Uganda champions City Oilers will be desperate for a maiden victory at the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL), as they take on Guinea side SLAC today.
The eight-time Ugandan champions have suffered defeat in each of their opening two games; against Angola’s Petro de Luanda and hosts Al Ahly of Egypt.
Head coach Mande Juruni is pleased with how the team has acquitted themselves so far, especially in the game against Al Ahly, and is optimistic of positives against SLAC.
“These two games have shown us who we are, so many positives and the things we should do better,” Juruni said.
“I am very confident that the guys are going to adjust and play better basketball.
We knew we had two (opening) tough games looking at the history of the sides.
“We are confident and happy with what we have displayed. If we keep playing with the way we have been playing we give ourselves a chance to win a game.”
“Almost doesn’t count. Our target is to play well and give ourselves a chance to win it,” he buoyantly added.
Jimmy Enabu, who is one of the long-serving members of the team, has rallied his teammates to give it everything as they look to turn events around.
“We need to redeem ourselves. We lost the first two games, and we need to win the next one,” he said.
“Winning the next game will give us a good momentum boost, confidence in the camp, and put us in a good place to compete to make it to Kigali.”
Against Al Ahly, Germaine Roebuck led the way with 28 points for the Oilers, while Falando Jones and James Justice had 15 and 11 points respectively.
Meanwhile, things don’t look any better for SLAC as they have also lost their two games against Cape Town and CFV Beira 75-68 and 109-97, respectively.
By: Ivan Kaye
Courtesy Photos
