National Basketball League
The 2018 National Basketball League (NBL) starts on Saturday with a mouth-watering fixture between
Betway Power and City Oilers as the highlight of the opening night.
Ahead of the clash that also peats the current two most successful sides in the top division with five titles each,
Betway Power will be in high spirits after getting a major shot in the arm from sponsors
Betway Uganda.
The online betting company underlined their trust in the team by announcing shs200m package as they seek to knock rivals City Oilers off their perch.
“We want to be different. Our clubs are always different if you look at the case of Onduparaka. The money will cater for the team’s welfare including players allowances,” Betway country manager Adellah Agaba noted of the company’s extension of the partnership that started in November 2016.
The club that also constitutes arguably the biggest and most vocal fan-base in the domestic game despite having last won a championship in 2011 also used the function to unveil their new signings.
Focus on the Arnold “Mchuda” Lando coached side was bent on improving the front court with four new additions led by the returning Phillip Ameny (Pemba Warriors) Geoffrey Soro (KIU Titans), Brian Sivachi (Nkumba Marines) Mike Madol (UCU Canons).
This is in addition to former UCU shooting guard Steven Wundi, David Opolot (Our Saviour) and Amin Mkhosa from Tanzania’s Savio.
“We thank Betway for their trust in us. In terms of players we have signed the best available on the market,” the club general manager Allan Musoke explained.
With
Betway Power having also won last year’s two regular season meeting against the City Oilers, their fixture Saturday is a sure way to provide excitement on the opening night.
“We have big numbers and all players have to compete to play. I don't believe in bias. Our shooting percentages have been low from our past statistics so too have our rebounding,” Lando said in regard to the acquisitions.
Betway Power’s title pursuit last season was ended by the Oilers who claimed a 3-0 series sweep in the playoff semifinals to go with the 4-1 final series result in 2016 and the 2014 series sweep.
Betway Power won the last of their five title in 2011 in a team that included current players Joseph Ikong, Isaac Afidra and Michale Kojo.
OPENING NBL FIXTURES
Javon Ladies VS Nkumba Lady Marines Women - 9:30
Charging Rhino VS JKL Dolphins Men - 11:30
KCCA VS KIU Titans Men - 13:30
UMU Ravens VS JKL LADY Dolphins Women - 15:30
OUR Saviour VS Sharing Youth Men - 17:30
City Oilers VS Betway Power Men - 19:30
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