Namuwongo Blazers head coach Stephen Nyeko believes his side is better prepared to challenge for a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) as they gear up for the Road to BAL East tournament at Hoima City Arena from October 21 to 25.
The two-time National Basketball League champions are targeting an improved campaign after falling short in their previous attempt, with Nyeko confident that better preparations and new additions to the squad could make the difference this time.
Hosting the tournament in Hoima is another source of motivation for the Blazers, who have fond memories of the venue after playing Game Seven of the National Basketball League finals there.
“We have to put the game on the highest level. So hosting it at Hoima, where we played Game Seven, is a good feeling. I hope we can match up the numbers and give it the experience it deserves,” Nyeko said.
The coach also praised the facilities and reception in Hoima, describing the venue as a home away from home for his team.
“It feels like home. The facility was good and the reception was good. We hardly faced any challenges, hardship or disturbances. It was worth the experience going there,” he added.
Beyond the home-court advantage, Nyeko believes the Blazers have made significant strides in their preparations compared to last year, when limited time affected their recruitment and groundwork.
“Last year we had little time to prepare. We didn’t do so much groundwork or recruitment, but this year we are preparing better, and I think our additions will be better,” he noted.
The team has already started training, although some players are yet to return, while the new recruits are expected to join the squad in the coming week.
Nyeko believes the additional preparation time will allow the team to build better cohesion and develop into a more competitive unit before the tournament begins.
“We’ve started training, and some of our colleagues have not yet joined us, while the new recruits will be joining us this coming week. I believe we shall have much more time to become a contender than we had last year,” he said.
With the Road to BAL East tournament offering a pathway towards Africa’s premier club basketball competition, the Blazers will be eager to make the most of playing at home and turn their improved preparations into a successful campaign.
The October 21-25 tournament in Hoima will provide Nyeko and his charges with an opportunity to demonstrate their progress as they pursue their ambition of reaching the BAL stage.
