DMark Power vs Mountain Dew Falcons
Alot is being said prior to the game but again that doesn't come as a surprise. Seeing the problems that hit the Falcons camp towards the end of the regular season.
If its any consolation, the players atleast most of them returned to camp and have been in training.
The six time champions Mountain Dew Falcons have so many challenges they are yet to overcome if they are going to put up a solid performance because right now there are too many uncertainities.
First, it is unknown what the Falcons’ line-up will look like since they ended the regular season without Mike Buzangu and Bienvenue Ngandu – who walked out in protest against unpaid wages causing a little drama towards the end of the regular season.
The starting team of Falcons is yet to be confirmed because it has been nothing short of dramatic for the Falcons who had to fight their way into the play offs. In view of the events in the Falcons camp, we can only hope that the team they put out today will be good enough to stand against the DMark Power force.
Information reaching my desk hints that Smatts Olumbo will be on the Falcons bench. Olumbo on any day when he gets on that court can tear apart any defense. The question is can he rise up when it matters?
This promises to be a slamming and great game to watch. If put to the task i may say that the winner of the FUBA championship is coming off this fixture, you can quote me on that.
Got to go and prepare for the game now. Be sure to catch up after the game.
Till the next post stay blessed
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Weekend Match Previews
MAN CITY vs ARSENAL
Manchester City and Arsenal face-off at Eastlands in one of the most important matches of the season so far.
Manchester City and Arsenal look like two of the sides most likely to challenge Chelsea for the Barclays Premier League title.
City are the only team to have beaten the Blues this season, but Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal have scored only four of their 18 goals this season away from home and have gone six matches since they last kept a clean sheet.
The Gunners have not been involved in a 0-0 draw since 24th April and the stalemate with City at the Emirates Stadium.
In a total of 82 matches between the sides at City's home ground, Arsenal have won 32, lost 30 and drawn 20.
LIVERPOOL vs BLACKBURN
The Reds have not won a Barclays Premier League match since August when they defeated West Bromwch Albion at Anfield. That is their only win to date in the league.
Blackburn have failed to record a victory in their last 14 visits to Anfield. Their last win away to the Reds was in September 1993 and since then they have lost nine and drawn five.
An under-strength Liverpool team earned a 0-0 draw away to Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday. But a win in this fixture is much-needed after last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Everton in the Merseyside derby.
STOKE CITY vs MAN UNITED
Man United enter this fixture unbeaten in their last 13 Barclays Premier League matches. However, they have not won away yet this season, having drawn all four on the road.
Stoke's four-match unbeaten run was ended by a late Bolton Wanderers goal last Saturday.
Last season second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea handed United a 2-0 win in this fixture, with Stoke managing just one shot on target.
SPURS vs EVERTON FC
Tottenham Hotspur have the chance to move level on points with second-placed Manchester City as they host Everton.
Spurs have scored just five goals in four home matches this season while the Merseysiders have managed just two on the road, both in their win at Birmingham.
The Toffees have chalked up three straight clean sheets, going a total of 315 minutes - more than six hours - without conceding a goal in the Barclays Premier League. Last season's 2-1 defeat ended a run of three successive wins for Everton at White Hart Lane.
CHELSEA vs WOLVES
Mick McCarthy's men begin a run of successive matches against the top four clubs as they travel to a Chelsea side looking to move five points clear at the top of the table.
The Blues have won all four home matches to date, scoring 14 and conceding none while Wolves have taken just one point from four road trips.
The Molineux men have not won in seven and have gone 11 matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Well have a great sporting weekend.
Manchester City and Arsenal face-off at Eastlands in one of the most important matches of the season so far.
Manchester City and Arsenal look like two of the sides most likely to challenge Chelsea for the Barclays Premier League title.
City are the only team to have beaten the Blues this season, but Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal have scored only four of their 18 goals this season away from home and have gone six matches since they last kept a clean sheet.
The Gunners have not been involved in a 0-0 draw since 24th April and the stalemate with City at the Emirates Stadium.
In a total of 82 matches between the sides at City's home ground, Arsenal have won 32, lost 30 and drawn 20.
LIVERPOOL vs BLACKBURN
The Reds have not won a Barclays Premier League match since August when they defeated West Bromwch Albion at Anfield. That is their only win to date in the league.
Blackburn have failed to record a victory in their last 14 visits to Anfield. Their last win away to the Reds was in September 1993 and since then they have lost nine and drawn five.
An under-strength Liverpool team earned a 0-0 draw away to Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday. But a win in this fixture is much-needed after last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Everton in the Merseyside derby.
STOKE CITY vs MAN UNITED
Man United enter this fixture unbeaten in their last 13 Barclays Premier League matches. However, they have not won away yet this season, having drawn all four on the road.
Stoke's four-match unbeaten run was ended by a late Bolton Wanderers goal last Saturday.
Last season second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea handed United a 2-0 win in this fixture, with Stoke managing just one shot on target.
SPURS vs EVERTON FC
Tottenham Hotspur have the chance to move level on points with second-placed Manchester City as they host Everton.
Spurs have scored just five goals in four home matches this season while the Merseysiders have managed just two on the road, both in their win at Birmingham.
The Toffees have chalked up three straight clean sheets, going a total of 315 minutes - more than six hours - without conceding a goal in the Barclays Premier League. Last season's 2-1 defeat ended a run of three successive wins for Everton at White Hart Lane.
CHELSEA vs WOLVES
Mick McCarthy's men begin a run of successive matches against the top four clubs as they travel to a Chelsea side looking to move five points clear at the top of the table.
The Blues have won all four home matches to date, scoring 14 and conceding none while Wolves have taken just one point from four road trips.
The Molineux men have not won in seven and have gone 11 matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Well have a great sporting weekend.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Saturday Sports Highlights
SOCCER
ARSENAL FC 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1
Arsenal got their Barclays Premier League campaign back on track with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Birmingham, but had Jack Wilshere sent off in stoppage time for a rash challenge.
The Blues went ahead through Nikola Zigic after 33 minutes as once again the Gunners - who lost their past two league matches before the international break - failed to make the most of their early possession.
However, Samir Nasri levelled from the spot just before half-time, with Marouane Chamakh slotting home a well-taken second two minutes after the restart which proved enough for all three points - only for Wilshere to be shown the red card for a reckless challenge on Zigic.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 WESTBROM 2
Javier Hernandez gave Manchester United the lead after just five minutes, tapping in after Scott Carson had parried from Nani who then got the second on 25 minutes with a left-foot shot following a one-two with Dimitar Berbatov.
But the Baggies scored two in five minutes at the start of the second half. After 50 minutes a deflected free-kick from Chris Brunt went in off Patrice Evra before bouncing beyond Edwin van der Sar, who was unable to claw it out.
If that was bad, what followed was even worse for the hosts as Brunt lofted a high cross skywards into the United six-yard box which should have provided Van der Sar with the easiest of catches.
Instead, the veteran Dutchman dropped the ball straight at the feet of Somen Tchoyi, who gleefully tapped into an empty net. Very disappointing game by their standards despite the fact that they remain unbeaten.
BASKETBALL
A1 CHALLENGE 103 NABISUNSA 34
At 5:30 in the MUBS main court saw A1 Challenge take on Nabisunsa Girls School in a weekend where most clubs are playing their last games as the regular season comes to an end.
Nabisunsa playing for pride, i believe, though they couldn't continue with the win they registered last week. A1 Challenge currently preparing for the play-offs next week were on a roll.
With almost everything clicking for them it's no wonder they managed to score over the century mark. A little tightening of the defense will see them go far especially as the play-offs commence soon.
See all y'all during play-offs next week.
Congrats ladies
ARSENAL FC 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1
Arsenal got their Barclays Premier League campaign back on track with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Birmingham, but had Jack Wilshere sent off in stoppage time for a rash challenge.
The Blues went ahead through Nikola Zigic after 33 minutes as once again the Gunners - who lost their past two league matches before the international break - failed to make the most of their early possession.
However, Samir Nasri levelled from the spot just before half-time, with Marouane Chamakh slotting home a well-taken second two minutes after the restart which proved enough for all three points - only for Wilshere to be shown the red card for a reckless challenge on Zigic.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 WESTBROM 2
Javier Hernandez gave Manchester United the lead after just five minutes, tapping in after Scott Carson had parried from Nani who then got the second on 25 minutes with a left-foot shot following a one-two with Dimitar Berbatov.
But the Baggies scored two in five minutes at the start of the second half. After 50 minutes a deflected free-kick from Chris Brunt went in off Patrice Evra before bouncing beyond Edwin van der Sar, who was unable to claw it out.
If that was bad, what followed was even worse for the hosts as Brunt lofted a high cross skywards into the United six-yard box which should have provided Van der Sar with the easiest of catches.
Instead, the veteran Dutchman dropped the ball straight at the feet of Somen Tchoyi, who gleefully tapped into an empty net. Very disappointing game by their standards despite the fact that they remain unbeaten.
BASKETBALL
A1 CHALLENGE 103 NABISUNSA 34
At 5:30 in the MUBS main court saw A1 Challenge take on Nabisunsa Girls School in a weekend where most clubs are playing their last games as the regular season comes to an end.
Nabisunsa playing for pride, i believe, though they couldn't continue with the win they registered last week. A1 Challenge currently preparing for the play-offs next week were on a roll.
With almost everything clicking for them it's no wonder they managed to score over the century mark. A little tightening of the defense will see them go far especially as the play-offs commence soon.
See all y'all during play-offs next week.
Congrats ladies
Mid Week Results
On another seemingly cold Wednesday evening FUBA graced us with resilient basketball action. Games started as early as 5:30pm. On a wet evening one would think that the fans would shy away from the YMCA home of basketball venue but this was not to be true.
Fans trickled in slowly but surely which im sure had everything to do with the late game on the day. The first game we had the ladies category where KCC Leopards were against Makerere Cubs.
5:30 KICK OFF
KCC LEOPARDS : 106
MAKERERE CUBS : 22
This was a game where we had two teams with very different objectives faced off. One team seeking to finish on a high as they headed to the play-offs and the other was literally playing for pride as I believe they’ve already been relegated.
KCC had Baby, Miriam Hamala and Hellen all scoring double figures to helping them go past the 100 point mark. Great defensive all round game helped them totally chock the Cubs offense. In the last quarter, as I may highlight it took the Cubs over 7 minutes to score their first points in that quarter in a game where you literally have running time of 10 minutes. It’s clear that these two teams are not supposed to be on the same court. It was an all-round mismatch.
At the end of the day it was always going to be one winner and that was the KCC Leopards who have already booked their slot in the play-offs which begin in two weeks’ time.
7:30 KICK OFF
NKUMBA MARINES : 102
ST. MICHEAL : 62
This was the second game of the day. St. Micheal High School tried to make life had for the Marines offense playing pretty well in the first quarter. The difference was kept to 4 points. But Mr. Swaleh and his team mates had other ideas, as they went on riot for the rest of the quarters. St. Micheal’s defense couldn’t take the pressure crumbling totally after that.
9:30 KICK OFF
DMARK POWER : 98
UCU CANONS : 68
This was the late night kick off and they were complaints around about how the game began a little late. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that whenever these two teams meet you are guaranteed more than your money’s worth. The magical hands of Ivan Enabu and the great shooting abilities of Jimmy Enabu plus the great talent of Norman Blick, Ikong and Emma Enabu all on one court, is what I’d refer to as a juicy fixture.
The first quarter saw DMark Power exchanging beautiful passes that seemingly overwhelmed the UCU Canons defense. With Ikong in the centre of the offense and Emma Enabu orchestrating the game plan effectively the mood was looking good for the DMark Power side. It should be noted that Isaac Afidra had one of his best games in this second round for Power with fearless effective offense and a decent defensive game.
The UCU Canons side I’d say took a little while to get in the game with their main threat Ivan Enabu on and off till about the third quarter where he began taking the game to the heart of the DMark defense. But with Jimmy Enabu being fouled out in the fourth quarter, yet he was shooting the three pointers like he is meant for that purpose, the situation went from bad to worse. Not even the mean defense of Jeff could stop the Power forwards from running riot on UCU Canons.
In all fairness this was another case of too little too late. The damage was done in the first quarter and from then on it was always going to be hard for UCU Canons to play catch up against a DMark Power side that was looking pretty good (both offensively and defensively) with their form coming in time as we head to the play-offs soon.
In a game that had no significance to their qualifications for the play-offs, DMark Power humbled the UCU Canons 98:68 and gave them a lot to think about as we soon shift our attention to the play-offs.
Score Board
DMark Power UCU Canons
First Quarter 33 First Quarter 09
Second Quarter 12 Second Quarter 12
Third Quarter 23 Third Quarter 20
Fourth Quarter 30 Fourth Quarter 27
Total Points Scored 98 Total Points Scored 68
Fans trickled in slowly but surely which im sure had everything to do with the late game on the day. The first game we had the ladies category where KCC Leopards were against Makerere Cubs.
5:30 KICK OFF
KCC LEOPARDS : 106
MAKERERE CUBS : 22
This was a game where we had two teams with very different objectives faced off. One team seeking to finish on a high as they headed to the play-offs and the other was literally playing for pride as I believe they’ve already been relegated.
KCC had Baby, Miriam Hamala and Hellen all scoring double figures to helping them go past the 100 point mark. Great defensive all round game helped them totally chock the Cubs offense. In the last quarter, as I may highlight it took the Cubs over 7 minutes to score their first points in that quarter in a game where you literally have running time of 10 minutes. It’s clear that these two teams are not supposed to be on the same court. It was an all-round mismatch.
At the end of the day it was always going to be one winner and that was the KCC Leopards who have already booked their slot in the play-offs which begin in two weeks’ time.
7:30 KICK OFF
NKUMBA MARINES : 102
ST. MICHEAL : 62
This was the second game of the day. St. Micheal High School tried to make life had for the Marines offense playing pretty well in the first quarter. The difference was kept to 4 points. But Mr. Swaleh and his team mates had other ideas, as they went on riot for the rest of the quarters. St. Micheal’s defense couldn’t take the pressure crumbling totally after that.
9:30 KICK OFF
DMARK POWER : 98
UCU CANONS : 68
This was the late night kick off and they were complaints around about how the game began a little late. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that whenever these two teams meet you are guaranteed more than your money’s worth. The magical hands of Ivan Enabu and the great shooting abilities of Jimmy Enabu plus the great talent of Norman Blick, Ikong and Emma Enabu all on one court, is what I’d refer to as a juicy fixture.
The first quarter saw DMark Power exchanging beautiful passes that seemingly overwhelmed the UCU Canons defense. With Ikong in the centre of the offense and Emma Enabu orchestrating the game plan effectively the mood was looking good for the DMark Power side. It should be noted that Isaac Afidra had one of his best games in this second round for Power with fearless effective offense and a decent defensive game.
The UCU Canons side I’d say took a little while to get in the game with their main threat Ivan Enabu on and off till about the third quarter where he began taking the game to the heart of the DMark defense. But with Jimmy Enabu being fouled out in the fourth quarter, yet he was shooting the three pointers like he is meant for that purpose, the situation went from bad to worse. Not even the mean defense of Jeff could stop the Power forwards from running riot on UCU Canons.
In all fairness this was another case of too little too late. The damage was done in the first quarter and from then on it was always going to be hard for UCU Canons to play catch up against a DMark Power side that was looking pretty good (both offensively and defensively) with their form coming in time as we head to the play-offs soon.
In a game that had no significance to their qualifications for the play-offs, DMark Power humbled the UCU Canons 98:68 and gave them a lot to think about as we soon shift our attention to the play-offs.
Score Board
DMark Power UCU Canons
First Quarter 33 First Quarter 09
Second Quarter 12 Second Quarter 12
Third Quarter 23 Third Quarter 20
Fourth Quarter 30 Fourth Quarter 27
Total Points Scored 98 Total Points Scored 68
Monday, October 11, 2010
After alot of hype, 9th October was the day marked on every Kenyan and Ugandan football fan. To every Ugandan not only was it the day when they got their independence but also the day they were supposed to face-off with their rivals and believe you-me this intense and fierce rivalry between the two camps goes back in time.
The 12th man question was undoubtebly answered when a record of over 70 buses and taxi's crossed the border filled with football fans who had all travelled to cheer their boys on. Its no wonder they fought hard to earn a much needed away point.
The officials especially the man at the centre of the action Mr. Diarra of Senegal who is no stranger to every Ugandan following a string of poor decisions that cost us qualification in 2008 against Niger. But thats all behind us. As for his performance on the day i'd say it was good. Afew fans thought he should have dished afew yellow cards for two cases of raised boots but at the end of the day it was good officiating.
The environment being Nairobi and the rivalry between the two camps, this was definitely not a game for the faint hearted. Ugandans showed up in huge numbers and so did the Kenyans. But when i was confronted with a barrage of insults hailed towards our political leader and generally us as Ugandans i begun to wonder whether it was "healthy rivalry" also known as passion or they were simply venting out their on and off-the -pitch frustrations towards us. Ask me, i'd say it's the latter.
Issues to address:
FUFA makes an official announcement concerning the ticket fares in Kenya and it was as follows; Ksh 300 (terrace) Ksh 500 (VIP). Every Ugandan fan has this on the back of their mind. So when planning was done that was the figure we all looked at. Drama ensued in Nairobi when most of the outlets supposed to sell the tickets claimed that they were sold out. The only place the fans could get the tickets was G4S offices moreover at Ksh 1000 for VIP only. If thats not total madness then i honestly don't know what it is. My understanding is that a certain amount of tickets is supposed to be alloted to the away fans travelling. Anyway im sure quite a number of fans couldn't access the tickets because of the rates. All the way from Kampala to go and watch the game on DSTV was a silly thought. So those who were about to fight through and get the tickets at that rate were some what lucky.
After paying Ksh 1000 for the VIP section even accessing it was another issue, not even water was served; my vuvuzela was confiscated, something to do with them not allowing them in the VIP section. Sincerely Kenyan Football Federation is this hot far the rivalry has come?
Security concern especially the fans who literally climbed the flood light towers to illegally access the stadium as some police literally looked on?
Generally i'd say the Kenyan Football Federation may be weren't adquately prepared for this game and it would have cost them if any violence (God forbid) had broken out especially if the result had ended in our favor.
All in all it was such a memorable experience and we eagerly wait to put them in their place when they travel this side for the return leg.
Anyway im totally thankful for the boys who fought tooth and nail to earn that point which sees us top the table. And now all the attention shifts to the CECAFA competition next month.
East African Derby Ends In Stalemate
FULL TIME:
KENYA : 0
UGANDA: 0
After alot of hype, 9th October was the day marked on every Kenyan and Ugandan football fan. To every Ugandan not only was it the day when they got their independence but also the day they were supposed to face-off with their rivals and believe you-me this intense and fierce rivalry between the two camps goes back in time.
The 12th man question was undoubtebly answered when a record of over 70 buses and taxi's crossed the border filled with football fans who had all travelled to cheer their boys on. Its no wonder they fought hard to earn a much needed away point.
The officials especially the man at the centre of the action Mr. Diarra of Senegal who is no stranger to every Ugandan following a string of poor decisions that cost us qualification in 2008 against Niger. But thats all behind us. As for his performance on the day i'd say it was good. Afew fans thought he should have dished afew yellow cards for two cases of raised boots but at the end of the day it was good officiating.
The environment being Nairobi and the rivalry between the two camps, this was definitely not a game for the faint hearted. Ugandans showed up in huge numbers and so did the Kenyans. But when i was confronted with a barrage of insults hailed towards our political leader and generally us as Ugandans i begun to wonder whether it was "healthy rivalry" also known as passion or they were simply venting out their on and off-the -pitch frustrations towards us. Ask me, i'd say it's the latter.
Issues to address:
FUFA makes an official announcement concerning the ticket fares in Kenya and it was as follows; Ksh 300 (terrace) Ksh 500 (VIP). Every Ugandan fan has this on the back of their mind. So when planning was done that was the figure we all looked at. Drama ensued in Nairobi when most of the outlets supposed to sell the tickets claimed that they were sold out. The only place the fans could get the tickets was G4S offices moreover at Ksh 1000 for VIP only. If thats not total madness then i honestly don't know what it is. My understanding is that a certain amount of tickets is supposed to be alloted to the away fans travelling. Anyway im sure quite a number of fans couldn't access the tickets because of the rates. All the way from Kampala to go and watch the game on DSTV was a silly thought. So those who were about to fight through and get the tickets at that rate were some what lucky.
After paying Ksh 1000 for the VIP section even accessing it was another issue, not even water was served; my vuvuzela was confiscated, something to do with them not allowing them in the VIP section. Sincerely Kenyan Football Federation is this hot far the rivalry has come?
Security concern especially the fans who literally climbed the flood light towers to illegally access the stadium as some police literally looked on?
Generally i'd say the Kenyan Football Federation may be weren't adquately prepared for this game and it would have cost them if any violence (God forbid) had broken out especially if the result had ended in our favor.
All in all it was such a memorable experience and we eagerly wait to put them in their place when they travel this side for the return leg.
Anyway im totally thankful for the boys who fought tooth and nail to earn that point which sees us top the table. And now all the attention shifts to the CECAFA competition next month.
My man-of-the-match performance goes to the goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Uganda Cranes we are proud of you.
K.J
KENYA : 0
UGANDA: 0
After alot of hype, 9th October was the day marked on every Kenyan and Ugandan football fan. To every Ugandan not only was it the day when they got their independence but also the day they were supposed to face-off with their rivals and believe you-me this intense and fierce rivalry between the two camps goes back in time.
The 12th man question was undoubtebly answered when a record of over 70 buses and taxi's crossed the border filled with football fans who had all travelled to cheer their boys on. Its no wonder they fought hard to earn a much needed away point.
The officials especially the man at the centre of the action Mr. Diarra of Senegal who is no stranger to every Ugandan following a string of poor decisions that cost us qualification in 2008 against Niger. But thats all behind us. As for his performance on the day i'd say it was good. Afew fans thought he should have dished afew yellow cards for two cases of raised boots but at the end of the day it was good officiating.
The environment being Nairobi and the rivalry between the two camps, this was definitely not a game for the faint hearted. Ugandans showed up in huge numbers and so did the Kenyans. But when i was confronted with a barrage of insults hailed towards our political leader and generally us as Ugandans i begun to wonder whether it was "healthy rivalry" also known as passion or they were simply venting out their on and off-the -pitch frustrations towards us. Ask me, i'd say it's the latter.
Issues to address:
FUFA makes an official announcement concerning the ticket fares in Kenya and it was as follows; Ksh 300 (terrace) Ksh 500 (VIP). Every Ugandan fan has this on the back of their mind. So when planning was done that was the figure we all looked at. Drama ensued in Nairobi when most of the outlets supposed to sell the tickets claimed that they were sold out. The only place the fans could get the tickets was G4S offices moreover at Ksh 1000 for VIP only. If thats not total madness then i honestly don't know what it is. My understanding is that a certain amount of tickets is supposed to be alloted to the away fans travelling. Anyway im sure quite a number of fans couldn't access the tickets because of the rates. All the way from Kampala to go and watch the game on DSTV was a silly thought. So those who were about to fight through and get the tickets at that rate were some what lucky.
After paying Ksh 1000 for the VIP section even accessing it was another issue, not even water was served; my vuvuzela was confiscated, something to do with them not allowing them in the VIP section. Sincerely Kenyan Football Federation is this hot far the rivalry has come?
Security concern especially the fans who literally climbed the flood light towers to illegally access the stadium as some police literally looked on?
Generally i'd say the Kenyan Football Federation may be weren't adquately prepared for this game and it would have cost them if any violence (God forbid) had broken out especially if the result had ended in our favor.
All in all it was such a memorable experience and we eagerly wait to put them in their place when they travel this side for the return leg.
Anyway im totally thankful for the boys who fought tooth and nail to earn that point which sees us top the table. And now all the attention shifts to the CECAFA competition next month.
My man-of-the-match performance goes to the goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Uganda Cranes we are proud of you.
K.J
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)