Maina backs Equity Hawks to challenge for KBF title

Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) champions Equity Hawks welcome the return of experienced trio of Betty Kananu, Annrose Mandela and Melissa Akinyi when action resumes after the election-occasioned break.

Coach David Maina says the side is ready to put their less-than-impressive start to the season behind them and work towards reclaiming the title they lost to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the last season.

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Hawks have lost to the dockers and to Zetech Sparks in a weekend-to-forget kind of performance but Maina maintains that the loses could not have come at a better time as they give the team a chance to regroup and work on their craft as the season progresses.

“This is not a sprint but a marathon and nothing is lost. The losses gave us a chance to reflect on what needs to change and gave us a basis on what to work on going forward. It was unfortunate that we were made to play two tough matches in the same weekend but that is no excuse, the players ought to step up regardless off the opposition,” offered Maina.

Kananu and Mandela who had not featured for the side in the two loses got back to training a week before the break according to Maina. Additionally, Akinyi who had to sit out due to her 3x3 national team engagement for the Commonwealth Games is expected in training when the side resumes on Tuesday 16 August.

Coach Maina believes that the team has what it takes to challenge for the title despite the feeling that the two loses point to a side that cannot match the top teams.

“One thing that was evident is that we needed to work on our fitness and that has been the priority since. When that is addressed, the team will be in a good place. We are not making any changes to the squad as we believe in the players that have been enlisted for the season.

This season is reminiscent of our 2018 season where we struggled against KPA in the regular season but in the end, we emerged as champions. It is still early day so no one should write us off,” added Maina.