Stingers, Pembroke lift the curtains

The Kinnie League starts its long road towards the play-off final when this afternoon, Stingers meet Pembroke in the opening game. Tomorrow afternoon, Siggiewi take on Luxol.

Pembroke will be keen to atone for their upset in the MBA shield final with a victory over Stingers. The latter made a good start to the season but seem to have found the going tough in the last games.

The deficiencies that plagued Footwork and Loyola last season, who have now merged to form Stingers, are still causing concern for coach Felix Schembri.

Their defence recovery is still slow, paving the way for their opponents to launch fast breaks. Moreover, the Stingers players tend to be too individualistic in their offensive forays.

Pembroke should have forward Duncan Cuschieri back in their ranks after missing the Shield final defeat to Siggiewi.

Their morale boosted by their first major success in six years, Siggiewi face another stern test against Fiat Luxol who have high hopes for the season.

Coach John Tabone is still struggling to maximise the team's great potential underneath the boards.

Siggiewi coach Ray Muscat hopes that his players have learnt to keep their temperament under check in delicate moments as they bid to make a fine start to their league campaign.

In the women's league, Depiro Still should collect their second victory when they face Gozo while Hamrun Liberty Tivoli start as firm favourites against Kerygma.