Written by Felix Eupal http://www.observer.ug
Miracle basketball club had their best season in the topflight basketball league when they finished a commendable fifth overall and just two points off the final playoff spot.
Throughout their 15-year history, Miracle have always made up the numbers, but last season they showed that they can mix it with the big boys.
Their dramatic upsurge in fortunes can be attributed to a spending spree that saw them secure the services of Edwin Kateregga, Collins Mukiza, Caesar Kizito, Ronald Bajjunga, Derrick Mbuusi, and Stephen Omony.
Miracle’s dream signings managed to step up to the plate by piecing together a seven-game winning streak that threatened to lock mighty Warriors out of the playoffs.
Buoyed by their successes last season, Miracle CEO, Brian Mingi, has vowed to keep spending big in a bid to make the club a force to reckon with. Already, their post season scouting has seen them secure the services of Mountain Dew Falcons’ Francis Tumusiime and Richard Omondi.
The signing of Omondi has whetted the appetite of many Miracle faithful who cannot wait to see the Kenyan pair with multiple MVP winner, Omony. Club insiders, however, beg to differ.
They believe the preferential treatment that Miracle star players like Omony, Omondi, Tumusiime and the Tanzanian Mohammed Ali are receiving (getting rent and allowances) is causing a big rift at the Rubaga-based club.
Already, last season’s coach, Brian Rugyendo has thrown in the towel. Asked why he decided to quit Miracle, Rugyendo said: “I’m parting ways with Miracle on mutual consent because the team has its own plans which are not part of the agenda we set out to do.”
Chris Kyebambe, the clubs technical director, says they couldn’t reach terms with Rugyendo because as a club their main aim is getting results that is why they decided to bring, “players who have immediate effect.” Kyebambe adds, “We are still looking at bringing two more foreign players.”
But with many of last season’s heroes disenfranchised, one wonders whether Miracle will be able to work up the kind of chemistry needed in any team sport.