Champs KPA out to stretch unbeaten run

KPA's Felmas Okaranga (right) is guarded by Equity Bank's Rita Aluoch (centre) during their National League match at KPA Makande Gymnasium in this photo taken on May 27, 2018. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |

What you need to know:

  • The KPA women's team, who defeated Equity Bank in last year's play-offs finals, will start as favourites against Storms - who boast Mercy Wanyama and Angela Luchivya in their ranks - starting a 2pm.

Kenya Ports Authority men and women teams will be seeking to extend unbeaten records in their Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League when they host Nairobi-based opponents at KPA Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa this weekend.

The KPA women's team, who defeated Equity Bank in last year's play-offs finals, will start as favourites against Storms - who boast Mercy Wanyama and Angela Luchivya in their ranks - starting a 2pm.

Wanyama and Melisa Akinyi led Storms to a 55-35 win over Masaku Sparks last weekend and whether they will maintain the form to end KPA's unbeaten run remains to be seen. KPA will host Kakamega-based Western Delight at 2pm on Sunday at the same venue.

The dock women have won all their first leg matches and coach Anthony Ojukwu will heavily rely on Natalie Akinyi, Brigid Nanzala, Debora Obunga and
Lilian Mboga to keep their perfect start to the season intact.

KPA men's team beat Blades 3-1 to clinch the title last year and coach Sammy Kiki will parade basket hungry forward Victor Odendo, Sammy Ochola and Martin Kitonga in their clash against Thunder.

Thunder beat KCA-U 58-44 last weekend and point guards Griffins Ligare and Abel Nson can be dangerous to the dock men at their backyard. On Sunday, KPA men will entertain Kisumu-based Lakeside at the same venue.

In other matches in Mombasa on Saturday, newcomers Baobab will host Woodley Knights while Coastal Kings, who also joined the men's Division One league this season, tackle Kakamega's Nebulas.

In Nairobi at USIU-A, coach Tonny Ochiengi's Strathmore University Blades will square it out with Kenya College of Accountancy-University in their men's Premier League showdown.

After losing 55-35 to Storms last weekend, Masaku Sparks have another hurdle to clear against former women's Premier League champions Equity Bank, while Footprints lock horns with hosts USIU-A Flames.

In the men's Division One league, Umoja will play World Hope, Emyba meet KDF Morans while Africa Nazarene University will entertain Lions.

On Sunday, Footprints play Strathmore University, Equity Bank men's team face newcomers World Hope. Zetech University Titans, who lot 37-32 to Emyba in their last outing, will entertain Eldoret-based Eldonets.

FIXTURES

Saturday

In Mombasa: Baobab v Woodley Knights (10am), Coastal Kings v Nebulas (12pm), KPA-women v Storms (2pm), KPA-men v Thunder (4pm).

At USIU-A: JKUAT v Daystar University (9am), Dynamites v ANU (9am), Barclays Bank v Eldonets (10.30am), Zetech University v Oryx (10.30am), Strathmore University v Zetech University (12pm), ANU v Lions (12pm), Emyba v KDF Morans (1.30pm), USIU-A Flames v Footprints (1.30pm), Umoja v World Hope (3pm), Equity Bank v Masaku Sparks (3pm), Blades v KCA-U (4.30pm).

Menengai High School in Nakuru: Egerton University v Lakdy Bucks ( 9am), Nakuru Club v Pirates (10.30am). Eldoret: Eldonets v KCA-U (9am).

Sunday

At USIU-A: JKUAT v Little Prince (9am), 4-Christ v Blazers (9am), Riara University v Gladiators (10.30am), Lions v Eldoents (12pm), Barclays Bank v KDF Morans (12pm), Zetech University v Titans (1.30pm), Masaku Sparks v Co-op Bank (1.30pm), Footprints v Strathmore University (3pm), World Hope v Equity Bank (4.30pm).

In Mombasa: Baobab v Nebulas (10am), Coastal Kings v Woodley Knights (12pm), KPA v Western Delights ( 2pm), KPA v Lakeside (4pm).