AN extra month's preparation should make teams participating in the National Basketball Club Championship more competitive, says Fiji Basketball Federation (FBF) development officer Laisiasa Puamau.

The inaugural club championship, which should have been played in mid-December at Lautoka's multi-purpose court, was postponed because of the adverse weather conditions.The tournament will now be held in Suva from January 16-17.

"We are holding the competition under roof now in Suva because of the unpredictable weather pattern," Puamau said.

The former national rep said participating teams are eager to compete in the two-day event."We are anticipating a tough competition. The clubs participating have a lot of young players with lot of energy and with the school holidays on, these players must be training hard for the tournament."

Puamau said this club championship is the build-up for the major tournament on the FBF calendar -- the Easter Championship.

"We will be having four overseas clubs taking part in April so this championship will serve an important build-up for our local clubs in

preparing for the Easter tournament."

Puamau said hunt for major sponsor is still in progress with Twisties and Crest Chicken on board as minor sponsors.

Twenty teams will take part in this tournament -- 13 men's and seven women's teams.

The top teams in the men's division are Idaman spearheaded by national rep Koli Matalau, 2009 Easter tournament runner-up Lautoka Vikings and Raiwaqa champions Bryceland, which has the services of 2004 national Under-20 rep and captain Serf Peterson.

In the women's division tournament favourites Golden Bati, led by national U20 captain Britney Hazelman, will face stiff competition from current Suva rivals Chosen led by national rep Grace Taito. The current national women's rep-laced Wed C side and Lautoka giants Vikings will certainly provide the young Golden Bati and Chosen a tough challenge on court.

The Fiji Times Online

Tuesday 29th December, 2009