Dalene Kooper

Basketball enthusiasts were in for a treat last weekend as the Khomas Basketball League started off intensely on Saturday at the University of Namibia’s Gym Hall. The league is anticipated to last until November of this year, with 10 teams in the premier and first divisions.

Fans gradually filled the basketball court to cheer on their favourite teams, while the teams promised fun-filled and competitive matches ahead for the season.

Women’s Championship title holders, Unam Phoenix, got off to a great start, securing a 73-55 win against NUST Dodgers in their first match. The team was without a coach and was led by their team captain, Anna Inene.

Inene expressed disappointment in their team’s communication and fitness, calling it a bad game despite the win.

She affirmed that the team is still committed to improving as the season progresses.

“This will be the first and last of the bad games we will have this year,” Inene said.

NUST Dodgers coach Fortune Alfredo displayed great excitement at the start of the basketball league.

“We tipped off with a great game today. The expectations from the NUST community are high, and I hope to take my team to greater heights,” Alfredo said.

Alfredo stated that his team is venturing into the league with an energised spirit, a factor that he said sets them apart from the other teams. He further called on fans to come out in numbers and support the league.

The Wolves 2 basketball team combined a team of old and new players, a move their coach Mao Mpoyi said will serve new talent to learn from the old ones. He said that the league is a platform for young talent to be exposed while also gaining skills and knowledge.

“We have come together as old players and brought in youngsters to enjoy the sport while transferring knowledge to the new players, “ Mpoyi said.

Wolves 2 team captain Alan Nghixulifwa said he is looking forward to a successful basketball league.

He shared that he suffered an injury while playing in the premier league last year and has returned to the courts by joining the first and second divisions.

“I have always been a dedicated player throughout my life. My expectations are always high, and that is what the fans should expect,” Nghixulifwa said. 

– dalenemediamarketing@gmail.com