Leemisa Thuseho

THE National Basketball League (NBL) will finally resume action on 28 November 2020, the Lesotho Basketball Association (LBA) has said.

This comes after the league was suspended in March this year on the back of the Covid-19 outbreak.

When the games were suspended in March, the league was in its second round but with about 60 games remaining.

The LBA has now resolved to immediately go onto play-offs basing on the current log standings for both the women’s and men’s competitions.

The decision means Shooting Rifles and Bokamoso North Ladies being declared the champions of the 2019/regular season in the men’s and females’ categories respectively.

The play-offs will determine the league’s overall winners.

“The league has at least 60 games excluding the play-offs…these may continue until March 2021 if we are to play them all,” a statement from LBA reads.

“School schedules have also changed with learners expected in school on Saturdays and this could prolong the league even further as we have to take into congnisance the unusual school calendar.”

The playoffs are expected to take a shorter period to allow teams to prepare for the 2020/21 season.

LBA also said players and officials must be screened for Covid-19 at most 14 days prior to the resumption of the league while regular screenings will be conducted.

All teams must have infrared thermometers, sanitisers, warm up ball(s), water bottles and face masks while the NBL management committee will ensure that every game is attended by 100 people or less.

Meanwhile the LBA is considering continuing with its annual Summer Slam Charity tournament. The proposed dates are 11 to 13 December 2020.