
BAFANG - The Cameroonian Basketball Federation (FECABASKET) has officially launched the 2015-16 national leagues (Men and Women) over the weekend in Bafang, in the western region of the country.
Eight women clubs, including BEAC of Yaoundé, Ecole de Basketball of Douala, Flux Academy, the defending champions Forces Armées de Police (FAP), INJS de Yaoundé, Haut Nkam, Onyx and Volcanic Warriors of Buea, will do battle for the national silverware.
The competition will be played in three different cities, and each club will play home and away games in three rounds.
The top four teams will then advance to the Final-Four, scheduled to take place in May in Yaounde.
FAP of Yaounde opened their campaign with a 37-32 win over Onyx, but retaining their title could not be easy as they will face tough opponents such as INJS of Yaounde, who have on their roster national team key players Sandrine Ayangma and Siloise Gano who helped Cameroon to a runners-up finish at AfroBasket Women 2015.
On the other hand, INJS enter the 10-team men championship as defending champions.
The tournament will be played in home and away format - in a single group - and the highest ranked team will be crowned champion.
Condor of Yaounde who clinched the national title two years ago are making their come-back following two years suspension by FECABASKET.
Jean Denis Mbel, the team’s head coach, has rebuilt his group and is eager to fight for the crown.
We have a 3-year plan with a team made up of players of our youth teams and our aim is to reclaim the title ''.- Mbel.
Camille Ekitti, the Secretary General of the FECABASKET said to FIBA.com: "Even though the women's national team will take part in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament from 13-19 June in the French city of Nantes, we will urge our clubs to feature at the continental tournaments scheduled for the end of the year depending on the support that will be provided by the Ministry of Sports."
List of teams for men’s championship:Nzui-Manto of Bangangté, All Star de Bamenda, BEAC, Volcanic Warriors de Buea, Ecole de basketball of Douala, No Name of Douala, Université of Douala, INJS, FAP and Condor de Yaoundé.