KBF champs Warriors ready for Blades test

In a repeat of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) 2017 league playoffs semis, Strathmore Blades faceoff with league holders Ulinzi Warriors in a best-of-five pairing that has all the ingredients of a thriller. 

Warriors had to content with a three-match encounter in the best-of-three quarters series against Kisumu Lakeside, winning 2-1 to book a date with the Tony Ochieng-coached varsity side. 

Warriors head coach William Balozi has, however, exuded confidence in his squad ahead of the semis, downplaying the exit of some key players and focusing on the talent available for the fixture. 

"We are up against a good Blades side and we are tightening our loose ends as we look to make it to the final. Training at Nyayo has had its advantages. We are shooting better and if we can get our defense right, we will be home and dry.

The pressure is on us, being the defending champions but everyone is feeding off that pressure to give their best," said coach Balozi. 

On his part, Ochieng believes that have a chance against the holders if they can keep the quarters momentum going and not look at the regular season outcome. 

"All players are up for selection and morale in training is high. We will approach the match with alot zeal and determination, giving it our best shot. We only need to improve on our execution and give ourselves a chance. We lost by nine and five points in the regular league's home and away matches and that shows that the series will be close. 

We turned the tables on Thunder in the quarters but, while we have the same target in the semis, we are aware that the odds are against us.

Ulinzi are the defending champions, they have BAL experience, having played in the qualifiers and have very experienced players. However, the pressure is on them and we have nothing to lose by taking the game to them. We will take it one match at a time," said Ochieng.