After a resounding victory over their fierce rivals last weekend, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) basketball team proved that they are indeed the team to be reckoned with.

In the Nakuru Universities and Colleges League (Nakuball).
They defeated Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP) 44-36 in a hard-fought match, making the JKUAT team officially two-time champions, having also won the tournament last year.

Every time the team takes to the court in their white and green jerseys, spectators are in for a treat, especially when they come up against the likes of Samburu Mambas, Kabarak Royals and their arch-rivals RVNP.

In most of these matches, JKUAT have always found a way to win and assert their dominance over their opponents. Looking at the team roster, it is easy to see how well-rounded the team is, with strength, size, skill and experience all coming together to form a lethal 12-man squad.

Klinsmann Orina (JKUAT) goes for a lay-up in the game against RVNP at Menengai High School on December 7, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

This is also reflected on the pitch, where the team play with a harmonious style. They are able to adapt to the tactics of their opponents, limiting their options and ensuring that they prevail.

To understand what has driven this team to back-to-back wins, we spoke to their captain, Awuol Barrack, who said that their victory is the result of hard work.

"After winning the trophy the first time, there was a lot of pressure on us to prove that it wasn't just luck. This season, the pressure was on us to maintain our dominance and we have done just that," he says.

Awuol Atem taking a free throw in their game against RVNP at Menengai High School on December 7, 2024.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Great team chemistry and determination is also what drives his players. As captain, he uses a transformational leadership style that empowers the players, strengthens the team dynamic, encourages growth and keeps the focus on long-term success.

"We train at the Menengai High School field, with three sessions a week focusing on physical fitness, skill development and team strategies and tactics," he says.

Despite their success, Barrack notes that the road to victory was not without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles has been a lack of funds to facilitate transport to matches.

"We all live in different places and some players live further away than others. On match days, one or two players may not turn up, which affects our style of play. In some cases it affects the outcome of the game," he laments.

David Kamau alias Coach Deu rewards JKUAT captain Awuol Barrack with the trophy after winning the Nakuball league on.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Two plays he says, always work for them: the high post/low post strategy, which opens up the field for the players, and the four-back formation. Over time, however, other teams have figured these plays out, so they have had to adapt to keep their opponents guessing.

Another player, Awuol Atem, echoed his captain's sentiments. He says he hopes to see more competition in the league this season.

"We are not taking our two previous wins for granted. We know that this season the likes of Samburu Mambas, Kabarak Royals and RVNP will be out to get us. But we are equally prepared and we'd like to see them try," he says.

The third season of the Nakuball League is already underway. Let's see if JKUAT will win the title for the third time.

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Bret Sanya