Basketball in Africa

by Sande Bashaija
Kampala

Stephen Omony has returned to National Basketball League record champions Falcons after a six-year stint at Seychelles side PSL Hawks.
“My return is a personal decision because I have family issues to sort out,” Omony said after signing a record-breaking two-year Shs72m contract with his former club at Speke Hotel yesterday. “I will work hard to make sure this team wins the championship,” the national team player added.

Falcons lost to Power 1-3 in last year’s best-of-five final play-off series and Omony’s signing is viewed as a move to reclaim their lost glory. “We are used to being at the top and know what it takes to be there. We have been pacesetters in basketball, we have to maintain the trend,” said John Simbwa, the Falcons patron.
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“This is an historic moment for us.” Although the six-time champions secured Omony’s signature, their rivals Power early this year also brought on board the Blick brothers Donald and Norman at a combined fee of Shs32m.

Falcons had to beat off the competition of Power and Warriors to Omony’s signature but will have to part with Shs3m in salary and Shs150,000 for the player’s housing allowance, monthly. At the moment, Falcons have no sponsor but the club is determined to meet Omony’s demands through every possible means. “Some people thought it was a joke, others thought it wasn’t possible but we know the value of Omony,” Ssimbwa enthused.

Omony joined Falcons as one of the pioneers in 1998, won two league Most Valuable Player’s awards in 1999 and 2000 before turning professional two years later.