In 2023 and 2024, the KIU Rangers went all the way to the finals of the National Basketball League. While they lost the playoff finals to the JKL Lady Dolphins at the time, they were the nation’s best bet to try and end the dominance of the Lady Dolphins at the time. Last year, the Rangers only managed to make it to the quarter-finals. The fact that they had lost Ninette Uwineza, Perus Nyamwenge and Rose Mary Amaniyo, who moved on to pastures anew at the beginning of 2025, Rangers were never going to be the same. However, it has even got worse this season, and can only be grateful that they still have Ines Kanyamuneza and Sharon Kirabo in their ranks, for it is the two stalwarts that have kept them afloat to-date. Due to the continuous turn-over of players since 2024, Rangers coach, Julius Lutwama has been commended for his tireless efforts to maintain a competitive edge in his team. Yet, he could never have done it had if Kanyamuneza, a Burundi international, and Kirabo, a Ugandan international had not stayed around. It is that dynamic duo that has carried Rangers for the entire season. In fact, Kanyamuneza has averaged 36 minutes, while Kirabo 35 minutes of the 40 that a full game runs. Over the weekend, Rangers lost both its games to the Miracle Eaglets and the UPDF Lady Tomahawks painfully. Not only did they battle in those games, but they suffered as a team to try and get over the finish line. Kanyamuneza played all the 40 minutes against UPDF, scoring 14 points, while Kirabo, who only rested for three minutes in the entire game, recorded the second highest score of 12 points. Notably, after losing a number of players over the last three seasons, Lutwama has said that this season has been a re-building one for Rangers. Inevitably, Lutwama has brought in a number of youthful, but also exciting players like Cinderella Anena, Rachel Nambuya, and Gladys Kabang. But they needed the cushion of Kanyamuneza and Kirabo to play. In fact, whenever those two are not on the court, the team’s offence and defence have suffered tremendously. Yet, not giving the players a breather has also come at a cost. Sometimes, Lutwama has had to sit out Kirabo due to injury. However, it is not easy keeping her out when her team needs her. One clear scenario was at beginning of the second round this season. Kirabo had to persuade her coach to field her against KCCA Leopards despite carrying a knock. When asked about it, Kirabo said that it is a needs must. As the team’s star player, she is ready to suffer for the team regardless. It is such a spirit that together with Kanyamuneza, they have helped Rangers win nine of their 20 games. This has helped the team stave off relegation talk, and instead sit in the top half of the table. Although Rangers are fifth of twelve in the women’s top division, remaining among the top eight, which guarantees them playoff basketball is not yet secured. Depending on how those chasing them perform, including Pearl Queens, UPDF Lady Tomahawks, Lady Dolphins, Victoria She Crocs and the Miracle Eaglets, the Rangers will not be resting on their laurels. Rangers have played 20 regular season games thus far. This means that their remaining two fixtures are of high value, especially when most among the chasing pack have three or four games to play. Nonetheless, Kanyamuneza and Kirabo have done their bit to keep the team in the top-flight for 2027. That is all that matters now! nsimbe.jv@gmail.comThe post How Ines and Kirabo have helped KIU Rangers remain afloat appeared first on The Observer.