Zetech Sparks pick positives despite challenging WBLA qualifiers start
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 12.11.25. | 11:38
Kenya, represented by KPA Women and the varsity side in the nine-team competition, is looking to make a comeback on the continental stage after missing out on last year's showpiece
National basketball league silver medalists, Zetech Sparks, have endured a challenging debut at the Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five qualifiers, losing their opening two matches, their latest defeat coming against favourites Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
After losing 75-61 to Les Hippos, the Maurice Obilo-led side got back to action on Tuesday, going down to reigning Zone silver medalists, REG, 86-44 to remain third on two points in the four-team Group B.
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Despite the loss, Obilo remains positive that his team’s resilience will continue throughout the championship as they look to get better with each match.
"I believe my players had a better game against REG. They are getting into the championship one game at a time. The energy was better, and that is what we ride on going to the next match.
Every game is important and we are playing to win, which will be the target in the last group game against Don Bosco Lioness on Thursday," coach Obilo said.
His sentiments were echoed by Angela Akinyi, who admitted that they came up stronger against REG.
"We are rookies playing against very experienced players, and we are learning and getting better with each match.
Compared to our opening game, we brought a bit more energy to our second match, and I believe we have picked up valuable lessons here that will come in handy as we chase our first win here," Akinyi told Mozzart Sport.
On Tuesday, REG capitalised on their superior ball-handling skills and exploited Zetech's turnovers to establish early dominance.
Despite a closely contested first quarter, where Zetech briefly led at 4-2, REG quickly asserted control. A pivotal 23-7 run by REG shifted the momentum decisively in their favour, effectively demoralising Obilo’s young squad.
Zetech, a varsity team fielding one of the youngest rosters in the competition, demonstrated resilience by mounting a comeback in the closing minutes of the first quarter. An impressive 9-1 run narrowed the gap to 24-16, instilling hope of an upset.
Their momentum carried into the second quarter, with a 7-2 start, bringing them within three points at 26-23.
However, REG responded robustly, tightening their defense. Hope Butera’s layup with 4:50 remaining in the second quarter extended the lead to 36-26. The Rwandese champions continued their defensive dominance, limiting Zetech to just two points in nearly six minutes, and heading into halftime with a commanding 50-28 lead.
The third quarter saw REG maintaining their grip on the game, with Zetech managing only one basket in the final five minutes. REG extended their lead to 73-36, making any comeback virtually impossible. The final stanza was closely contested, with Zetech putting up a fight to trail 13-8.
REG head coach Pape Malick Goudiaby expressed satisfaction with the victory but emphasised the need for continued improvement.
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“It was a good game and we are happy for the win. Our focus now is to qualify for the semis as the best team in our group.
We recognise that Group A has more matches and experienced teams, so we must refine our defense and other areas before facing tougher opponents,” he said.
With this victory, REG solidify their position as strong contenders for the title, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
Their next challenge is a crucial match against Don Bosco Lioness, where they hope to continue their quest for qualification and ultimately, the championship.
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