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The former power forward says Ugandan basketball teams especially those in the top league need to have a structure which can keep them afloat for the future.
The Ugandan Basketball League has over the years had an immensely talented lot of players. Steven Okias is one of those, a talent that stood out in the late 90s and the early 2000s while playing for boyhood club Kyambogo Warriors.
Okias spent 20 seasons with the Kyambogo Warriors, 17 as a player and 3 as a coach.
The former power forward says Ugandan basketball teams especially those in the top league need to have a structure which can keep them afloat for the future.
“People were excited when Nam Blazers signed big names but to me, that was misplaced excitement because what Blazers did is what Power, Falcons, Miracle and Warriors did and we all know how it ended,” Okias noted.
“I feel like they are reading from the same script, what happened to Blazers recently is what happened to my team Warriors, most clubs lack a vision, and only think about winning today which is not feasible.”
Okias was quick to mention that FUBA should implement policies like all league teams having junior teams.
“I know there are logistical challenges but we have to pull in the same direction and start from somewhere,” he mentioned.
“Like is the case with FUFA, I think FUBA needs to implement a policy where league teams have a development side, we need to have the next generation prepared for the future, and the same thing should happen to the national teams.”
The 17 seasons spent at Kyambogo Warriors was no mean feat but the two championships won in 2009 and 2012 stand out for Steven Okias who says the unity in the team brought them success and adds that he is working around the clock to bring Warriors back to the league.
“The two championships I won are my best memory with the Warriors, we went through a lot but remained united until we finally won,” he states
“Of course, I feel bad that the team was relegated but I am working closely with our manager (Brian Gumisiriza) to see the team return to where it belongs.”
The Kyambogo Warriors were automatically relegated from the National Basketball League in 2022 after they failed to beat the registration deadline.
Okias retired in 2020 and is now working closely with the International University of East Africa as he helps them create a competitive team for the top-flight league.
STEVEN OKIAS AT A GLANCE
2 NBL Titles with Kyambogo Warriors (2009, 2012)
Zone V winner with the Silverbacks (2005)
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