Basketball in Africa

As the Fuba League transfer window nears climax, speculation is rife that Warriors and Miracle are involved in a battle to snatch Ben Komakech from Power.

According to the Fuba calendar circulated to clubs last week, the national league will get underway on April 16 implying the transfer window must close days earlier.

Since the end of last year’s thrilling play-off series, it’s been an unusually quiet transfer season but topflight clubs are now working round the clock to beef up their playing staff.
“Our plan is to sign one more player soon,” Miracle team manager Chris Kyebambe said. Interestingly, reigning MVP Komakech is keeping his options open too. “Even if I want to move since my contract with Power has expired, I may as well stay here because it’s a very good team. I will only join a team that has potential of reaching the finals at the very least.”

Losing semifinalists UCU Canons have been by far the busiest in signing Sudi Ulanga (Falcons), Kenyan Martin Okwako (Kyambogo Warriors) and countrymate Desmond Owili. They are, however, unsure of keeping Ivan Enabu, who has completed his studies at the university.
Miracle Eagles landed Richard Osano Omondi from Falcons but lost centre Brian Ssentogo to Ndejje University Angels.
Fuba assistant general secretary Joseph Manano said they are keen to ensure the transfer season ends in the time frame stipulated and the league starts on time.
But if history is anything to go by, this deadline won’t stand. Last year, Warriors signed the Malinga brothers Eric and Henry from Falcons plus Michael Kairuiki and Markmot Orom from KIU on the eve of the league tip-off.

That was even relatively quieter than the year before when DMark Power acquired Norman and Donald Blick while Falcons got Stephen Omony in a marriage that ended bitterly.