Focus now shifts to KBF League after successful regional outing KPL, USIU and Ulinzi return to local basketball action

Kenya basketball federation finals play-offs Anerose Mandela (left) of KPA attempts to block the ball as Moureen Andalia (right) of USIU Flames dribbles the ball during the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier league finals play-offs game One at the KPA Makande GYM, January 31, 2016. KPA won game one 55-53. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenya’s representatives at the just concluded 2016 Fiba Africa Zone V Clubs Basketball Championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania now turn their focus on the league currently on its penultimate stage.

The three clubs; Ulinzi, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the United States International University (USIU), will also use the league and the playoffs to prepare for the Africa Clubs Basketball Championship.

KPA, the women’s champions in Tanzania, said they are hopeful to successfully wrestle the league trophy from USIU who denied them victory in last season playoffs at Kasarani.

Sleek USIU won the women best of five series playoff 3-2.

KPA coaches, Anthony Ojukwu and his assistant Phillip Onyango told Fever Pitch their victory at the Africa regional basketball showdown will inspire them to go for the league title as well.

“I think nothing is stopping us from now. We are fired up. We will try our best to get the league trophy as well,” said Ojukwu.

Onyango warned their opponents to brace for tough battles as they return to the league this weekend.

“Our mission to conquer Africa Zone V was successful. Now the league is a must win for us to be complete this year on a high,”Onyango said.

On the other hand, USIU, led by head coach George Mayienga and his assistant Abel Nson are devising new strategies to retain the league this year.

“Our first strategy is to qualify for the playoffs and then from there we will take each match at a time. with this strategy, I can assure you that you can’t go wrong,”Mayienga said.

Likewise, Ulinzi are also focused to defend the KBF men’s league they won last season after thrashing USIU 3-0 in the playoffs. Ulinzi’s head coach William Balozi said he was impressed with their display in Tanzania in the championship which he stated was tough and competitiver.

“The Fiba Africa Zone V Clubs basketball gave us challenges at the same time sharpened us as we had opportunity to meet some of the best clubs from the region. We are now sharp and will strive to maintain our current lead in the league.Our aim is to retain the league this year,” said Balozi.