Joseph Ikong has for 12 years donned the Betway Power jersey playing a starring role as the club won their last three titles in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
But he leads a group of no less than seven players who were honoured with a farewell dinner rarely witnessed in Ugandan sport to thank them for their contribution to the five-time champions at a glamorous function held at Lugogo.
Many of those have been present as Betway Power contested the playoff finals in three of the last seven seasons City Oilers have won the league crown.
“This an emotional night for me because most of the players leaving have been my personal friends. When I was told that the club will be letting some of the players go,” Betway country manager Adelle Agaba Nyaruhuma stated.
I had to come up of this idea so that we can give the outgoing players a perfect send off. This event is testimony that Betway is here to support the game.”
Our intention here is to show these outgoing players that we still care about them wherever they go.”
“Ikong and your friends, thank you for your time, thank you for the games, the disappointments, we do love the commitment you had for the game, thank you. Betway is very grateful,” Agaba added at the event also graced by Fuba President Nasser Sserunjogi.
Agaba also expressed belief that Betway Power is heading in the right direction despite the changes that has also seen several players coming in.
“There are better times ahead, as Betway we are committed and look forward to seeing the new players gel, play as a team, we are going to be there, whatever is needed will be provided. I look forward to getting the best results this year,” Agaba assured.
The new recruits include Brian Waters who has played in America, Saudi Arabia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia.
The guard is joined by Yesman Bushiri who was signed from JKL. Others include the front court pair of Congolese-born Niwa Bazile Yan and Patrick Seduge acquired from the 2018 Lower League Div 1 Champions, Kampala University Eagles.
“You can see the difference even in training that the players really want to perform well for the club,” manager Phillip Kyomuhendo said at the event.
Among the players expected to stay at the club include Isaac Afidra who now remains the only player from the triumphant 2011 roster.
Other players that were retained include Nasser Guddi as well as Brian Sivachi despite the latter attracting strong interest from KIU Titans.
The 2020 season is expected to tip off on March 20
In-coming players
- Ivan lumanyika
- Ssentongo Elvis
- Patrick Seduge
- Bushiri Yesman
- Brian Waters
- Niwa Bazile Yan
- Osama Arion
- Denis Balungu
- La Joie Mubulanyi
- Otto Joseph
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