Last season Betway Power opened with an impressive 5-0 run that included victories over Pemba Warriors and KIU Titans. But after the fixtures of the 2017 season were drawn last week, coach Arnold Lando’s charges would make a huge statement of intent should they replicate that early season.According to the fixtures that start on May 19, Power now sponsored by online betting company Betway, will feature on the opening night against defending champions City Oilers at Lugogo MTN Arena. The fixture promises to be an entertaining affair with the two teams also having contested last year’s final. Oilers will be seeking to win a fifth straight title, a number held by their opponents but who were last crowned champions 2011. They will however take to the court without the influential Kami Kabange, with the Rwandan having returned to his native country after a four-year stint. The Mande Juruni coached side has however since added veteran star forward and national team captain Stephen Omony and Joseph China to their roster in a bid to strengthen their roster. With last season stretching into January this year because of national team engagements and City Oilers' maiden appearance on the continent, the season is starting a month late. This has forced the club which was mainly affected by the development to opt against playing the preseason UCU and Easter Cup tournaments citing fatigue.Power who secured sponsorship from Betway in the postseason are meanwhile also looking to beef up their front court with talk in the corridors about the acquisition of former Falcons centre Ariel Okall. Mike Othieno and Francis Kasinde from Ndejje University are being considered while the youngster Tyrone Martin could also be signed up ahead of the new season. After the City Oilers, a game against the UCU Canons last year’s semifinalists awaits before a meet with record six-time champions Falcons, Ndejje and Sharing Youth respectively.
Power’s 2017 National Basketball League fixtures
19-May-2017 City Oilers vs Betway Power 20:00
28 May Betway Power vs UCU Canons
07 June Betway Power vs Falcons
11 June Betway Power vs Ndejje
14 June Betway Power vs Sharing