Shot in the arm for Lioness, Savio ahead of Zone V meet

Dar es Salaam. Over Sh30 million was collected in a fundraising gala at Don Bosco Centre to enable Savio and DB Lioness participate in the Zone 5 Basketball Championship, which starts in Kigali Rwanda tomorrow.

Prime Minister’s wife Tunu Pinda graced the colourful event that also brought together various officials and former players.

“I am delighted to be part of the team that contributed to the success of the event, which now assures our teams’ participation in this year’s Zone Five tournament. I thank everybody who contributed to make this gala a success, “said Ms Pinda.

Savio head coach Mohamed Yusuf also thanked the participants for their donations that both Savio and Don Bosco Lioness needed for their trip to Kigali.

Both teams, according to Yusuf leave for Kigali today and players of both teams were in high spirits ahead of the eight-day tournament.

The coach named the Savio players as Romanus Anania, George Tarimo, Brian Mramba, Amin Mkosa, Mahfudh Simba, Junior Kabeya, Charles Victor, Peter Mgaza, Ally Mnyamani, Evans Kamola, and Amin Kabo.

The DB Lioness squad includes Amina Ahmed, Rehema Silombi, Olyne Londo, Zakia Kondo, Zakia Mlekwa, Maria Mabera, Alice Michael, Justine Bablia, Fatuma Yasoda, Bainas Wamunza and Lissa Christopher.

Tarimo, the team’s veteran player, said he would use the training he had in one of the Asian giants to inspire his team to glory.

“I was in India studying, I hope to use what I gained in the college to help young players perform well,” he said.

In 2006, FIBA Africa decided to join forces with the administration of East, Central and Southern Africa to bring all activities under the FIBA Africa Zone Five to further spread the game and enhance the level of competitiveness.

The Zone Five Championship is contested by winners and first runners-up from basketball leagues of member states namely; Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan.