MUSCAT, FEB 24
Seeb Club claimed the title of the 15th edition of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Basketball Shield 2024-25 after securing a dramatic 69-66 victory over Al Bashayer. The intense final took place at the secondary hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The match was attended by HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, and was under the auspices of HH Sayyid Malik bin Shihab al Said, a board member of Seeb Club, along with Eng Khalfan al Naabi, Chairman of the Oman Basketball Association.
The match showcased an exciting performance from both teams, with Al Bashayer taking an early lead and finishing the first quarter ahead by five points. However, Seeb mounted a strong comeback in the second quarter, seizing control of the game and winning the next three quarters to secure a three-point victory. This triumph marked Seeb’s return to the title after a four-year absence and earned them their third championship in the history of the competition.
Several players played key roles in Seeb’s triumph. American professional Romeo Wilfred led the scoring with 18 points, followed by Rashid al Zuhaibi with 15 points and Zakaria al Wahaibi with 11 points. Abdulrahman al Shaibi contributed 9 points, while Kely Jordan added 6 points. On the other hand, Al Bashayer’s standout performer was their professional player Slavan, who scored an impressive 27 points. He was supported by Bassam al Busaidi with 11 points and Osama al Riyami with 7 points.
Seeb started the match aggressively, with Kely opening the scoring. However, Al Bashayer quickly responded through their star player Slavan, who sank two consecutive three-pointers, putting his team ahead 9-5. The first quarter ended with Al Bashayer leading 20-15.
Seeb launched a strong comeback in the second quarter, with Abdulrahman al Shaibi sinking two free throws, followed by a close-range shot from Moawiya al Harthy, narrowing the gap to 20-19. The momentum shifted as Romeo Wilfred and Rashid al Zuhaibi took charge, helping Seeb overturn the deficit and end the first half with a 37-33 lead.
THRILLING SHOWDOWN
In the third quarter, Al Bashayer attempted to close the gap through Slavan, who scored four quick points. However, Seeb countered with key contributions from Kely. Both teams continued to trade baskets, but Seeb maintained their advantage, heading into the final quarter with a 58-53 lead.
The fourth quarter was a thrilling showdown. Al Bashayer managed to cut the deficit to three points (64-61) and then to just two points after another three-pointer from Slavan (65-63). However, Seeb remained composed, with Abdulrahman al Shaibi scoring a crucial basket to extend the lead to 67-63. Despite Al Bashayer’s relentless efforts to equalise, Seeb held on until the final whistle, sealing a hard-fought 69-66 victory and reclaiming the title after years of waiting.
HH Sayyid Malik bin Shihab al Said, a board member of Seeb Club, expressed his delight at the team’s triumph, praising the high level of competition between the two best teams in Oman. He highlighted Seeb’s success in securing a double championship this season, attributing it to strategic planning and strong management support. He also reaffirmed the club’s commitment to backing all sports, particularly basketball, in preparation for upcoming regional tournaments such as the West Asia Championship.
He also acknowledged the challenges Omani clubs face in international competitions due to the limited number of local tournaments but assured continued support to help the team perform well in future events.
OBA CHIEF HAILS INTENSE FINAL
OBA chief Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi commended the high level of play in the final and congratulated Seeb on their victory, while also recognising Al Bashayer’s strong performance in securing second place. He noted the significant development of the 15th edition of the championship and expressed optimism for continued basketball growth in Oman, supported by private sector involvement.
He also appreciated the role of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, led by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, in sponsoring the tournament. Additionally, he acknowledged the contributions of corporate sponsors such as Union Integrated Co LLC, Muscat Sports, TuttyFruity, and Shooting Star Academy, whose efforts helped enhance the final event with entertainment activities and prize distributions.
Al Naabi further highlighted the continuation of the basketball season, mentioning the youth league final scheduled for February 27, along with upcoming events such as the 3x3 Basketball Tournament during Ramadan and the Women's Basketball Championship. These initiatives aim to expand basketball’s reach across Oman’s governorates and provide competitive opportunities for players.
Pic by: Abdulwahid Al Hamadani
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