Basketball in Africa

By Charles MutebiBasketball League
Women
KCCA v UCU
Men
Warriors v Power
AT the end of last season, it was the Riham Warriors (then Kyambogo Warriors) who were looking down their noses at their great rivals D’Mark Power.
The Warriors had the championship, Power the embarrassment of flopping in the playoff quarterfinals.
Now the tables have turned and it is Power who are on top as the two giants meet today at Lugogo in the Airtel National Basketball League (ANBL).
Bernes Ankunda’s men are the flavour of the ANBL, having won 10 of 10. Defeating the Warriors would complete Power’s sweep of the first round and put an exclamation mark on their title intentions.
So, how much will it mean to the Warriors to spoil it for Power?
“It would be good to end Power’s streak and get the bragging rights,” revealed Warriors superstar Ronnie Kasewu.
“It is also important for us to do well in this game as we are preparing for Zone Five (club championship in Burundi) where we will find other teams that are as good as Power.”
According to Power star Isaac Afidra: “Finishing the first round unbeaten would not be an achievement. We have been there and done that before. What is important for us is to put in a good performance and get the win.”
Afidra dropped the performance of the season in Power’s 82-75 win over the UCU Canons last week, going for 29 points and 18 rebounds. So, any promises for this game?
“You have to wait and see what your opponents give you,” he answered.
The first match of the night will feature the two unbeaten sides in the women’s ANBL, champs KCCA Leopards and UCU.