By Johnson Were
and Aloysius Byamukama
THE 17th edition of the prestigious National Post Primary Schools Basketball Championship rolls off at St.Mary’s college Kisubi (SMACK) today with champions Nabisunsa Girls eyeing a 10th title.
Nine-time champions Nabisunsa will face a stiff challenge from traditional rivals Kibuli SS and Kibuli SS but academic rivals Mt.St.Mary’s Namagunga may pose a bigger threat.
Namagunga missed last year’s edition but bounced back in style, eliminating high riding St. Michael High School to lift the Mukono girls’ regional title in the qualifiers.
Hosts SMACK will rely on home advantage to stave off the challenge of Crane High, St Michael High school, Kibuli SS, Eagles Nest, Manjasi High and defending champions Ssaku SS.
Gulu Central and Lango College from Northern region, Ntare School, Muntuyera, Kigezi High, Mary Hill, Ngora High and St Leo’s Kyegombe from western together with Jinja SS and Jinja College are the other schools that could upset the favourites.
“New all-weather courts are in place for the championship and we are only waiting for the teams to begin action,” said Philip Katebulawo, the SMACK games teacher.