Basketball: Blades treading carefully in race for podium place

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's league former finalists Strathmore Blades have their work cut out as they face holders Nairobi City Thunder on Friday 31 January at Nyayo Gymnasium. 

Blades, who had a start to forget in the 2024/25 season, losing four of their five opening matches, have set lofty targets, albeit with a lean squad. The Tony Ochieng-led varsity team is looking to place in the top five at the conclusion of the regular league. 

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Against the holders, it is a story of David meeting Goliath given that the Basketball Africa League (BAL)-bound Thunder have not tasted defeat in the national league since their rebrand last season. They won their maiden title unbeaten to qualify for the premier African men's club competition, BAL. 

On their part, Ochieng's charges go to battle with an eight-man squad, with four key players either unavailable or doubtful due to injuries, while three more made moves to different clubs. Ken Dwalo joined Equity Dumas while  Brandon Ouche and Gabriel Menya joined league newcomers Stanbic. 

"The injuries in the team have slowed us down as we are missing Jayson Nwodo, Timothy Oyoo, and Jack Waweru, while Dennis Koja is getting a few minutes as he works his way back to full fitness," Ochieng explained. "We promoted Francis Wafula and Elsie Mose from the junior team, and I am happy that we are gelling well and our plays are now solid." 

Blades are looking to build on their momentum from the last two weekends where they stunned star-studded Umoja 74-70 on Saturday 25, January , just a week after subjecting newbies NBK Phoenix to a 69-58 defeat. The back-to-back victories have given coach Ochieng confidence that they would hold their own against Bradley Ibs' charges. 

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"Every win is important," Ochieng offers. "The year has started on a positive note and our targets are well underway. We are looking to finish in the top five in the opening leg of the regular league and move a position up by the end of the season." 

As the season reaches its climax with the playoffs, Ochieng says a podium finish for a chance to play in the second edition of the East Africa championship, a competition that saw Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Dumas participate in 2024.