By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –
DEFENDING champions Matero Magic has the biggest task of the weekend among the Midlands Basketball Association (MBA) title chasing pack when they face tricky Napsa Hurricanes.
Magic has already lost three times this season and a fourth defeat will hand the initiative for the title to rivals Unza Pacers whom they share top spot with on 25 points.
Hurricanes know they should be near the top of the table instead of languishing on fifth position and they will aim to make a statement by beating the champions and put themselves back in the picture for the title.
However, Magic’s strength has been winning the games that matter most which makes them a tough team to beat today.
Pacers will be happy to play earlier than Magic as they know a win against Munali Suns will put pressure on their rivals.
Coach Cuthbert Tembo will psyche his charges not underrate Suns who are seventh on the table but to instead go for a kill and later sit back to watch a potential Magic defeat.
Suns have not stamped their authority since winning promotion in 2016.
The team has however, had its moments and if taken lightly, they are capable of an upset.
Fourth placed Green Buffaloes will aim to keep the pressure on joint leaders Matero Magic and Unza Pacers when they face bottom side Intrepid Bulls.
Buffaloes dropped to fourth position on the table with 23 points but have a game in hand over Pacers and Magic as well as third placed LCC Looters whom they have the same number of points.
Buffaloes have come out as strong contenders this season and look set to re-establish themselves as title winners.
But the Zambia Army sponsored side will need to pick maximum points and remain consistent if they are to topple Pacers and Magic who have made the top two as their birth right.
Bulls are the weeping boys of the season having played 14 times but have not won a single game and their losing streak looks set to continue.
In other games to be played tomorrow, Looters have a date with the Hawks while Nishati Denvers will face Heroes Play United.
In the feminine league, LCC Lootresses take on Hotspurs while Napsa Breeze face off with rivals Unza Honeys and Magic Sparks will play against Green Buffaloes.
The lower league sides will open the games today when Bulldogs facing Gallant Air Knights, ZCAS Blazers against Buffaloes B with Junior Hurricanes taking on Huskies.
Lilanda Heat will look to burn Kabwe Legends and Magic B plays against Capital Raiders.