19 April 2007
UGANDA : No Big Favourites as Hoops League Begins
By Sande Bashaija
Kampala
THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) has backtracked on its promise to block new teams from taking part in the national league.
Newly elected Fuba President Ambrose Tashobya had earlier noted that the number of teams had overwhelmed the available facilities and promised to maintain or even reduce the current number.But newcomers Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono women have been deemed to be replacements for Ndejje Hornets who pulled out mid last season. And UCU taste their first action tomorrow evening against KCC Leopards in the season opener at Lugogo.
KCC Leopards v UCU
The two teams are currently locked in a wrangle over star players Brenda Mbone, Cilia Asila and Loraine Athtieno.
"The three were on our registration form last season and are therefore our players. We can only release them after being compensated. However the authorities at Mukono seem to be defiant," Joy Olinga the KCC team manager notes with concern.
Though still recovering from last season's loss to Lady Bucks in the finals, KCC are desperate to make amends. They are favourites to win this year's championship.
Marines v Heaters
Champions Nkumba University Marines begin their title defence against a newly promoted Youth Heaters, seeking to stamp their authority on Uganda's basketball.
The Marines have no strong newcomers but Heaters have been linked with a move to sign Power's trio of Michael Karuiki, Richard Balemwa and Allan Tawoda. Timothy Odeke's men led by two-time MVP Norman Blick should be able to outsmart Heaters but are not outright favourites.
Power vs Riders
Knight Riders are happy to have succeeded in convincing star point guard Ivan Enabu to stay. He leads them tomorrow against last year's losing finalists Sadolin Power with hope of surviving relegation.
Kampala
THE Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) has backtracked on its promise to block new teams from taking part in the national league.
Newly elected Fuba President Ambrose Tashobya had earlier noted that the number of teams had overwhelmed the available facilities and promised to maintain or even reduce the current number.But newcomers Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono women have been deemed to be replacements for Ndejje Hornets who pulled out mid last season. And UCU taste their first action tomorrow evening against KCC Leopards in the season opener at Lugogo.
KCC Leopards v UCU
The two teams are currently locked in a wrangle over star players Brenda Mbone, Cilia Asila and Loraine Athtieno.
"The three were on our registration form last season and are therefore our players. We can only release them after being compensated. However the authorities at Mukono seem to be defiant," Joy Olinga the KCC team manager notes with concern.
Though still recovering from last season's loss to Lady Bucks in the finals, KCC are desperate to make amends. They are favourites to win this year's championship.
Marines v Heaters
Champions Nkumba University Marines begin their title defence against a newly promoted Youth Heaters, seeking to stamp their authority on Uganda's basketball.
The Marines have no strong newcomers but Heaters have been linked with a move to sign Power's trio of Michael Karuiki, Richard Balemwa and Allan Tawoda. Timothy Odeke's men led by two-time MVP Norman Blick should be able to outsmart Heaters but are not outright favourites.
Power vs Riders
Knight Riders are happy to have succeeded in convincing star point guard Ivan Enabu to stay. He leads them tomorrow against last year's losing finalists Sadolin Power with hope of surviving relegation.
# posted by afrbk : 15:31
