ESPOIR president Pierre Munyengabe has urged the local basketball governing body, Ferwaba to come to the rescue of poor clubs.

Munyengabe reasoned that lack of sufficient funds is affecting the competitiveness of the league.

"Recently, Marine pulled out of the league because of financial issues and other clubs may follow suit if the federation does not intervene,” he urged.

"Marine was one of the top clubs in the country and their exit is without doubt a blow to the sport.”

Munyengabe also asked Ferwaba to get on with the league as soon as possible to give clubs ample time to train in-between games.

"We need ample time to train in-between games so it is important that the league starts early.”

Last year, Espoir finished third after Marine and eventual champions APR.

Espoir has now set their sight at winning the title in 2011. "We have been working with some youngsters and we are sure they will be ready to challenge for the title in 2011,” he continued.

After lifting the title in 2004, the Rafiki-based club went off the radar at the expense of    APR who have been unbending since.

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