Zone V preparations get Mandela, Stanbic boost

City Oilers basketball players pictured with officials from Stanbic Bank and City Tyres after the press conference to announce sponsorship for the upcoming Zone V championships. Photo by Ismail Kezaala

KAMPALA- With just under two weeks to the start of the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships, hosts Uganda appear ready for the games.
The development, which is in itself some sort of achievement considering the struggles most sports federations go through to organize international tournaments was reinforced by yesterday’s unveiling of several partners.
Granted hosting rights by domestic basketball governing body Fuba, champions City Oilers enlisted mother company Mandela Group, banking giants Stanbic, Ling Long Tyres and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC).

“We thank City Oilers who accepted to organize and prepare the tournament on behalf of the federation. We gave them the mandate to be in charge and make sure we have a colourful tournament,” Fuba vice president Nasser Sserunjogi stated.
Stanbic bank consequently announced a shs100m package for the one week tournament on their return to domestic basketball since they sponsored Pemba Warriors three years ago.

“Fuba is one of the few federations that do not have the proverbial scandals. We believe sport is one way of unifying Ugandans and is good for lifting the profile of our country,” Stanbic head of marketing Daniel Ogong stated at the lavish function held at City Tyres Kira Road branch (Kisementi)
The tournament which will run from October 1-7 at the Lugogo MTN Arena will see the country represented by four teams with Betway Power joining City Oilers who are also the reigning Zone V champions.
UCU Canons and KCCA Leopards will meanwhile represent in the ladies category whose title is held by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Up to 19 clubs from eight member countries are expected with the winner qualifying for the continental club competition next year.