KBF Playoffs: Coach Obilo exudes confidence ahead of semis

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women’s league side Zetech Sparks begin their best-of-five playoff semis clash against former champions Equity Hawks on Friday 12 May from 6pm at Nyayo Indoor Arena.

The Maurice Obilo-coached side head to the semis on the back of a 2-0 win in the quarters where they faced Africa Nazarene University (ANU) Panthers who struggled to impress with coach Mike Oluoch attributing the poor run to lack of preparations as the players were in the middle of exams.

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Sparks go up against Hawks who also had an easy quarters’ paring, dispensing University of Nairobi (UoN) Dynamites 2-0 to advance to the last four.

In the regular season, this was one of the most exciting fixtures with Sparks winning the first leg to subject Hawks to their first defeat of the season. In the return leg, the bankers won by a basket in a 40-38 outcome.  

“The ladies played well in the quarters and I hope they will come in with the same winning mentality in the semis,” Obilo said adding that the team had little time to prepare for the quarters as they had just resumed their classes when they playoffs were called.

“We have been working on our intensity and our defense ahead of the semis. The squad is ready for this pairing. They have come of age and are now ready to face whatever team.

This is our second time reaching the last four and I believe we have learned from last season’s mistakes and have what it takes to qualify for the final. The belief that this is possible has to come from the players. We will also be keen not to be complacent,” he added.

The tactician admits that he would love to guide the varsity side to their first-ever final in the top-tier league but in a quick rejoinder revealed that the squad is under no pressure.

“We are playing a highly professional and experienced team so the institution is not putting the team under any pressure. We believe that this squad is capable of beating any team in the league but the expectation is to see them play well. As a couch I would really love to guide them to the final but there is no pressure on them,” he opined