AFRICA ( Commonwealth Union) _ On Friday, April 21, the Power basketball club plays the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons under the lights of the MTN arena. The recent spiral that has seen Power lose three straight National Basketball League (NBL) games must be stopped. On Sunday, April 16, the most recent incident occurred when the recently promoted Kampala Rockets defeated the five-time champions 55-53.
As a result, Power now has a record of two wins and four losses, placing them sixth overall in the 12-team standings. But the main concern will be who will benefit from the resolution of their conflict with the UCU. This season, UCU has also struggled, dropping three of its first four games. They lost to the UPDF Tomahawks 53-61, and now they are second-to-last.
Coach Nick Natuhereza will undoubtedly demand more of his players in the future. But tonight’s game against JKL Dolphins could serve as a solid warm-up for what is sure to be a major confrontation with Power. However, Natuhereza is currently in the midst of another rebuilding period after losing several of his key players from last season, including Fayed Bbale, Titus Lual, Sudi Ulanga, and Fadhil Chuma. Natuhereza has been known to go through this phase every three to four academic years when his players graduate and leave.
UCU has appeared to be a stronger side so far than Power. And a big part of that is because the guys Natuhereza has at his disposal have practised together more frequently. Ibanda Lwabaga, Jimmy Otim, and Jerry Kayanga’s speed and cunning make UCU the favourites to defeat Power.
Perhaps more time will be needed for coach Timothy Odeke to meld the current Power squad. It is obvious that their brief preseason together as players had an impact on them. Although Power has put together guys with promise, it takes time. In actuality, everyone but Isaac Afidra, Stephen Otoa, and Imran Samad are brand-new. And given how UCU fared in their matches with Namuwongo Blazers and City Oilers, Power might need to conjure up a miracle.
