NAIROBI (Kenya) - Six teams will battle it out in the inaugural East Africa Basketball Championship Cup (EABCC) Zone 5 event that tipped off in Nairobi Tuesday.
According to then draw released by FIBA Commissioner, Ahmed Falaky after a technical meeting, the regional show will be played at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
Two teams each from Burundi, Tanzania and host Kenya are represented in the six day championship that is expected to give insatiable home fans another bite.
The event is coming less than 10 days after Kenya successful Basketball Africa League (BAL) West Division Qualifiers.
Burundi will be represented by Les Hippo and Remesha, the teams arrived in the Kenyan Capital City and are all set to showcase their talents.
Army Basketball Club (ABC) and Dar City will represent Tanzania. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Bank Dumas will carry the host flag.
Of the lot former Kenya national league champions KPA have the head start. The Dockers have been to many top shows not only in the region, but the continent at large.
The opening three matches of the day will see ABC tackle Remesha who are being handled by the much travelled Kenya born Oyugi Robert Mugabe.
"This is the team's first outing. We have had a three week training and are set for the event." Offered Mugabe who also handled Dynamo in the BAL last year.
Lucy Augustino Ngodamwilanga, the ABC assistant coach told FIBA.basketball in an interview before tip off that the team is rearing to go.
"Before we came to Nairobi on Monday, we participated in a tournament at home and the boys are prepared well. .
The last match of the day will see another Tanzania side Dar City step onto the court against Equity Bank Dumas.
Former Kenya national champions KPA now handled by Kenya Morans hard tactician Cliff Owuor
will then lock horns with Hippos in the closing fixture of the evening.
A total of 15 matches will be on the card with Equity Bank Dumas facing off against ABC and KPA entertain Remesha.
The matches will be played in a round robin format with the team sitting at the summit at the end of the show declared the winner.
FIBA