All is set for Jovoc Basketball Open

 

Jovoc Open is the only basketball tournament in western Uganda and has been growing in leaps and bounds every year, attracting a record 35 teams in 2018, 30 teams in 2017, 26 teams in 2016, 21 teams in 2015 and 11 teams in 2013. This year, organisers expect over 50 teams

 

"We expect 50 teams and, therefore, the tournament will run for two days," Alex Byamukama, the organiser said.

 

The secondary schools and tertiary/clubs' tournament, which started as a western region championship, now attracts teams from different regions, including the central region.

 

"In the men's category, we expect Makerere University Business School (MUBS), University of St Joseph Mbarara, Bishop Barham University College, Mbarara University, Kampala International University, Fort Portal City Basketball Club, Kabale University, defending champions Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Mountains of the Moon and Uganda Law Development Centre Mbarara campus," Byamukama said.

 

 The Maryhill High School team that participated in the tournament last year

In the ladies' category, four-times defending Nkozi ladies who overcame MUBS last year to claim the title will be expected to put up a good show against Mbarara University and LadyGills Basketball Team, and Kabale University.

 

The universities will open the tournament on Friday, while secondary schools will join the fray on Saturday.

 

In the boys' secondary schools' category, JOVOC the host, is set to claim its title from defending champions Masaka Secondary School, while Wakiso-based Bethel Covenant College and two-time champions Nyakasura School, Ntare School, Kabale Trinity College, St Henry's College Kitovu, Muntuyera High School Kitunga, Mbarara High School, among others, are also expected to put up a stiff challenge for the title in this year's championship.

 

In the girls' secondary schools' category, Maryhill High School is expected to battle it out with 2018 defending champions Exodus College from Wakiso who dethroned them last year. The two rivals are expected to put up a good show against Nyakasura School, St. Noa girls SS. St. Mary's Kitende and home teams St. Mary's Rushoroza.  St. Mary's Voc. Secondary School Kyamuhunga, Kyebambe Girls and Mpanga Girls Secondary School.

 

"We have good facilities for the tournament and we expect to see a lot of raw talent, discipline, and entertainment, " Byamukama said.

 

The tournament will be graced by new FUBA president Nasser Sserunjogi and vice-president technical and competition Joseph Manano.