KBA League tips off new season

The Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) League returned for a new season last weekend at Unam Gym Hall, featuring 14 matchups across the men’s and women’s premier league, first division, second division and All-Stars competitions.



Super Friday showdowns

Friday’s much-anticipated match-up, called ‘Super Friday’ by enthusiasts, saw a premier league renewed rivalry between Afro Stars and Quality Basketball Club (QBC). The two teams faced off for third place last season, with QBC taking the win. However, fate was not on QBC’s side in the season opener, as it narrowly lost 67-71 to Afro Stars.

The rest of Friday’s action saw women’s premier league play between Unam Wildcats and Legends, with the latter taking the 49-30 win. Meanwhile, the second division side Unam Penguins beat Unam Raiders 63-50.



Saturday matchups

Saturday’s action saw Unam Vipers defeat Unam Pacers 61-55, while Unam Knights won by forfeit 20-0 against Atlantic Thunder. Meanwhile, Osona Braves secured a 61-48 victory over Leopards Basketball Club in the Second Division clashes.

The audience was also treated to All-Stars competitions, as the league’s top talents showcased their skills in a three-point contest, dunk contest and skills challenge.

The first All-Stars game saw Team Parker claim a 71-57 victory over Team Shox in the women’s game, followed by KBA Select Wheelchair Basketball Kings defeating Wheel Ability Basketball Club 15-8. The final matchup saw Team World (expatriates) take down Team Namibia 98-81.



Sunday clashes

Sunday’s women’s premier league action saw Unam Phoenix dominate Nust Dodgers with a convincing 115-18 victory, while Ongos Shooting Stars defeated BAS Falcons 97-38. Atlantic Storms prevailed over Legends 73-54.

The weekend wrapped up with the first division matchups, as Nust Gladiators secured a 90-78 win over Unam Cadets, followed by Afro Stars’ second team beating Plaza Warriors 66-48.

Reflecting on the KBA League opener matches, vice president Melusi Linda said the games went very well. “It was quite interesting to see how eager the teams were to get started. The competition started on a high note, with exciting games and the majority of teams participating, making it a good start,” he told Sport Wrap yesterday.



Premier league awards

The 2024 KBA Awards were also hosted last weekend to celebrate the excellence of players and officials from last season.

In the men’s premier league, the Most Improved Player award went to Sam of QBC. Unam Rebels players dominated the rest, with League MVP awarded to Peter, Defensive Player of the Year to Ellen and Finals MVP to Aki.

In the women’s premier league, Ongos’ Ajay was named Most Improved Player, while Unam Phoenix swept the remaining awards: Defensive Player of the Year (Vaanisa), League MVP (Ashley) and Finals MVP (Uememuna).



Divisions awards

In the first division, the Most Improved Player award went to Unam Cadets’ Sean, Defensive Player of the Year to Moses of Raiders, League MVP to Morris of Unam Penguins and Finals MVP to Titus of BAS Vikings.

For the second division, Team Allies’ Jimmy was named Defensive Player of the Year, with League MVP going to Timo of Lions and Finals MVP to Tatenda of Nust Dodgers.



Celebrating excellence

The vice president also highlighted the Rookie of the Year winners, with Denzel taking the honour in the first division and Zion in the second division.

“The Honourary Award went to Team Allies for their continued support of the KBA and for sponsoring the 2024 awards. The Coach of the Year award was given to Bruno of Rebels (men’s premier league), Melusi of Phoenix (women’s premier league), and Mala of BAS (first division). The Official of the Year award went to Nellie.

We also recognised the excellence of the Khomas Warriors team, who represented the region in the FNB 5-on-5 League this year, securing second place for the second year in a row. Additionally, Ashley was recognised as the Ladies’ MVP in the tournament,” he said.

- [email protected]