Uganda, April 20 -- City Oilers have a right to call themselves one of the big boys in the Basketball Africa League Nile Conference that is happening in Cairo, Egypt.

Apart from Al Ahly, who won the title on first attempt last season, the other two opponents in Cairo are playing in the BAL for the first time. Both Central African Republic's Bangui Sporting Club and Libya's Al Ahly are here for the first time.

Friday's opponents, Bangui, are far from pushovers and will be looking to pause a serious challenge for the nine-time National Basketball League winners.

Having started their campaign against the defending champions and hosts Al Ahly last night, City Oilers know that competitions of this calibre offer little time for celebrations ...