Basketball: Ojukwu rallies KPA as they face Equity Hawks

Basketball
By Washington Onyango | Feb 18, 2022
Selina Okumu of KPA Ladies outpaces her KU Oryx markers during their Kenya Basketball Federation League (KBF) match at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium on October 02, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) head coach Anthony Ojukwu has rallied his team to give their best in the 2021/2022 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women’s Premier League finals against defending champions Equity Hawks on Saturday.

Ojukwu said they are ready for the finals having started preparations as early as Tuesday.

“We have been camping in Nairobi for the past four days and I trust that will give us some comfort. It was important we sync with the environment sooner because of the differences between Nairobi and Mombasa,” said the coach.

Ojukwu brushed aside the favourites tag majority have put on them saying it will take a lot to defeat the bankers.

“Equity and KPA are two good sides with a wealth of talents that I believe have the capability of winning the title. We have changed a lot since we played them in Tanzania last year and I believe they have changed too.”

“It will all come down to adaptability and resilience in the opening two games,” said the KPA coach.

Ojukwu also hipped praise on her captain Vilma Achieng who has been averaging 16 points per game in the playoffs.

“Achieng is not only a leader in the court but also our main point man in the paint. She has vast experience playing for the national team and we definitely need her input in the finals,” said Ojukwu.”

Achieng said they are happy to be back in the finals and are ready to challenge for the title they won four years ago.

“There is nothing as satisfying as leading a team that is giving their all. I am a satisfied captain proud to wear the KPA jersey and will defend it at all times.

“We are focused. We know finals will not be easy at all. We are simply keep our heads high regardless and ready to give it all in the finals,” said Achieng.

KPA completed a 3-0 sweep over Storms to get to the finals.

 

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