Basketball in Africa

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

For Falcons, experience is the best weapon. Counted off by some as a spent force by regional standards, Falcons are determined to silence critics when the Sprite Africa Zone 5 Championship rolls off in Kampala next Monday.

The MTN-Fuba League record champions returned from Rwanda on Monday where they played a couple of build-up games and Falcons patron John Ssimbwa believes his charges are set for the challenge.
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“The Kigali trip was key in our preparations. People will see how good we are,” Ssimbwa said yesterday. Falcons are representing Uganda alongside Warriors and reigning league champions DMark Power but going by experience, Ssimbwa’s team can negotiate its way out of the deep end better. “We are in upbeat mood. If all goes according to plan, we should be able to make the final,” promised Ssimbwa.

Falcons’ international record is clearly superior to any other local team’s. They defeated Seychelles side Premium Cobras to lift the regional trophy in 2000 in Kampala and have been to the semifinals on two occasions (1999 and 2001).
Now that they are playing at home again, Falcons are hoping to reclaim their trophy at the expense of teams like KPA (Kenya) Bilpam Warriors (Sudan), Haegen (Somalia), New Stars (Burundi) and Kenya Commercial Bank.
Action begins on July 27 atthe YMCA Wandegeya, Makerere University main ground and Namboole stadium.

The local women’s teams taking part in the regional event are A-1 Challenge, KCC Leopards and KIU Rangers who replaced league champions and university side UCU Lady Canons