For the first time ever, a tournament created purely for the players themselves is finally here. The Kira 8, organized by the JT Jaguars basketball club, is set to become one of the most exciting additions to the Ugandan basketball calendar.

This invitational brings together the top eight finishers from the NBL regular season, a true battleground where competitive pride will happen in Kira at the den ( home for the JT Jaguars).

The tournament is expected to run across two intense weekends and, if all goes according to plan, everything will wrap up by 14th December.

Originally, all top eight teams were expected to compete, but uncontrollable circumstances forced two clubs to step aside. City Oilers, fresh off a dramatic loss to the Nam Blazers, and Sommet Basketball Club both opted out.

Their departure created room for two rising forces, the UPDF T’ Hawks and the UMU Flames, who have already secured their places by clinching the finals of the Div 1 games just last weekend.

On the women’s side, the only team from the top eight that will not participate is the KIU Rangers, who will be replaced by the Victoria She Crocs, a team more than ready to seize this opportunity.

When asked about the exact starting date, the president of the Jaguars franchise Jeff Teya kept things close to the chest, explaining that the schedule depends on the conclusion of the Division One games.

He noted that the tournament is anticipated to tip off around the 5th of December although the final confirmation will come once the lower division fixtures are cleared.

What is certain, however, is that the Kira 8 is shaping up to become the perfect stage for welcoming the new NBL entrants. 
I honestly cannot wait to see how the league’s newest arrivals will be received when they step into the big lights.