Umoja keep focus on execution ahead of decisive Game Three against Thunder

Umoja head coach Isaac Munyoki believes discipline and composure will be key in Saturday’s decisive Game Three of their best-of-five playoff series against Nairobi City Thunder at Nyayo gymnasium.

Umoja trail the champions 2-0 after falling 64-61 in Game One and 80-60 in Game Two. Munyoki promised to bring their 'A' game to the encounter and approach it with a winning mentality.

“We’ve worked on keeping the boys calm and focused. It’s all about sticking to our system and trusting what we’ve built all season,” the coach said.

Umoja have sharpened their execution with the coach stressing that precision will make the difference.

“We’ve analysed our execution and identified where we needed more precision,” he said. “Discipline on both ends of the court is what we are locking in on.”

Controlling the rhythm will be crucial as they aim to dictate the pace and avoid the mistakes that cost them in the opener.

“We need to own the tempo and make every possession count,” he said. “Efficiency is everything in a game like this.”

Munyoki underlined the importance of collective effort.

“Every player knows what’s expected. This is not about individuals, it’s about Umoja. We are more of a community team,” he said, adding that a win will mark a significant milestone for the club.

Meanwhile, Ulinzi Warriors coach Bernard Mufutu will focus on a game at a time ahead of this weekend's Game Three against KPA at Makande Social Hall.

The soldiers beat KPA 80-60 in Game One before succumbing 77-75 in Game Two, to lock the series at 1-1. 

In the women’s category, defending champions KPA and Equity Hawks each hope to take the lead when they clash in Game Three at Makande. The series is locked at 1-1.