Former A1 Challenge captain and renowned shooting guard Sera Precious Yaweh has made a timely switch to KIU Rangers as the second round of the National Basketball League (NBL) tips off this weekend.
Yaweh, widely regarded as one of the finest shooters in the league, joins the Kansanga-based side after spending the first round of the season on the sidelines.
Her inactivity was due to off-court issues involving her former club A1 Challenge, which faced disciplinary action over allegations of falsifying player documents.
FUBA’s Competitions Council later ruled to demote A1 Challenge to Division One, a decision the club appealed.
However, the matter remains unresolved, and the club did not feature in any first-round fixtures, effectively placing them at the bottom of the NBL standings.
For Yaweh, the move to KIU Rangers represents a chance to return to the game she loves and maintain her competitive edge.
“I really just wanted to stay active and play basketball,” she said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I’m definitely going to maximise it to the best of my ability. Hopefully, it lays a foundation for a strong next season.”
The transfer was facilitated by what Yaweh described as a mutual understanding between both clubs’ management teams.
“It’s a mutual understanding between A1 and KIU Rangers. I believe I’m a good fit for the team because of the quality of basketball I bring,” she stated.
Yaweh began her stint with A1 Challenge in 2020, rising quickly through the ranks thanks to her leadership and court presence.
She was named assistant captain in 2021 and took over as team captain in 2022, a position she has held until her departure.
Her sharpshooting ability became her trademark, making her a key figure in keeping A1 Challenge competitive during her tenure.
Despite not featuring in the first round, Yaweh stayed active by maintaining a strict fitness and training schedule.
Prior to her official signing, she had already engaged in training sessions with the KIU Rangers.
“As athletes, we’ve got to stay ready because when such opportunities present themselves, you need to seize them,” she noted.
Her arrival bolsters the Rangers’ shooting department, where she is expected to work alongside Burundian star guard Ines Kanyamuneza.
The Rangers are currently sixth in the league with five wins and five losses and will be looking to improve their form in the second round.
KIU Rangers kick off their second-round campaign against 11th-placed Nkumba Lady Marines today, Saturday, May 31 at 10 AM, a game where Yaweh could potentially mark her debut in KIU colours.
Meanwhile, the second round of the National Basketball League kicked off yesterday, Friday, May 30, with two mouthwatering clashes.
Defending women’s champions JKL Lady Dolphins edged KCCA Leopards 86-74 in a hotly contested game that saw the former leapfrog the latter to go top of the standings.
In the men’s game, Namuwongo Blazers continued their unbeaten run with a 81-71 win over the JT Jaguars.
