City Oilers and Silverbacks point guard Tony Drileba has been awarded the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Ubuntu Trophy in recognition of his ongoing efforts to use basketball to impact the lives of youth in his native country positively.
“Congratulations to Tonny Drileba of the City Oilers, recipient of the 2023 BAL Ubuntu Trophy presented by New Fortress Energy! His dedication to empowering Ugandan youth through basketball clinics and life-skills seminars exemplifies the spirit of Ubuntu,” read a communication from the BAL social media channels.
“In honour of his impactful community work, a $5,000 donation will be made to a charitable cause of his choice in Uganda.”
The BAL Ubuntu Trophy is awarded annually to an individual or organisation that has impacted the local community during the BAL season.
Rwandan point guard Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza won the 2022 award and Groupement Sportif des Pétroliers’s Hichem Benayad-Cherif from Algeria in 2021.
What they said
“The BAL Ubuntu Trophy recognizes outstanding leadership and consistent acts of service that uplift people and communities. Tonny’s efforts are inspiring to the entire BAL family and a testament to the transformative power of basketball and its ability to be a force for good beyond the court,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.
Tony is an assistant coach for Angels Basketball Club – a professional women’s team that competes in the Ugandan Basketball League, with which he has participated in the club’s community outreach projects across the country, including youth clinics and life-skills seminars at Nakivale Refugee Camp in Western Uganda.
“I am extremely humbled to have won this award, which in all hope will shine more light on the social issues I have sought to tackle in my community,” said Drileba.
“Going forward, I am excited to continue working with the youth, empowering them through basketball and bringing positive change to the disadvantaged communities.”
Courtesy Photos
