Basketball in Africa

Written by Felix Eupal

When Ndejje University Angels joined topflight basketball two years ago, few gave them a chance of staying up with the big boys as Felix Eupal writes

For a club that struggled to make it from the lower divisions, rubbing shoulders with the elite was always going to be a hurdle. However, having survived 2009 with a credible sixth position, Ndejje Angels defied odds last season when they narrowly missed out on a playoff slot by two points.

Club coach Walker Obedi told The Observer that his boys have gained enough exposure, experience and are ready to make the playoffs this season.

But experience and exposure are not the only issues that Obedi will rely on in his pursuit of making it to the post-season. The team has already made four big signings and aims to add four foreign players scouted from the recently concluded Africa Zone V qualifiers in Kigali.

In comes the trio of Henry Mugisha, Michael Opolot and Chaka Jeje, who left KCC Lions over unpaid arrears and have been lured to Ndejje by scholarships. Miracle Eagles reject Edward Bongomin is the other recruit Obedi has signed.

There is no question about Bongomin’s skill in the paint and his shooting abilities, but taking on a player who has been out of form for the two seasons is a risky gamble.

Meanwhile, club insiders intimate that unsettled Warriors stars Steven Okias and Falcons Rogers Serunyigo have been lined up to put pen to paper. If Obedi gets these two, the club will add the one aspect they need most – experience.

Though Obedi is no stranger to controversy – he was expelled from the bench in last season’s second round tie against Warriors for an outburst at referee Baker Mande Kyambadde – he has ironed out the black sheep by letting his best shooting guard Isaac Bwire leave due to indiscipline. Bwire missed several games last season because the pair couldn’t see eye to eye.

How he will handle bigger names remains to be seen.