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L. MathekaUlinzi Warriors plotting for title defence as playoffs near
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 07.01.22. | 11:32
Action throws off on 22 January with the soldiers travelling away to Kisumu
William Balozi-coached Ulinzi Warriors are looking to retain the title they won in the 2019 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) season and subsequently book another ticket to the Basketball Africa League (BAL)
The soldiers have for a second season running landed Kisumu Lakeside in the best-of-three quarters set to throw off on Saturday 22 January 2022. Warriors begin their hunt with a trip to Kisumu.
The military side finished the regular league, top of the log on 42 points from 20 wins in the 12-team league. They suffered two losses, the first to Lakeside before falling to Nairobi City Thunder and this will be the first trip to Kisumu since that 61-59 loss.
The ultimate team pic.twitter.com/tScbSqGXpI
— Ulinzi Warriors (@UlinziWarriors) December 12, 2021
Warriors' team manager Stephen Bartilol has, however, exuded confidence in his squad going past the stubborn Lakeside and all the way to retaining the title.
"Playing away in Kisumu is tough and to be assured of a win, one has to put a big gap between them and Lakeside. They are a side that thrive in see-saws and that is not a situation we want to find ourselves in. We are looking to register a win away so we can finish off the job in Nairobi. After our BAL participation, the players have been on a break and we resume training on Monday 10 January. We will have about ten days of training before travelling to Kisumu on 21 January," Bartilol offered.
Meawhile, the manager has refuted claims that some of the team's non-military players are leaving the team but was quick to express willingness and oppness to their transfer should they put in a request.
Rumour mill has it that James Mwangi, Victor Bosire and Joseph Khaemba are among those who are looking to exit with the claims citing their exclusion from the team's recent trip to South Africa for the intent to exit.
"We are in constant communication with the players and they have not expressed any interest to leave. I am certain they will be available for the playoffs. But in the event they do, we would not stand between them and their careers," the Team Manager added.
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