MONROVIA, December 12 -- The leadership of the Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF), is appealing to the National Transitional Government of Charles Gyude Bryant, and incoming President Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, to assist the national female basketball team honor the finals of the 19th ANC Women Tournament in Abuja, Nigeria.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer yesterday at the Sports Commission on Broad Street, LBF Secretary General Fred Pratt disclosed that his federation has submitted a document to the Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, requesting the amount of US$44,000.00 needed as air fare and lodging.

Pratt said the Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. Wheatonia Y. Dixon-Barnes has informed the LBF that their request has already been forwarded to Chairman Gyude Bryant, and similar one to the President-elect, Madam Johnson-Sirleaf.

He said the continental body for basketball FIBA-Africa, has written the LBF to send in the list of its players and officials by December 15, 2005, which will serve as the final confirmation of participation.

Pratt said the LBF is particularly appealing to the outgoing government to make the National Team’s participation in this important continental tournament as one of its last priorities.

On the same token, Pratt said the fact that the President-elect could include the LBF president, Gbour Wilson, on her Transitional Team under Gender and Youth, indicates that Madam Sirleaf is prepared to work with the youth.

He said it was in this light that the LBF decided to inform her and seek assistance to enable the female team participate in the first post-elections international tournament.

The LBF chief scribe also disclosed that several private and business institutions, including prominent personalities have been written and acquainted them of the pressing financial need of the LBF.

Pratt noted that the constant participation of Liberian clubs and national teams in recent competitions, have helped put the country in good books with both FIBA-Africa and FIBA-International.

“Liberia stands to benefit a lot from this trip to Nigeria, and I am planning to hold discussions with our counterparts, including negotiations for assistance to help the LBF cover its open-air Sports Commission facility,” Pratt noted.

Meanwhile, according to the fixture, Liberia has been placed in Group A, which includes host Nigeria, Senegal, Cape Verde, Mali and Tunisia.

Group B countries are Mozambique, Angola, DR Congo, Niger, Algeria and Gabon.

In her first match, Liberia will be guests of Tunisia. The host Nigeria will play Cape Verde, while Mali and Senegal meet, all in Group A.

In a related development, there are reports of growing calls by basketball fans and technicians for the inclusion of LBF president Gbour Wilson on the current national female squad.

In recent times, the former local super star of the Girls of Aries and Lone Star has been outstanding in non-league friendlies, especially when she featured for an All-Star side against the Lone Star last Sunday. Her side which included other former players, Barbara Geekor and Jackie Outland, narrowly edged out their little sisters on the Lone Star squad.

As a player for both her club side and the national team, Gbour posed threat to even the stiffest of defenses. She possesses the speed of a cheetah, a great rebounder and a marvel at lay-up.

Authoritative reports say she has already being included on the squad and will serve as an inspiration to the younger ones.

The 2005/06 LBF National League, meanwhile, started last Sunday at the Sports Commission.

In the opening league match, former Champions NPA-Pythons mulled the “Royal Family” Uhuru Kings 72-60, in a thrilling encounter.

This afternoon, Cardinals meet Wild Cats, while Bushrod Bulls encounter Flames.

Saturday pairings will include Heats versus Spurs; and Ventures meets Uhuru Kings.

Come Sunday, an expected Gbour-led All-Star side will play host to the national team in a friendly. And come dusk, the grudge between LBF Champions, LPRC-Oilers and former champion, NPA Pythons, will be ignited, as the two meet in what is expected to be a thriller.