On a merry making but extremely emotional basketball awards night at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, UCU Lady Canons’ Velma Awino Achieng and City Oilers’ Kami Kabange obviously retired home with the broadest smiles.
The two inspirational players won the respective gender Playoffs Most Valuable Player of the season accolades.
The awards night was as colourful as expected save for a few glitches ranging from inefficient time management and the bold fact that FUBA’s long term sponsors, Airtel Uganda were officially bidding ‘good bye’ to the basketball sport, following the expiration of contract.
Besides, the guests donned glittering attires, were served tasty food and drinks alike.
The 6 p.m set kick off time for the dinner was infamously pushed ahead until 8:30 p.m, in a typical African time mannerism.
By the time the night’s MC’s Allan Musoke and the coarse voiced Barbara Okot set the ball rolling, the patiently seated guests were more than ready for the event.
A total of 35 different awards were given out as the guests dined and wined till late.
Kabange and Achieng were each rewarded with the respective male and female MVP accolades, on top of each bagging an enviable Shs 2M.
Kami Kabange (L) recieving the MVP Award from FUBA President, Ambrose Tashobya
A composed Kabange told Kawowo Sports in an exclusive interview;
It feels great to be rewarded for outstanding performance.
It gives players the impetus to work harder and inspire their teams as well creating that healthy competition among the players and teams
FUBA’s unsung hero, Fred ‘Kasiru’ Ssekajja a deaf gentleman who has over the years toiled with odd assignments on and off the playing court was officially recognized with a certificate of diligent service.
The only uncharacteristic trend at the awards was the pronounced absence of entertainment.
Some of the invited guests included Uganda Olympic Committees’ boss, William Blick, Commissioner of sports Omara Apitta, Airtel Uganda’s brand and assets’ manager, Noella Byuma among others.
Apitta congratulated all the winners and as expected delivered the ‘usual promises’ of Government towards support of sports, basketball in particular.
Government is willing to support sports in this country. When you look at basketball, Government contributed some money to the national team’s preparations. We shall continue to support sports
Ali Balunywa thanked FUBA for the cordial relationship over the years.
The official awards night eclipsed minutes after 11 p.m but the unofficial drinking lasted till morning.
UCU’s Velma Achieng (L) was named MVP in the Women’s NBL
A fresh season awaits with the teams’ expectations and ambitions raging high as the players are eager to portray the best out of the break.
Meanwhile, it remains to be witnessed how the drama of the FNL season curtain raiser will end and the possibly everyone’s long awaited wish-list – which sponsor FUBA will bring on board.
2015 Basketball Full Awards:
MVP (Men): Kami Kabange (City Oilers)
MVP (Women): Velma Awino Achieng (UCU Lady Canons)
Champion (NBL – Men): City Oilers Basketball Club
1st runners up (Men): UCU Canons
2nd runners up (Men): KIU Titans
Champion (NBL – Women): UCU Lady Canons
1st runners up (Women): KCCA Leopards
2nd runners up (Women): A1 Challenge
Champions (Division I – Men): UPDF Hawks
1st Runners Up (Division I – Men): Phenoms
Champions (Division I – Women): JKL Lady Dolphins
1st Runners Up women (Division I):Javon Ladies
Champions (D-League): JKL Dolphins
1st Runners Up (D-League) Men: UMU Flames
Basketball Ambassador of the Year: Men National Team (Silverbacks)
Most Disciplined Team (Women): Javon Ladies
Most Disciplined Team (Men): Charging Rhinos
Most Improved Team (Women): Javon Ladies
Most Improved Team (Men): Destiny Phenoms
Most Dedicated FUBA personnel: Fred ‘Kasiru’ Ssekajja
Outstanding performance of the year: Steven Wundi (UCU Canons)
Best Rebounder (Regular Season – Women): Muhaimina Namuwaya (297 Points)
Best Rebounder (Regular Season – Men): Steven Mwesige (227 Points)
Top Scorer (Regular Season – D.League – Men): Arthur Ainebyona (141)
Top Scorer (Regular Season – Division I – Women): Lean Nalunkuuma (305)
Top Scorer (Division I – Men): Wilber Peruth (400)
Top Scorer (NBL) – Women: Judith Nansobooya (382)
Overall Top Scorer: Kami Kabange (491)
MVP Playoffs (D-League): Francis Ogala
MVP Regular Season (D. League): Derrick Olama (UCU Flames)
MVP (Division I – Women): Lean Nalunkuuma
MVP Regular Season (NBL – Women): Joy Chemtai (KCCA Leopards)
MVP Regular Season (NBL – Men): Brian Namake (UCU Canons)
Coach of the year: Timothy Odeke (National women head coach and coach at KCCA Leopards)
Team Manager of the year: Silver Rugambwa (City Oilers)
FUBA Dream Team of the year (Women): U. Annette, Judith Ayo Nansoobya, Moureen Amoding, Martha Soigi, Velma Awino Achieng
FUBA Dream Team of the year (Men): Chris Omanye, Brian Namake, Steven Omony, Kami Kabange, Ivan Rumanyika