The first two fixtures for the Ugandans are against two of the top-ranked sides in the Nile Conference, Petro and hosts Al Ahly.
Ugandan champions City Oilers will be playing in the Basketball Africa League for the first time since its inaugural season in 2021.
Having missed out on qualification twice, the eight-time National Basketball League winners finally got in and will start their Nile Conference business underway against Petro de Luanda Thursday night.
Team captain James Okello has been part of the team’s success that started in 2013 and is now confident they can rub shoulders with the continent’s best and make some noise.
“We are very ready. We have been preparing ever since we stepped in Egypt,” Okello said ahead of Thursday’s clash.
“We have had sessions, we are gelling, and the new guys that joined us are doing very well,” he added.
Oilers jetted out to Cairo Saturday morning and have a full house, with Germaine Roebuck Jr., William Ngor, Fallando Jones, and James Justice Jr. as the significant additions to the domestic lot.
19:21 - 25.04.2023
BAL All set for Basketball Africa League Nile Conference
The top four teams after the 15-game schedule will join Stade Malien, REG, AS Douanes and Abidjan Basket Club at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, for the playoffs.
Jimmy Enabu, Tonny Drileba, Titus Lual and Fayed Baale will be tasked with providing the support to get Mandy Juruni’s charges into the final eight.
Support us
The oilers might not enjoy huge support while playing back home, but they are carrying the Ugandan flag at the moment.
And Okello has called upon all Ugandans to get behind the team from wherever they are.
“We call upon all Ugandans to show up and support the team.
“We are here to represent UG.
“We invite everyone. The fans, our supporters, our sponsors, everyone.
“Everyone should come on board and support City Oilers.”
Oilers will be looking to make the top four and qualify for the playoffs slated for May 21-28 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The first two fixtures for the Ugandans are against two of the top-ranked sides in the Nile Conference, Petro and hosts Al Ahly.
After that, Cape Town Tigers, Ferroviario da Beira and SLAC lie in wait.
Basketball Africa League
Nile Conference
SLAC vs. Cape Town -5pm
Petro vs. City Oilers -8.30pm