Champs JKT, ‘City Bulls’ face off in RBA League opener

Dar es Salaam. After days of preparations, the stage is now set for the 2019 RBA League, which gets underway today at the National Indoor Stadium.

Defending champions JKT launch their title defence campaign against Vijana or ‘City Bulls’, as they are popularly known.

Baraka Sadick, Jackson Brown, Mussa Chacha and Dotto Zephanie are among players JKT bank on for points in what promises to be a mouth-watering affair.

However, Vijana, one of the regular campaigners in the RBA League, remain to be the team to beat considering the quality of their players.

Vijana’s Mwalimu Heri, Antony Jeikanga and Stephen Mshana are among players JKT must mark tightly if they are to avoid defeat.

In the women’s category, DB Lionesses take on Ukonga Queens at the same venue. The league has been organised by Basketball Dar es Salaam (BD).

BD technical and competition director, Gozbert Boniface, said yesterday that preparations for the league had been completed.

He named teams that will compete in the men’s category as Savio, ABC, Ukonga Kings, Oilers, Chui, Jogoo, Prisons, DB Young Stars, Mgulani JKT and Segerea.

Also on the list are Vijana, JKT, Mabibo Bullets, Kurasini Heat, Magnet and Pazi.

The women’s category has brought together Don Bosco Lionesses, JKT Stars, Jeshi Stars, Vijana Queens, Ukonga Queens, Oilers Princess, Tanzania Prisons and JKT Stars. JKT head coach Frank Simkoko predicted a tough game against ‘City Bulls’.

“They (Vijana) boast talented and vastly experienced players. Their experience, though, won’t frustrate our quest for a win,” he said.