QBC rise above Wolves for KBA championship

Quality Basketball Club (QBC) were crowned 2025 Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) Premier League champions after a statement 105-96 victory over the University of Namibia (Unam) Wolves at the Unam Gym Hall on Friday.QBC enjoyed a strong season, having overcome regular-season leaders Afro Stars in a rematch that echoed last year’s third-place playoff. This time it was in the semi-final playoffs to advance to the best-of-seven championship series against last season’s finalists, Unam Wolves.Despite a slow start, losing the first two games to the league favourites (102-94 and 86-83), the underdogs turned their fortunes around in game three with a comfortable 96-77 victory. One could argue the pep talk QBC coach Anthony Williams Auchab gave his team after that narrow loss made all the difference.Back-to-back wins to the titleQBC found their rhythm, cruising to four straight wins: 88-80, 90-85 and 105-96 to claim their first championship.Coach Auchab seemed to have found his winning formula heading into game six, as QBC led almost the entire game (39:01), with his starters accounting for all 105 points compared to the Wolves’ bench contribution (32-0).QBC’s Heliome Bakayawa (#12) was the glue player, contributing 16 points and 10 rebounds, with balanced play that stretched the Wolves’ defence and kept QBC’s spacing solid in a full 40-minute outing.The champions relied heavily on Vilho Haipa (#5), who led all scorers with 35 points, shooting 51.9% overall and a near-perfect 85.7% from the free-throw line.QBC’s most efficient scorer was Matheus Shikoyeni (#3), who shot 75% from the field and 83% inside the arc, adding nine rebounds and six assists.Wolves’ fighting spiritThe heartbeat of the Wolves’ offence was Sinalo Banda (#13), who recorded a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds, fighting hard to keep his team within reach with 75% shooting from the free-throw line.John “The Baptist” Tjirimuje (#16) carried heavy minutes (38) and was the team’s second scoring option with 20 points, keeping the Wolves competitive in stretches.Mervin Mutakalilumo (#12) was also strong on the glass, contributing a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds on 66.7% shooting to give the Wolves second-chance opportunities, but it was not enough to counter QBC’s inside power.‘It’s all thanks to God’Reflecting on the victory, QBC coach Auchab, who has been deliberate about winning this season’s championship, could not hide his elation.“I told you I will only give you an interview when we win the championship. [This is your moment]. This win is all thanks to God. When I was approached to coach this team, I said I am coming with Him,” he said.Auchab ascribed the win to faith, calling it a reward from God for his faithfulness. He further praised his players for their persistence through all obstacles.“I could not have asked for better players and better supporters. Thank you to Manuel Solunga and his father, the owners of the team, for entrusting me with this role,” remarked Auchab.QBC was formed in 2022 and won its first Division One title in 2023 to earn promotion to the premier league.‘A collective effort’QBC captain Samuel “King of Plaza” Waendama welcomed the title, recounting his KBA journey, which started in his final high school year in 2017 with Technical Basketball Academy (TBA).He lifted his first trophy when TBA won the KBA First Division in 2019, but the team was only promoted to the Premier League the following year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stayed with TBA until 2022 before joining Titans in 2023 and finally QBC last year.He described QBC’s championship as a collective effort from the coaches to the players.“Everyone was in it to win it. Despite losing two of our key players, we gained four more to our roster before getting [the ‘twin towers’, Angolan nationals Heliome Bakayawa and Abel Sessa], who came at a crucial time to make up for injuries that could have cost us the championship,” said Waendama.The men’s premier league has thus concluded with QBC recording their first championship, ahead of Unam Wolves in second place and Unam Rebels in third.Other divisions’ finalistsThe women’s premier league championship was won by Unam Phoenix, which came full circle to secure its fourth consecutive title. Second place went to Ongos Shooting Stars, with Basketball Artists School (BAS) Falcons finishing third.In the First Division, Unam Penguins clinched the overall title over Nust Gladiators. League officials have confirmed that both teams will be promoted to the premier league next season, with Unam Cadets placing third.In the Second Division, Team Allies stormed to victory over Leopards to secure the title, while Osona Braves took third place. League officials confirmed that the association is actively seeking sponsors for the coming season.– mariud@nsh.com.na

QBC rise above Wolves for KBA championship

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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QBC rise above Wolves for KBA championship

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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