Memorable sporting quotes of the year

All Sport. Prize fighters Moses Golola and Hassan Diba’s were worth recalling.

“I could not believe when I was winning. When I crossed the line, I believed it. I think today I joined the champions, so I am happy I can now die knowing I am a champion.” Stephen Kiprotich, gold medallist, after winning the Marathon at the London Olympics.

“There is only one problem; everyone wants to be president of UOC without using proper channels. But, that’s not the way you stage a coup de tat. (Do) you think you can overthrow (President) Museveni in two months?” Former Uganda Olympic Committee president Rogers Ddungu speaking before he was ousted by his executive.

“When you want to kill a lion, don’t look face, just kill.” Falcons guard Abdullahi Ramadhan went philosophical after Falcons took 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven finals.

“One assurance I want to give you and I will stand to be quoted on this. SuperSport will not go the other side. I am telling you this. You know Supersport, they are not dealing in cereals that when beans don’t work out you try maize or the other things. They are dealing in sport. Take it from me it’s an assurance and I stand to be quoted; SuperSport will not go the other side, they will come here. (On the) 25th (of September,) we are with them for the opening match. You just wait for that fixture will be out and we aren’t pleading with any club anymore. Enough is enough.” Rogers Mulindwa, the Fufa spokesman, makes a big statement that never come to pass during one of the Fufa weekly press briefings in Mengo.

“What happened is that I slided (pun intended) in to the corner and my knee got a disco-location, so by the time I was standing the knee was turning up. Instead of getting a serious knock out I decided to stop the fight. It’s just a disco-location not a knock out.” Kicker Moses Golola showed that he had not lost his motor-mouth antics as he jumped to his own defence after the loss to Szamboki Matte.

“We have always been very unlucky beyond this region if people cannot see that, there is something wrong with them.” Coach Bobby Williamson said after winning a fourth Cecafa title in five years.

“Of course we are very proud for keeping a home record for this long. We can only work to keep it but not rely on it. This is another trophy we need to win.” MTN Heathens’ coach Brian Tabaruka said prior to the 14-13 Uganda Cup final loss to DMark Kobs at Kyadondo ground.

“These are night dancers. That ‘we are going to freeze Fufa accounts, what is he talking about? Fufa is not a hideout of bed bugs. I am not going anywhere. I will not allow selfish people to take over. Uganda will not reward me for the good work, only God will because I know in heaven I will be seated by the right hand side of Our Father.” Fufa president Lawrence Mulindwa after Uganda Cranes’ failure to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

“I won’t take anything for granted. I have to work for every point to achieve my dream of a 10th title.” Motocross rider Arthur Blick said before the final race of the season at Garuga.

“We just have a small selection problem for the opening round. We are yet to decide who sits out the first singles round. It is either Ronald Bukenya or Gideon Kagyenzi.” Uganda Golf Captain Philip Kasozi said prior to the opening round of the East Africa Challenge Trophy.

“He is an old and tired lion in the wrong business. I am a boxing teacher. I will teach you a lesson and beat you up in the first round.” Hassan ‘Banabana’ Diba, the national champion, hits out at Isaac ‘Zebra’ Ssenyange before their fight.

“We lost fairly. But it is just a minor setback. There are no worries. We will do what we have to do against Tornado.” Wanderers all-rounder Deus Muhumuza said following a two-wicket loss to Charity. Wanderers lost to Tornado seven days later and eventually the title.

“We have fought for this all season long. It’s good for such a young team to win a championship.” Nemo Stars coach Anthony Ndawula after his team beat Nkumba 3-1 in the best-of-five men’s volleyball finals.

“We totally want people to bury that mentality of thinking this sport is for the rich. The costs of acquiring, maintaining and training a horse are quite significant which is why we allow interested people to pay a fraction of what could have been a big amount so they can train and enjoy the sport.” Manaan Madhvani, captain of the Kakira Nile Polo Club, said while attracting new players.

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