Kukoma Eagles learn from KPA
After suffering their heaviest defeat on Saturday, Southern Zone Basketball League (Sozobal) Ladies Division champions Kukoma Eagles took time to learn from visiting Kenya Ports Authority side.
Eagles were left humiliated and humbled when KPA Ladies won 106-25. Instead, of sitting back, the team dusted off and quickly arranged special training at Blantyre Youth Centre on Monday courtesy of KPA coaches.
Team Manager for Eagles Ronald Mbekeani said they requested KPA officials to facilitate a training session to equip the Malawian side with knowledge and skills.
“After the loss on Saturday, we realised we are lagging behind so we felt a fresh perspective can change the girls’ mindset. Of course, we learn from mistakes,” Mbekeani said.
Eagles Captain Sekai Mponda said they learnt a lot from KPA coaches.
“Training was very good. After the loss, we wanted to learn from our friends and they did not hesitate to assist. We have learnt a lot. We will be practising a lot. The good thing is that they have left us with notes and as a team we want to improve,” she said.
KPA Ladies point-guard Natalie Akinyi said it was a good experience sharing ideas with Eagles.
“They admired our style and they wanted us to assist them with a little knowledge we know about basketball. Skill-wise they are okay but they need to master shooting, dribbling and work on their defence. Our coach has shown them something to work on and they will make a step forward,” she said.
KPA Team Manager Christopher Owiti said they opted to train the side after it showed willingness to learn.
“We suggested to them that we should not leave Blantyre without sharing with them knowledge about the game. It was something on our menu,” he said.
Owiti asked Eagles to build capacity more especially engaging coaches that are knowledgeable about the game.
“Coaches who are able to teach them the right basics. Most of them lack basics. They also need equipment like balls. Right now, they have one ball.
“So, if you have one ball to cater for 12 or 16 players for a session of one-and-a-half hour so the ratio the player will touch the ball during that time is so minimal; as such, you cannot improve. You need to use the balls to do different drills. So that is one area that needs to be looked into,” he said.
