KBA coach Allan eyes quadruple after trio of wins

Basketball
Mariud Ngula
  • 2 Days Ago
Khomas Basketball Association (KBA) League coach Allan Nghixulifwa, the mastermind behind four teams in the league, is eyeing a flawless start after winning three of his first final playoff games on Sunday.

Held at the University of Namibia (Unam) Gym Hall, the league’s final playoffs saw Nghixulifwa’s teams (Unam Phoenix in the women’s premier league, Unam Penguins in the first division and Team Allies in the second division) all win their opening matches.

Unam Phoenix opened their best-of-seven campaign with a commanding 88-58 win over Ongos Shooting Stars.

Captain Anna Iimene led from the front with a game-high 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Efficient scorer Azul Celeste added 17 points on 8-for-11 shooting in just 19 minutes.

Ongos struggled with shooting, managing only 27.2% from the field and 18.8% from three-point range. Despite the loss, Sarah Namwapo stood out with 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, falling just shy of a triple-double.

In the first division, Penguins defeated Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) Gladiators 78-60 to take the first step in their best-of-seven series.

The second division saw Team Allies overcome Leopards 75-59 to tip off their best-of-five campaign with a win.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, Nghixulifwa welcomed the strong start, even revealing he suited up himself in the second division clash against Leopards.

He commended Phoenix’s performance, noting the players train with the men’s team to raise their intensity.

“We believe if practice is harder, the games become easier. We thus upped the tempo and intensity of their practice heading into the series, in hopes of slightly easier games,” he said.



‘A very good team’

Regarding Penguins’ win over Gladiators, Nghixulifwa admitted he expected a tough battle, given Gladiators are Nust’s first team and Penguins Unam’s third.

“Nust is a very good team and they are well coached. I feel they were just a bit lacking on the day. We are not easing up just yet. If we win game two, it will be a big bonus for us. I mean, who doesn’t like bonus checks?” he quipped.



Today’s premier league action

The men’s premier league final playoff series begins tonight, as Unam Wolves face Quality Basketball Club (QBC) at 20:15 at Unam Gym Hall.

Nghixulifwa admitted it will be another tough encounter, pointing out QBC’s additions in Angolan nationals Heliome Bakayawa and Abel Sessa.

“I am not sure what to expect, as I was mostly focused on winning the semi-finals against Rebels. I will, obviously, look to win the game and I’m grateful we don’t have injuries. The team is in shape and ready,” he said.

As the only coach in the league simultaneously managing four teams across divisions, Nghixulifwa said the workload comes naturally as he already serves in a managerial role for Unam’s various sports codes.

The university also runs a talent development initiative in collaboration with Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS) to scout and develop athletes across U10, U14, U16, U19 and senior age categories.

– mariud@nsh.com.na