Today at YMCA
Warriors v KIU (7.30pm)
Amazon v KIU (5.30pm)
Such have been Kyambogo Warriors wobbles this season that there is a growing fear of the champions missing out on the MTN-Fuba League play-offs.
Luckily for coach Gad Eteu, those doubts are mainly instigated by Miracle Eagles, Warriors’ biggest rivals for the fourth and final spot and a growing band of doubters.
Nonetheless, the beleaguered champions have the chance to turn the corner against KIU Titans at YMCA court, Wandegeya this evening. A 78-71 loss to Nkumba Marines on Sunday, Warriors’ fifth this term, showed that Miracle’s hopes aren’t misplaced.
For much of this season, Warriors coach Gad Eteu had told Daily Monitor that a place in the play-offs is certain but turbulence might have forced a re-think. “I think we need six more victories. There is still work to be done and we need to get mentally tough,” Eteu said after losing to Marines. And if he needed answers, MVP Ronnie Kasewu must provide them like he almost did four days ago with a thrilling game-high 26 points.
Even then, major improvements are needed elsewhere against KIU as Martin Okwako, Abdullahi Ramadhan and Michael Kariuki have been quiet for long periods.
In Henry Mwinuka, Jeff Mwaniki and Moses Olobo, Warriors meet a near-match match in physicality and exuberance. As KIU point guard Saidi Marine could miss a second straight game, coach Nimrod Kaboha is not only lacking depth but also quality from the bench. However, Kaboha is always found wanting in rotating his team even when he has a full-strength squad. In the women’s category Amazon Rhino face a tall-order against KIU Rangers.