Equity off to a good start in Uganda

Equity Bank's "Hawk" Rose Apondi (left) and Nathalie Akinyi of KPA fight for ball possession in-search of Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League champion on Monday night, Feb 13, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Equity Bank Hawks had a splendid start on Sunday in their debut at the ongoing Fiba Africa Zone V Clubs Basketball Championships in Kampala, Uganda.

Equity won 70-48 against Don Bosco of Tanzania at the Lugogo Indoor Arena to command the lead in the women’s round-robin contest.

“The win is a great start for us by the fact that this is the first time we are taking part in this regional championships,” elated Equity coach David Maina stated.

Maina said they are taking one game at a time with the intention of lifting the trophy or finish in a respectable position.

He said he believes they are capable of winning the trophy if they find the right tactic to pin down defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Uganda Christian University (UCU), who are both equal to the task.

Equity were poised to take on hosts Kampala Capital City Authority last evening in their second game. 

KPA were scheduled to take on UCU last evening in their opening match of the championships. KPA coach Anthony Ojukwu made it clear that anybody who wants to dethrone them should be ready for the task.

At the same time, KPA men became the first side to score past a century at the championships by thrashing Gondar City of Ethiopia 108-35.

KPA were led into the match by former most valuable player Victor Odendo and Cyprus-based Bush Wamukota Ambita.

Elsewhere, Zetech University sides had dismal performances in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) leagues in Nairobi at the weekend.

Zetech men were edged out 62-60 and 71-39 by Co-operative Bank Spartans and Ulinzi Warriors in the KBF men’s Premier League.

Zetech women suffered a similar fate after they were beaten 51-36 by United States International University (USIU).

USIU went ahead to edge out Eagle Wings 47-42 with great contribution from Melisa Akinyi who had 17 points. Winnie Wafula had 19 for the losers.

USIU Tigers were not left out in the winning spree as they thrashed Lions 53-26.