The 2016 Rexona Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges (UPAC) Basketball Championship is set to take place between March 5 and April 16. Conversely, a series of warm up games for participating schools to fine tune their skills will precede the much awaited tournament.
Counting down to tip off later this month, Basketballghana.com takes a look at Kumasi Polytechnics’ chances heading into this year’s championship.
Located in the heart of Ghana’s second biggest city Kumasi, the institution has been an ever present feature in the UPAC Championship since its’ inception in 2011 when the tourney was created to bring all tertiary institutions and their respective competitions to compete under one umbrella tournament.
As part of a group of institutions known as “The Originals”, Kumasi Polytechnic beat Sunyani Polytechnic in Zone 3 in the 2011 edition of UPAC.
The 48-35 victory over Sunyani Polytechnic however did not do justice to highlight the topsy-turvy nature of the game where both teams engaged each other to please an expectant crowd who thronged to the court.
Host of the 2015 Ghana Polytechnic Sports Association (GHAPSA) Games, Kumasi Polytechnic will hope to replicate such great form in third edition of UPAC Championship in light of its’ recent tepid results.
The institution has struggled in recent years to eclipse Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) spot as the face of basketball in the ‘Garden City” including a 27-43 loss in last year’s regional finale and the upcoming event will present another opportunity for the institution to amends for lost opportunities.
The 2016 UPAC BAsketball Championship is sponsored by the world’s best-selling deodorant brand Rexona and supported by CAL Bank in partnership with media outlets including TV3, Starr FM and Basketballghana.com and Graphic Sports.
