By 
As the floodlights prepare to light up Lugogo on Friday night, all eyes will be on what promises to be one of the most electric clashes of the National Basketball League (NBL) season so far, Nam Blazers versus JT Jaguars.
Both sides remain unbeaten, both have statement wins under their belts, but there’s a subplot that could very well tilt the scales: the influence of former UCU Canons players.
It’s a reunion of sorts, but one that carries stakes far beyond nostalgia. JT Jaguars, buoyed by the high profile acquisitions of Peter Sifuma and Fadhil Chuma, both standout products of UCU’s disciplined basketball culture, are banking on their chemistry and leadership to overcome the in-form Blazers.
Sifuma, in particular, has quickly become a central figure in the Jaguars’ frontcourt, bringing size, grit, and a seasoned presence to the paint. Paired with Chuma, the two form a twin tower threat that Coach Sudi Ulanga believes could be key in breaking the Blazers’ rhythm. And they’ll need to be. The Nam Blazers are flying.
Fresh off a gritty 83-78 win over the JKL Dolphins on Wednesday, their third straight victory the Blazers have momentum, depth, and balance.
Five players hit double digits in that game, underlining the team’s versatility and their coach Stephen Nyeko’s emphasis on team-oriented offense.
But with just two days of rest, questions linger about fatigue. Can they maintain the same intensity against a rested, well prepared JT Jaguars squad?
The Jaguars, on the other hand, come into this clash on a high after stunning the defending champions City Oilers 74-64. That result didn’t just turn heads it raised expectations.
Leading the charge was point guard Ian Duncan Lubwama, whose court vision and game management have matured into a weapon of their own.
Yet, as the stage sets and strategies unfold, it may all come down to how well the former UCU duo of Sifuma and Chuma handle the Blazers’ physicality and how much of their past synergy they can summon under the pressure.
Last season, the Blazers had the Jaguars’ number, sweeping both regular-season meetings. But this isn’t the same JT Jaguars team.
And Friday night isn’t just about records, it’s about pride, power, and whether familiar faces from UCU will script a new chapter in a fast growing rivalry.
