Written by Felix Eupal http://www.observer.ug
It appears that for both Warriors and A1 Challenge, the time has arrived to dust up clichés like ‘do or die’, ‘now or never’, and ‘backs against the wall’ amongst others.
Both Warriors and A1 Challenge have it all to do after losing the first two games of the best-of-seven playoff final. Warriors have been in a similar position before.
The men’s defending champions entered game five of the semifinal playoff against UCU Canons with their backs against the wall. The momentum was with the Canons who convincingly won game four to draw the series level at 2-2.
This momentum was plain to see in the first two quarters as Canons went into overdrive. At half time, Warriors’ coach Gad Eteu told his team that: “It is all about you; if you believe that you can beat this team then you will.”
The pep talk inspired Warriors, going out and playing the game of their lives en route to sealing the series.
If they are to level the final series, they will need to reproduce the character they showed against the Canons. They will also need to cut down on their unnecessary errors and excessive fouling.
Warriors have been in foul trouble within just four minutes of the second half in every final this season. This has limited their playersfrom exploiting their options and committing themselves for fear of fouling out.
Despite a big squad, Eteu only has nine players on his disposal. The others like Sam Gombya, Brain Gumisiriza, Pascal Alule and Joshua Etalu are simply cheerleaders on the bench.
A1 on the other hand, suffer from lack of continuity in their squad. They have failed to blood young talent to replace old brooms like Olivia Mulwana, Ali Mavita, Gloria Kyomugisha, Betty Namukasa, Josephine Namayega and Elizabeth Bazira.
Because of their age, most of A1’s stalwarts have been plagued by constant lingering injuries. Bazira now has a fractured wrist bone, which she sustained in game two.
Her physical presence has been taken away, which leaves the painted area open for lethal Lorraine Akinyi to exploit.