Sharp Strathmore Blades set early pace in league title race

Thunder's Jerry Andare (left) and Ken Dwallo of Strathmore University in a past KBF Premier League Play-off match at Nyayo Gymnasium, in January. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Strathmore University Blades begun the 2022 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men’s Premier League on a high note after winning their two matches played over the weekend at Nyayo Gymnasium.

On Saturday, Blades saw off Umoja 73-65 before thrashing Naiorbi City Thunder 76-69 on Sunday to register a perfect start to the season.

The wins saw Blades move to the summit of the men’s standings with four points.

Speaking after the match, Blades head coach Tony Ochieng said they prepared well for the season and are ready to compete with the best teams in the league.

“Our target was to start the league very strongly and I am happy we executed everything as we had planned. I believe our pre-season plan will go a long way in helping us reach our target of getting to the playoffs and thus, we are ready to dance with the best of the best,” said Ochieng.

Former champions Ulinzi Warriors also begun the season with a win after a dominant 71-51 victory over newly promoted Zetech Titans.

Warriors, who lost the Premier League title to rivals Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) after a 3-2 defeat in the finals two months ago, said they are on a mission to reclaim their lost glory despite losing head coach William Balozi.

Warriors team manager Stephen Bartilol said Balozi left for further military studies but they are still a solid team ready to compete for the title.