Coach Kiki says KPA must reclaim title

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men’s basketball team is back in training ahead of the start of the new Kenya Basketball Federation season.

The Mombasa-based are aiming to reclaim their KBF Premier League title after crashing out in the playoff semi-final last season at the hands of eventual winners Ulinzi Warriors.

KPA had held on to the crown for three times consecutive seasons (2016, 2017 and 2018) and Sammy Kiki says the task is to lead the Dockers back to the top.

To do so, Kiki must cope without his star player Aerial Okal who moved to Algeria and  Paul Ekiru who has joined (KCCA) Kampala City Council Authority.

Keegan Oyugi is in the United States while Krystoff Thande has joined rivals Ulinzi Warriors who dethroned them last term.

“I feel sad, however the team has to be there, in fact we might start rebuilding the team which is going to have more youth players both in Mombasa and countrywide,” Kiki said.

The Dockers have recruited Michael Bwanga from DRC Congo who used to play for Mazembe Club to boost their squad.

“Bwanga is a point guard and very shooter too, he will be filling the gap that Victor Bosire and Victor Ochieng aka Electric who for left the Dockers and joined Ulinzi before the start of last season,” Kiki added.

Bwanga was the Most Valuable Player in the BAL qualifiers that took place in Madagascar last year.

KPA will begin their title quest against newly promoted side Kenyatta University Dirates at their home court KPA Makande Gymnasium on March 21.