Lionesses coach not overly elated by Rwanda win, remains optimistic about Friday game

Kenya Lionesses had to dig much deeper in the fourth quarter of Thursday evening’s 69-58 win over Rwanda and that might have accounted for much of what head coach George Mayienga read of the team’s progress in the ongoing FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers.

“We didn’t play well yesterday,” Mayienga told Mozzart Sport on Friday morning. “There was a lot that we didn’t do right in that game [against Rwanda]. We struggled to create offense, gave up too many turnovers and allowed the opponents to find a way back.”

Kenya conceded a huge 13-0 lead early in the first quarter of Thursday’s game to trail early into the third quarter – coming out second best in the second and third quarters 20-12 and 21-19.

“We just didn’t look complete,” Mayienga noted. “Every team in the tournament is coming up with a new style to catch us out. We are resulting into playing counter and so one play can’t really [at this moment] define who we are.

“We keep adapting and forging ourselves ahead. Being ready for any eventualities.”

From a player’s perspective, Mercy Wanyama, Kenya’s game-high scorer with 16 points, alluded to the fact that her individual offense was ‘shaky’ and that she was looking to improving her game on Friday against South Sudan.

“I just got to work on my offense and defense,” Wanyama said. “Also important will be taking care of myself and taking a rest.”

With Kenya playing two games on back-to-back days, Mayienga noted that in as much as that opens up a window for players putting themselves in harms way, it could be a blessing in disguise for the team.

“Back to backs will provide opportunity for the players to grow and seek to improve from their last performances quite quickly,” the tactician noted. “Players have been on an off so far and need to lift themselves as soon as possible. Vicky [Reynolds] struggled for some part yesterday as did Christine Akinyi. But if you look at their first games, they were good. Consistency will be key.”

FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers: Lionesses roar past Rwanda in Day 3 action

The Lionesses take on South Sudan late Friday evening (2000 EAT) as they seek to remain unbeaten in their Zone V title defense.

Mayienga promises to showcase a new style of basketball tonight and most importantly, hope to see an improved work ethic from the girls.

“Barring any injuries, we should be good to go,” Mayienga said. “We will have our team training over at around 1pm and get ready for the game.”