KPA beef up squad with youngsters

KPA's Brenda Angreshi (left) is challenged by Rebecca Sarange of Eagle Wings during playoffs at the Gymnasium, Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, Nov 16, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former FIBA Africa Zone V women basketball champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has injected new blood by bringing in young players as part of their preparation for this year’s national league.

The league is scheduled to throw off on January 30 and KPA play the University of Nairobi’s Dynamites in the opening league match in Mombasa.

“I have a great balance to the squad. We have a group of experienced players and now these young girls,” said the head coach Anthony Ojukwu.

Ojukwu said he was focused on reclaiming the title with the new players.

“These teenagers have impressed in training and we hope they will secure places in the first team. There is a lot of commitment and seriousness from all the players at the camp as they have to fight for the first choice places in the team when the league starts,” added the former national team player.

KPA's Rachael Wandago challenges Rebecca Sarange (left) of Eagle Wings during playoffs at the Gymnasium, Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, Nov 16, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“Most of these players are students with massive potential as they have previously been involved in both college and school games and this gives me more opportunities to see them play, but more importantly give them the opportunity to get out on the field, train and get quality coaching. We are now on the right path,” said Ojukwu.

Former national secondary schools girls’ basketball champions Kaya Tiwi School of Kwale County has three girls Yvonne Atieno, Midinah Muller and Barbara Dianah as the new recruits for KPA.

Terry Ekisa and Dianah Apiyo formerly of Kenyatta University, Celiea Okumu from University of Nairobi, Maseno University’s Carolina Akinyi and Marrylissa Atieno from Butere Girls are also in the team.

Halima Nzoni and Vivian Nafula were promoted from KPA Youth team.