KPA begin title defence against Blades in Nairobi

Victor Odendo (Left) of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) challenge Victor Bosire of Ulinzi Wariors during their Game Three of their Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League match at Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi on April 23, 2022. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Defending men’s Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are confident of retaining their title this season as they begin their campaign with two matches this weekend in Nairobi.

Fresh from intense training in Rwanda, KPA will start their title defence with a match against Strathmore University Blades today from 4pm at Nyayo Gymnasium before facing African Nazarene University (ANU) at the same grounds tomorrow.

Speaking to Standard Sports, KPA Team Manager Chris Ogutu said they are confident they will retain the title despite losing Ken Wachira, last season’s Most Valuable Player who led them to the championship.

KPA defeated Ulinzi Warriors 3-2 to win the 2021-2022 KBF Premier League title.

Ogutu said they have roped in two important signings that they believe will make an impact and make the team even stronger than last season.

“It’s true losing Wachira was painful but we cannot prevent progress of such a talented player who has ambitions to play professional basketball outside the country. We will surely miss him and his contributions but we have to move on.

“The additions we have made are on point and will automatically cover the void left if not make the team even stronger both offensively and defensively. We are looking for a perfect start on the road and then we will build from there,” Ogutu said.

KPA signed Kenya Morans and Ulinzi Warriors star James Situma and Eugene Odera from Emyba who both can fill the void left by Wachira.

Ugandan side Nam Blazers signed Wachira who scored 27 points and 10 rebounds during his debut earlier this month on June 11.

Other matches will feature Equity Dumas against Thunder today and Umoja tomorrow as the bankers strive to get off the mark this season with wins.

In the women’s Premier League, reigning champions KPA women will be hunting for their second and third win of the season when they face Strathmore University and ANU.

The Dockers started their season with a 95-48 win over Storms two weeks ago in Mombasa.

KPA won their 15th league title after dethroning former champions Equity Hawks 3-1 in the best-of-five series final in February to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018.

Other matches will feature Eagle Wings against Storms as Zetech Sparks entertain Jomo Kenyatta University.