Kiki calls on KPA to maintain good run as preps for BAL get underway

Coach Sammy Kiki says their back-to-back victories in Nairobi last weekend against Nairobi City Thunder and Equity Dumas are a.morale boost as the team prepares for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Kiki guided his charges, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men to 69-51 and 80-60 victories against Thunder and the bankers respectively to maintain top place in the local league with Africa Nazarene University's loss the only loss in an otherwise impeccable run so far. 

Road-map to BAL released as KPA prepare for return

"These wins have injected more confidence in my squad especially as we prepare for a major assignment later this month or early October. These were not easy games neither are any league matches as any team that plays KPA comes hard at us," offered Kiki.

In an earlier interview the tactician had hinted at bolstering his squad in readiness for BAL as KPA hopes to become the first Kenyan side yo go past the qualifiers into the main tournament. 

KPA dominate Equity for maximum points away in Nairobi

From their weekend matches, Kiki pointed out areas the team needs to improve on while steering clear of the conversation about new additions. 

"I still beleive the squad can play better than we did this weekend. Our biggest undoing has been the turnovers. If we can take care of the ball better and play good defense, we should be able to bag wins easier," he offered. 

Kiki, while admitting that the uncertainty on BAL dates puts his squad at a disadvantage when it comes to their preparations, says that generally his charges are getting ready for international competition with each local match and the management is according them all the support they need. 

"Any time the organisers release the dates, we will be ready," he offered, adding that the case at the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) challenging the validity of the 2021 season playoffs has had no effect on the team as they remain focused that all that will be resolved and they will be able to play. 

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) is appealing a case where the SDT ordered that last season's playoffs be replayed on the grounds that losing finalists Ulinzi Warriors fielded an ineligible player at the quarters level. 

Meanwhile, new signing Mira Masoud made his debut for the team this weekend and while coach Kiki admits that the lanky forward needs some working on, he believes he is a good addition for the dockers and will put his height to use for the benefit of the club.