This Friday, September 9 in Lugogo, Canons meet Oilers in game one of the semifinals. Canons just ejected JKL Dolphins 2-0, as did Oilers over UPDF Tomahawks in the best of three quarterfinals last week.

However, coach Nick Natuhereza, who has been at the helm of the Canons since 2010, goes into the meeting with Oilers carrying 12 years of experience. Inevitably, that comes with heightened expectations, that it is time he guided the Canons to their maiden silverware.

The tag of perennial bridesmaids is one that the Canons have carried for many years since their first season in the NBL, back in 2007. That is when their talisman at the time, Ivan Enabu was doing wizardry on court in his ‘diapers’ under the tutelage of American coach Jason Mehl.

At the time, despite dominating the regular season, UCU Canons lost to eventual champions, Falcons 1-2 in the semi-finals. It goes without saying that one of Canons’ biggest problems has been the departure of their stars once they complete their studies at the university. This has affected their competitiveness, as they perpetually keep rebuilding.

Nevertheless, in this year’s regular season, they shared the spoils with Oilers. Each won a game of the two played. But the Canons finished above the Oilers on the table in second, a clear suggestion that they were the better team. That obviously would give the Canons the psychological edge. But Canons’ ultimate standing on the log makes them slight favourites and, therefore, every reason to believe they are more fancied in an encounter against the Oilers. Yet, above all, to go all the way and win the championship this year.

At the beginning of the season, Natuhereza said their goal is to win every game. And he was not in any doubt they have the squad quality to do it. Yet, when pressed on whether he felt the burden of expectation was weighing down on him, considering that he is now one of the veteran coaches in the men’s league, he said: “I have nothing to prove to anyone. As long as we do our best, I can live with the results. Winning is good for sure, but not the only thing; at least not the only thing. Not the most important.”

Natuhereza’s response was quite philosophical. He qualified it by saying that the most important thing, is preparing well as a team, which they have done. But also play as a team, give their best effort and do it the right way.

On the other hand, Natuhereza avoided being drawn into the argument of his lack of trophies with the men’s side despite so much promise from the way they play with verve and intensity. Natuhereza’s is equated to Oilers coach Mandy Juruni in terms of coaching, management and tactical nous.

That, to many ought to also reflect in trophies. Incidentally, Natuhereza has guided the UCU Lady Canons side to three championships. In 2015, 2016 and 2017. Perhaps on that basis, he has nothing to prove. But would he choose that over ending Oilers’ seven years’ dominance?

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