Blazers brimming with confidence ahead of NBL tipoff
Ready for the big boys. Nam Blazers launched their kits in earnest. PHOTO/ISMAIL KEZAALA
What you need to know:
KIU Titans face Betway Power in a clash of two teams in a rebuilding phase. Power have only three players from last season and face a Titans outfit that has added highly rated guard Faizal Aden, Stanley Mugerwa and the returning trio of Samuel Agutu, Oscar Muge and Denis Balungu. Lady Dolphins Will start their title defence against KCCA Leopards.
Namuwongo Blazers have had to wait over a year for their first piece of action in the National Basketball League (NBL).
That wait will be over on Saturday when they go into the deep end in a clash with seven time winners and defending champions City Oilers.
The confirmed fixture from Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations pits the most successful basketball team against a newcomer with big ambitions.
Blazers head coach Steven Nyeko is not scared of City Oilers and believes his charges are ready to face all other teams in the league.
“We have been training in preparation for the league and not just City oilers in particular,” Nyeko told Daily Monitor.
“Oilers being our opening game is surely a big one and a win would give us a big boost.”
Blazers might be new in the top flight but the names on their roster are familiar with the game at the top level.
Guard Daniel Juuko and forward Francis Azolibe bring championship mentality having won it all with Oilers.
Cyrus Kiviri, Paul Odong, Geoffrey Soro and Chris Omanye are the other established names added to the team.
Forward Soro is also confident the club has assembled a team that can compete with any other side in the top flight.
“I know we can achieve a lot as a team because the management has done its best to bring together a good group of players,” the former Betway Power player said.
Discipline and hard work will determine how far the Namuwongo based outfit will go in their first season.
Soro is one of the players released by Power when the club chose to overhaul the roster on disciplinary grounds.
“I think most of us have been in the game for sometime and it will just take discipline and hard work to be competitive.”
The fixture also confirmed speculation over Warriors’ participation in the league, with the two-time champions excusing themselves from this season.
Fuba Basketball League
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Ndejje Angels vs. KCCA Panthers
Lady Marines vs. KIU Rangers
KIU Titans vs. Power
JKL Dolphins vs. KCCA Leopards
City Oilers vs. Nam Blazers
