21 February 2008
UGANDA : Rhino Not Yet Relegated
by Sande Bashaija
Kampala
CHARGiNG Rhino have not been relegated to the Second Division. The 1997 National Basketball League champions suffered a scare this week when it was reported in the press that they had been demoted to the lower division after finishing bottom third in the topflight last season.
But according to Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) this is not true. Fuba rules and regulations state that at the end of every season the bottom two sides in each division are relegated and two promoted but with a provision of the technical committee making adjustments.
Fuba publicity secretary Joe Burua said the technical committee has suggested that three teams be relegated but no final decision has been made.
"They presented their suggestion to the executive on Monday. However they must have strong justification for such a rule to be amended. The recommendation has not been passed," Burua said.
But Rhino senior player David Kiberu believes it may be too late to reverse the relegation decision.
"If the technical committee has decided then we are gone. But I think it's ridiculous and can't understand why they are doing this at a time when we are preparing for the new season," Kiberu said yesterday.
Rhino have struggled in the past four years but were trying to rebuild their squad ahead of the new season and are eyeing former MVP Norman Blick.
Kampala
CHARGiNG Rhino have not been relegated to the Second Division. The 1997 National Basketball League champions suffered a scare this week when it was reported in the press that they had been demoted to the lower division after finishing bottom third in the topflight last season.
But according to Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) this is not true. Fuba rules and regulations state that at the end of every season the bottom two sides in each division are relegated and two promoted but with a provision of the technical committee making adjustments.
Fuba publicity secretary Joe Burua said the technical committee has suggested that three teams be relegated but no final decision has been made.
"They presented their suggestion to the executive on Monday. However they must have strong justification for such a rule to be amended. The recommendation has not been passed," Burua said.
But Rhino senior player David Kiberu believes it may be too late to reverse the relegation decision.
"If the technical committee has decided then we are gone. But I think it's ridiculous and can't understand why they are doing this at a time when we are preparing for the new season," Kiberu said yesterday.
Rhino have struggled in the past four years but were trying to rebuild their squad ahead of the new season and are eyeing former MVP Norman Blick.
# posted by afrbk : 18:52
