The MTN Arena in Lugogo has been closed close for over two years after its floor failed to live for even a week after being launched by President Museveni in 2010. The East African Inter City Championship starts this Tuesday and the renovated indoor stadium will host over 100 basketballers from around the region and close to 1000 cheering fans. The annual event will also run at the YMCA courts in Wandegeya.
With the absence of Stepen Omony, Isaac Afridra and
Eric Malinga due to injury D-Mark Power’s Joseph Ikong and KCC’s Miriam Hamala will lead their respective sides.
Its still not clear if teams from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Sudan will take part as organizers are still waiting for their confirmation. UCU Cannons were blessed by the Mukono Mayor to represent the town while Arua and Gulu are the others to represent Uganda.
The bulk of the Kampala men’s team is from league champions DMark Power with six of the 12 players selected by coach Bernice Ankunda. Ikong is joined by Power teammates Ben Komakech, Richard Balemwa, Isaac Luggudde and the Enabu brothers – Jimmy and Emmanuel. Ankunda will be assisted by Warriors and former national ladies coach Mandy Juruni.
The Ugandan national team has not won much since the 2005 Zone V Championships held here. 2005 Zone five MVP Ivan, the eldest of the Enabu brothers completes the family trinity. Norman Blick, Ronnie Kasewu, Sam Gombya and Henry Malinga are the other Warriors in the side.
Women’s coach Timothy Odeke has not looked beyond his KCC side that palys in the league. The ladies that reached the Semifinals of last year’s Zone V championship in Tanzania were they were the only representatives. Since its inception in 1989 the tournament has been dominated by defending champions, Nairobi men and women. The tournament aims to reinforce friendship and unity among the basketball family in the region.
MEN: Joseph Ikong, Ben Komakech, Jimmy Enabu, Ivan Enabu, Emmanuel Enabu, Isaac Lugudde, Edwin Katerega, Henry Malinga, Sam Gombya, Norman Blick, Ronie Kasewu, Richard Balemwa
WOMEN: Flavia Oketcho, Carol Nantalo, Sarah Nasuuna, Joyce Zalwango, Joy Chemutai, Monica Siima, Carol Badaru, Martha. Soigi, Mariam Hamala, Linda Tamale, Muhamina. Namuwoya, Jackie Bashemera