Warriors target UPDF scalp

Pemba Warriors coach Ronnie Mutebi holds the belief his side can compete for this season’s Tusker Lite National Basketball League (NBL) title.

And while the first round results against other title contenders painted a grim picture of his assessment with losses against City Oilers, KIU Titans and Betway Power, his team has fared well against the supposedly small teams.
They will, at the very least want to maintain that run in the second round that that they tip off this afternoon with a game against struggling UPDF Tomahawks.

Only Our Saviour was able to pick a win over the two-time champions from the supposedly smaller sides as Warriors completed the first round with a fourth league best 7-4 record.

They will consequently be favourites to improve that rally against opponents who start the second part of the season with the joint worst record at 2-9.

Syrus Kiviiri and Stanley Mugerwa are expected to return to the side having missed the last three games while on duty with the Silverbacks at the World Cup qualifiers in Nigeria.

Saidi Amisi has stood out thus far for the Warriors with the forward averaging 13.5 points in eight games this season.
The new recruits led by guards Mike Othieno and Marc Mathe should also have a more productive second half of the season. The former managed only four games since his move from Ndejje University.

The 51-36 defeat to Our Saviour should however be an encouragement to UPDF who have two of the highest point six scorers in the league in Felix Mukunzi and Henry Okoth who are averaging 13 points each.