15 November 2010
UGANDA : Falcons pay price for ‘mercenaries’
Written by Felix Eupal http://www.observer.ug
Early this year when former MVP Stephen Omony parted ways with Mountain Dew Falcons citing failure to pay his wages, several pundits labeled him a “traitor” for walking out on the club that made him.
His departure was followed by a mass exodus of players like the Malinga brothers (Henry and Eric), Isaac Lugudde, Edwin Kateregga, Sande Okot and Geoffrey Soro.
However, Falcons filled that void by looking beyond the borders. They recruited Mike Buzangu, Richard Omondi, Suudi Ulanga, Karim Nkusi, Cedric Sinarinzi, Bieuenvue Ngandu and Albert Lukunja.
The cosmopolitan look ensured that the six-time champions lived up to their billing and not only took the league by storm, winning all but one in the first round, they did it in dominant fashion with big margins not to mention the eye-catching slums and blocks.
That was the case before hell broke loose in the second round. Several players started complaining of late arrival of wages and along the way, a few sat out key matches.
Falcons ended the second round with four losses but Mike Buzangu and Ngandu walked out before the playoffs citing wage arrears while Nkusi and Cedric Sinarinzi followed suit after Game 3 of the 5-match series.
That’s when Falcons switched attention to the local players like 2003 MVP Sam Obol (though he lacked fitness), Peter Elungat, Ronnie Kalule, and Rogers Sserunyigo.
However, it was too little too late since the quartet had little playing time in the regular season as their rustiness on the court suggested.
The climax came last Friday when Falcons bowed out of the playoffs 1-3 to Dmark Power in the best of five series. Omony, who watched from the stands, looked as if he was vindicated.
Already, Uganda Christian University, which bankrolls UCU Canons, is enticing with Ulanga with a scholarship offer, while Warriors have their eyes on star man Richard Omondi.
Given that the pair has been Falcons’ best players, they now have to get back to the drawing board to find a way of rejuvenating the team. For now, it’s back to square one.
feupal@observer.ug
Early this year when former MVP Stephen Omony parted ways with Mountain Dew Falcons citing failure to pay his wages, several pundits labeled him a “traitor” for walking out on the club that made him.
His departure was followed by a mass exodus of players like the Malinga brothers (Henry and Eric), Isaac Lugudde, Edwin Kateregga, Sande Okot and Geoffrey Soro.
However, Falcons filled that void by looking beyond the borders. They recruited Mike Buzangu, Richard Omondi, Suudi Ulanga, Karim Nkusi, Cedric Sinarinzi, Bieuenvue Ngandu and Albert Lukunja.
The cosmopolitan look ensured that the six-time champions lived up to their billing and not only took the league by storm, winning all but one in the first round, they did it in dominant fashion with big margins not to mention the eye-catching slums and blocks.
That was the case before hell broke loose in the second round. Several players started complaining of late arrival of wages and along the way, a few sat out key matches.
Falcons ended the second round with four losses but Mike Buzangu and Ngandu walked out before the playoffs citing wage arrears while Nkusi and Cedric Sinarinzi followed suit after Game 3 of the 5-match series.
That’s when Falcons switched attention to the local players like 2003 MVP Sam Obol (though he lacked fitness), Peter Elungat, Ronnie Kalule, and Rogers Sserunyigo.
However, it was too little too late since the quartet had little playing time in the regular season as their rustiness on the court suggested.
The climax came last Friday when Falcons bowed out of the playoffs 1-3 to Dmark Power in the best of five series. Omony, who watched from the stands, looked as if he was vindicated.
Already, Uganda Christian University, which bankrolls UCU Canons, is enticing with Ulanga with a scholarship offer, while Warriors have their eyes on star man Richard Omondi.
Given that the pair has been Falcons’ best players, they now have to get back to the drawing board to find a way of rejuvenating the team. For now, it’s back to square one.
feupal@observer.ug
# posted by afrbk : 12:50
