Koda Stars Target Continental Ticket At DSTV Final 8 Playoffs

Coach of the Kada Stars of Kaduna, Sani Turi says the target of his team in the forthcoming DSTV Final 8 Playoff scheduled for either Lagos or Port Harcourt is to secure a ticket to play in the continental championship next season.

Kada Stars qualified to play in the elite Final 8 Playoffs after playing 12 games, won 9 and lost 3 in the Savannah Conference of the ongoing NBBF/DSTV Basketball Premier League in Kano.

Speaking with P.M.Sports yesterday, an elated Turi said he was happy about the qualification of his team for the Final 8 Playoffs, adding that after the league the club will get down to prepare the players for the challenge of the playoffs.

He said: “I want to assure the Kaduna State government and our fans that we’ll go to the playoffs to prove ourselves. They should be expecting some surprises from Kada Stars in the championship.

“Our target at the playoffs is not only to do well but to secure a ticket to play on the continent next season. Getting the ticket is the most important thing for us. I believe with support and motivation, we’ll achieve our lofting dream.”

Speaking about the organisation of the ongoing DSTV Men’s Premier League, Coach Turi said: “I’m so happy with the organisation of the Premier League. The board of the NBBF and the sponsor, DSTV has done a good job to reposition Nigeria basketball. I think the coming of DSTV has given us the assurance that the future is bright for the game in the country.”

On the support his team have been getting from the Kaduna State government, Coach Turi said “the government has been supporting our cause. The motivation is second to none. I’m proud to say that Kada Stars are the only team that pay all their players sign-on fees without segregation. The least paid player received t N50,000 as sign-on fee, while no player in the team receives less than N25,000 as salary.

The winning bonuses are paid as and when due.

“I think the commendation should go to the state government which put us on separate accounts outside the civil service structure. This made it easy for us to operate without the bureaucracy of the government parastatals.