DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - The last five years have presented a foundation for a regional battlefield with games involving Ugandan and Rwandan teams being more than just about the eventual results but rather a platform to fight for bragging rights. 

Sunday's clash between the only two unbeaten sides in Group D is expected to bring out the best in the City Oilers of Uganda and Rwanda's Patriots. On and off the field, the two teams have more in common than what actually makes them different. 

For their nations, they represent the new face of what professional basketball should look like in Africa. It is therefore a perfect placing that they are battling for the top spot in this competition as African basketball continues the journey to welcome the inaugural Basketball Africa League 2020 that is set to change the face of the hoops game. 

“IT WILL BE A GOOD GAME BECAUSE TWO OF THE BEST TEAMS WILL BE COMPETING AGAINST EACH OTHER. RWANDA AND UGANDA ARE NEIGHBORS SO IT WILL ALWAYS BE LIKE THAT. NEIGHBORS HAVE A LOT TO PROVE TO EACH OTHER.”- Mugabe

Speaking to FIBA.basketball, Patriots captain and point guard Aristide Mugabe admitted that the history between the two teams makes for good viewing today when they square off.

Patriots lost to City Oilers in a highly contested game two years ago in Kampala and today, seeking revenge could be on their cards. 

He said, "It will be a good game because you have two of the best teams will be competing against each other. Rwanda and Uganda are neighbors so it will always be like that. Neighbors have a lot to prove to each other."

Michael Makiadi, George Blakeney and Kenny Gasana will be key for the Patriots

Patriots and City Oilers are tied on six points after three games but the Rwandan outfit sits on top of Group D with a better average 98 compared to Oilers 94 but when the two sides meet today, the winner will be the undisputed best side of the competition. 

The fans can be sure to watch a game that not only speaks of the quality in depth of the two teams but will get an insight on a rivalry by the sidelines. 

Patriots head coach Henry Mwinuka and City Oilers tactician Mandy Juruni know each other from their playing days for Charging Rhinos two decades ago in Uganda. Rhinos was the best established side at the time and Juruni featured for the junior side while looking up to Mwinuka who played for the senior team. 

They crossed paths again playing for the KIU Titans a decade ago and they wowed the basketball fraternity in Uganda with their style of play that has very much shaped their coaching style many years later. They know each too well. 

Juruni believes it will be a good game

"It is a competition between one team from Uganda and another from Rwanda and both teams are ambitious. There are no personal feelings. The last five years have seen good competition between Uganda and Rwanda at both country and club levels. There is a rivalry every time we meet. It will always be a good game and competitive because we always want to beat each other," Juruni explained. 

Mugabe and Jordin Mayes will set the pace of the game from the back court while Gasana and Ivan Muhwezi and Tony Drileba will make for good viewing. 

The front court will have Oilers center and two-time regional MVP Landry Ndikumana battling with Blakeney while James Okello and Michael Makiadi will reignite an old rivalry between the two players from when the latter featured for Power in the Ugandan topflight league. 

The battle ground has been set and the winner will indeed walk away with their heads held up high as both sides look to the Basketball Africa League Second Round next month and in December. 

In the other game of the day, hosts JKT take on Dynamo with both sides looking to finish third in Group D and a chance to progress to the Second Round from a wild card. 

 FIBA