KIU Rangers forward Sharon Kirabo is certain that her team will go all the way to the NBL finals.
The statement comes in the wake of the Club’s mixed start to the new season.
KIU Rangers have lost two and won as many in their opening four games of the regular season.
This, is in contrast to the expectations of the team that has been branded as a title contender this season.
And it was from this poor start that saw the Club part ways with head coach Rogers Sserunyigo.
KIU started their post-Sserunyigo era with a commanding 61-37 win over Magic Stormers on Easter Monday, with Kirabo weighing in with 16 points in a player of the match performance.
“We played as a team, we came with our heads ready to play. We played good defense and on offense we shared the ball more,” Kirabo said reflecting on the result.
On her performance, she added: “My teammates kept pushing me to get going on offense.”
Defeats against JKL Lady Dolphins and Miracle Ravens have left more questions than answers about how far the team can go.
“We started the season with our heads focussed on winning the Championship. My team gives me the confidence.
“Each and every player on the team is good, they give us everything so our focus is on winning. We can go all the way to the finals, nothing can stop us.
“We still need to improve on our defence. It’s defence that win titles. Even if you have good offense, you will always be beaten if you don’t have good defence.”
Kirabo is the leading points scorer at the team with 45, averaging 11 points per game.
With other stars like Uwineza Ninnete, Ines Kanyamunza and Perus Nyamwenge, the latter yet to feature this season, Kirabo’s comments are founded.
Youngsters Mary Amaniyo and Diana Letaru have made their intentions known while Netballers Florence Nanyonga, Stella Nanfuka, and Rachael Nanyonga have made the team a force to reckon.
Joseph Chuma has been brought in to temporarily fill Sserunyigo’s void, and he was helped by Men’s team (KIU Titans) coach Julius Lutwama against Angels.
How fast they can bring in a good coach may be a factor in their dream title chase.
Else, the Rangers may find it difficult to break into the semifinals ahead of JKL Lady Dolphins, UCU Lady Canons, JT Lady Jaguars and KCCA Leopards.
