KBA League tips off this weekend
The Khomas Basketball League (KBA) tips off its 2026 season this Saturday and Sunday at the University of Namibia (Unam) Gym Hall.
The league previously featured four divisions: the premier league, women’s premier league, first division and second division.
However, organisers have confirmed that the second division has been merged with the first division for the new season in a bid to improve competitiveness.
Last season, Quality Basketball Club (QBC) won its first KBA premier league championship after edging Unam Wolves in the playoffs last October.
Formed in 2022, QBC won its first title in Division One a year later and became the first non-Unam side since 2018, when Lions won the championship, to claim the premier league crown.
Runners-up
Second place went to Wolves, while former champions Unam Rebels settled for third after missing the playoff finals berth at the hands of Wolves last September, and with it their hopes of completing a three-peat.
The premier league section will feature last season’s first division champions Unam Penguins and runners-up Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) Gladiators, who have both been promoted to the top tier.
Penguins and Gladiators will join Afro Stars and Basketball Artists School (BAS) Vikings in the top flight.
Women’s premier league
The women’s premier league has been largely dominated by Unam Phoenix over the past four years, with the side winning back-to-back championships since 2022.
Second place last season went to Ongos Shooting Stars, while BAS Falcons finished third. The other teams completing this season’s field are Nust Dodgers and Unam Ignites.
First division
Before the first and second divisions were merged, Team Allies won the second division title, with Leopards finishing second and Osona Braves placing third.
Allies, Leopards and Braves will now compete in the first division alongside debutants Nust Reapers and Unam Wolves’ second team.
The other teams completing the field are Unam Cadets, Plaza Warriors, QBC’s second team, Afro Stars’ second team, Unam Knights and Unam Pacers.
Ready for tip-off
Organisers have assured that the new season will raise the level of competitiveness, adding that everything has been put in place ahead of the tip-off.
Speaking to Sport Wrap about the league’s readiness yesterday, KBA president Mike Mukumbutaa said officials are ready for the new campaign.
“We had two clinics in February to get league officials up to speed and improve the standard of officiating for the new season [in line with the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) rules and regulations].
“This is probably the latest we have ever started the KBA League in history. We want to make this season bigger and better,” he said.
League growth
Mukumbutaa further noted that the league has grown from strength to strength since he took over the helm of Khomas basketball in February last year from Carlos Manuel.
“Last season we recorded the highest number of team entries, with [almost 30 teams] joining the league across its divisions,” he said.
He called on more teams to join the league, particularly women’s teams, and urged participants to raise their level this season as they compete for top honours.
“We’re aiming to have at least 10 teams in the top flight, and they should be teams that are serious and capable of causing upsets and making the games worth watching,” he said.
“Fans can expect fireworks this season. They should come out in numbers and make basketball fun as they witness teams battle for top spots.”
Newly appointed KBA marketer Kevin “Kenzy” Nkinda also called on brands and corporates interested in partnering with or sponsoring the league to come on board.
“Our doors are open, and we’re ready to accommodate sponsors and brands looking to collaborate,” he said.
Saturday’s opening fixtures are as follows:
Nust Reapers vs Unam Pacers at 10:00 (D1),
Nust Dodgers vs Unam Phoenix at 12:00 (WPL),
Unam Knights vs Unam Wolves 2 at 14:00 (D1),
Plaza Warriors vs Team Allies at 16:00 (D1),
Afro Stars vs QBC at 18:00 (PL).
Sunday’s clashes:
QBC II vs Unam Cadets at 10:00 (D1),
Unam Ignites vs Ongos Shooting Stars at 12:00 (WPL),
Nust Gladiators vs Unam Rebels at 14:00 (PL),
Unam Penguins vs Unam Wolves at 16:00 (PL).
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