With an average of six regular-season games left before the National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs tip off in July, defending champions Namuwongo Blazers face a defining week in their title defence.
The Blazers take on Rezlife Saints in Lubowa on Wednesday, May 20, before facing rivals City Oilers in Lugogo on Friday, May 22.
On current form, Namuwongo appear the league’s strongest side. Since their opening-day 74-65 loss to City Oilers on February 6, the Blazers have won 15 consecutive games, producing increasingly dominant performances.
Coach Stephen Nyeko recently reflected on that early defeat, admitting his side started slowly and lacked cohesion.
“But we knew it was the opening fixture to a long season in which we had to get to work and improve,” Nyeko said. “I was particularly not worried about our defending, but our offence, which I feel has now improved tremendously.”
Compared to last season, Namuwongo have looked far sharper. The arrivals of DR Congo duo Fataki Nyembo and Kasereka Tembo have strengthened the squad, while improved chemistry has transformed the team’s attacking play.
The Blazers now move the ball quicker and more fluidly, with several players involved before each basket — an approach many opponents have struggled to contain.
City Oilers, however, have also reinforced significantly. The Oilers signed Silverbacks centre Jonathan Komagum and point guard Patrick Rembert, while Namuwongo added towering Cameroonian centre Kevin Nyemeck alongside Tembo.
With both teams having lost only once this season, the battle lines for the playoffs already appear drawn.
