Unbeaten Canons face Oilers threat

By Julius Senyimba

Today: Airtel National Basketball League 

Men

City Oilers v UCU Canons

Women

KIU Rangers v Gladiators

Wednesday

Men

Heaters 58 Charging Rhinos 78

Vegetarian 56 KIU Titans 70

UCU Canons guard Syrus Kiviiri said that they are looking at victory today as a birthday present for their coach Nicholas Natuhereza. 

The National Basketball League third-placed team face on-form City Oilers, who are in second position, in what promises to be a mouth-watering match at Lugogo.

“Yesterday, (Thursday) was our coach’s birthday and we have decided to go for a win against City Oilers as his pres¬ent,” Kiviiri stated after a training session. 

“We are looking forward to making him happy.”

Canons are unbeaten in five games and currently in third place but with a game in hand.

A win will see them go top of the annual Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations contest. They will then replace the current table leaders D-Mark Power. 

Natuhereza said his side has no injury worries and is ready for the game.

“My team is in shape and set for the battle. The best team of the night will win. I can assure the basketball fraternity of an entertaining game,” Natuhereza said.

However, Oilers guard Jimmy Enabu said they have a lot of respect for their rivals and will approach the game with caution. 

“We shall approach the game with care because Canons is a good side yet we also want to win the game,” Enabu, an influential player for the side remarked. 

Oilers are fifth on nine points, one short of Canons but a win will take them to second place. 

Meanwhile, each of the 20 teams in the league got sh3m from the sponsors Airtel Uganda in Kampala yesterday.