KPA shifts focus to regional title

After successfully defending their national title, men Basketball League Champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are now eying the African Zone Five Championship title, set for October in Rwanda.

KPA, who were crowned the 2017 champions on Sunday after defeating Strathmore Blades 3-1 in the best of five series, are targeting to improve on the third spot they finished in last year’s edition in the continental front.

Speaking to Citizen Digital in Mombasa shortly after Sunday’s victory, head Coach Sammy Kiki asserted his charges are fired up for championship gong.

“Last year we performed well in the African Zone Five Championship but this year we can only get better. We are going to have early preparations so that we at least finish reach the final, then we can fight for the trophy,” averred Kiki.

The tactician hopes to maintain the same squad that won the domestic league, with a few additions ahead of the regional competition.

Kiki’s sentiments were echoed by the club’s captain Samuel Ocholla, noting they are better placed than last year for the championship.

“If we maintain the same team and do some little additions we can win the Zone Five for the first time. We have played well this season as a unit, and with experience, we have now we feel stronger,” He said.

Sharpening blades

Meanwhile, Strathmore Blades who finished second in the league have also shifted focus on the Championship.

Head Coach Tony Ochieng revealed his intention to recruit more players, underling his team’s weak points need to be fixed before the tournament.

On the women’s side, new champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who won the league unbeaten are also eying the Zone Five title.

“We want to go and conquer the Championship which for us is the only remaining thing. We don’t want to settle on the local glory only, our eyes are firm on the continental gong” said head coach Anthony Ojukwu.

KPA women won the league after humiliating defending champions Equity Bank 3-0 in their final of the best-of-series finals, that took place in Mombasa at KPA Makande Gymnasium.

The four teams will represent Kenya in the Africa Zone Five series that will comprise clubs from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia