Selected fixtures:
Stanbic Bank 9 vs. Post Bank 10
UCAA 4 vs. Centenary Bank 10
DTB Bank 4 vs. Hotel Africana 11
URA 10 vs. Dummen Orange 3
Royal Van Zanten 2 vs. Tropical Bank 14
NSSF 12 vs. Platinum Credit 8
UBL 20 vs. Crown Beverages Limited 0
SGA 20 vs. Africa Global Logistics 0
The hunt for the Corporate Sports Network basketball gong took on intense proportions on Sunday, March 23rd, at the Makerere University Business School basketball courts. With last year’s defending champions, Manifest TV (Phaneroo), a no-show this season, most teams meant business once the umpires signalled for action.
The air was electric with anticipation as teams played each other in a round-robin event that comprises eight groups. Once the action kicked off, we saw a showcase of talent, determination, and teamwork on the court. The fans braved the failing weather to fill the stands, with their excited chatter blending into a vibrant roar.
You could blame some coaches for watching too much NBA basketball. They barked strategic plays as the games went on. The sound of sneakers squeaking on the court, the thud of basketballs against hardwood, and the echoing swish of netting created a symphony of athleticism.
Talented players displayed dazzling ball-handling skills, executing no-look passes, behind-the-back dribbles, and gravity-defying dunks that left audiences breathless. Each basket was met with roaring cheers or groans of disbelief as rival fans exchanged playful jabs, creating a charged atmosphere that felt almost palpable.
As the tournament progressed, especially after the afternoon downpour, it became clear that skill alone wasn’t enough; heart and grit revealed the potential champions. The crowd erupted into sheer jubilation while opponents slumped in disappointment with each basket.
Some of the teams that showed real potential as champions include, Centenary Bank and Post Bank, who lead Group A with maximum points. In group B, last year’s losing finalists, Hotel Africana started from where they stopped winning both games. Close on their heels is DTB Bank.
In Group C, Tropical Bank and Uganda Revenue Authority created daylight from other contenders, defeating Royal Van Zanten and Dummen Orange. NSSF and Quality Chemicals took an early lead in Group D.
In Group E, Uganda Breweries Limited and SGA security enjoyed an early lead while KCB Bank and Case Hospital posted commanding displays to be tentatively ranked at first and second in Group F. Housing Finance Bank, Roofings, Graphic Systems, and Harris International complete the early leaders in Groups G and H.
If what was experienced on Sunday was anything to go by, the competition will be stiffer during the next outing when teams play at the former Gems Cambridge International School in Butabika in April.
This season’s tournament showed it wasn’t just a series of games; it was a heartfelt celebration of basketball, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence.
