Ochieng warry of Blades' fitness as KBF league takes shape

Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's league finalists Strathmore University Blades have had an impressive run in the ongoing second leg golf the 2022 league, picking four wins in five matches. 

Head coach Tony Ochieng, while remaining confident that his side will reach the league playoffs, has expressed concern on his side's fitness levels after their slim win against Nairobi City Thunder on the weekend. 

"We have been having exams the last two weeks and that kept the players off the courts for long. That said, we need to work on our fitness. We are headed for another break for the festive season and while this one will affect all teams, we have to fund a way to keep the players active and in shape for the resumption" Ochieng said. 

Umoja shoot down Warriors in dominant KBF show

Against Thunder, Blades had a good start, going ahead 11-8 and 16-12 in a closely fought first half. 

Thunder turned the tabled in the third quarter with a 19-11 scoreline to go ahead and set up the stage for a dramatic final quarter. 

It was anyone's match to win and Darril Omondi ensured the varsity side bagged maximum points, breaking Thunder's hearts with a witty drive to the basket for 56-55 with less than ten seconds on the clock, which was not enough time for Sadat Gaya's men to plot for a comeback. 

"With that win, we are well within our target for the regular season. We have been trying to dislodge some teams on the log and victory against Thunder has made that happen. 

We had a big performance especially in the first half and the final moments of the match when we were trailing. We will hope to build on this in the remaining second leg matches," Ochieng added. 

In the second leg, Blades have played away to Eldonets, Kisumu Lakeside, Kenyatta University Pirates, Zetech Titans and Thunder, dropping points once. 

"For the remaining matches, we will look to win at least one against title contenders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Equity Dumas and Ulinzi Warriors, while working for wins against the other three as that will put us in a favourable position for the playoff draw," Ochieng concluded.