L. MathekaDown but not out: Maina rallies Equity Hawks to bounce back after Egypt defeat
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 27.09.22. | 18:38
This year's championship has attracted nine teams fighting for a chance to represent the region at the continental tournament later this year.
Former FIBA Africa Zone Five women’s club champions Equity Bank Hawks will rue their missed chance to pick a win in their opening match at this year’s edition currently ongoing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The David Maina-led side went down 51-49 to Alexandria Sporting of Egypt despite leading by six points heading into the final period and still in the lead, albeit by half a basket with 27 seconds to go and on possession.
Maina, however, says the team has a chance to bounce back and fight for the title the team won in 2018 at the same venue. He has, however called on his charges to be clinical in their execution in the next match.
“It was a good game despite the loss. There are a lot of positives we have picked from that performance and we need to carry that to the next game. We have talked to the players and emphasized on the need to be clinical and bagging the baskets every clear chance we get. A few lapses on defense also cost us the match and we need to step up. With a few adjustments, we will bounce back,” offered Maina.
The bankers will have a rest day before taking on South Sudan’s Nile Legends in their final group A match on Wednesday from 2pm. Victory gives the former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) champions a chance to place second in the group ahead of the quarters.
@kbf_basketball sides KPA and Equity Hawks are in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for the FIBA Africa Zone Five women's club championship. KPA are the defending champions, having beaten Hawks in the championship decider match last year. All the best wacheza. @MozzartSportKe got you! pic.twitter.com/pr9B9GjQuo
— Matheka (@Lynmatheka) September 26, 2022
“The mood in the camp is very high and I believe the players are ready to make amends. Our rest day will also give us an opportunity to reflect on areas that we need to improve and perform better in the next game,” Maina added.
Asked whether he had faith in the team’s ability to bag a second zone five title this year, Maina said that they are taking it one match at a time while giving their best.
“We know there are some areas that we need to make adjustments on and we have informed the players already. The only concern is we do not know how the quarters will be played but we are ready for any team that we are given,” he concluded.
