MAGIC STORM HITS HARD 61:46

MAGIC STORMERS   61:46   A1 CHALLENGE

Like an unexpected storm, Magic Stormers raided and left A1 Challenge exposed and wanting in all departments.

If the first cut is the deepest, then the second hurts much more. Friday evening showcased a master piece performance by the Magic Stormer’s outfit coming off a fault-start in their league opener. On the other side was A1 Challenge also coming off a season opening defeat to KCCA Leopards.

This game, from what history has to say, promised hustle and a gutsy performance and we saw this. The Magic Stormers players came in hard running riot from the start of the game clearly showing urgency and hunger to their play. Doubling their lead in the 3 quarters against A1 Challenge [6:18], [15:35], [23:46], and by the fourth quarter we witnessing damage control by the 2005 Champions. The game eventually ending [45:61] 

With the acquisition of Ms. Kalanguka Bridget from Makerere Sparks, one of the vital Sparks players who went with the player exodus off-season, beefing further the Stormers bench. They even had the luxury of resting experienced Ms. Sylvia Meeme who only featured later on in the game, to maintain the fight and resilience.

A1 Challenge had a pretty slow start to the game and contrary to their game against KCCA Leopards, they looked below par in all departments, and it’s we call a “bad-day-in-office” for the team.

Defensively and offensively, it was nothing short of disappointing. Without a clear cut go-to player in the paint area, hither to the fact that there was a slump in other departments. Something that Magic Stormer’s showed is that they did their home work on and came prepared for the rain.

Disappointed and broken was the mood in the A1 Challenge camp, and spirits were dampened after the loss. It’s clear what we should expect in this coming weeks training session. Having been accused of taking their feet off the gas in the last lap, drills on resilience and endurance till the final whistle are expected. Put a thumb on the part of the script where they ought to perfect on the shooting and its consistency especially from Birungi Mariam, Olivia Mulwana and Barbra Okot for instance.

A1 Challenge so far are [0-2] and play their next game in two weeks against KIU Rangers, clearly it’s quite an amount of time for a resurgence to spread through every player who clads on the A1 Challenge jersey. Ms. Nakazibwe Sylvia highlighted how it’s enough time to put the agony of defeat behind them, and right the wrongs that have been exposed in their opening two games. But having said this, nothing is coming easy this season and that’s for sure.

A1 Challenge playing without Angella Lokidi, Khisa Marie, Kakkazi Carol, Bazira Liz, Larrisah and Fredrikah. Whether they are going to feature this season we wait to see.

Also the experience of Kyomugisha Gloria is yet to be seen since she hasn't had enough playing time. We only hope to get the right blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm to thrust the team to higher heights.  

However, seeing F. Harriet and Hatima Kassim back to the squad was a point to note, though we have to work on our fitness as a unit. BECAUSE TOGETHER, WE CAN DO MORE FOR SURE.