Kiki confident KPA will withstand Thunder, Equity offensive

Holders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have their work cut out when they take on Nairobi City Thunder and Equity Dumas in this weekend’s Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league action.

Head coach Sammy Kiki, however, maintains that he has a squad that can handle whatever is thrown at them and bag maximum points as the dockers look to maintain their pole position. 

The tactician is likely to miss the services of dependable forward Martin Kitong'o but he welcomes the return of Frankline Mayoti Omondi who is back from a stint in the Burundian league. 

Busy weekend for Thunder as KPA, Lakeside await

Kiki has also bolstered his squad with the acquisition of towering centre player Mira Masoud from TP Mazembe who is supposed to add to his team's dominance on the paint.

The Congolese national is likely to make his debut in the Kenyan league this weekend and that has Kiki confident they can dominate the two fixtures. 

"Against Thunder, we have worked on ways to cut their strong points by working on our defense and different plays that will allow us to adjust to counter how they play. 

They are a good and stubborn side so we will in no way be complacent in how we approach them. We will give them the respect they deserve but I believe we have what it takes to win that game," offered the tactician. 

Coach Sadat Gaya's charges, Thunder, have blown hot and cold this season, winning three and losing a similar number of matches so far. They should provide a tough test to Kiki's men before the dockers' encounter with the bankers. 

Ojukwu yearning for better competition as KPA prepare for Zone Five championship

In a repeat of the playoff semis, KPA face Equity Dumas for the first time since their memorable clashes in the best-of-five playoff series that saw Kiki's men come from two games down to win 3-2 in a highly charged series that had the bankers walk out in the decider match with seconds to play. 

While that encounter will provide content for banter for the fans, the tacticians know that it is a different ball game altogether and the battle has to be won again on Sunday. 

"Equity have recruited well and have a much-improved squad if recent matches are anything to go by. They are just as good as we are but I have full belief in my players and what they can do. 

We want to claim all the points in Nairobi and maintain top position so we have to be alert throughout that match. Equity have good point guards who can command the floor and are swift but we have ways to ensure they are contained," Kiki added.

The tactician is wary of the team's fitness due to the long layoff occasioned by the general elections but says the team's management has helped them get to a better place by allowing them to travel early to Nairobi where they have had close to a week of intense training together. 

Meanwhile, coach Carey 'T9' Odhiambo will be looking to build on his weekend performance against former champions Ulinzi Warriors and cause another upset against the holders. 

"The win against Ulinzi was a huge confidence boost for my players as we head to the clash against KPA. I am hoping to continue the same momentum against the champions. 

My team has gotten the leadership we have always lacked on the floor following the signing of Victor Bosire and James Mwangi so we are in a better place than we were when we last faced KPA during the playoffs. We will push them to the limit as we fight for maximum points," Odhiambo offered.

Other matches will see Strathmore University Blades host Kisumu Lakeside on Saturday before the latter face off with Thunder on Sunday. 

Saturday (Nyayo) 

8.00 AM  STRATH.SWORDS 2 VS KISII VIPERS WDI

9.30 AM  NIBS VS KISII RAPTORS MD2

11.00 AM MUSTANGS VS SHOOT 4 LIFE MD1

12.30 PM EAGLE WINGS VS KPA WP

2.00 PM  BLADES VS LAKESIDE MP

4.00 PM  THUNDER VS KPA MP

Sunday (Nyayo) 

8.00AM  NIBS VS NEBULAS MD2

9.30AM  FEBA VS KISII RAPTORS MD2

11.00AM SNIPERS VS SHOOT 4 LIFE MD1

12.30PM BLAZERS VS STRATHMORE MD1

 2.00PM THUNDER VS LAKESIDE MP

 4.00PM EQUITY DUMAS VS KPA MP