Northeast host successful FIBA 3×3 basketball tour
Botswana Basketball Association hosted an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 tour in Francistown over the weekend.
The tournament, held at Botho University College courts, attracted 15 men’s and four ladies’ teams.
This was the first basketball action since sporting activities were halted due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in March.
FIBA General Coordinator-North-east, Tiro Serumola told Voice Sport that despite over nine months without action, most teams gave a decent account of themselves.
“It was a good tournament with an impressive turn-up from northeast teams,” reflected Serumola.
The tour continues this weekend in Gaborone, Palapye, Maun, and Lobatse with the winners set to meet in the grand final on 5th December in the capital city.
In the Francistown leg, the impressive Team BW triumphed in the men’s competition, followed by Heat City and BAC respectively.
On the female’s side, Netty Shots booked themselves a place in the finals, while Phoenix JMS and Lebrontage finished second and third respectively.
Serumola revealed that Team BW is made up of national team players, whose quality showed against their opponents.
“The plan is to keep them together and give them as much game time as we possibly can to keep them fit. It was exciting for basketball fans to watch national team players in action, and I also believe their presence motivated the other teams,” said Serumola, who doubles as the national team coach.
“The 3X3 is all about collecting points which will be used by FIBA to rate clubs and individual players, so it’s important to remain active to improve your rating,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator called on sports lovers and business owners in and around Ghetto to find a role they can play in the advancement of basketball in the region.
“We need all the help we can get, especially as we’ll be leaving for the finals in Gaborone,” said Sermola, who singled out Flames Basketball Club President, Chenamane Nkobodo, as one individual whose love for basketball is unmatched in the region.
According to the coach-cum-coordinator, Nkobodo extends his assistance beyond his club and always does whatever is possible to ensure the sport does not die.
“As the Coordinator, I’d like to thank him from the bottom of my heart. He does so much for basketball, and sadly some of these gestures go unnoticed. He has been sponsoring basketball with his own resources for some time and is dedicated to development and growth of the sport,” praised Serumola.
