KPA ready for title defense despite strong opposition
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 21.06.24. | 21:01
The dockers are chasing a double as the women's team is also in the running to defend the title
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men’s team has their work cut out in their quest to defend the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) title.
The side is through to the best-of-five semis where they play a Strathmore University Blades side that stunned favourites United States International University (USIU) in the quarters to make the last four.
Coach Sammy Kiki has called on his charges to approach the match with caution as the varsity side is bound to come out guns blazing, looking to stop the holders.
“We have trained well, coming to Nairobi four days ahead of the game, to ensure we have a full house and to gel well. I am happy with the training so far and how we have adjusted to the absence of some key players who are out on injury,” Kiki offered.
The tactician says the plan is to take Game One and get the momentum for the rest of the matches as they look to make the all-important final.
“Teams that come with an underdog tag cause some of the major heartbreaks so we cannot afford complacency. We will take each minute on the court seriously,” Kiki added.
Despite missing three of his starters in Lennox Wanje, former Kenyatta University (K.U) shooting guard Dolph Otieno and Salim Kisilu, KPA’s lead three-point shooter, KPA remains unmoved.
“Of course it is a blow, especially missing my main guards at such a crucial stage,” Kiki admits, but in a quick rejoinder says they have since adjusted to their absence. “We have played several matches with the current squad and the replacements are doing an amazing job.”
The tactician has steered clear of the final playoff talk, saying the squad needs to focus on the task at hand.
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