Sparkling Zetech raring to go

Zetech University's Lucy Musyoki dribbles during their Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League match against Tangit Sparks at Nyayo Gymnasium on May 11, 2019. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Zetech Sparks have recruited among others national team trio of Debra Obunga, Christine Akinyi and Beryl Aoko from Kenya Ports Authority
  • Coach Maurice Obillo says he cannot wait for the Ministry of Sports to announce the sports resumption dates so that he can give the big teams a run for their money
  • Obillo says he has maintained the bulk of the team with captain Lucy Mbithe, Lavendar Miewe, Everlyne Nabwire,Maureen Bosibori, Jackline Kogo and Teresia Oloo all staying put

Zetech Sparks have been the biggest beneficiaries in the ongoing Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) transfer window roping in seven experienced players ahead of the upcoming season which has been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.

After recruiting among others national team trio of Debra Obunga, Christine Akinyi and Beryl Aoko from Kenya Ports Authority, coach Maurice Obillo says he cannot wait for the Ministry of Sports to announce the sports resumption dates so that he can give the big teams a run for their money.

“I cannot wait for the season to officially tip off in September as per the KBF official schedule because from the team I have assembled, am pretty sure my target of play-offs final is achievable,” said Obillo whose charges finished a respected fifth in last year’s league.

Other players Zetech Sparks have recruited for the new season include shooting guard Kiyobe Chantal who is also the reigning Kenya Secondary Schools Most Valuable Player, Agneta Kambua, also a shooting guard from YMCA college Uganda and University of Nairobi star forward Valery Kemunto.

Apart from Sarah Wanjiku, Villa Akinyi and Marryane Nyagaki who joined other clubs, Obillo says he has maintained the bulk of the team with captain Lucy Mbithe, Lavendar Miewe, Everlyne Nabwire,Maureen Bosibori, Jackline Kogo and Teresia Oloo all staying put.

“We have been in the top-flight league for three seasons now and I think that time has come to start dining at the queen's table. With the current squad, I strongly believe the sky will be the limit,” Obilo,  whose team finished fifth after losing at the quarter-finals to University of Nairobi Dynamites, said.

According to him, their performance in the past seasons has been affected by lack of depth with only four of the twelve players capable to compete at the top level.

The tactician said his players were on call and will be returning to training anytime the league tip-off dates are announced.

“Colleges are closed till January but that will not be a problem for us playing in the league should the league resume before the January opening dates,” Obillo said.