Battle for KBF title begin

Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women's league champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) begin their hunt for the league title that has eluded them in the last two seasons with a clash against Strathmore Swords at Nyayo Indoor Arena on Saturday. 

The Antony Ojukwu-led side comes to the playoff quarters seeded top at the conclusion of the regular league, having lost one match to holders Equity Hawks. The side also beat Hawks at the Zone Five Club Championships and are favourites for the title. 

In the regular season, the Dockers swept the varsity side, who have had an unimpressive season, 76-30 in Nairobi 60-25 and at Makande. They remain favourites.

“Playoffs come with a heavy responsibility to win and advance to the next stage. We won the regular league matches but I believe they have improved and will give us a test. 

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They have nothing to lose and can cause the biggest upset. We will approach the game with the respect it deserves, no complacency allowed," Ojukwu offered. 

His opposite number at Swords Ronnie Owino, whose side find themselves in unfamiliar territory, finishing eighth in the regular league believes they can be competitive against the Dockers. 

"We are up against one of the best sides in the local league and that is something we acknowledge. However, I have asked my players to go into the match without any fear. We have to accord them their respect but exhibit no stage fright.

We have also worked on reducing the mistakes that saw us lose some games we would have otherwise won in the regular league and we are ready to face the former champions," said the tactician. 

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Third-place finishers Zetech Sparks begin their hunt against Eagle Wings. The varsity side garnered 32 points in the regular league while their opponents settled for sixth at 24 points. Zetech won both home and away encounters in the regular season at 78-28 and improved 49-44 respectively, pointing to a tightly contested quarters match. 

“We have been training for the last ten days well aware we are up against a more experienced side that will throw everything at us. We are, however, ready to battle for that semis slot," said Zetech tactician Maurice Obilo. 

On her part, Eunice Ouma who will lead Eagle Wings against the varsity side says they will take one game at a time then work out on our mistakes as they go. 

Saturday 

Strathmore Swords vs KPA (Women) 

UoN Dynamites vs Storms (Women) 

Zetech Sparks vs Eagle Wings (Women) 

Equity Bank vs Terror (Men) 

Lakeside vs Ulinzi Warriors (Men)

Eldonets Platinum vs KPA (Men)