After more than a year of inactivity, the local basketball league in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, officially resumed play on Saturday, March 21st at the ISC Stadium. The return was anticipated, but the opening day was marked by a somewhat subdued start, largely due to rainfall impacting both the quality of play and spectator turnout.
Official Opening Marked by Restraint
The league’s relaunch was overseen by Charles Lukongo, President of the North Kivu Basketball League. Despite the calm atmosphere, the event allowed teams to resume competition.
BBA Secures Victory Over Shem in Men’s Division One
In the headline matchup of the men’s first division, Baraka Basketball Academy (BBA) defeated ASB Shem with a final score of 47-33. The game began competitively, with Shem holding a slight advantage in the first quarter (11-10). However, BBA, demonstrating greater consistency, took control as the game progressed.
BBA dominated the second quarter (10-7), entering halftime with a 23-18 lead. They continued to apply pressure in the third quarter (10-5), before managing their advantage in a more contested final quarter (14-10). Despite the efforts of Shem’s coach, Jah Assani, known as Marimar, they were unable to turn the tide. BBA, coached by Roland, secured a successful start, though the overall spectacle remained moderate.
PJB Élite Dominates HAD in Women’s Competition
The women’s competition saw a decisive victory for PJB Élite over HAD, with a commanding score of 54-16. Edith Kavira and her teammates controlled the game from start to finish. HAD, comprised largely of players new to the local league, understandably struggled against the more experienced PJB Élite.
Black Panthère Starts Strong in Division Two
In the opening game of the day, in the men’s second division, Black Panthère defeated Magic 51-28, signaling their ambitions in this category.
Optimism Despite Challenges
Despite the somewhat muted start, Serge Salumu, President of EUBAGO, expressed satisfaction with the successful commencement of the first day of competition. Acknowledging the organizational and contextual challenges, he remains optimistic about the league’s future, stating, “the best is yet to come.”
Upcoming Schedule: Sunday, March 22nd
The championship continues on Sunday, March 22nd, at the ISC Stadium, with the following matches scheduled:
- 1:00 PM: Maturity vs. Magic (D2)
- 2:30 PM: Yaba vs. Black Panthère (Women’s)
- 4:00 PM: PJB Élite vs. Don Bosco (D1)
Although the start was understated, the local basketball championship in Goma is now underway, with hopes that the intensity and enthusiasm will grow with each passing game day. The return of organized basketball is a positive sign for the sporting community in Goma, a city located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and situated near the active volcano Mount Nyiragongo. Goma, with a 2024 population of approximately 782,000, is the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province.
The league’s resumption comes at a time when sports are increasingly recognized for their role in community building and providing opportunities for youth development in the region. The EUBAGO’s commitment to overcoming logistical hurdles and fostering a positive environment for competition is crucial for the long-term success of the league.
For those following the league, the upcoming matches on Sunday offer a chance to see the developing talent and competitive spirit firsthand. The games between Maturity and Magic, Yaba and Black Panthère, and PJB Élite and Don Bosco are expected to provide further insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the teams as they vie for championship contention.
The league’s ability to maintain momentum and attract consistent participation will be key to its sustainability. The challenges posed by weather conditions and logistical constraints are not unique to Goma, but addressing them effectively will be essential for ensuring a thriving basketball community in the region.
Fans can look forward to further updates and coverage of the Goma basketball league throughout the season. The league’s official channels will provide schedules, results, and news on player performances and team standings. The return of basketball to Goma represents a renewed sense of hope and opportunity for athletes and fans alike.
Michael LURHUMA
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