The curtains of the eighth edition of the FNL (Friday Night Lights) Basketball season went down over the weekend at the Panamera Bar –with debutants Team Zama claiming the top honors after a slim 20-21 win at three-time winners Team Ikong. Team Zama is captained by JKL Lady Dolphins Power forward Jamila ‘Zama’ Nansikombi. She is ranked the third best 3*3 basketball player in Africa. The winner between Team Madol and Team Zama at the semis was expected to claim the crown and so it happened. The two sides were the most athletic sides albeit a false third-place display by Madol’s side against Team Flirsh. Team Zama came from 20-18 down to beat Ikong’s side that missed a free throw. The eighth edition of FNL was played on a 3*3 format rather than the traditional 5 on 5. Team Zama was also home to the number one African 3*3 player Hope Akello (JKL Lady Dolphins) hence the format seemed to be one of the reasons behind their success. JKL’s Ritah Immanishimwe also featured for Team Zama and had a couple of points off the two-point arc. Team Zama later claimed a Shs1.5m cash prize, courtesy of Tusker Lite. Runners up Team Ikong went home with Shs1m while third placed Team Flirsh were consoled with Shs500,000. Team Flirsh (FNL second runners up) harbors two JKL players; Flavia Oketcho and Peace Nakirijja. Five JKL players emerged podium finishers to sum up a memorable tournament for the team. With JKL having been busy in the off season; buying three new players (Brenda Nakitende, Moreen Atulinda and Jane Asinde), they are buoyed for triumph once against when the league tips off. JKL Lady Dolphins’ stars are also set to feature on the national team and it may not be a surprise if an all-JKL team is picked for any 3*3 outing.
