Written by Dorothy Kyamazima
It’s still early days but UCU look unbeatable as Dorothy Kyamazima writes
When the UCU Lady Canons swept the Fuba League playoff finals from right under the noses of A1 Challenge last season, it became known to everyone that these youngsters meant business straight from the word go.
The 4-0 series whitewash not only boosted their ego but gave them a sweet taste of victory that many claim they weren’t ready for. With three rounds underway into the 2011 season, they are already proving that last year’s win was no fluke. First they disposed off the two big contenders; KIU Rangers and A1 Challenge. Then came the weak Crane High girls in last Wednesday’s game that they made seem like a practice session.
Even after going through some adjustments having lost Juliet Layoo, Monica Tumusiime and Frances Nabuloobi to injury, they don’t seem to feel the dents at all. The trio’s absence was the kind that would spell doom, seeing that they would lack manpower but that hasn’t been the case.
Mandy Juruni, their former coach who opted to coach Kyambogo Warriors, still believes these girls are on course for stardom despite their minor loose ends that no team is taking advantage of. “At times they get under pressure in the in big games but no one seems to notice.”
But who doesn’t .As far as coaching is concerned, Dale Scully, their new coach seems to be just the man the team needs to secure a third championship. The Lady Canons have not lost any game so far under his supervision. When it comes to their key players, UCU Lady Canons still possess a threat with power forward Loraine Akinyi, who collected 15 rebounds in the KIU game, Leanne Nalunkuma, last season MVP Maureen Amoding, Angela Namirimu and Brenda Mbone.
When they are on court no one can tell that the Lady Canons are only a nine-lady squad. However, they still have a few tough questions to answer; last season they didn’t get to meet experienced KCC Leopards in the playoffs and one wonders who will emerge if they meet this year.
No other team seems worthy to give them a run for their money like Leopards. Until that happens the Lady Canons look set to have another clean slate.