Ruthless dockers sink opponents to go top of KBF league

KPA's Rita Onyango (left) in action against Sporting at the Africa Women's Basketball League. [FIBA]

Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women's Premier League champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) leaped to the peak of the standings following a successful weekend out at Nyayo Gymnasium.

The dockers maintained their unbeaten run with victories against Stanbic Aces and Th3 Swish to stretch their winning streak to five matches. They thrashed Stanbic Aces 91-44 before accomplishing their mission in Nairobi with a resounding 80-36 win against Th3 Swish.

The Coast-based record titleholders had a successful trip to Nairobi thanks to their star players who were oozing class. The trio of Ivorian Alima Doumbia, Congolese Grace Irebu and Malian Aminata Semassekou proved that they indeed deserve a place on the dockers roster with their brilliant performances in both matches. Their efforts were complemented by Belinda Okoth, Vilma Achieng, Linda Alando and Yvonne Atieno.

KPA, who are looking to bounce back from a dull 2024 that saw them lose their league title as well as struggle internationally, top the table with 10 points. Stanbic Aces, who were leading before last weekend's action, are second with eight points from three wins and two losses. Th3 Swish are third with seven points from five ties having won two and lost three.

Defending champions Equity Bank Hawks, who are yet to return to action from the Christmas break, are fourth with six points. The Hawks are tied on points with Zetech University Sparks, Strathmore University Swords and Safe Spaces, who are in fifth, sixth and seventh places respectively. Hawks, Sparks and Swords have won all their three matches while Safe Spaces have garnered their points from five matches. They have won one and lost four.

In the men's contest, Umoja Basketball Club moved to the top of the Men's Premier League table despite suffering a 74-70 defeat at the hands of Strathmore University Blades. Umoja, who have warned opponents that they will be no pushovers this season, lead with 10 points from four wins and two losses.

KPA are second with nine points, same as third placed Eldonets Platinum. They have both played five matches winning four and losing one.

Defending champions Nairobi City Thunder, who were not in action, maintained their fourth place with eight points. Blades are fifth with eight points from two wins and four losses while Ulinzi Warriors and National Bank of Kenya (NBK) Phoenix are sixth and seventh with seven points respectively. Equity Bank Dumas secured their second win of the season to move from 11th to ninth place. They have five points from three matches.