18 November 2008
UGANDA : Sadolin Power to test Falcons superb record
by Sande Bashaija
Lugogo
Results
Power 97-79 UCU Canons
Falcons 81-69 Warriors
Today at Lugogo
Sharing v UCU JV 5pm
Livingstone v Sharing 6:30pm
Vegeterian v Berkley 8pm
Wednesday
Ndejje v Knight Riders 5pm
A-1 v UCU 6:30pm
Falcons v Power 8pm
If history is anything to go by, then Falcons are winning this year’s MTN-Fuba League title.
John Simbwa’s charges have such an impressive and enviable record, which makes them outright favourites against Sadolin Power in the best of five final series that get underway tomorrow at Lugogo.
“We have played in six finals and won six trophies. That gives us a psychological advantage,” Simbwa said on Sunday after watching his team outplay Warriors to win the decisive semifinal game three 81-69 and advance to the finals.
Power, champions in 1996 and 2000, recovered from 12 points down late in third quarter to convincingly beat Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons 91-79 and qualify for the finals. “Our start was pathetic but the players were always confident of getting back into the game. The comeback was great,” said Isaac Afidra, the Power skipper, who top scored with 20 points as they denied Canons a maiden appearance in the finals.
Like Afidra acknowledged, there can’t be a better series than the clash between Falcons and Power. “The two best teams in the country are meeting and there is no doubt the finals will be very exciting,” Afridra said.
But too bad is Power’s record against Falcons that they gave away a 2-0 lead to lose the 2002 series 2-3 to the ruthless record champions.
The last time Power toppled Falcons at a crucial stage was in the 2000 semifinals.
Experience
Going by experience, Falcons have all it takes to win the championship but Afidra doesn’t consider that a very big factor.
“UCU had more experienced players than us but we eliminated them,” he said. What then could swing the series in either team’s advantage?
The guards
These are usually the matchmakers. And Power definitely rate highly in this department both in quality and quantity. Ken Balyejusa is getting back to his best, Ben Komakech is too magical, Allan Tawoda has a big match temperament and Richard Balemwa is in good shape.
In stark contrast, Falcons are not well equipped with match makers. It is only Sam Obol and the daring Francis Tumusime that can change a game.
Sande Okot, Charles Ssubi and Ronnie Kalule have spent more time on the bench than on court and won’t have a big impact in the series. To take this championship, Power must utilize their guards fully.
“We only have to stop their big men. If we can get the rebounds then the championship is ours,” said Power’s centre player David Kiberu.
Indeed, it’s the big men Henry and Eric Malinga that have brought Falcons this far. And should Power fail to stop them, Falcons have another trophy in the bag. Kiberu, Julius Wapera and Afidra must thus polish their defence since there is no room for error.
In Joseph Ikong and Mark Enabu, Power have the best forwards in the league. The duo can overshadow their opposites Peter Elungat and Isaac Lugudde on any day.
But Henry Malinga, the league reigning most valuable player, is not looking at either team’s strengths or weaknesses. His team’s weapon is just one - experience. “We have been there before, that is the only difference,” he said.
Behind every successful team there is always a good coach. The Olumbo brothers Thomas and Kaunda have done a tremendous job at Falcons and Power have every reason to worry. Can Andrew Mbazira and Barnes Ankunda come up with tactics to stop Falcons? They know better.
Lugogo
Results
Power 97-79 UCU Canons
Falcons 81-69 Warriors
Today at Lugogo
Sharing v UCU JV 5pm
Livingstone v Sharing 6:30pm
Vegeterian v Berkley 8pm
Wednesday
Ndejje v Knight Riders 5pm
A-1 v UCU 6:30pm
Falcons v Power 8pm
If history is anything to go by, then Falcons are winning this year’s MTN-Fuba League title.
John Simbwa’s charges have such an impressive and enviable record, which makes them outright favourites against Sadolin Power in the best of five final series that get underway tomorrow at Lugogo.
“We have played in six finals and won six trophies. That gives us a psychological advantage,” Simbwa said on Sunday after watching his team outplay Warriors to win the decisive semifinal game three 81-69 and advance to the finals.
Power, champions in 1996 and 2000, recovered from 12 points down late in third quarter to convincingly beat Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons 91-79 and qualify for the finals. “Our start was pathetic but the players were always confident of getting back into the game. The comeback was great,” said Isaac Afidra, the Power skipper, who top scored with 20 points as they denied Canons a maiden appearance in the finals.
Like Afidra acknowledged, there can’t be a better series than the clash between Falcons and Power. “The two best teams in the country are meeting and there is no doubt the finals will be very exciting,” Afridra said.
But too bad is Power’s record against Falcons that they gave away a 2-0 lead to lose the 2002 series 2-3 to the ruthless record champions.
The last time Power toppled Falcons at a crucial stage was in the 2000 semifinals.
Experience
Going by experience, Falcons have all it takes to win the championship but Afidra doesn’t consider that a very big factor.
“UCU had more experienced players than us but we eliminated them,” he said. What then could swing the series in either team’s advantage?
The guards
These are usually the matchmakers. And Power definitely rate highly in this department both in quality and quantity. Ken Balyejusa is getting back to his best, Ben Komakech is too magical, Allan Tawoda has a big match temperament and Richard Balemwa is in good shape.
In stark contrast, Falcons are not well equipped with match makers. It is only Sam Obol and the daring Francis Tumusime that can change a game.
Sande Okot, Charles Ssubi and Ronnie Kalule have spent more time on the bench than on court and won’t have a big impact in the series. To take this championship, Power must utilize their guards fully.
“We only have to stop their big men. If we can get the rebounds then the championship is ours,” said Power’s centre player David Kiberu.
Indeed, it’s the big men Henry and Eric Malinga that have brought Falcons this far. And should Power fail to stop them, Falcons have another trophy in the bag. Kiberu, Julius Wapera and Afidra must thus polish their defence since there is no room for error.
In Joseph Ikong and Mark Enabu, Power have the best forwards in the league. The duo can overshadow their opposites Peter Elungat and Isaac Lugudde on any day.
But Henry Malinga, the league reigning most valuable player, is not looking at either team’s strengths or weaknesses. His team’s weapon is just one - experience. “We have been there before, that is the only difference,” he said.
Behind every successful team there is always a good coach. The Olumbo brothers Thomas and Kaunda have done a tremendous job at Falcons and Power have every reason to worry. Can Andrew Mbazira and Barnes Ankunda come up with tactics to stop Falcons? They know better.
# posted by afrbk : 19:03
