After winning the 2025 NBL championship, we had chats with some of the Nam Blazers players and here’s what they had to say.

Arthur Wanyoto

You have dethroned the City Oilers after their 10 year reign, how are you feeling

“I’m so happy. We knew we were capable of this. We knew we were going to do this, but achieving it is mind blowing. When you think of all the times that teams have tried, even us, and they haven’t been able to achieve it, it’s a big milestone.”

When you guys went down 2-0, was there any worry that you were going to lose this thing?

“We knew that we were going to win the series. Being down 0-2 helped us know that nothing was going to be given to us and it was going to be a dog fight. However, we knew that we had this and just had to dig deep. In the first games, we were fatigued and when we reset, it was business time.”

James Okello

How does it feel to defeat your former side?

“As players, we come to compete. It’s not about where you are from or where you are playing right now. As players, you just want to come and compete against your fellow players. We just wanted to come and play and win the championship, we were not thinking about City Oilers. It could have been any team.”

Among the championships that you have won, where does this rank in terms of significance?

“This is for the fans. They showed us that they are very hungry for this championship. As an individual, I wanted to give this to the fans. They kept talking to me, (telling me) how much they really wanted this championship. I dedicate this to the fans.”

Jimmy Enabu

What does championship mean to you?

There is nothing like enough wins. Every championship is different. I’m very grateful for this establishment (Nam Blazers). Winning with the Blazers is something new to the team, it’s a first time opportunity for them to have a go at the championship and I’m grateful for myself but mostly the Nam Blazers.

Does defeating the City Oilers mean so much?

“The Oilers have won 10 championships in a row. We are happy to be champions but we can’t take anything away from them. They have won 10 championships and that’s impressive. Right now, we are focusing on our (Nam Blazers) championship. That is what it is.”

Coach Stephen ‘Escodata’ Nyeko

How are you feeling after winning the championship?

“I’m so proud. I’m so proud of ourselves. I’m so proud of what we set out to do. We were 2 down but we fought and back and won the championship.”

Was there any worry when you were down 2-0?

“The worries were injuries, but the doctors made sure to have everyone ready and fit for the games.”

What does this championship mean for you as a coach?

“It’s big! Five years down the road in the NBL and here I am dethroning the dictator. Its big things.”

What does this win mean for the fans?

We dedicate this win to them. They have been there for us. They have been the sixth man. They have toiled, paid their money, moved with us to Mukono and every part to make sure that they support us.”

Tonny Drileba

How does it feel after winning this championship?

“It’s amazing. On nights like this, I remember the conversations we had at the start of the year when they were trying to get us to sign for this team (Nam Blazers). We had a meeting with the CEO and Coach Esco and the conversation was about winning the championship. To be in this position after going through a tough season, is an amazing feeling. I can’t begin to describe it.”

You were down 2-0, the won 4 straight. How sweet is that?

“I don’t like disrespect. There is a lot of people that talk. They talk about the game on the phone. Playoffs are a different ball game. For people to say the things that they said about players that have been there as many times as myself, Jimmy, Okello and Ivan have been, it’s disrespectful. That alone was the beginning point for our revolution to try and fight back in the series. But also, for us to have finished number one in the regular season, go through the playoffs unbeaten until the finals, and then give it away last minute, I don’t think we’d sleep for months. Personally, I would beat myself up. I don’t know for how long but it would be really tough.”