National Basketball League defending champions City Oilers seek to overtake Falcons for the most league trophies when the 2019/2020 season tips off today at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.
Six times champions Oilers will play last year’s losing finalists and rivals Betway Power in the season opener, a few hours after JKL Lady Dolphins open their account against KCCA Leopards in the ladies’ games.
The Oilers will begin their hunt for the seventh league trophy after winning the past six titles on the bounce but they will not have it easy this season as rivals Power have organised well for a title challenge.
Despite Oilers dominance in the league for the past six years, Power have become their closest challengers to the title recently as they have faced off in the playoffs for the past three seasons, losing last season’s final 4-1.
Power will boast of an even bigger budget and financial power after confirming Betway as partners for the season with a sponsorship package worth Shs250 millions after losing legend Michael Kojjo who hung up his boots, Stephen Wundi and Mike Madol who decided to return home in South Sudan and, Francis ‘Odom’ Kasinde to KCCA.
It has been their dealings in the transfer market that has had many believe they will be the other favorites with the acquisitions of shooting guards Samuel Agutu and Syrus Kiviri from KIU Titans and Warriors respectively plus guard Libe Jacques Makala from JKL Dolphins.
Power have also confirmed Phillip Kyomuhendo as the new General manager while former player Boniface Okello returns as assistant to head coach Arnold Lando.
“We have a good roster so we have to get the rotations right and know how close out games,” said Okello whose also coached at UCU and JKL.
“We still have the hunger to win and have been preparing well and hopefully the new additions will make us better so you can say we start as favorites,” said City Oilers James Okello.
In the ladies category, FUBA female player of the year Jamilla Nansikombi will again lead JKL Lady Dolphins charge as once again as they take on KCCA Leopards on the opening weekend.
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