KPA eye double victory in Nairobi

KPA's Victor Bosirei and Ken Owalo of Blades during KBF Playoffs at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasym on Saturday Nov 17, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Basketball Federation men’s premier league champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), will be in Nairobi this weekend in a quest to enhance their chances to successfully defend the title.

Today, the dockers will battle United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Tigers before clashing with rivals Strathmore University Blades tomorrow at Nyayo Gymnasium.

KPA will be chasing a fifth victory when they take on Tigers, having played six matches — winning four and losing two (to former winners Ulinzi Warriors and red-hot Thunder).

Exuding confidence, KPA coach Sammy Kiki said that that after losing key players to other clubs, he was building a new team and was expecting positive results.

“I have a new team and I’m glad that we are making good progress. They are gelling well, the team spirit is very high and we are getting better with every match we play.

“We are well prepared for the two matches and hopefully, the results will go our way,” Kiki said.

He however added that they will have to be wary of their opponents whom he acknowledged had also trained well ahead of the clashes.

Blades will also be in action today against World Hope as they seek to secure a quarter-final playoffs slot.

KPA lost stars Victor Bosire and James Mwangi to Ulinzi Warriors, while Moses Wanjara, Daniel Omondi and Victor Ochieng ditched the dockers for Equity Bank. The players were instrumental in KPA’s campaign last season.

In the women’s title race, dethroned KPA ladies will be in Nairobi to play Storms today and Eagle Wings tomorrow.

This will be KPA’s second match of the season — they beat University of Nairobi Dynamites in their season opener a fortnight ago in Mombasa. 

Storms, who are currently struggling, will be hoping to regain their footing after a series of losses that have reduced their chances of making the top-eight and advancing to the playoffs.  

Defending champions Equity Bank Hawks will play Strathmore University Swords tomorrow.

Today, Swords play promoted African Nazarene University (ANU), while Kenyatta University (KU) Oryx take on Tangit.

Tomorrow, Tangit will take on USIU-A Flames in their second league tie.

In the men’s Division One, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) will entertain Egerton University at USIU-A outdoor courts, before taking on Strathmore University.

In Division Two, Upper Hill will play Mustangs.