by Sande Bashaija
Kampala
November 20
Leopards v A-1 Challenge
Kampala City Council (KCC) Leopards had an easy ride in the semi-finals, rolling over Kampala International University (KIU) Rangers 3-0 in the best-of-five MTN-Fuba League semi-final series. But going into the final, Leopards know they won’t have another smooth sailing especially against the experienced A-1 Challenge.
In beating Rangers, Leopards didn’t have arguably their best player Flavia Oketcho. The reigning league Most Valuable Player (MVP) is on holiday in United Kingdom but is keen to add another championship to her collection. “I will probably be back for the finals,” Oketcho, who spurred UCU Lady Canons to their maiden championship, last year, told Sunday Monitor.
“But even without me, I know the team is strong and can win the championship.” Oketcho’s departure from UCU ensured the team got eliminated at the semi-final stage, losing 3-0 to A-1 Challenge. Oketcho masterminded UCU’s 3-2 victory over A-1 Challenge in last year’s finals and her return should be a very big boost to KCC Leopards. With last year’s disappointment still fresh in their minds, A-1 Challenge are desperate to put the record straight this term.
And they can’t be branded underdogs in the final even without the experienced duo of Elizabeth Kizza and Olivia Mulwana (both expecting). A-1 Challenge managed to defeat KCC Leopards 68-66 in the first round regular season. But KCC managed to defeat them twice – league second round and during the regional Zone 5 championship.