KBA league off to a flying start 

The first-ever //Kharas Basketball Association (KBA) league matches played at the Diaz Primary School court in Lüderitz on Saturday did not disappoint. 

The four adrenaline-filled matches played produced loads of action. Space Jams defeated NHE Hoops 9-4 in the opening game of the season, Lüderitz Windbreakers defeated Golden Wind 14-12, Bobaai defeated Blacktops Ballers 19-9 and Wild Horses overcame NHE Hoops with 12-6 in the final match of the day.  

The next round of matches is scheduled for 8 May. The league will strictly follow the official FIBA 3x3 Basketball Rules, ensuring international standards of officiating, gameplay, and competition structure are maintained throughout the season. “The league fixtures have been structured into a comprehensive season format where each team will compete against all other participating teams four times to ensure a fair and competitive ranking system throughout the season. The full fixture schedule has been developed and will be shared with all stakeholders and participating teams for implementation,” explained Akinbiyi Odunlade, the Secretary General of KBA. 

Justice Shikolalye, the president of KBA, added, "We are the official regional basketball body for the //Kharas Region affiliated with the Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF). "This is a first of its kind for the region, and it is a three-on-three league. We know basketball comprises five-on-five teams, but because of the start and also to promote the game and invite more players, we opted to start with the three-on-three format.” 

Shikolalye said the KBA was looking forward to having more teams registered and competing in the league. “We had a very successful day and would like to continue on that trend. All teams performed very well. So far we have six teams from Lüderitz registered, and we are inviting more. We are also expecting teams from Keetmanshoop, Oranjemund and Rosh Pinah to join,” he said. 

Shikolalye invited businesses to come in and support KBA. “We have a lot of potential. We need equipment and funds to develop more players and also to upgrade our league. There are not many activities for the youth in Lüderitz and the south. This is one of the initiatives which we encourage all young ones to pursue. Instead of doing other things, you have a sport code that not only benefits you physically and health-wise but also cultivates discipline,” he said.