Tropical Royals want to earn direct promotion to the National Basketball League next season.
The Lower Division Basketball returns after months out since President Museveni relaxed on Covid19 SOPs.
The Lions, as they prefer to call themselves, lead division one log with a 10-1 record going into the final bend of the regular season.
They have been excellent in the regular season so far thanks to huge contributions from Allan Nandala who is averaging 14 points, Juma Osman, Edgar Osiape and Joshua Duallo.
Their only loss was 58-54 defeat against Knight Riders on April 17 at Nakasero.
Tropical Royals start their three remaining games with Rez Life this Saturday before facing Our Saviour and Kampala Rockets, all the three are strong contenders to the top spot.
Brian Rugyendo, the team coach, says that their ultimate goal is to win the title: “The ultimate goal remains the same, no matter the challenges. It’s those challenges that test us and make us stronger. We believe in one another as individuals, our team as a unit, our corporate partners, our fans and in our goal as realistically achievable. Our goal is the Division One Championship.”
As the Lower Division Basketball returns, teams have been asked to meet Covid19 test fees and Rugyendo says that they are facing tough challenges.
He stated: “Budget for regular COVID tests is killing us in addition to other Team operational expenses, but we are engaging internally and with our corporate partners to help us see the season through.”
Tropical Royals parterns include Abii Clinic, Bella Hibiscus Drink, UgaRoll and Mediascape.
The team has also struggled to have adequate group preparations after MUBS has been closed since the second lockdown.
He added: “Also, even if MUBS were to be open, it’s impossible to train on weekdays with a 7pm general curfew and 6pm bodaboda curfew. So we could only improvise for Saturday and Sunday wherever we can.”
Consequently, prayers were tasked to carry individual practice during the weekdays like jogging and pick-up at any court near their homes.
Nkumba Marines, YMCA Hamsters, Bushcourt, Old Timers, Makerere Eagles and Kampala University pulled out after failing to confirm participation for resumption and have since been left out of the remaining fixtures.
Weekend Fixtures at Nakasero
Saturday, October 16
DIV II
*Vegeterian Vs Kings
DIV I
*Diamonds in the Sun Vs Our Saviour
*Rez Life Vs Tropical Royals
*Entebbe Archers Vs Gulu Hawks
Sunday, October 17
Div II
*Emperors Vs Livingstone
Div I
*Kampala Rockets Vs Gulu Hawks
*Knight Riders Vs Charging Rhino
*Entebbe Archers Vs Rez Life
