National women basketball tourney starts today

The national women basketball championship is expected to start at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam today.

The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has organized the tournament in a bid to uplift the standard of the game among women in the country.

The federation’s women development commission official, Angela Bondo, said the event will take place for four days under the sponsorship of CRDB Bank.

Bondo said the tournament, which is also held as part of activities to mark the World Women’s Day, was previously expected to take place on March 8 but lack of financial support forced the event’s re-scheduling.

Participating teams in the tournament are JKT Stars, Jeshi Stars, Don Bosco Lionesses, Magereza, Ukonga Queens and Lord Baden. 

She said the tournament also gears towards attracting more women in the country to the sport.

 JKT Stars’ coach, Alfred Ngalaliji, congratulated the TBF women development commission for organizing the tournament.

Ngalaliji admitted that the tournament will be tough as participating outfits’ level of competence is generally comparable.

 JKT Stars’ experienced player, Doritha Mbunda, said the tournament will help her side prepare for this year’s National Basketball League (NBL).