Two-time National Basketball League champions Warriors will not take part in the coming season, The-SportsNation has learnt.
Warriors, who won the title in 2009 and 2012, missed out on the registration deadline.
The Kyambogo-based side pulled out of the competition last season then saying that it was not safe to play amidst Covid-19 pandemic.
FUBA Vice President (Administration) Hudson Ssegamwenge confirmed to this website that Warriors have not returned again!
“I do not want to speak for Warriors but as the Federation we didn’t receive their list and they never wrote to us to tell us about the matter,” Ssegamwenge stated.
Warriors President Ambrose Tashobya, who was recently appointed as the new NCS Chairman, proved busy when contacted.
Warriors Team Manager Brian Gumisiriza claimed that they did not have enough time to conclude the registration process.
“Yes, it’s TRUE we did not register, we didn’t have enough time,” started Gumisiriza.
“We have been off for a long time, league has not been played (to conclusion) for the last two years, and when FUBA opened for this season, they were doing things in a hurry and unfortunately the window was closed before we submitted.”
On what does the future hold for the historical club, Gumisiriza said that “we have to first sit down as a team and see.”
Warriors guard and captain Mark Opio briefly commented: “I have not had any conversations with the management of the team recently, so I do not know what is on the ground for now. Apparently, I have been focussed on other things and that is work. I am upcountry and trying to get my foot into my career basically.”
FUBA registration Window kicked off on January 10 and had to conclude on February 10, but it was twice extended until final deadline on Tuesday February 22.
Braced For 13-Team Season
Donnan Byabazaire, the FUBA Chairman Competition Council, said that he has not officially confirmed the number of teams to take part.
However, The-SportsNation has reliably learnt that the Men’s top division will be comprised of 13 teams.
This include Victoria University who will be making their debut in the league after acquiring Sharing Youth.
The teams also include newcomers Our Saviour and Tropical Royals who were promoted from Division One last season.
The NBL Women Division may have 10 teams, but pending on decision to include Miracle Eagles who acquired UMU Ravens.
The league fixture is expected to be out this week before tip off on March 11 2022.
NBL Men Teams: UPDF Tomahawks, Power Basketball, Tropical Royals, Falcons, Ndejje University Angels, UCU Canons, KCCA Men, Our Saviour, Namuwongo Blazers, JKL Dolphins, City Oilers, KIU Titans, Victoria University
NBL Women Teams – Nabisunsa, Nkumba Lady Marines, UCU Lady Canons, Angels, JKL Lady Dolphins, KCCA Leopards, KIU Rangers, A1 Challenge, Magic Stormers, *Miracle Eaglets(UMU Ravens)
