Will The City Oilers Advance Past The Elite Round In This Year’s BAL?

By

-

October 28, 2022

After failures in earlier iterations of this competition, the City Oilers have yet to overcome the Elite Round curse.

City Oilers participated in the inaugural BAL in 2019 and made it beyond the Road To BAL round, but they were unable to continue past the Elite Round after defeats to Maputo of Mozambique and the Patriots of Rwanda.

Similar events happened in the edition following the first season, however, this time the Ugandan representative lost in the Elite Round because of COVID-19 instances in the camp.

The National Basketball League champion Oilers entered these qualifiers after defeating the Nam Blazers in a grueling game-seven series to win the league for the eighth consecutive season.

“The recent playoffs provided us with the best training. All individuals are in good physical condition. However, it left us with a few wounds and exhausted bodies. However, the players will still play through it,” according to Oilers Coach Mande Juruni.

Originally, Uganda was scheduled to host and City Oilers hoped to benefit from home advantage by competing in front of a home crowd and at a familiar location during Group C Road to BAL Qualifiers, but regrettably, Tanzania acquired the hosting rights.

In order to enter this tournament prepared and to give it our all, the team’s captain, James Okello, stated, “We have been practicing and the finals we played back home prepared us extremely well.”

Jimmy Enabu, an important point guard who suffered an injury during the playoffs, is not with the team that traveled to Dar es Salaam but the side has since added Trey Petty and Roebuck Germaine to the lineup.

The Oilers can win the qualifying round, according to Okello. His assurance is a result of how the just-announced national league champions won their championship.

City Oilers’ first game will be against Zambia’s Matero Magic on Friday, followed by a match against Burundi’s Urunani the following day. On Sunday, the Ugandan club will end its Road To BAL campaign against the host’s Army Basketball Club.

As The Stars Rebuild, Nemo Brings Together The best Of The Old And New.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 27, 2022

The Men’s team of Nemo Stars is now undergoing a reorganization in which new players are integrating with an older, more seasoned group.

Nemo Stars, Uganda’s most successful volleyball team, is currently rebuilding its roster.
The Stars made an effort to equal rival Sport-S in the last transfer window by bringing in new players. This season, the latter had the most new entries with 11, while the Stars came in second with 10.

New players include:
JONATHAN KIGOZI from COBAP UG
ABRAHAM ORAPA LEVI, DEOGRACIOUS ANGURIA OKIRIA, and SHARIFU MASEREKA MASOUD from KAVC,
ELLY NAGUMA from MUST
TONNY KASUMBA RUHORERA from SKY
INNOCENT OKELLO from ST. CHARLES
ESAU ECIL from THUNDERS
ISAAC OMONGIN from UCU.

At a new club, it might be difficult for new hires to fit in, as is the case with the Stars. Since the beginning of the season, head coach Andrew Okapis has attempted to determine the best way to have the new players integrate into the team.

“I have a mix of old and young players, and the sync hasn’t reached them as well, especially the young players,” Andrew explained.

The Stars suffered a loss to university team Ndejje Sharks to begin their National Volleyball League season on a depressing note. The encounter ended 3-2.

The following match between Nemo and KCCA ended in a 3-2 triumph for Nemo, another negative outcome for the Kololo-based team. The team’s concerns were not alleviated when they met rival Sport-S in the following match, which they lost in three straight sets.

“There is an opportunity for progress, despite the fact that we could encounter Sport-S and defeat them. We must also establish and accomplish our goals,” Added Andrew.

As all of their opponents are competent, Nemo does not want to write off any of them; rather, the team is figuring out how to defend against their attacks. As they usually prepare, it won’t be simple for the Stars to confront and defeat the opponent in both rounds.

Nemo was formidable against the reigning champion OBB and the newly promoted team SKY VC after their loss to Sport-S. They won twice, by scores of 3-0 and 3-1, respectively.

Follow the National Volleyball League for fixtures, results, and table standings here.

In these two games, Nemo was excellent, with notable performances from Malinga and George’s blocks, middle attacks from Zungu Fahad, and new additions from Thunders and SKY, receiver-attacker Esua Ecil and Kasumba Tony respectively.

The Newcomer:
Keep an eye on this left-handed rising sensation from Sky VC who towers above Aporu and Malinga this season, Kasumba Tony. His performance and skills are fast taking on the terrifying characteristics of the recognizable Nemo Star.

The young man contributed to SKY’s ascension to the premier league and has made great strides with the new club plan of establishing a new squad.

The Old Volleyball Machine:
Every athlete has to call it quits at some point throughout their career. Although you may anticipate George Aporu, a volleyball player from Uganda, to do so, he doesn’t. Even though he has won everything, George is not indicating that he will give up.

George had a rough start to this season, and one would have thought it was time for him to retire. However, to everyone’s amazement, George played one of his finest game while injured against OBB.

Without a doubt, head coach Andrew Okapis wants the captain there to ensure a smooth transition from the current team to the future as he carries out his ambitions to assemble a fresh group of players for the club.

The Stars have a promising future, and whatever ambitions the team may have, things appear to be moving in the right direction.

Late Bright Stars Equalizer Devastates URA’s Win Efforts

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 26, 2022

After falling down to URA FC, Soltilo Bright Stars came back to draw the match for the fifth time in a row in the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League.

In the first half, the Tax Collectors controlled play and created opportunities from the get-go. Hassan Matovu, the Bright Stars goalkeeper who was so exceptional, denied them on many occasions. He parried away George Ssenkaaba’s strong shot in the 15th minute and then Ibrahim Dada’s outstanding header a short while after.

He was unable to stop James Begisa’s header just before halftime, though, as the left defender was the fastest to react to Saidi Kyeyune’s fierce freekick that Matovu had spilt into his path in the 44th minute.

The Stars responded with a goal through Nelson Ssekantuka, who scored from close range into an empty net after URA goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi deflected Emmanuel Looki’s effort into the forward’s path. This was arguably Bright Stars’ first chance on goal.

A magnificent James Odongo cross was headed in by Loki with just two minutes remaining on the clock, giving Bright Stars their well-deserved equalizer. With the game’s final kick, the Stars came dangerously close to winning, but Ssekantuka’s header struck the crossbar.

The Stars are currently unblemished in their first five games of this Uganda Premier League season, while URA has also drawn their third game of the season.

Oluoch Bob makes his Bright Stars debut. After missing the last game, Noordin Bunjo is now back on the team. Bright Stars’ next match will be against SC Villa in the first week of November.

Bright Stars Hope To Continue Defending Unbeaten League Run Against URA.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 26, 2022

To play Hungry URA in the Uganda Premier League’s Match Day 5 match, Bright Stars will travel to Nakisunga, Mukono.

This is the first time Bright Stars have had four straight draws in the first four games of the season, unlike previous seasons at this point. Despite their undefeated record, the club is still looking for their first victory of the season.

Mwebaze thinks his team needs to step up and manage the games better before their first game at home.

“We go into the game against URA hoping that we can do things a bit better, faster, and probably score more goals as we have been working on that the past week,” said head coach Mwebaze.

In the final minutes of their previous game, the squad carelessly threw away a winning position against UPDF, which they could have won but ultimately did not.

On the other hand, the hosts have played 4, winning 1, losing 2, and drawing 1. The goal of scoring as many points at home as possible is crucial because they are only one point ahead of Bright Stars today.

The unreliable Tax Collectors will play their fifth game of the year in an effort to reduce the gap at the top and potentially claim second place.

Timbe’s team enters this game fresh off a convincing 4-0 victory over Busoga United on match day 4 on Tuesday, the 18th.

Follow the Uganda Premier League at the link here

Uganda Hippos Final Traveling Squad To Sudan Named For AFCON U20 Zonal Qualifiers

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 26, 2022

Uganda Hippos (U20) interim head coach Jackson Mayanja has named his final 24-man squad to travel to Sudan for the CECAFA AFCON U20 Zonal Qualifiers.

The Uganda Hippos, who will compete in the tournament from October 28th to November 11th, 2022, flew out of the country on Ethiopian Airlines on Wednesday morning.

Only three players from the 2021 Hippos squad, which reached the AFCON U20 finals in Mauritania, have made the trip, including captain Isma Mugulusi, Wabyoona Faisal, and goalkeeper Ssenyondwa Denis.

“We almost have a new team from that of Morley Byekwaso that reached the AFCON U20 finals,” Coach Mayanja stated.

“We have just built a new team and we hope to do better. If the boys exhibit their good show that they showed in friendlies against KCCA and Maroons, I can assure you that we will go very far in this tournament,” he added

The Uganda Hippos, who spent 13 days in a residential camp at the Cranes Paradise hotel in Kisaasi, are grouped with Tanzania and Ethiopia in Group B.

They will play Tanzania on Saturday, October 29, at Al Hilal Stadium to begin their title defense. They will then take a six-day break before playing Ethiopia on November 5, also at Al Hilal Stadium.

The winner of group A will compete against group B’s runners-up and vice versa.

The full squad

Goalkeepers

Abdu Magada-Gaddafi FC,

Kamya Shamulan-Bright Stars FC,

Ssenyondwa Denis Kaala- URA FC

Defenders

Opiru Justine-URA FC, Ibrahim Juma- FC Leganes, Samson Kasozi-UPDF FC, Ronald Madoi- Wakiso Giants FC

Mukisa Simon- UPDF FC, Ssemayange Simon Kato-Bright Stars FC

Lukwago Haruna -KCCA FC, Rogers Torach- Vipers SC

Midfielders

Allan Kiggundu- BUL FC

Katongole Frank-St Mary’s Kitende

Mugulusi Isma- Makedonikos FC, Greece

Nyanzi Marvin- Wakiso Giants FC

Wabyoona Faisal- KCCA FC,

Thomas Kakaire- Mbarara City FC

Bugembe Issa- Bright Stars

Titus Ssematimba- Wakiso Giants FC

Forwards

Umar Lutalo- SC Villa

Muhammad Nsereko- SC Villa

Kasinde Ibrahim- Bright Stars FC

Kyeyune Abbas- UPDF FC

Mugisha Rogers-UPDF FC

The Path to BAL’s Group C Rescheduled, Four More Teams Advanced To The Elite 16 Round.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 26, 2022

On Sunday, FIBA Africa announced a new schedule for Group C of the Basketball Africa League, BAL qualifier.

The Basketball Africa League Season 3 qualifier, which was originally scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from October 25-30, has been relocated. It will instead take place from October 28 to 30 at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mpaka National Indoor Stadium.

After Hawassa City of Ethiopia withdrew, four clubs will compete in Group C in an effort to win one of the two available spots in the Elite 16 Round. Army Basketball Club (Tanzania), Urunani BBC (Burundi), City Oilers (Uganda), and Matero Magic (Zambia) are the participating teams.

Schedule for each day is as follows:

Army Basket Club against. Urunani; City Oilers vs. Matero Magic on Friday, October 28.
Army Basket Club vs. Matero Magic; Urunani vs. City Oilers on Saturday, October 29.
Matero Magic vs. Urunani; City Oilers vs. Army Basket Club on Sunday, October 30.

In other news, in an exciting weekend of basketball played across two African cities, four more teams qualified for the Elite 16 qualifying round of the Basketball Africa League. There are 12 games so far, with the last nine games from Groups A and D demonstrating how competitive the Elite 16 Round will be.

Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) of Cote d’Ivoire and Stade Malien Bamako of Mali finished first and second in Group A, ensuring automatic qualification to the Elite 16 round. Hosts AS Nigelec and Elan Coton, on the other hand, got eliminated.

Madagascar champions COSPN and Kenya Ports Authority joined ABC and Stade Malien.

Coach Luke Eittit Makes Amends, Breaks KAVC Spell.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

October 24, 2022

Luke Eittit, the newly appointed OBB head coach, is off the mark for Nemo Stars’ loss after ending KAVC’s perfect NVL record.

At the Old Kampala Sports Arena yesterday, the in-form Lugogo side, KAVC, presented a tough opponent for the charges from Iganga, OBB.

At the moment, one could easily say that KAVC is the league title favorite for this National Volleyball League, NVL Season, and that statement will not change if they maintain their current performance.

OBB, coached by head coach Luke Eittit, fought to come away with points split, but ultimately won 3-2.

“Tough win against KAVC who had just had a very good run, they were unbeaten so far in the league,” OBB coach Luke Eittit said.

At the conclusion of Set 4, The Orange Block Busters, OBB, forced a deciding set after losing Set 2 12-25. Jonathan and Ivan, two of the league’s top hitters, are both injured and cannot participate for the league title defenders.

“Am happy for the team because despite the injuries we are having, am glad that they understand we need to play as a team, it is not a one-man sport, so they understand that at one point they will be called to play a different role and they are stepping up to that task,” added Luke Eittit.

“We realized we needed to change tactically and made some rotational changes which really helped us, and took off the service because their service was really working for them,” Luke Eittit continued.

The defending champions are now in sixth place, four points behind Nemo Stars, who defeated them in their previous match. The orange-label team has faced the toughest opponents thus far, leaving UCU, Ndejje, SKY, Tigers, and Nkumba as the only teams remaining to end round 1.

Sport-S is ten points ahead of OBB in the table. The latter requires maximum points in order to climb the ladder and join the Big Boys in the top four.

The Orange label returns early next month against SKY. Follow for NVL Fixtures, Results, and Standings at the link here

Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S’ boys’ and Igihozo St Peter’s girl’s teams took gold at the 3×3 Tournament in Nyanza

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

October 23, 2022

3X3 — Action at Igihozo St Peter School in Nyanza

Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S for boys and Igihozo St Peter Secondary School for girls won Igihozo St Peter 3×3 Tournament organized by FERWABA in collaboration with Igihozo St Peter Secondary School.

The competition took place on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Igihozo St Peter Secondary School, located in Nyanza District, and attracted a total of 14 participants. 8 teams for boys and 6 for girls.

Following the completion of the group stages in each category, the four best-performing teams moved straight to the Semi Final stage. In the girls, Groupe Scolaire Mater Dei knocked out Igihozo St Peter Secondary School team B (6-3) before Igihozo St Peter Secondary School A eliminate ESN Louis Montfort (6-3) to book the final game tickets.

In the boys’ category, Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S eased past ESN Louis Montfort 11-2 in what turned out to be a one-sided game. on the other hand, Igihozo St Peter Secondary School A beat Igihoso St Peter Secondary School C (21-11).

In the girls’ final, Igihoso St Peter Secondary School A easily defeated Groupe Scolaire Mater Dei, while Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S beat Igihoso St Peter Secondary School A in the boys’ category

Igihozo St Peter Secondary School, The Winners in the girls’ category posing with FERWABA TD, Moise Mutokambali

The Gold Medalists, Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S players, with Moise Mutokambali and Father Robert Dushimye

Jules Irakoze, Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S player, revealed how happy they were as they achieved the goal they set.

He said “The thing that impressed us is how far we came, coming through a difficult situation but taking home the gold medal. It was a very competitive tournament; our opponents were also good but the difference was passion. We put in more effort and we were more enthusiastic to finish a tournament on a high.”

Aline Tuyisenge expressed how grateful she is to win the tourney and disclose the secret behind their success.

“I am glad we managed to win the competition, this is a motivation to keep working and win more. we outdid them with passion, love for the game, not giving up, and team chemistry.” Proclaimed the Igihozo St Peter School A Captain

Rwanda Basketball Federation Technical Director and 3X3 event coordinator, Moise Mutokambali said that he is overall satisfied with how Saturday’s tourney went. He explained that this tournament aims to actively encourage this 3X3 game.

He said: “We are happy with the way this tournament went; it was successfully completed. The main purpose of this tournament was to promote this 3×3 game, and we want it to be played all over the country.”

The Basketball National Technical Director and 3X3 coordinator, Moise Mutokambali

Mutokambali also took the opportunity to encourage the children to love and play 3×3 Basketball, a game that can give them the chance to represent the country, a game that can change athletes’ life as it is an official Olympic Sport.

Father Robert Dushimye, Igihozo St Peter Secondary School head teacher spoke out about how it means a lot to them to host this competition.

“It is with great pleasure for us to host these games, as they help the students to have fun and discover other talents, and also give us a task to raise and develop those talents.”

He continued saying that they want to put in the effort and bring back the good times they have always had in Basketball.

“We have a competitive team and we want to continue support and develop the game so that it becomes stronger than it was in the past.”

Sunday, October 23, the 3X3 actions continued in Muhanga District, where different teams from schools competed.

The 3×3 Basketball is a fun and fast-paced game played by three-a-side in a half-court with one backboard. It is also considered a Basketball teaching tool for youth.

3X3 Basketball is an official Olympic Sport since 2020 in Tokyo.

Police FC stun Etincelles. Onesme Twizerimana on scoresheet again

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

October 21, 2022

The in-form striker, Onesme Twizerimana is on the scoresheet for Police FC once again as they overcome Etincelles FC 2-1 on matchday 6 of the Rwanda Premier League.

Friday, October 21 at Kigali Stadium, a Mashami-coached side convincingly bagged three points against a Rubavu-based club to turn their season around.

The cops have faltered so far this season, lying eighth in the League table and 5 points behind leaders Rayon Sports after only 6 rounds. And The blues are two game-less to Police FC.

Police FC started the game high and their on-form striker, Twizerimana missed the opportunity to open the score as he failed to convert from a spot-kick in 20 minutes. However, 15 minutes later, he scored a beautiful header to hand his side a lead at halftime.

12 minutes after the break, Police’s lead was canceled out by Sumaila Moro and 9 minutes later, Martin Fabrice Twizerimana scored a stunning free-kick to restore the lead as Etincelles failed to find the equalizer.

Onesme Twizerimana currently leads the top scorer chart with 5 goals. He scored all these goals in the last three matches.

Moro Sumaila’s today goal was his 4th in this league too. The Ghanaian attacker has netted in each of his last 4 outings. however, his team managed to get only one victory among them.

Rwanda Premier League actions continue on Sunday as Kiyovu travel away to Huye to play Mukura, Musanze lock horns with Sunrise at Ubworoherane, and the table-toppers Rayon Sports host Espoir FC at Kigali Stadium

For more details about RPL follow this link

Musanze FC beat Gorilla FC to secure a huge three away points

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

October 12, 2022

Musanze FC beat Gorilla FC to secure a huge three away points — Victor Omondi doubled the lead in the 23rd minute and Musanze never looked back | Photo: Musanze

First-half goals from Namanda Wafula and Victor Omondi earned Musanze a 2-0 win at Kigali Stadium that took them within three points of table toppers.

Musanze FC comfortably beat Gorilla FC 2-0 on Wednesday, October 12th in the Rwanda Premier League matchday 5. Gorilla played most of the second half with a man less as Emmanuel Uwimana was sent off in the 69th minute.

Namanda Wafula’s breakthrough goal early in the sixth minute was soon followed by a second from Victor Omondi in the 23rd minute to secure a huge three points for Frank Ouna’s side. They move to third place, three points behind league leaders Rayon Sports.

Gorilla stands in 6th position with 7 points in 5 matches. In the next assignment, they will travel to Rubavu to face Rutsiro while Musanze will be hosting Sunrise at Ubworoherane stadium.

For more details about RPL fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link

This is how both teams lined up today

Gorilla FC XI: Matumele Mozombo (GK), Alexis Nkomezi (C), Samuel Nsengiyumva, Jean Michel Byukusenge, Eric Karema, Emmanuel Uwimana,
Tharcisse Nshimiyimana, Simeon Iradukunda, Johnson Adeaga Adeshola, Rodrigue Irankunda, Mohammed Camara

Subs: Yves Mugisha, Richard Nsengimana, Irene Himbazwa, Yves Habimana, Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, Cedric Samba, Duru Mercy Ikena, Victor Murdah, and Jean Paul Kayigamba

Musanze XI: Gad Muhawenayo (GK), Gad Niyonshuti (C), Obed Harerimana, Hertier Francois Lulihoshi, Anicet Muhire, Valeur Ndahayo, Wafula Namanda, Patrick Ntijyinama, Peter Agblevor, Ben Ocen, Victor Omondi

Subs: Steven Ntaribi, Sadam Nyandwi, Clement Nshimiyimana, Aimable Manzi, Amran Nshimiyimana, Isaac Nsengiyumva, Pierre Dufitumukiza, Jean Luc Kwizera, and Jean Paul Nduwayezu.

Will The City Oilers Advance Past The Elite Round In This Year’s BAL?

After failures in earlier iterations of this competition, the City Oilers have yet to overcome the Elite Round curse.

As The Stars Rebuild, Nemo Brings Together The best Of The Old And New.

The Men’s team of Nemo Stars is now undergoing a reorganization in which new players are integrating with an older, more seasoned group.

Late Bright Stars Equalizer Devastates URA’s Win Efforts

After falling down to URA FC, Soltilo Bright Stars came back to draw the match for the fifth time in a row in the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League.

Bright Stars Hope To Continue Defending Unbeaten League Run Against URA.

To play Hungry URA in the Uganda Premier League’s Match Day 5 match, Bright Stars will travel to Nakisunga, Mukono.

Uganda Hippos Final Traveling Squad To Sudan Named For AFCON U20 Zonal Qualifiers

Uganda Hippos (U20) interim head coach Jackson Mayanja has named his final 24-man squad to travel to Sudan for the CECAFA AFCON U20 Zonal Qualifiers.

The Path to BAL’s Group C Rescheduled, Four More Teams Advanced To The Elite 16 Round.

On Sunday, FIBA Africa announced a new schedule for Group C of the Basketball Africa League, BAL qualifier.

Coach Luke Eittit Makes Amends, Breaks KAVC Spell.

Luke Eittit, the newly appointed OBB head coach, is off the mark for Nemo Stars’ loss after ending KAVC’s perfect NVL record.

Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S’ boys’ and Igihozo St Peter’s girl’s teams took gold at the 3×3 Tournament in Nyanza

Msgr. Mubiligi T.S.S for boys and Igihozo St Peter Secondary School for girls won Igihozo St Peter 3×3 Tournament organized by FERWABA in collaboration with Igihozo St Peter Secondary School.

Police FC stun Etincelles. Onesme Twizerimana on scoresheet again

The in-form striker, Onesme Twizerimana is on the scoresheet for Police FC once again as they overcome Etincelles FC 2-1 on matchday 6 of the Rwanda Premier League.

Musanze FC beat Gorilla FC to secure a huge three away points

First-half goals from Namanda Wafula and Victor Omondi earned Musanze a 2-0 win at Kigali Stadium that took them within three points of table toppers.

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US