Rising Hoops: Uganda’s Future Basketball Stars Set to Shine at Mengo SS Tournament. -

The Mengo SS basketball courts are set to come alive on 31st January and 1st February 2025 as they host an exhilarating tournament for Uganda’s budding basketball stars.

This highly anticipated event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship, bringing together academies from across the region to compete in the U15 Boys and U15 Girls categories.

The tournament, organized with the development of youth basketball in mind, aims to provide a competitive platform for young athletes to display their skills while fostering camaraderie among participants.

Coaches, parents, and basketball enthusiasts alike will witness the next generation of players sharpen their abilities and fight for glory on the court.

A Stage for Young Talent

The event has multiple objectives, all aimed at building the future of basketball in Uganda. Beyond the competition, it’s a chance to identify and nurture potential stars for the national team.

The spirit of sportsmanship will be central to the tournament, encouraging players to compete with integrity and respect. Additionally, the event highlights the importance of organized sports in fostering teamwork, discipline, and growth among youth.

Why Teams Should Participate

According to Ms. Patricia Ayebare, the FUBA Youth Coordinator, there are several compelling reasons why teams should pay the participation fee and join the tournament.“Organizing any sporting event involves significant expenses, and the participation fee helps cover these costs,” she explains.

These costs include:

Facility Rental: Paying for the use of the courts for the games.

Officials: Hiring referees and other officials to ensure fair play and smooth running of the tournament.

Equipment: Providing and maintaining necessary equipment like balls, nets, and scoreboards.

Administrative Costs: Covering expenses related to registration, scheduling, and tournament administration.

Prizes and Awards: Funding awards for winning teams and individual players.

Ms. Ayebare also emphasizes the importance of fairness and equity, saying, “By charging a participation fee, we ensure that all teams have an equal opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial resources.”

She highlights how the fee helps:

Level the Playing Field: Reducing the advantage that wealthier academies might have in terms of access to resources and training.

Promote Fair Competition: Ensuring all teams are invested in the tournament and have a stake in its success.

Tournament Format

Teams will be grouped and engage in a round-robin format during the group stages. The subsequent stages will see classifications based on performance, ensuring a fair and competitive environment.

Following the FUBA Mini Basketball and Academy rules, the matches will provide a professional yet age-appropriate structure for all participants.

Registration Details

Academies interested in taking part are required to confirm their participation by 27th January 2025. Registration involves submitting a form (to be shared shortly) and paying a participation fee.

The fee is 150,000 UGX per team, but academies fielding both boys’ and girls’ teams will pay a discounted fee of 300,000 UGX. Payment can be made via mobile money or in cash at the FUBA secretariat.

Join the Movement

This tournament isn’t just about competition; it’s about cultivating a love for basketball and promoting its growth in Uganda. As the clock ticks closer to the event, the excitement is palpable.

Who will emerge as the next rising star? Which academy will take home the bragging rights? The answers await at Mengo SS, where passion meets purpose.