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Nicholas Natuhereza’s side will start life without two of their top players from the last two seasons, Fayed Baale and Titus Lual.
There are only ten men’s teams registered for this year’s UCU Invitational Tournament.
Big sides like eight-time National Basketball League Champions City Oilers, last year’s losing finalists Namuwongo Blazers and five-time champions Power are all missing on the list of teams to showcase this weekend.
And as such, all focus will be on hosts UCU Canons and the new-look KIU Titans.
UCU have made it a habit to make some noise every season regardless of who is on the roster.
Nicholas Natuhereza’s side will start life without two of their top players from the last two seasons, Fayed Baale and Titus Lual.
The duo joined champions City Oilers after completing their academic programs at the Mukono based institution.
All focus will now be on who steps up to fill that void. And the Canons always have someone.
The hosts lost to City Oilers 66-60 in last year’s final and will be looking to make amends and ensure the trophy stays in Mukono.
Peter Sifuma, Jerry Kayanga and Ibanda Lwabaga are some of the experienced faces still on the team.
UCU are in Pool A, alongside KCCA Panthers and Kampala University.
The other team that will attract attention will be the KIU Titans, the side that lost to the Blazers in the league semi-finals before heavy recruitment in the off-season.
Saidi Amisi was the biggest capture for the Kansaga based outfit and will be the face of the team going into the new season.
He arrived in Kansaga with Peter Obleng and Collins Kasujja, the two making a return to KIU after a spell at the Blazers.
With players like Joseph Chuma, Edgar Munaba and Henry Okoth still on the team, the Titans will be one of the favourites to fins success in Mukono.
They are pooled alongside Ndejje Angels and Tropical Royals in Group B.
UPDF Tomahawks, JKL Dolphins, UMU Flames and JT Jaguars are in Pool C.
UCU Invitational Tournament Pools
Pool A
UCU Canons
KCCA Pathers
KU Men
Pool B
KIU Titans
Ndejje Angels
Tropical Royals
Pool C
UPDF Tomahawks
JKL Dolphins
UMU Flames
JT Jaguars
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