Munywoki’s Umoja Basketball set lofty targets as KBF action resumes

Umoja Basketball, somewhat the newest revelation in the 2024/25 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league, have set lofty targets for the season.

The Isaac Munywoki-coached side is keen to dethrone holders and the Basketball Africa League (BAL)-bound Nairobi City Thunder with the tactician maintaining that passion, pride, and unity remain the biggest assets in their quest.

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As the league resumed on Friday 17 January at Nyayo Gymnasium, the side recovered from a slow start against former league finalists Equity Dumas to pick a convincing 87-73 victory to get their year going on a positive note.

Munywoki, who until last season served as Dumas’ assistant coach says they are taking it one match at a time as they look to represent the hood and change the status quo in the national league.

“The target is the title,” Munywoki told Mozzart Sport. “The focus is, however, on playing good basketball while staying true to our identity which is passion, pride, and unity.

This is also an opportunity to tell the story of a neighbourhood that has given a lot to basketball. We have a loyal fanbase that has stood by the team and we play for them.”

Umoja, who lost their last match of 2024 against former champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), look to make it 2-0 on the bounce as they host former champions Ulinzi Warriors on Sunday 19 January.

The clash slated for 6 pm at Nyayo has all the ingredients of a thriller. Munywoki, who admits that it will be an interesting match, believes his side has to bring their A-game, just as they have in previous matches this season, to defeat the Bernard Mufutu-led military side.

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“Warriors are a well-coached side that is physical, quick on the ball and in their transitions.

They also rebound well so we have to be clinical, take care of the ball, and make the best of our chances for victory in this encounter,” he added.

The side is powered by the former league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Victor Bosire who decamped from Dumas at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, alongside James Marol, and Bobby Onyango among others. Former KPA forward Job Byron adds to the side’s depth.