Blazers, Lady Dolphins lead charge as 2025 NBL playoffs tip off

The Namuwongo Blazers enter the 2025 National Basketball League playoffs riding a wave of confidence after finishing the regular season at the top of the standings.

Former City Oilers captain Ivan Muhwezi, who joined the Blazers during the recent transfer window, expressed the team’s readiness for the challenge ahead.

“We are very ready for the playoffs; we have prepared as a team, built strong chemistry, and trusted each other through tough moments,” said Muhwezi. “Every player knows his role, and we believe this is the time to prove ourselves.”

The Blazers have become the center of attention, with many believing this could finally be the year they dethrone the City Oilers. Their dominance throughout the season was clear, losing only three games and finishing with an impressive 19–3 record. With leadership from former Oilers stars Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, Tonny Drilleba, and Muhwezi, the Blazers have assembled a roster capable of going all the way.

Their first playoff hurdle comes in the form of RezLife Saints, who secured sixth place with a 12–10 record. RezLife, led by talented playmaker Chris Omanye, enter the matchup as underdogs but remain hopeful. Although they lost both regular-season encounters with the Blazers, Omanye believes the playoffs offer a fresh opportunity and insists his team can pull off an upset if they play with freedom and intensity.

A victory for the Blazers would move them closer to a likely semifinal showdown against either the Kampala Rockets or UCU Canons. Both teams finished with identical 13–9 records and are set to face off in what promises to be one of the most evenly matched quarterfinals.

In the women’s division, Saturday will see defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins begin their title defense against the UPDF Lady Tomahawks. The Lady Dolphins topped the regular season with 17 wins and boast a star-studded lineup featuring Brenda Ekone, Hope Akello, Agatha Kamwada, and Evelyn Nakiyingi. UPDF have shown significant improvement this season and will be looking to challenge the reigning champions.

Another high-stakes Saturday clash will see JT Lady Jaguars host Miracle Eaglets. The Jaguars, who posted a strong 16–4 regular season, will benefit from home-court advantage inside the Jaguars Den, which is hosting its first-ever NBL playoff games. The Eaglets, coached by Arnold Katabi, remain a threat with standout players like Mariam Namukwaya and new signing Esther Loki Mpongo, although they will be without guard Brenda Alyano following a recent road accident.

On Sunday, the playoffs shift to Lugogo Indoor Arena. Second-seeded KCCA Leopards begin their quarterfinal campaign against Magic Stormers, a team they defeated 66–50 in the final game of the regular season. After falling at the quarterfinal stage in the past two seasons, KCCA are determined to break through this year.

Sunday will also feature Game Two matchups, with the JKL Lady Dolphins facing UPDF Lady Tomahawks again, and UCU Lady Canons meeting KIU Rangers for the second time in their series.

In the men’s bracket, Sunday promises blockbuster basketball as Sommet BC take on the KCCA Panthers. The Panthers started the season strong but faded in the latter stages, while Sommet found their rhythm in the second round.

However, the playoffs have taken an unexpected turn. JT Jaguars Basketball Club has filed a petition with the FUBA Competitions Council to suspend their quarterfinal series against City Oilers over an eligibility dispute involving two Oilers players. As a result, Friday’s scheduled opener was called off, and Game Two, originally set for Sunday, has also been suspended pending resolution of the matter.

To fill the vacant Friday slot, a women’s game between UCU Lady Canons and KIU Rangers was played at 7:00 PM at Lugogo, ensuring fans still got a taste of playoff action.

National Basketball League Playoffs Fixtures

Saturday, September 6th (Jaguars Den)

Women (Game One)

Lady Dolphins vs Lady Tomahawks  10:00am

Lady Jaguars vs Miracle Eaglets – 12:00pm

Men (Game One)

Namuwongo Blazers vs Rezlife Saints – 4:00pm

Kampala Rockets vs UCU Canons – 6:00pm

Sunday, September 7th (Lugogo Indoor Arena)

Women

KCCA Leopards vs Magic Stormers (Game One) 10:00am

Lady Tomahawks vs Lady Dolphins (Game Two) – 12:00pm

KIU Rangers vs Lady Canons (Game Two) – 2:00pm

Men

City Oilers v JT Jaguars (Postponed)

KCCA Panthers vs Sommet BC (Game Two) – 6:00pm