08 July 2012
UGANDA : Talking points from first round of Fuba league
Following the end of Airtel National Basketball league first round last week, Felix Eupal looks at the issues that dominated the first three months of the season.
New sponsorship
On May 27, the sport got new sponsors in Airtel Uganda, Castle Lite and Rwenzori mineral water. The new deal, which ended MTN Uganda’s seven-year partnership, was met with smiles and frowns.Smiles because for the first time, clubs would get financial support and frowns because Fuba was reluctant to reveal the details.
Several stakeholders sensed some foul play going by previous accountability controversies within Fuba. Following pressure from the recent general assembly, Fuba revealed that Airtel offered Shs 60m and that each of the 22 top flight team will get Shs 1m while the rest will go into branding and other logistics.
Each fan will receive Shs 2,000 worth of airtime upon purchase of a ticket at the entrance.
Sam Gombya has finally lived up to the hype
Over the past two seasons, the seven-footer has gone from being a bench player to the central figure at Warriors. His presence has altered the entire course of the 2009 champions, averaging 16.5 points, 7 rebounds per game not to mention that he is a starter. He was the difference when they brought down highflying Falcons and UCU Canons. If he continues like this, he could be the difference between Warriors and championship.
The rebirth of KIU Titans
It’s nine years since KIU had such a wonderful run. That was in 2003 when they went an entire first round unbeaten. The following seasons were forgettable. But their current form shows they are a serious threat. With only two loses in the first eleven matches, KIU boast the meanest defence; they have conceded 50.8 points per game.
If the trio of Salim Ali, Richard Omondi and Brian Wati stay in shape, the Kansanga-based side will have a big say in the championship or even go on to win it. Who knows?
Boring women’s basketball tradition
Over the past seven years, the women’s regular season has been predictable and boring. It’s always been KCCA, A1 Challenge, MUK Sparks and more recently UCU Lady Canons and Magic Stormers.
The rest of the teams in the 10-team league merely make up numbers.
Some even fail to make 20 points in 40 minutes of play and what baffles many is Fuba’s unwillingness to split the teams into two divisions to create more competition. It’s no surprise that only a handful of spectators watch the women’s games.
The Lugogo arena dilemma
Ever since MTN and National Council of Sports finished refurbishing the MTN Arena for the second time last year, Fuba has always promised of how soon they would be back at Lugogo.
However, soon has turned into hot air and with a new telecom giant in charge of the league, speculation is rife Fuba has kissed goodbye their chances of using the arena.
New sponsorship
On May 27, the sport got new sponsors in Airtel Uganda, Castle Lite and Rwenzori mineral water. The new deal, which ended MTN Uganda’s seven-year partnership, was met with smiles and frowns.Smiles because for the first time, clubs would get financial support and frowns because Fuba was reluctant to reveal the details.
Several stakeholders sensed some foul play going by previous accountability controversies within Fuba. Following pressure from the recent general assembly, Fuba revealed that Airtel offered Shs 60m and that each of the 22 top flight team will get Shs 1m while the rest will go into branding and other logistics.
Each fan will receive Shs 2,000 worth of airtime upon purchase of a ticket at the entrance.
Sam Gombya has finally lived up to the hype
Over the past two seasons, the seven-footer has gone from being a bench player to the central figure at Warriors. His presence has altered the entire course of the 2009 champions, averaging 16.5 points, 7 rebounds per game not to mention that he is a starter. He was the difference when they brought down highflying Falcons and UCU Canons. If he continues like this, he could be the difference between Warriors and championship.
The rebirth of KIU Titans
It’s nine years since KIU had such a wonderful run. That was in 2003 when they went an entire first round unbeaten. The following seasons were forgettable. But their current form shows they are a serious threat. With only two loses in the first eleven matches, KIU boast the meanest defence; they have conceded 50.8 points per game.
If the trio of Salim Ali, Richard Omondi and Brian Wati stay in shape, the Kansanga-based side will have a big say in the championship or even go on to win it. Who knows?
Boring women’s basketball tradition
Over the past seven years, the women’s regular season has been predictable and boring. It’s always been KCCA, A1 Challenge, MUK Sparks and more recently UCU Lady Canons and Magic Stormers.
The rest of the teams in the 10-team league merely make up numbers.
Some even fail to make 20 points in 40 minutes of play and what baffles many is Fuba’s unwillingness to split the teams into two divisions to create more competition. It’s no surprise that only a handful of spectators watch the women’s games.
The Lugogo arena dilemma
Ever since MTN and National Council of Sports finished refurbishing the MTN Arena for the second time last year, Fuba has always promised of how soon they would be back at Lugogo.
However, soon has turned into hot air and with a new telecom giant in charge of the league, speculation is rife Fuba has kissed goodbye their chances of using the arena.
# posted by afrbk : 13:05
