Basketball in Africa

By Charles Mutebi

FUBA Playoffs
Women: KCC v A1
(Series tied 2-2)
Men: UCU v Warriors
(Series tied 2-2)


A1 Challenge coach Hamza Nyambogo knows what must happen if his team are to defeat the KCC Leopards in Game 5 of their best-of-five FUBA playoff semi-finals on Friday and advance to the finals.

First, A1 have to replicate the strong defensive display from Game 4, which they won 61-55 to level the series 2-2. “That is the only way we will win,” said Nyambogo.

The second thing that will lead A1 past the Leopards is keeping the mistakes to a bare minimum, revealed the coach.

But just as important for the 2005 champions will be the individual performance of Hatima Kassim. The guard has dominated this series, being the only player to reach double figures in each game. Her total 74 points is the highest in the series.

In fact, Kassim has scored 39 points more than A1’s next highest-scorer, Betty Namukasa. That is how vital the 2009 regular season MVP has been for A1.

Nyambogo knows Kassim must simply show up on Friday for A1 to have a chance of ejecting the reigning FUBA ladies champions.

“I hope that she maintains that form on Friday and that she gets support from her team-mates,” explained the coach. “Hatima is focused and she really wants to win this championship.”

For KCC, the onus will fall on Becky Akullo to deliver the offensive goods. She is the second lead scorer in this series with 45 points.