City Oil emerged winners of 2016 FIBA Africa Zone V Clubs Championship by beating Kenya’s Ulinzi 72-49 in the final.
The Ugandan side finished runners up last year in Kigali, Rwanda, but this year, they set out to finish top as the competition kicked off at the National Stadium in the city of Dar es Salam, Tanzania. The tournament serves as qualifier for the Afro Basket Club Championship (ACC).
This would not be the first time Oilers were up against Ulinzi. They beat the Kenyan side 93-55 in the group stages in a match that was dominated by the Oilers. It might have been expected that a second meet would surely result in the Oilers’ favor.
Earlier on, Oilers beat USIU Tigers of Kenya 76-34, in a semi-final that also recorded an impressive 100% record, with five wins in five matches for the Ugandan side.
Jimmy Enabu was awarded the MVP accolade of the tournament with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. He was one of the spear heading forces for the Oilers and was consistent in his performance since the tournament kicked off.
Ben Komakech is another one of the most revered guards for Oilers and national team – the Silverbacks. In an interview with Ducor Sports, the former NBL MVP was relieved and excited by the win he felt ‘had finally arrived’.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It feels great. This is one trophy I had never won. And to win it the way we did, made it even better. The past three years City Oil basketball club has gone from bronze to silver and now Gold medal.”[/perfectpullquote]
Known for his skillful creativity, lacking of most players who fall victim to his eye-catching ploys, the player has competed in five Zone V competitions – two with Power basketball club in 2009 & 2012 and three with Oilers in 2014, 2015 $ 2016. The 30-year-old is aware of what it takes to win on the bigger stage.
Komakech is also no stranger to winning. Back in the domestic league, he has five titles under his belt – three in 2008, 2010 and 2011 with Power and two in 2014 and 2015 with Oilers.
Back at home, the 2-time MVP -while playing for Power – has dominated the National Basketball League (NBL) with Oilers, who have won the title 3-times in a row.
Now the NBL defending champions will return home motivated by the fact that they are winners of Zone V basketball.
Komakech said, “We will definitely get more exposure when we go for the Afro Club Championship. And it’s a way to put Uganda basketball on the international stage. Afro Basket Club Championship will be new to us but we will do our best and see how far it gets us.”
The Oilers have invested in re-emphasizing their goals while preparing for bigger challenges to come. Competing on a bigger stage requires intense preparation and structuring.
The club understands this demand and by adding effective talent to strengthening its squad, they will seek continental experience and the spoils that come with a good performance.
Earlier in the year, Silver Rugamba, the general manager of City Oilers described the future plan of the club, its objectives and a search for international glory.
“Our aim is to compete at Afro Basket club championship; so we are looking at adding two more players,” said Rugamba.
Falcons basketball club were the first Ugandan team to win the Zone V tournament in the early 00’s. Then, it was called East and Central Africa championship.
Oilers become the first Ugandan team to win the qualifiers tournament since its change of names and second winners overall.
Jimmy Enabu (left) was named Zone V MVP as he poses with teammate, Jonah Otim (right) (NEW VISION)
Featured Photo: City Oil crowned 2016 FIBA Africa Zone V Clubs Championship in Dar es Salam (NEW VISION)
