For a majority of the previous season, Weatherhead appeared as a legitimate non-dark horse candidate to win the men’s National Hockey League (NHL) title.
Going into the season finale (title decider) match in Lugogo, Weatherhead and Wananchi men’s outfits were then tied on points (60 each) and albeit a 4-3 loss in the final match of the season that saw them lose the title, Weatherhead had a good run.
With a 3-1 by the 32nd minute of the season finale, Weatherhead looked good, partially because of the contributions from their midfielder Timothy Ntumba, whom the team acquired three seasons ago. He finished the season as joint top scorer with 23 goals, alongside team-mate Vincent Arnold Kasasa.
Ntumba’s play always uplifted the team’s first unit and only bolstered their non-dark horse chances only against a resilient Wananchi side.
With Kasasa joining Weatherhead Historicals this coming season, many are wondering who else will always slot home for the the 2017 champions.
The worry might be justifiable for some, but if there is any hope that Weatherhead will remain a strong force around the ‘D,’ then they can as well contend for the title this season, but it will most likely start with Ntumba.
Ntumba and Kasasa proved to be a top-tier duo last season, but the former served as the perfect second piece to compliment the pair.
While Kasasa provided the much-needed offense for the team, Ntumba played a double role in the midfield; offense and a little bit of defense, and emerging as joint top scorer against rival charges is no small feat.
With that gaping hole now in their offense (following Kasasa’s departure), Weatherhead needs someone to help keep them afloat and fill the void. Ntumba has already proved that he could also be a dynamic threat with the ball in his stick. Now, Weatherhead needs him more than ever.
After transitioning from defence to midfield a few years ago, Ntumba could transition to the striking role and his figures last season will imply that he needs no motivation.
Ntumba is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league today and has a chance to bolster his status further with some stellar play if sports activities are reinstated in the near future.
