Namuwongo Blazers to host landmark BAL Qualifiers in Hoima
The games will be played in a single round-robin format, which means each team will face each of their four group opponents once.
The first-round group phase qualifiers will be played at the Hoima City Stadium Arena from October 21-25. (Photo Credit: John Matrix Tiboruhanga)
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Namuwongo Blazers' quest to join the 2027 Basketball Africa League (BAL) begins next week when the reigning Ugandan league champions host the East Division Group D qualifiers.
The first-round group phase qualifiers will be played at the Hoima City Stadium Arena from October 21-25.
Namuwongo Blazers are grouped with Urunani BC (Burundi), Patriots BC (South Sudan), COSPN (Madagascar) and Ushundzi Basket (Comoros).
The games will be played in a single round-robin format, which means each team will face each of their four group opponents once.
The top two teams from this group will advance to the Elite 16 (East Division), scheduled for November 17-22 in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.
Thereafter, the top two teams in the Elite 16 will qualify for the 2027 BAL season, Africa's premier club basketball competition organised by FIBA and NBA Africa.
Opportunity for brand Uganda
The newly-constructed Hoima City Stadium Arena will be hosting its first international basketball tournament.
Fans will be treated to two matches daily, with games scheduled for 4pm and 7pm throughout the five-day tournament.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday, FUBA chief executive officer Marcus Kwizera described the tournament as a major milestone for Ugandan basketball and a platform to showcase the country's ability to host international sporting events.
He said the event presents an opportunity for Uganda to highlight not only its sporting infrastructure but also its tourism potential.
"This is more than a basketball tournament. It is an opportunity for Uganda to demonstrate its readiness to host major international sporting events while promoting tourism, investment, and national pride."
Kwizera said the competition will offer visiting teams and officials a chance to experience Uganda's hospitality and attractions.
Blazers galvanise personnel
Namuwongo Blazers chief executive officer Daniel Muttu Obel said the club has invested heavily in strengthening its squad ahead of the qualifiers and is determined to make home advantage count.
"We are ready for the challenge. Hosting comes with responsibility, and we want to ensure that we compete strongly and make Uganda proud," he said.
"This is not just about the Namuwongo Blazers. We are representing Uganda, and we believe we have assembled a team capable of competing at the highest level."
"These are players who have competed at the highest levels of basketball and bring invaluable experience to our squad," said the club's CEO.
Team captain Paul "MacGyver" Odong expressed confidence in the team's preparations, saying the reigning national champions are ready to compete against some of the strongest clubs in the region.
"We have been training and preparing for this competition over a considerable period."
Odong credited the club's local league triumph and the recruitment drive for boosting confidence ahead of the competition.
"Winning the National Basketball League championship is proof of the quality within our squad. We have some of the best basketball players in the country, and we are ready for the challenge ahead."
The captain also revealed that the club has strengthened its technical bench with additional coaches to ensure the team is fully prepared for the demanding tournament.
Teams arrive
The first visiting delegation, the Patriots of South Sudan, have already arrived in Uganda ahead of next week's competition.
Patriots secretary general Marchar Alier Anyang expressed excitement about participating in the tournament and rallied for support.
"As Patriots Basketball Club, we are happy to be part of this tournament and represent our nation. I call upon the South Sudanese community in Uganda and across East Africa to come and support their gallant sons."