Balozi confident of Warriors' title defence

Ulinzi Warriors' head coach William Balozi has expressed confidence in the side's title defence ahead of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's league playoff final. 

The soldiers defeated Nairobi City Thunder in 2019 to lift the title. In the 2021 title defence, the military side are up against rivals Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) with game one and two set for Mombasa on 16 and 17 April. 

"We have been in training since the dates were confirmed and I am happy with the progress so far. I had a full house, including the players that missed the quarters and semis playoffs and I am confident. We are ready," offered Balozi. 

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The tactician is unmoved by the team having to break camp to allow his players take part in the inter-brigade matches that threw off on Monday 4 April at Moi Airbase (MAB). 

"We are allowing the players to represent their units as part of their preparations as well. I am not worried about that. We have a plan to get the others not involved in the Chief of Defence Forces Basketball championship games attend short evening training sessions," Balozi explained. 

The inter-brigade games conclude on Friday 8 with the team embarking on preparations for a friendly match set for during the official opening of Ulinzi Gymnasium in Langata in 14. They travel to Mombasa after. 

The soldiers completed a double against the dockers in the regular season, subjecting the Sammy Kiki-led side to their only two losses then. 

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The dynamics of the Mombasa matches on the Easter weekend will, however, be different as the soldiers will miss the services of one of their key players Eric Mutoro who will be serving a ban in Game One.