Betway Power was represented by two players Joseph Ikong and Michael Makiadi in the Kampala Red Stars side who took second place at the Africa City Challenge, with the team collecting $3,000 in prize money for their efforts.
Every basketball team has perhaps suffered a blowout loss. On Friday evening at the Nyayo Stadium Indoor Arena it was Kampala Red Stars’ turn. Just days after losing out by only the two baskets, 59-55, the Kampala team were swept aside by a Tom ‘Bush’ Wamukota inspired Nairobi Morans side that romped to a 71-49 win in the final of the Africa City Challenge basketball tournament.
The competition that brought together six teams from the East African region saw Kampala take part after assembling a team from the National Basketball League. The team that included two Betway Power players in Joseph Ikong and Michael Makiadi consequently finished second and settle for $3,000 (Shs10.5m) of the cash prize on offer at the six team tournament. The biggest prize of $6,000 (Shs21m) was consequently taken by Nairobi who also had the Cyprus based centre Wamukota chosen as MVP at the Kwese sponsored event.
Kampala had reached the final after a comprehensive 77-45 win over Mogadishu. They however trailed against the host city in the final losing the opening period 20-11. They then fought back, trailing by a single point in the second quarter before Nairobi prevailed 35-24 at the half way stage and 60-33 going into the fourth.
Among those selected by Juruni are Uganda national team captain Stephen Omony, an off-season acquisition for City Oilers from Startimes Falcons. Club teammate Jimmy Enabu, Mark Opio (Pemba Warriors), Lumanyika, Soro (both KIU Titans) were the other Silverbacks on the 10-man team.
The team was completed by Tanzanian Sudi Ulanga (KIU) and the Kenyan pair of Brian Namake (UCU Canons), Phillip Ameny (Warriors). Unlike most of their colleagues, Makiadi and Ikong did not have subsequent games over the weekend as Betway Power only return to action on June 30 against rivals Warriors.