Sande Bashaija
Kampala
Today - FIBA Africa Clubs
Coop Bank v Warriors (3pm)
Tues: Warriors v Inter Club (3pm)
Wed: Warriors v Espac (3pm)
Thurs: Agoto v Warriors (7pm)
Such is the nature of Uganda’s sports that a team on national duty can struggle to make a road trip to a place as near as Kigali, Rwanda.
MTN-Fuba League champions Warriors were until Friday afternoon unsure of traveling to Kigali for the Africa Club Championship. They later left at night after club patron Ambrose Tashobya decided to inject in his personal funds. “Failing to participate would be disastrous. It would disorganise the team and water down all that we have achieved so far,” said Tashobya on Friday.
Not that Tashobya, who is also the basketball governing, body, Fuba, president, didn’t try to solicit funds from other sources. He did. “I have tried the ministry, NCS and corporate sponsors but things haven’t worked out,” Tashobya said. “Hopefully, they will be able to send some money to us as the tournament progresses.”
Having won the national league for the first time, Warriors may have taken with them lots of confidence to Kigali but competing at this level is no easy task. They are clearly venturing into the unknown. “The players have matured mentally and the energy is high in the team,” noted Tashobya. “I think we should be able to make it from the group stages.”
The Ugandan champions start their Group B campaign this evening with a clash against Kenya Cooperative Bank, a team which beat them to win the Zone 5 Championship in Kampala three moths ago.
They face Congo Brazzaville’s Inter Club on Tuesday, Benin champions Aspac on Wednesday and wrap up the group stages with a tough clash against title holders Primero de Agosto of Angola.
All Warriors players but Wafula will be in Kigali for the weeklong showpiece. “Nelson is sitting his exams but will join us on Monday. “Martin Okwako and Steven Okias have minor injuries but should recover in time to play.” Warriors will be the first Ugandan men’s senior club to compete at this level.