The opening weekend of the 2025 FUBA Division One season was a bittersweet one for the Makerere Sparks as they won one and lost one, despite fighting to the end.

On Saturday 3rd, the Makerere Sparks started their season with a 63-39 victory against Lady Jills, a side that is attached to MUBs.

The Sparks scored a lot in transition and also punished Lady Jills for the turnovers. Lady Jills registered 27 turnovers and Makerere punished them with 26 points from turnovers.

Afuwa Nabwanga and Belinfah nakiryow led Makerere in scoring with 14 points apiece while Mercy Ageno added 13 points and a game-high 5 steals.

On Sunday, the Sparks returned to action against the newly formed Victoia She crocs and this was a very spicy game.

Victoria led 12-16 after the first quarter but both teams were competing and looked evenly matched.

In the second quarter, Victoria made an 11-1 run to take a 10-point lead but Mercy Ageno buried back-to-back triples, while he Captain Denize Nabugasha added 4 points to make it a 2-point game at halftime.

The Sparks’ offense was off in the third quarter as they scored just 6 points and registered 10 turnovers.

Unfortunately for them, Victoria scored just 11 points and it a 7-point game with the final quarter left to play.

Makerere fought to try and close the gap but Victoria kept an arms distance ahead of them.

Former Sparks’ player Viola Nakazibwe came up huge in clutch time with 6 consecutive points for the She Crocs and that won them the game.

Faridah Nakyanzi scored crucial baskets late in the game for Makerere but they still weren’t enough to bring them back into the game.

Mercy Ageno registered a double-double, 11 points and 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Nakyanzi Faridah finished with 12 points while debutant Sora Deng had 11 rebounds and 6 points.

Makerere Sparks return to action on Saturday 10th as they take on Legends at KIU Kansanga.

The Sparks’ defeated Legends in both rounds during the 2024 season and will be looking to do a repeat this season.