Basketball in Africa

by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala

Today
Men
UCU Canons v Marines

Women
KIU Rangers v Crane High
Seroma SS v Mak Sparks

It’s been an emotion-sapping start for UCU Canons in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League so far. Since losing to Kyambogo Warriors in the season opener, UCU Canons – 2008 semifinalists – have survived tense finales to hold off KIU (in overtime) and Miracle Eagles (by a single point).

As fans enjoy the spectacle that the University side has offered, Canons’ coach Robert Mugabe is unconcerned that his is only grinding out results and hopes for the same against two-time league champions Nkumba Marines at Lugogo Indoor Stadium this evening.

“Though the team is still shaky, we are executing our game plan and winning games. You can only underestimate us at your own peril. When we win with one second on the clock, I get the comfort that we can handle pressure,” Mugabe told Daily Monitor yesterday.
UCU Canons
UCU Canons’ Mugabe (R) will offer advice against Nkumba Marines today. PHOTO: EDDIE CHICCO


The Mukono-based side are still without Adams Njoroge who suffered an ankle injury last season while Denis Nyabuti broke his arm in a accident and is still back home in Kenya. However, Steven Mwesigye has filled the void sinking double figures in all three games.

In coach Timothy Odeke’s Marines, Canons face Nkumba-based side that could be riding low on confidence following the annihilation by champions DMark Power 13 days ago.
“That bad loss to Power was a one off and we are only looking at the next tie. Our target this time is to return to the play-offs,” said Philip Wakimwero, a mainstay at Marines.