Basketball in Africa

Omondi was one of the best performers for Falcons as they recovered from a poor regular season where they finished seventh to reach the play-off finals. The former Rhino and UCU Canons star was unlucky to get injured in the final series. He missed Game 2, 3 and 5 with a groin problem. He had to take pain-killing jabs to feature in Falcons’ 75-63 Game 6 victory.

But after Oilers, playing in their first topflight season won the decider 72-64 to wrap up the title, it was clear they would attract the best talent in the country. One such talent that might make Oilers a more robust outfit is two-time MVP Komakech.

Unwilling to give away too much, Rugambwa admitted they were in contact with Komakech but nothing concrete has been done. Although Power are doing everything in their means to hold onto the calmness-personified guard, a trustworthy source has revealed Komakech has made up his mind for the switch.

The departure of the free-scoring Kami Kabange could, however, leave Oilers with a gap too big to fill. Kabange, a favourite for play-offs MVP, is closing in on a switch to Al Rayyan, one of the most successful clubs in Qatar. “He was meant to go to Morocco but had a change of mind,” Rugambwa revealed. “While the offer from Morocco was bigger financially, we feel Qatar is a better destination for his career.” In case the Rwandan talisman’s transfer succeeds, Oilers plan to raid Rwandan side Espoir and sign Kabange’s former teammate Bienvenue Ngandu. In Ngandu, Oilers will have another star, who was recently voted the best defensive player for the second season running in the Rwandan league. He was also named MVP for the just-concluded season.