NBL playoffs set to electrify capital Dodoma
DODOMA: THE countdown has begun for Tanzania’s basketball showpiece, as the National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs return this month, bringing together the country’s top clubs in what promises to be an action-packed chase for the national crown.
According to Mwenza Kabinda, Deputy Secretary General of the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF), a total of 36 teams with 20 men’s and 16 women’s will battle it out in a knockout-style tournament to be staged in Dodoma from November 26 to December 6.
Kabinda highlighted the significance of the competition, describing the NBL as the pinnacle of domestic basketball and a crucial gateway to international exposure.
“The NBL is not only the highest level of basketball in Tanzania but also a vital platform for selecting teams to represent the country in major international tournaments,” Kabinda explained.
“These include the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for men, the Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) for women and the East Africa Champions Cup (EACC) for men.”
He added that Tanzania’s participation in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 region gives local players an ideal stage to showcase their skills and raise the country’s flag high on the continental stage.
Beyond the competition itself, Kabinda underscored the NBL’s role in developing basketball from the grassroots and strengthening community engagement.
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“By engaging regional teams and communities, the league inspires young people to take up the sport and pursue their dreams. This process builds a pipeline of future talent that can sustain the growth of basketball in Tanzania for years to come,” he said.
Kabinda also noted that large-scale tournaments like the NBL playoffs generate significant economic and social benefits.
“These events attract sponsors, media coverage, and fans, which boosts local businesses and creates sports-related jobs,” he said.
“They also bring communities together, fostering unity, excitement, and a strong sense of identity among basketball supporters.”
In conclusion, Kabinda emphasized that the NBL playoffs represent far more than a battle for a championship trophy.
“The NBL is a platform for talent development, international representation, community engagement, and the overall growth of basketball in Tanzania,” he stated confidently.
