In a special exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports, Jared Mokobo, the country manager at ZUKU TV in Uganda, has hailed the high level of commitment from the Ugandan basketball family (players, administrators , sponsors and the fans).
David Isabirye reserved a few minutes for the pay television manager in a one on one question and answer interview at Copper Chimney hotel (former Club Oasis), Lugogo during the 2014 university basketball league launch, where 10 teams were officially handed over their playing jerseys and balls.
Kawowo Sports: Why did you pick Uganda and no where else in East Africa?
Mokobo: Actually, Uganda is the second nation to benefit from this sponsorship after Kenya. Uganda was considered over the other countries simply because of the unending passion for the sports particularly basketball. Right from the players, administrators, the fans and the various sponsors associated with the sport.
Kawowo Sports: How long is your deal in Uganda?
Mokobo: We shall sponsor the University basketball league for the opening 5 years but obviously with a high prospect of extension that will also see a growth of teams from the current 10 to the entire University community in Uganda.
Kawowo Sports: Why basketball and not any other sport?
Mokobo: Basketball surely presents a clear opportunity. We have been monitoring the trend of basketball in Uganda. From the FUBA main league to this current fans and players showbiz tourney (Friday night lights), the turn up is massive. But we are in basketball to tap grass root talents and that is the reason we have put an age limit of players (25 years).
We need to see emerging talents as we help groom the identified boys and girls grow as elite basketballers that will feature in top most clubs and for the national team.
We also plan to spread to the other sporting disciplines. We are here to first study the situation but we know the ground is fertile in Uganda.
Kawowo Sports: What is the total package of this offer ?
Mokobo: Am not in position at the moment to give out the total monetary value of the entire package but it is quite a fortune. We have given each of the 10 universities a set of jerseys (boys and girls) in their favorite colours.
Each team receives 3 balls. We are going to train the media covering basketball, the coaches and we have planned scholarships for the top performing individual players. The coaches will be given kits that includes books, whistles and shirts, all in the name of motivation.
The best teams will get glittering trophies, medals and a Ug.shs 11 M cash package has been set aside for the top 3 universities in either gender.
Kawowo Sports: Any last word ?
Mokobo: I am so grateful for this timely opportunity. I respect the media, the players , the game itself and the administrators. The fans are a special blessing for they keep the game going. University sports tutors and administrators thumbs up.
Kawowo Sports: Thank you sebbo
Mokobo: (Laughs heartily). Its a pleasure Ssebbo.
