Coach Obilo takes stock of Zetech's season, lays out future plans

For the first time in the history of the team, Zetech Sparks featured in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women’s league final playoff, a proper culmination of a stellar season.

Under coach Maurice Obilo, the varsity side beat three-time champions Equity Hawks 3-0 in the best-of-five semis to book their maiden final against holders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

Obilo says that being in the final was a good experience and the right platform for his young squad to learn and get better ahead of their Zone Five assignment and a new season.

KPA defend women's basketball title after Sparks sweep

“It was a very good season. We finished on a high, despite the result against KPA. We had no major challenges, no injuries, just a test when it comes to training facilities but we made what was available work.

In the final against KPA, my players had little time to adjust from the tough semis and that was evident in the way we played. We did not stick to our game and KPA took full advantage of that to run the scores and win, deservedly,” Obilo offered.

The tactician says the team will take a short break before beginning preparations for the new season where he will build on the 2022/23 success.

“Last season we made it to the semis for the first time and this season went to the final so that is incredible growth. I am ready to start building for the next season with a squad that understands the system and are confidence to play against any opponent. We begin training with the same mentality, getting the basics right and understanding the game before moving to more complex plays,” ha added.

Against KPA, Obilo admits that his charges struggled with endurance and physicality arguing that it was a wake-up call, even to the coaching staff, that a lot more emphasis needs to be put in that area.

While he remains hopeful of maintaining the squad that helped his side reach the final, he is well aware that order is likely to be affected by the vicious cycle of varsity club losing good players after clearing school.

“We have already identified players to promote from our junior team, to add to our depth while also anticipating a few of the players that have cleared school to ask for transfers. None has expressed interest to leave so far and we hope to keep them but when better deals come their way we would not stand between them and such success,” he concluded.