Basketball: Ojukwu bullish ahead of KPA date with Lady Bucks in Kisumu

KPA Ladies coach Antony Ojukwu instructs his charges against KU Oryx during their Kenya Basketball Federation League (KBF) match at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium on October 02, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women's head coach Anthony Ojukwu is confident his team will defend their Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women's Premier League despite playing only five matches early into the 2022 season.

Speaking ahead of their Saturday's clash against struggling Lady Bucks at Manyatta Arabs in Kisumu, Ojukwu expressed confidence with how the team has been playing so far.

Currently leading the standings with 10 points, KPA will be seeking to collect a total of four points in Kisumu and Eldoret on Sunday when they play Eldonets and maintain their unbeaten run.

"After the big win against Equity Hawks two weeks ago, I can say we can defend the title. I know it is still early into the new season but if you take a look at how the girls are playing with chemistry and hunger to win, it will change your mind if you doubting them," he said.

Ahead of their league match against Lady Bucks, Ojukwu said they cannot afford to underestimate their rivals.
Lady Bucks are second last in the log with two points collected from their two opening matches.

"We respect Lady Bucks and that is why we have to play our best basketball today in Kisumu. We don't want to underestimate them because it is the lower-ranked teams that always pull off upsets and we don't want that now," explained the former Kenyan international.

Despite losing Belinda Okoth to injury, Ojukwu said he is impressed and satisfied with the depth of the squad at his disposal.

KBF Premier League Fixtures
Men
Eldonets v Zetech Titans
Kisumu Lakeside v KPA
KU Pirates v Equity Dumas
Thunder v Terror
Women
Eldonets v Zetech Sparks
Kisumu Lady Bucks v KPA
Eagle Wings v Strathmore