28 November 2007
UGANDA : Falcons Finish It On Top, Once Again
By Charles Mutebi
Kampala
THE Mogas Falcons are in very familiar territory after finishing the year on top. The champions are still in the honeymoon of conquering an unprecedented sixth title, but in hindsight anything was possible once they got into the playoffs.
The champions had such a poor regular season that their qualification for the playoffs solely depended on the UCU Canons defeating KIU in the last league round. But if the Canons had known that the Falcons would turn on them in the semifinals, KIU would have probably received safe passage.
At the time however, the Canons could care less about whom they met in the playoffs. They were regular season winners and having just two curious defeats, the championship seemed theirs in waiting. The top-flight debutantes however discovered that it takes some experience to win the title.
But the Kyambogo Warriors, making their fourth playoffs appearance, had finally looked like turning their perennial promise into product. After rolling over Sadolin Power in the semifinals they continued unabated into the first two final games. but the Warriors again took their reputation as the 'nearly men' of Ugandan basketball to new depths, losing three straight to gift the title to the Falcons.
Power's 106-69 defeat to Warriors was one of the highlights of the year. It was the first of two defeats that evicted the former two-time champions at the semifinals.
The Nkumba Marines also exhibited disorganisation. They failed to turn up for a first round clash against the MUK Heaters due to internal disputes. That no show cost the defending champions four points and ultimately a place in the playoffs.
The Heaters and Knight Riders were relegated to the second division ahead of the Charging Rhinos. The 1997 champions looked like relegation candidates until the Falcons defeated the Riders - their immediate rivals.
But the Falcons had fielded an ineligible Louis Habineza against the Riders causing end of season appeals by the Riders.
2007 began like it would redefine the landscape at the top of the men's game. But the Falcons wound it up paying homage to the adage that 'the more things change, the more they remain the same'.
Kampala
THE Mogas Falcons are in very familiar territory after finishing the year on top. The champions are still in the honeymoon of conquering an unprecedented sixth title, but in hindsight anything was possible once they got into the playoffs.
The champions had such a poor regular season that their qualification for the playoffs solely depended on the UCU Canons defeating KIU in the last league round. But if the Canons had known that the Falcons would turn on them in the semifinals, KIU would have probably received safe passage.
At the time however, the Canons could care less about whom they met in the playoffs. They were regular season winners and having just two curious defeats, the championship seemed theirs in waiting. The top-flight debutantes however discovered that it takes some experience to win the title.
But the Kyambogo Warriors, making their fourth playoffs appearance, had finally looked like turning their perennial promise into product. After rolling over Sadolin Power in the semifinals they continued unabated into the first two final games. but the Warriors again took their reputation as the 'nearly men' of Ugandan basketball to new depths, losing three straight to gift the title to the Falcons.
Power's 106-69 defeat to Warriors was one of the highlights of the year. It was the first of two defeats that evicted the former two-time champions at the semifinals.
The Nkumba Marines also exhibited disorganisation. They failed to turn up for a first round clash against the MUK Heaters due to internal disputes. That no show cost the defending champions four points and ultimately a place in the playoffs.
The Heaters and Knight Riders were relegated to the second division ahead of the Charging Rhinos. The 1997 champions looked like relegation candidates until the Falcons defeated the Riders - their immediate rivals.
But the Falcons had fielded an ineligible Louis Habineza against the Riders causing end of season appeals by the Riders.
2007 began like it would redefine the landscape at the top of the men's game. But the Falcons wound it up paying homage to the adage that 'the more things change, the more they remain the same'.
# posted by afrbk : 13:36
