Hosts JKT in do or die clash against Patriots

DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Tanzanian side JKT find themselves between a rock and a hard place on Saturday when they take on Patriots from Rwanda in a must-win Group D clash in the Basketball Africa League Qualifying Tournament. 

Christian Mwakingili's side has a 1-1 win ratio and need to win their remaining two games if they are to progress to the Second Round for a place in this new intriguing continental competition that has left everyone excited. 

For the army side, never giving up is an attribute they live by even off the court. On it, they play by the same rules and today, they will need to be on top of their game and make amends where they fell short in their loss to the City Oilers after establishing a double figure lead in the first half. 

“EVERY GAME WE PLAY IN THIS COMPETITION IS TOUGH. THAT IS THE NATURE OF THIS LEVEL BUT WE HAVE TO REMAIN FOCUSED. WE HAVE TO DO BETTER IF WE WANT TO WIN AND WE ARE READY TO DO SO FOR THE FANS WHO COME OUT TO SUPPORT US EVERYDAY. ”- Athumani

Shooting guard Enerico Majura who is averaging 13.5 points per game and Jonas Mushi will face their biggest test at this competition when they come up against the experienced Aristide Mugabe and Kenneth Gasana. That back court battle will go a long way in defining the result of this game. 

JKT captain Baraka Athumani told FIBA.basketball that, "Every game that we play in this competition is tough. That is the nature of this level but we have to remain focused. We have to do better if we want to win and we are ready to do so for the fans who come out to support us everyday."

Patriots coach Henry Mwinuka is content with his side's growth in this tournament with a 2-0 win ratio so far and believes that they have to get even better in today's game. 

"It is a tricky game because JKT are at home and they have the support of their home fans and they are league winners so we have to be very strong on defense and offense if we are to win this game," explained Mwinuka, a Tanzanian by nationality who knows JKT all too well. 

The home crowd has enjoyed some good moments so far

In the other game of the day, both winless Dynamo from Burundi and Ethiopia's Hawassa will be looking for their maiden victory at this competition. They are out of contention for a place in the next round but Dynamo captain Jean Hakizimana has hinted at playing for pride. This theme will be at the heart of their display today. 

City Oilers of Uganda are the first team to book a place in the Basketball Africa League Second Round Qualifying Tournament and the winner between hosts JKT and Patriots will qualify automatically to the next round. 

FIBA