The much-anticipated Monrovia Madness Basketball Tournament is scheduled to kick off at the end of April 2025, featuring 12 community teams from across Monrovia, Montserrado County. The tournament aims to promote youth development and improve basketball skills among young athletes passionate about the game.
During a tour of the New Kru Town community, Chief Organizer Jake Kabakole assured participating teams of his full support, emphasizing that nothing would stop the tournament from taking place as planned.
Speaking at the New Kru Town Basketball Court, Kabakole responded to a controversial memorandum reportedly issued by members of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA), which allegedly bans registered players and referees under the association from participating in the tournament.
Kabakole, however, dismissed the memorandum, claiming that it was issued by individuals who are not the legitimate officials of the LBA.
“The people who wrote that memorandum are illegal. They are not the regular basketball association officials,” Kabakole stated. “Last October, we filed a complaint with the LBA Election Commission Chairman, who acknowledged receipt and forwarded it to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but our concerns were ignored.”
He further explained that a subsequent court ruling recognized that his rights had been violated and ordered that all parties return to status quo ante—the situation prior to the disputed LBA elections. According to Kabakole, this ruling invalidates the authority of the current LBA leadership, and he therefore refused to recognize them.
“I will not acknowledge them as the heads of the nation’s basketball house. Their memorandum has no bearing on this tournament,” he added.
Kabakole praised the enthusiasm and commitment of young athletes in the New Kru Town community and urged all players to follow the rules of the tournament as they work to improve their skills.
Each of the 12 participating community teams will receive two sets of jerseys. The tournament winner and runner-up will be awarded cash prizes, underscoring the organizers’ commitment to encouraging youth involvement in sports.
Despite the ongoing dispute with elements of the LBA, the Monrovia Madness Basketball Tournament is poised to move forward, bringing together communities and showcasing the talents of Liberia’s rising basketball stars.
