Zone V basketball tournament
Kampala October 01-07
KAMPALA. For weeks, Egyptian clubs have been sending mixed signals about their appearance at the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Champions Cup. According to one of the organisers Muhammad Santur, the teams confirmed on Thursday that they will not take part in this year’s competition despite only one place being on offer for a slot at the Fiba Afrobasket later this year.
It is not yet clear whether Al Ahly, who are reining Fiba Africa Club Champions Cup will be offered a slot by virtue of their status but their absence will only reinforce Ugandan teams’ belief of at least reaching the finals.
Betway Power coach Arnold “Mchuda” Lando stated his team are targeting a finals slot having never reached that stage as they make a return to the competition they last participated in 2015.
Ivan Lumanyika will add to Betway Power’s presence but they will largely depend on their league players including two-time winner of this competition in the versatile Willy Nijimbere.
In Joseph Ikong, Paul Odong and Michael Kojo, they have many experienced players as well as from their previous expedition in Rwanda.
Outside of reigning Zone V holders City Oilers, Rwanda’s Patriots are likely to offer the sternest test to their ambitions. Former City Oiler Kami Kabange will lead the team having been drafted in by former KIU Titans coach Henry Mwinuka.
Also on the team is former Warriors guard Sedar Sagamba, Aristide Mugabe and Lionel Hakizimana with their team’s addition bound to create a feel of a national team clash should they encounter City Oilers.
For City Oilers, experienced forward Stanley Ocitti returns and will be complimented by A'Darius Pegues who was part of the national team Silverbacks’ recent trip on the continent.
The pair will also have the company of guard Robinson Opong Odoch, one of the Silverbacks best performers at Afrobasket making an appearance at Lugogo.
The trio in addition to the ever green Stephen Omony and experience gained by Jimmy Enabu, Jonah Otim , James Okello and Ben Komakech leaves the Oilers in pole position to for the title and subsequent return to Afrobasket.
Women’s category
Kenya Ports Authority are the holders and in Georgia Adhiambo boast of a top scorer for USIU in last year’s championships in Tanzania.
Also on their roster is Brigid Nanzala who helped Eagle Wings to finish third in the African Championships in Morocco in 2015.
Domestic league champions UCU will seek to achieve what they failed when coach Nick Natuhereza led them to a third place finish at the previous edition in Tanzania last year.
They retain largely the same side including Judith Nansobya, Ritah Imanishimwe and centre Vilma Achieng in the absence of Natuhereza who has since moved to Germany for a coaching course.
Their perennial rivals KCCA Leopards have appeared the better team this season and are currently on a 13-game unbeaten domestic league run before Friday’s game.
Burundian guard is a more than able replacement Cynthia Irakunda alongside Sylvia Nakazibwe and Maureen Amoding as they seek to improve a 3-3 sequence last time out.