With title in the bag, KPA shift gears to Africa Zone Five Championship

After successfully defending their national title, men basketball league champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are now eyeing the African Zone Five Championship title set for next year.

KPA who were crowned the 2018 champions on Saturday after defeating Ulinzi Warriors 3-0 in the best of five series, are targeting to improve on the fourth place finish they earned in this year’s edition held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Speaking to Citizen Digital in Mombasa in the wake of their league conquest, head coach Sammy Kiki said they will improve on their weak areas ahead of next year’s championship.

“I have learnt a lot in the previous two Zone Five Championships and I’m going to work extra hard for next year’s tournament,” said Kiki.

To attain his goal, Kiki hopes to maintain the same squad that won the domestic league, with a few additions to bolster the playing unit, ahead of the regional competition.

Kiki’s sentiments were echoed by the club captain Samuel Ocholla, noting they are better placed to do well in next year’s championship.

“We just need small adjustments and things will be okay,” said Ocholla.

Meanwhile, Ulinzi Warriors who last played in the Zone Five competition in 2016 finishing second ahead of Oilers of Uganda are also aiming at the regional glory.

By virtue of finishing second in the league, the William Balozi coached side earned an automatic ticket to the competition.

 William Otieno coached soldiers earned an automatic ticket to the competition.

“We have been there before, now we have t o work extra hard since we know what it takes …our target is to carry the trophy,” a captain William Otieno charged.

Other teams that will represent the country in Zone Five championships include KPA ladies team and Equity Bank ladies team.

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