Palais Polyvalent des Sports on Sunday, February 18th, 2024. The camp was led by a group of coaches and Regional Technical Directors.
Christian Bayang, the regional president, shared insights with AfricaBasket during the event:
"The goal of these camps (bi-monthly) is to create emulation within the youth basketball community, identify our nuggets, group them together frequently and follow their evolution. We started with the U18s, but the project is expanding to the U12s. Regional coaches are responsible for supervising league matches with their respective teams, selecting, coaching, and following up with prospects."
"Under the supervision of the Regional Technical Directrors, they are also responsible for development programs that will be offered to the young people during the camps with the aim of improving their technical and tactical qualities."
Cameroon is making significant strides in youth basketball development. As highlighted by the regional president, this unique approach involves the close supervision of coaches and Regional Technical Directors during the camp and at their respective clubs and training centers.
Owendo 7.0 continues their winning streak, triumphing over Lycée Privé Janvier Nguema Mboumba with a score of 78-64. This victory solidifies their position as leaders in the regular season of the YOUZOU Elite Basketball Championship.
In Libreville, a coaching clinic was recently held under the guidance of Cameroonian instructor Joe Touomou. Alongside coaching sessions, anti-doping awareness, now mandatory for national and international competitions, was emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Gabonese national team, the Panthers, have resumed training as part of their preparations for the AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers. The coaching staff and players are back in action, gearing up for the upcoming fixtures.
