Basketball in Africa

Norman Blick (right), who very nearly joined Falcons before signing for Warriors, can expect no easy baskets in what should be a closely fought contest. Photos By Ismail Kezaala

By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo

Talk of the late Falcons’ founder John Ssimbwa and Warriors’ ill luck will take a backseat, at least momentarily, as the Fuba League seven-game series final starts today at YMCA court.

Falcons want this for Ssimbwa who passed on last year. This is their first appearance in the finals since 2008 when they lost 3-1 to DMark Power.
Warriors, losing finalists to Power for the past two years, are here for a fourth successive season with a huge chance to change the tide.

“Being here again shows the great work we have put in,” Ronnie Kasewu, the 2009 MVP, said. The utility player has been part of all Warriors’ high and lows.
He is one of four survivors from the team that squandered a 2-0 lead to go down 3-2 to Falcons five years ago. “You have got to look at the commitment and what this team stands for,” he added. The 2009 champions have finished as the top seeds for two successive seasons but Kasewu is less of the offensive force he was when they won their only title to-date.