Congolese International Carmelo “Saidi” Amis was unstoppable as Namuwongo Blazers beat City Oilers 72-65 in the 2022 Uganda National Basketball League season opener in Kampala.
This is the second time Nam Blazers are beating City Oilers in the NBL opener, in the abandoned 2021 season opener, Blazer won 66-71 at the Kampala International University (KIU) court in Kansanga.
Amisi Saidi, a center forward scored 19 points game high and 11 rebounds in 32minutes played to also be named player of the match.
“The game was good and before playing, I was talking to my teammates and I told them we need to win and we did it.” Said Amisi
He is yet to feature for his country’s national team but his ambitious character got him play for Esetepe in Congo, CSK in Tunisia and IPRC Kigali before joining the Ugandan side Warriors in 2018.
The “big man” made a switch from now defunct Warriors to Namuwongo Blazers and his enjoying every moment.
Amisi is yet to debut for the Congolese national basketball team and believes his form can warrant him a place on the team.
“As we were preparing for this game, we put into consideration that City Oilers are a big team, we respect them. They are 7-time champions but we had to look at their weaknesses, we took their big-men out of the game and we put them into foul trouble” said Stephen ‘Escodata’ Nyeko the Blazers coach.
The Blazers were 3rd (5-2) last season when the season was cancelled and will be going for a title in their second season in top flight.
Friday, March 11
Women: KCCA Leopards 63-69 KIU Rangers
Men: City Oilers 65-72 Nam Blazers
Saturday, March 12 (YMCA, Wandegeya)
A1 Challenge Vs Nabisunsa – 10am
KCCA Panthers Vs Victoria University – 12pm
Power Vs Falcons – 2pm
UCU Lady Canons Vs JKL Lady Dolphins – 4pm
UCU Canons Vs KIU Titans – 6pm
Sunday, March 13 (Lugogo Indoor Stadium)
Miracle Raves Vs Angels – 10am
Our Saviour Vs Tropical Royals – 12pm
Nkumba Lady Marines vs Magic Stormers – 2pm
Ndejje Angel’s Vs KCCA Panthers – 4pm
JKL Dolphins Vs UPDF Tomahawks – 6pm
