Four years of playing in the Ugandan league, four rings, two MVP gongs and a lot of respect earned. Kami Kabange has called it ‘time up’ and heads back to Rwanda as a legend.
On Wednesday night, the Rwandan center had his last meal with the team in Bugolobi and will now join Rwandan side REG.
At the dinner, Oilers coach Mandy Juruni revealed that it would be hard to replace Kabange and wished him all the best with his new club.
“Kami, it will be hard for us to find a replacement for you. But we are happy for you and wish you all the best,” Juruni, with whom Kabange has won the four league titles, said.
Kabange leaves just claiming the National Basketball League championship with a 4-1 series victory over Power.
Oilers manager Muhammed Santur, was also full of praise for Kabange, who exhibited utmost professionalism throughout his stay at the club.
He also confessed that the player had got an offer they, as Oilers, wouldn’t match and yet want him to benefit from a deal of that caliber.
“Kami got a good offer and we couldn’t match it,” Santur said.
Kabange still had a running contract with the club but the management decided to have him leave without pulling ropes.
“He was still under contract with us till 2018 but we are happy for him and want to see him happy,” Santur further stressed that if any of the players on the team got a good deal, management would be willing to support him in any way possible.
Sammy Kalwanyi was the first player to leave when such an opportunity presented itself. He got a scholarship in the US and was released by the club.
After four years of serving the club, Kabange leaves with four league titles, Zone V title and Oilers’ maiden appearance at the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup.
“I may be leaving but I will forever be an Oiler,” Kabange told his colleagues when asked to make a few remarks. “This has been my family and they have done a lot for me and my family.”
With Kabange now gone, City Oilers are in talks with Steven Omony to fill the gap left behind. Joseph Chuma and James Deng are the other targets for the side.