Basketball Team Shines At The 7th Afro-varsity 3x3 Basketball Qualifier Games In Kampala
By John Sande
The recently concluded 7th Afro-Varsity 3X3 basketball qualifier tournament held at Hamz Stadium in Kampala, Uganda brought together 18 men and 14 women competitive university teams from across Africa for a high-stakes 3x3 Basketball showdown. The tournament, organized by the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU), which focuses on developing and promoting sports within African universities, was a key qualifying event for the upcoming International University Sports Federation (FISU) World 3x3 Basketball Tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Among the spirited contenders was our very own Tigers & Marines (male teams), and Flames & Ignite (female teams), who displayed remarkable skill, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
In the quarterfinals, Ignite lost against their competitors Victoria University from Uganda. The Tigers and Flames secured solid victory over Uganda Martyrs University, Uganda and Victoria Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya respectively. In the final seconds, Vitumbuko Mponela sunk in a determinant basket that propelled the Tigers to the finals, a game plan that earned them a hard-fought win.
Both Tigers and Flames teams lost the championship title in a thrilling final against Uganda Christian University (UCU) earning the 1st runners-up position. This outstanding performance officially qualified them for the upcoming prestigious International University Sports Federation (FISU) World 3x3 Basketball Tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), placing USIU-Africa on the global basketball map. They will represent Africa in the World Cup University competition. The 3X3 basketball team has qualified for world championship three years in a row, with this year seeing participation by some of the toughest teams in Africa.
The success of the basketball teams was fueled by the incredible synergy among players with the teams demonstrating not just physical excellence, but also strategic discipline and emotional resilience.
"We came here with one goal, to leave it all on the court. To finish as first runners-up and qualify for the World 3x3 Tournament is an honor. This is not just for the team but for the entire USIU-Africa community," said Vitumbuko Mponela, a senior in the BSc. Information Systems & Teechnolgy .
This achievement is a testament to the university’s investment in sports excellence and student talent development. It underscores the power of unity, hard work, and belief in the core values that define the institution’s athletic culture.
As the Tigers and Flames teams prepare for the FISU World 3x3 Basketball Tournament in Dubai, UAE, the team calls upon the entire university community, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, to rally behind our heroes. Send in your congratulatory messages, videos, and words of encouragement through our official social media platforms using the hashtag #SportsToTakeYouPlaces.
For more updates, follow USIU-Africa on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok for coverage as the Basketball teams head to Dubai, UAE!
