KPA men's basketball head coach Robert Mugabe/ HANDOUTKenya Ports Authority (KPA) coach Mugabe has challenged his players to improve communication, teamwork and execution when they face Nairobi City Thunder in Game Three of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men’s Premier League final on Friday at Nyayo Gymnasium.
The Dockers trail 2-0 in the best-of-five series and must win to keep their title hopes alive. Mugabe believes the Dockers can still turn the series around after losing both opening games in Mombasa.
“This is the time we need to come together as a unit and communicate better with each other, because basketball is about teamwork,” said Mugabe.
The coach wants his players to use the two defeats to identify areas that need improvement before Game Three.
“The boys gave it their all, but owing to fatigue and other factors, we lost to Thunder. It is a setback, but it is not the end for us,” he said.
Mugabe also believes the Dockers’ improved preparations this season have laid a strong foundation for their championship campaign. He expects the team to respond with a stronger performance when the two sides meet again.
KPA came close to taking Game One, leading 59-56 late in regulation before Thunder captain Tylor Ongwae found Eugene Adera, who hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, to force overtime. Thunder then pulled away to win 78-67.
The defending champions followed that with a 73-63 victory in Game Two, surviving another tight contest after KPA took a 52-51 lead into the final quarter.
The Dockers must win Game Three to extend the series, with Thunder needing only one more victory to retain the championship for a third consecutive year.
Mugabe is counting on the review of the opening two games, better communication and improved energy management to give KPA a different outcome when they return to Nairobi. Game Three will be played at Nyayo Gymnasium on Friday, October 2 at 8 pm.
