Friday Nights lights basketball is back after about four years. The sports-meets-showbiz event had taken a hiatus since 2019 largely due to Covid-19 related challenges.
This year’s season will be sponsored by castle lite beer with NRG radio as the official hype (vibe) partner.
Ibrahim Nkwanga, Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) Trade Marketing Representative said as a brand that appeals to the youth, they always seek products that align with them such as FNL Basketball.
“This is not the first time Castle Lite Beer is partnering with FNL to thrill the lovers of basketball and entertainment. As a brand that appeals to the youth we are always seeking out those products that align with us; and FNL fits the bill,” he said
Adding, “For the next three Fridays, let us all Unlock our week’s stress, Refresh with an extra cold Castle Lite Beer as we Enjoy the beautiful game of basketball at FNL.”
Christine Mawadri, NRG Head of Business said: “NRG is everything FNL is about and more. Expect much more fan and player interaction not only the radio but across our social media platforms. This will be an FNL experience like never before.”
Unlike the past editions which have been held in the early months of a new year – over a six or so week’s period – Ocamringa says the 9th edition of FNL will be shorter to accommodate the changed National Basketball League (NBL) calendar.
Eight teams will vie for bragging rights at the Lugogo Hockey Pitch starting this Friday, December 8, 2023 followed by another showdown on Friday, December 15, 2023 before the final face-off on Friday, December 22, 2023.
FNL has been Uganda’s premiere sports-entertainment event since 2011; offering a unique blend of basketball, music, food and beverages and all forms of entertainment.
To increase participation in the 9th edition, FNL2023 will see activation drives carried out in Entebbe and at Abja Basketball Court in Naalya, Kampala.
During the event proper there will be more fan engagements including challenges and gift hamper giveaways.
The winning team and excelling players will also receive an assortment of gifts.
Teams
Team Melo: For the Proudly African, this is your team. Captained by Saidi “Carmelo” Amisi expect Team Melo to carry with it a flambouyant, boisterous Pan-African vibe – drums and colourful outfits to boot. As a KIU Titans star in the NBL, expect the university students in his corner, as well.
Team Afande: An enlisted soldier with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Henry Okoth is that ‘cool’ Army Guy that seeks to demystify the armed forces with his team. He is also a KIU Titans player.
Team Comfort: Led by social media queen and JKL Dolphins star Leticia Awor, Team Comfort is representing Entebbe and all the social media gang.
Team Drileba: Of course this is City Oilers’ star guard Tony Drileba’s crew of businesslike purists like the captain himself.
Team Ekon: Speedster Brenda Ekone leads this group with her Nkumba University affiliation likely to earn the team a students’ following. She turns out for JKL Dolphins in the NBL as well.
Team Iman: Expect style, fashion and glamour from this posse led by national team (Gazelles) and JKL Dolphins point-guard Ritah Imanishimwe.
Team Soro: To his friends Godfrey Soro is the party-starter and anticipate nothing less from his squad. The Namuwongo Blazers star also enjoys a large following from the South Sudan community.
Team Wazee: Largely comprised of middle-aged ex-players, the Wazee will be out to prove that they have still got it.
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