Ojukwu dedicates title to late mother as KPA reign supreme

“I dedicated the win to my late mum who passed on the day I arrived in Kigali.”

This was the sentiment of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) head coach Antony Ojukwu moments after guiding his charges to this year’s Zone Five Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) qualifier title.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the veteran tactician received the news of his mother’s passing barely hours after arriving in Rwanda for the 9-team competition set to qualify the zone’s teams for the inaugural AWBL scheduled for 11 to 19 December in Cairo.

With a herculean task ahead of him and a heart filled with grief, the gaffer had to push through the pain and he admits, “It was so hard for me, but I thank God for everything. The team did wonderful supporting and playing together as a team.”

KPA took on Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the final played on Saturday 4 November night, winning in dominant fashion in an 87-53 outcome.

The Dockers jumped to a 14-07 lead in the opening five minutes, adding 8 more in the remaining part of the quarter to lead 22-16, showing their intent early.

A second quarter score of 22-14 for the Kenyan side saw them carry a 14-point advantage to the halftime break, leaving coach Esperance Mukaneza's work cut out if the home side stood any chance at a maiden title.

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However, Ojukwu, whose side lost the Zone Five title to Egypt's Alexandria Sporting last year, had other ideas as his charges remained relentless in their fight, winning the third quarter 18-13 for a 62-43 score line heading to the final period.

Despite a home fanbase that cheered to every basket that REG scored in their attempt for a comeback, KPA remained unmoved, playing their biggest quarter yet in the final, to score 25-10 and condemn the Rwandese side to their first defeat of the 9-team championship.

Rosine Mcomyiza led the scores with 24, her efforts, however, went uncomplimented by any of her teammates as none hit double digits in points. 

Madina Okot, who played 37.30 minutes, contributed 22 points but her presence was felt more on rebounds as she pulled down a game-high 27. Victoria Reynolds scored 23 as Morgan Taylor added a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Skipper Natalie Akinyi had a rare double-double, scoring 13 points while giving 17 assists for the win.

KPA’s Reynolds was voted the most valuable player (MVP) with Madina bagging the best rebounder accolade for a second edition running.

MVP: Victoria Reynolds-KPA

Best 3point shooter: Rosine Micomyiza- REG

Best rebounder: Madina Okot --KPA

Best scorer: Kamba Yoro Diakite--Gladiators

Fair play team: Nile Legends

Team of the tournament

Betty Kalanga---REG

Tetero Odille----APR

Kamba Yoro Diakite-- GLADIATORS

Victoria Reynolds --KPA

Madina Okot--KPA

Additional reporting by FIBA