With the start of the 2022 National Basketball League (NBL) season within sight, the responsibility to meet set requirements for licensing ahead of the new campaign lies entirely upon teams.

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) set March 11 as the start date for both the men and women’s action which will end a two-year hiatus of the game at the top level.

According to FUBA vice president in charge of marketing, media and publicity, Arnold Katabi, the new guidelines target sustained development of the game.

“Club licensing was introduced this season and for every club, they have to be registered and run professionally. This was shared with the clubs last year so they had a hint on what was to come even with the COVID-19 challenges,” stated Katabi.

“It should be mandatory for all clubs to take part in the league this time round because there will be repercussions should they fail to register. We need to take the game to the next level.”

On top of the stringent licensing necessities by the governing body, vaccination of players and fans throughout the season is crucial.

“We will vaccinate as many players as possible and also urge the fans to get vaccinated. Confidence was gained from how the lower division teams pulled off their resumption all the way to the finals,” Katabi noted.

Katabi says televised games will be the way forward in the face of the pandemic.