Coach Mutebi Explains Why Warriors Lost To UCU Canons

It’s now back to normal for Warriors after losing their unbeaten streak on Saturday in a close 60-62 defeat to UCU Canons.

Warriors had won their opening six games before the loss to UCU Canons – They had beaten up on KCCA Men, Kampala University, KIU Titans, Betway Power, City Oilers and Falcons.

With five minutes to the end of last quarter Vs UCU, Warriors were in control with a 58-51 lead but they couldn’t stay in character before succumbing to a better side on the lead.

Fadhil Chuma (16) closed out Warriors. FUBA

Speaking exclusively to this website, Club coach Ronnie Mutebi, to a big extent, took the blame.

“I feel on the technical side we should have played Mike Otieno Gatete and Gatwech Kutai KD more especially in the third quarter and fourth quarter since they looked more composed on the night.

“But that’s a learning lesson. I felt I should have followed my instincts on these two players.”

Despite the loss, Michael Buzangu had 11 points, Stanley Mugerwa and Amisi Saidi added 11 points each. The latter who also had 10 rebounds was playing his first game this season.

Coach Ronnie (right in the background). FUBA

The coach also blamed the preparations prior to the game and he revealed that his side took the game for granted:

“Pre-game warm up and preps were not as we had planned. We reported late for the game, less team talk before the game and we had less time for warm up.

“So basically we took the game for granted and that hurt us so much because most players failed to find rhythm. Besides that, we also missed a lot of free throws especially in the second half which were pivotal. We had too many open opportunities to score which turned to turnovers.”

Mutebi added that its on those errors that UCU Canons capitalised on to kill his side. He also revealed that the team didn’t box out and close outs as expected.

L-R: Saidi.Amisi, David Deng and Buzangu Michael

Going forward, he revealed that the loss was a blessing in disguise.

“This was a good loss for us. I believe despite the result, we benefited more from the loss than any other team because it exposed our weaknesses which helps us build early before we go into the crucial stages of the season.

“So for me I believe we needed such a wake-up call as early as this one.
I am excited about the reaction from the players. They want to move on immediately and do better. To me that’s the turning point.”

Warriors will return to action on Wednesday against Sharing Youth. They still have Ndejje University Angles, Our Saviour and JKL Dolphins on the menu before the end of the first round.

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