Sommet coach calls for stronger defence ahead of UMU Flames clash

Sommet head coach Albert Aciko has urged his side to tighten their defence and improve team chemistry as they prepare to face the UMU Flames in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Wednesday night at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Despite opening the season with a 65–56 victory over JKL Dolphins, Aciko believes there is still room for improvement.

“We are looking to improve our chemistry. We need to play good defence. We didn’t play good defence against JKL. We need to improve,” Aciko said.

Last year, Sommet were knocked out in the Division One quarter-finals but later earned promotion to the NBL after a vacancy arose. They struggled early in the campaign before signing key players mid-season, eventually finishing as the number two seed and pushing City Oilers to a five-game playoff series.

However, the club released key players including Franck Nyembo and Mark Ngobi, leaving gaps in the squad. To rebuild, Sommet recruited new talent, both local and foreign, including Nigerian Emilagba Abdulahi, Malian Karabana Diaw, and Gabonese international Siby Omar. Youngsters Mongo Stephane, Brighton Galiwango, Mathew Kisakye, Odongo Lucky, and Mark Mayanja will also be making their top-league debuts.

Their opponents, UMU Flames, will be seeking redemption after a 79–64 loss to UCU Canons in their opener.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Miracle Eaglets will face UPDF Lady Tomahawks at 7pm at YMCA Wandegeya, followed by City Oilers against UPDF Tomahawks at 9pm. At Lugogo Indoor Arena, KIU Rangers will play Angels at 7pm before Sommet meet UMU Flames at 9pm. At Jaguars Den, JT Lady Jaguars will face Victoria She Crocs at 7pm, while JT Jaguars will play Victoria Crocs at 9pm.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has adjusted some fixtures just a week into the new season. The Friday 7pm women’s game between Pearl Queens and KCCA Leopards has been rescheduled. UCU Lady Canons will now face Magic Stormers on Friday, while Pearl Queens will meet KCCA Leopards on Saturday, February 14.

Games initially set for UCU Mukono on Saturday will now be played at Abja Park, Naalya. Additionally, a women’s fixture on March 20 has been amended, with Pearl Queens now facing JT Lady Jaguars instead of Magic Stormers.

Today

YMCA Wandegeya

Women

Miracle Eaglets v Lady Tomahawks 7pm

Men

City Oilers v UPDF Tomahawks 9pm

Lugogo Indoor Arena

women

KIU Rangers vs Angels 7pm

Men

Sommet BC vs UMU Flames 9pm

Jaguars Den

women

JT Lady Jaguars v Victoria She Crocs 7pm

Men

JT Jaguars vs Victoria Crocs 9pm