Basketball in Africa

National Basketball League
Women: KCCA v A1 (5.30pm)
Men: Power v City Oil (7.30pm)
FUBA have plans to make 2013 a landmark season for Ugandan basketball. City Oil have spent the money to ensure they make their own mark on the campaign.
City Oil make the debut of their debut season at the highest level of Ugandan basketball against D'Mark Power today at the MTN Arena and few will be surprised if they walk away with a victory.
Last year's FUBA men's division two champions have splashed the cash to put together a team that will not only guarantee their survival at the big stage but one that could see them contend for the title ahead of a season of significant changes.
Like the name of the FUBA men and women's first division, which has now been changed to the National Basketball League (NBL).
For a team with no history at top level of FUBA men's basketball, City Oil's participation on such a historic night may not sit well with some local hoops traditionalists.
But, if it is any consolation, City Oil's arrival on the big stage is only going to add to the quality of the NBL, what with all the good players they have signed.
Unfortunately, Kami Kabange and Ramadam Arur had not yet been cleared to take part in today's match by press time.
Similarly, Power had not completed the re-signing of Norman Blick from the Kyambogo Warriors by press time although it seems a matter of when not if that deal will be done.
Power were stunned at the quarters in last year's playoffs and are hoping the return of Norman, who helped them win the 2010 title, will boost their hunt for a record-tying six championship.
Meanwhile, the prodigious Claire Lamono is in line for her KCCA Leopards' debut as the reigning women's champions face A1 Challenge in the day's opening game.
Lamono left the Gladiators in the preseason following an impressive showing in February's Afrobasket Zone Five Championship in Tanzania