KAMPALA – Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) National Basketball League (NBL) giants Betway Power have bid farewell to players that will be leaving the club ahead of the 2020 season.
It is a rare scenario, organising a ceremony for former players, even in the beautiful game of Basketball but it is one that the Betway financed side that decided to take up on on Wednesday night.
It happened at a glamorous dinner held at Kati Kati Restaurant on Wednesday evening.
Flanked by media personnel, FUFA and Betway officials plus other revealers, the ceremony witnessed departing players receive certificates of both recognition and appreciation on top of plaques.
Some of the players that have left Power include Fahmy Ssebatindra, Joseph Ikong, Phillip Ameny, Libe Makala and Samuel Ogutu.
At the same event, 10 new players were introduced by the club as they bid to win a first title in 9 years.
‘Other clubs should pick a leaf from Betway Power’ – what they said
Nassar Sserunjogi – FUBA President
“I can not help but appreciate the initiative by Betway Power. It is not every day that a club organizes such a glamorous event to bid farewell to players and also unveil signings especially in our country.”
“Other clubs should copy what Power does because they do a lot of things in the right way and you can not help but admire their efforts on and of the court.”
“I personally i am always impressed by Betway Power and I am glad to be apart of this dinner.”
Adelle Agaba, Betway Uganda Country manager
“At Betway Uganda, we are so pleased to be associated with one of the best Basketball clubs in the country-Power.
“As appreciation to the departing players, some of whom have become personal friends to me, we have decided to throw them a dinner and award them with certificates and plaques today. Thank you for the good and trying times we have shared and on behalf of the Betway family, I would like to wish you well in your future endeavors.
“For the new players, you are taking on a demanding task on and off the pitch.
“As a brand, you are required to represent the club in the best way possible on and off the court.
“We have set targets this coming season and we target the FUBA NBL title. May God bless your efforts and I wish you the best of luck time at the club.”
Joseph Ikong, ex-Betway Power captain
“It has been a wonderful and memorable experience being at Betway Power.
“I came as a kid, have been at Betway for 13 years and it is now time for me to leave. It is sad that I have to go but one thing is for sure, Power will always be my home.
“When we started, we would just receive transport after games but currently, the club is being ran the right way with players receiving salaries and I have to thank the management and Betway for the efforts.
“I will also like to thank my fellow players for the efforts in the years i have been with you and also to you the fans, thank you because you have been with us all the way and even in the years that we have struggled and failed to win.
“Wish you the best of luck everyone at Betway Power.”
Power has under performed in the last few years.
Last season, they were beaten in the semi finals of the playoffs by UCU Canons.
Power’s last FUBA NBAL title came in 2011.
The new players at Betway Power
-Ivan lumanyika – Centre / Power Foward from JKL
-Ssentongo Elvis -Shooting Guard from Razelife
-Patrick Seduge – Power Foward from Kampala University Eagles
-Bushiri Yesman – Guard from JKL
-Brian Waters – Guard from KCCA Men
-Niwa Bazile Yan – Center from KCCA FC
-Osama Arion
-Denis Balungu
-La Joie Mubulanyi
-Otto Joseph
Outgoing Players
-Ikong Joseph
-Paul Odong
-David Opolot
-Fahmy Ssebatindra
-Phillip Ameny
-Libe Makala
-Syrus Kiviiri
-Bbale Suleiman
-Agutu Samuel
