Okwera credits fans as Watoto storm Division I playoff finals

Watoto Basketball Club coach Moses Okwera has thanked the fans for standing by the team as they fought back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Berkley 3-2 in the five-game series and book their place in the FUBA Division One playoff final.

Watoto sealed the remarkable comeback with a narrow 54-51 victory in Game Five at YMCA Court in Wandegeya, earning promotion to Uganda’s National Basketball League (NBL) next season.

Okwera was particularly pleased with the fans’ turnout, saying their support gave the players a lift during the decisive game.

“Man, oh man, they were totally charged. I just liked it because I even told the boys that Pastor Julia said everyone should come and watch this game, and people came in good numbers,” he said.

“I thank them, and the fans have really helped us. I don’t know how I can thank them, but I also want them to continue coming, even in the final. I know they are going to come.”

Watoto had their backs against the wall after losing the first two games of the semifinal series, but they refused to give up, winning the next three to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the final.

Their reward is a meeting with KIU Titans, who have also secured promotion to the top flight. The two sides will now battle for the Division One championship.

Okwera expects a close contest, with little separating the teams as they head into the final.

“It’s going to be a great game. KIU are very young and talented. I think it’s going to get to the wire, the same way we played against Berkley,” he said.

The coach added that KIU’s promotion did not surprise him, having identified them as one of the teams capable of returning to the NBL.

“I respect KIU, and I even predicted that KIU is one of the teams that will come back to the NBL. They’re all in the same age group, so whoever takes the opportunity will win the championship,” Okwera said.

With promotion already secured by both sides, the final presents an opportunity for Watoto and KIU Titans to finish their Division One campaigns with silverware.

Okwera hopes that the fans who helped push Watoto through their semifinal fightback will turn up again as the team seeks to crown its season with the championship.

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