By Charles Mutebi
MTN-FUBA League
Men division 1:
Marines 63 Lions 56
Women
Canons 100 Cubs 46
Crane High 98 Amazon 34
IF the Nkumba Marines reach the MTN-FUBA men’s first division playoffs for the first time since 2006, Phillip Wakimwero will be a major reason why.
He was once again in inspiring form on Sunday, dropping a chart-topping 23 points on the KCC Lions to lead the Marines to a 63-56 win, their third of the league season.
It was another on the growing list of memorable displays from the gifted youngster who joined the two-time champions from Crane High this season. Marines coach Peter Odeke has been impressed by the rise to significance of his new star and he is no doubt about his importance to the team.
“He is like the crux of the team,” conceded Odeke after the match. “Offensively and also defensively, I think he is a crucial factor. He is the one guy you can depend on to deliver.”
Along with Lad Ikungura, who also joined from Crane High at the start of the season, Wakimwero has led Nkumba’s transformation from an afterthought to a playoffs contender.
Last year, the Marines had their worst season following the departure of Norman and Donald Blick and ended the campaign way out of the playoffs.
“We are definitely looking at the playoffs,” Odeke explained.
“We have only played five games, so I don’t know what will happen in the last four games of the first round of this season.”
Meanwhile, the Lions have one win in seven matches. Forget the playoffs, survival is what’s on KCC’s mind.