The Black Jaguars need to secure a win. Everything else can wait.

The last time I wrote about the Black Jaguars, the mission was straightforward: win four games, build momentum, and push for a playoff spot. Since then, things haven’t gone according to plan, including the latest loss to Rezlife, where Kevin Moru seemed to take things a little personally.

The Jaguars have dropped every game since that conversation began, including a loss to a desperate UPDF side that simply wanted the season more. Those defeats erased the margin for error the Black Jaguars had worked so hard to preserve.

Now, only two games remain: Victoria Crocs and UMU Flames, and neither opponent is likely to offer any favors.

The Victoria Crocs will be eager to prove that their Round One loss to the JT Jaguars was an anomaly, giving them every reason to come out with intensity and purpose.

For UMU, survival is on the line. They need every win they can get if they are to stand a chance of avoiding relegation. That means nothing will come easy for the Jaguars.

The frustrating part for Jaguars fans is that this season has never lacked flashes of potential.

There was the impressive win over UCU Canons. The gritty one-point triumph over KCCA. The spirited fight against the Oilers. Even during difficult stretches, the team has shown it can compete with quality opposition.

The problem has been consistency.

Too often, the offense has disappeared for long stretches. Too often, the team has found itself chasing games late. Too often, the difference between victory and defeat has come down to a handful of possessions.

The Jaguars have spent much of this campaign searching for their rhythm, but it hasn’t shown up, and so the biggest question is: Is it too late?

Not mathematically.

The Jaguars still have games to play, and as long as there are games left, there is still a chance.

But the equation has changed.

A few weeks ago, the conversation was about playoff scenarios and potential seeding. Today, the focus is much simpler.

Before talking about playoff spots, the Jaguars need to show they can win games again.

Get that first, and then maybe the playoff conversations can resume.

Until then, none of it means much.

Beat Victoria Crocs.

Beat UMU Flames.

Everything else can wait.

For now.