The 2017 National Basketball League will tip-off this Friday, May 19 despite the federation’s failure to acquire sponsorship.
FUBA president Ambrose Tashobya revealed that the league would commence while the marketing team tried to attract sponsorship to the top league.
At a press conference held ahead of the league opener, most of the attention was turned to the recent world cup draws that were held in China early this month.
Power vs. Oilers
Defending champions City Oilers will start their title defence in a mouthwatering clash with five time winners Power at Lugogo on Friday night.
Power have beefed up ahead of the season with the acquisition of guards Sunday Okot and Diego Anghemi as well as the return of Francis ‘Odom’ Kasinde from Ndejje University.
For Oilers, the departure of Kami Kabange and Andrew Opio called for serious recruitment.
National team captain Steven Omony, Joseph Chuma and James Deng are the new additions as Oilers aim for their fifth consecutive league championship.
A1 vs. UCU Lady Canons
UCU Lady Canons have won the last two championships and are chasing a 3-peat.
The university side has retained the faces that won last year’s championship.
For A1 Challenge, guard Dorothy Kyamazima crossed to join KCCA Leopards while Desire Birungi and Rachael Nanyonga have rejoined Magic Stormers.
Meme Rukia is on maternity leave and will not feature this season while Joselyn Kedi, who was expected to join the team suffered a compound fracture that will see her sit out.
Ruth Kirungi (JKL), Elizabeth Akol (Lioness), Charlene Kirungi (Gladiators), Norah Namutosi (JKL), Rachael Marco Ainematsiko (Lioness) and Maureen Nyapendi (St. Mary’s Kitende) have all been added to the team’s roster.