As the momentum towards the Finale of this season’s Mindgames Scrabble Premier League (MSPL) continues to build up, Division B campaigner, D’Warriors said it is hopeful of creating a possible upset at the premium league championship this weekend.
Buoyed by the inspiring performance of the Team Manager cum player Khaleel Adedeji at last weekend’s Lekki Scrabble Classics where he claimed the Intermediate category title and finished third on the overall standing with 10 wins from 12 games, a fresh atmosphere of optimism has since pervaded the team.
It would be recalled also in May that, one of the team’s word-warrior Taiwo Adeniran graced the podium at the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST) where he stunned all to win the intermediate category.
Adedeji who has attracted more eyeballs on his prowess after last weekend’s tournament , shared his plans ahead of the MSPL Finale showpiece scheduled to hold in Lagos.
This consistency of results has sparked a wave of hope in the team despite the finicky nature of the game of scrabble.
“I have always wanted to be a symbol of hope, belief and success. My games at Lekki Classic are one of the best moments for me. I did my best to take each game as my last game and ensure the T.D’s calls doesn’t affect me so much. Most of the games I won were from behind, they weren’t easy as I had to make some decisions like the UN(I) move I made against Squiz Ewarah which paid off in the end.”
“My victories are to elevate the team Spirit as we are a bit behind the league leaders and I believe the players are ready to fight till the last game” he continued, “I have discussed with the players and we have set some goals for ourselves in which we agreed are achievable” he stated.
Despite the optimism, he gave a few words of caution to his teammates as they prepare to play the best 19 games of their lives in the tournament.
“It’s important for us to avoid losing some games to teams who are likely not going to be in the top 5 while we were trying to catch up with those ahead of us.
I believe we are good to go and we are going to do our best, hopefully God would be by our side.”
The D’Warriors sit in the fifth position on the 12-team table having won 19 out of 36 round of games.
Southern Crowns currently control the division with 28 win and 8 defeats.
The MSPL remains the biggest and most glamorous scrabble team event in Africa and beyond.
A total cash prize of six million naira will be presented to deserving teams and individuals at a Gala Night where all players will be celebrated.