In the wake of their recent defeat in the 2024 National Basketball League playoffs finals, KIU Titans player Peter Obleng has opened up about the factors that led to his team’s loss against the formidable City Oilers.
The Oilers clinched their unprecedented 10th consecutive NBL title, sweeping KIU 4-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Obleng, who has faced the Oilers in the finals for three consecutive years, first with Nam Blazers in 2022 and then with KIU for two seasons straight, provided insight into why the Titans lost this time round.
“We lacked teamwork and discipline on both sides. Not only players but even the management,” Obleng stated during an interview with NBS Sport.
He emphasized the need for stronger support from the club’s administration, suggesting that with adequate backing, KIU could have posed a more significant challenge to the Oilers.
The player didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s shortcomings.
“We lacked everything. Financial support from management and also the coaching team management wasn’t good,” he said.
Despite the Oilers’ decade-long dominance, Obleng doesn’t believe they are invincible. Instead, he attributes their success to experience and team cohesion.
“I don’t think they’re too good, but the thing is that they have experience. You know if players have been in one team for so long and know each other, it brings about teamwork,” Obleng explained.
The City Oilers’ reign at the top of Ugandan basketball has been marked by stability both in administration and player roster.
While long-time stalwarts Jimmy Enabu and James Okello departed earlier this year, veterans like Ben Komakech, Ivan Muhwezi, and Mulira Henry continue to form the core of the team.
Obleng contrasted this stability with KIU’s situation.
“For them, they have been winning many championships together, but for us, we were new in the team, we didn’t know each other well, and had never won any championship together.”
Looking forward, the KIU star believes that emulating the Oilers’ model of consistency is key to future success.
“We cannot compete like City Oilers without teamwork. For us to win, we shall need teamwork, good management to control the team for a long time, and for players to stay at the club, but not bringing new players all the time,” Obleng concluded.
