Warriors welcome KPA as chase for playoffs spots hots up

Africa Nazerene University's Nicole Adhiambo (right) dribbles past Equity Bank's Hilda Ndegwa during their Kenya Basketball Federation women Classic Premier League on July 27, 2019 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority tackle arch-rivals Ulinzi Warriors in what is expected to be an explosive encounter at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium from 2.30pm on Saturday.

Three top contenders for this year’s men’s Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League title will be in action as the race for playoffs positions enters critical stage this weekend.

Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority tackle arch-rivals Ulinzi Warriors in what is expected to be an explosive encounter at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium from 2.30pm on Saturday.

The dockers, who are seeking to retain the crown for the fourth year in a row, will wind up their tour of Nairobi against Umoja at the same venue from 4pm on Sunday.

Red-hot Thunder, who are favourites to clinch their first ever league title this year, have a date with unpredictable hosts Eldonets in Eldoret on Sunday starting at 9am. Warriors, Thunder and KPA occupy first three positions on the league table standings in that order.

KPA men’s team garnered four points in their last tour of Nairobi two weeks ago. They beat Emyba 81-74 and also harvested two points against USIU-A Tigers.

The story is likely to be different this time for coach Sammy Kiki’s KPA. Warriors, who are out to reclaim the league which has eluded them for three years, comfortably beat KPA 92-54 in their first leg duel at their Mombasa backyard.

KPA defeated Umoja 60-43 at home and the self-supporting hosts will be seeking to exact revenge on the dockers.

Warriors had a short break which has given coach William Balozi time strategise ahead of the showdown. Shooting guard Eric Mutoro, who was outstanding during Fiba AfroCan Championship in Bamako, Mali where Kenya finished second, will spearhead the soldiers offense. Warriors other key actors will be forwards James Mwangi, John Washika and former KPA shooting guard Victor Bosire.

KPA’s offense will be led by international forward Victor Odendo and towering Aerial Okal, who were both with the national team in Mali. The duo will team up with Job Byron, Dickson Aran and Kennedy Wachira.

Thunder beat Eldonets, who are featuring in the men’s Premier League for the first time, 87-81 in Nairobi and the varsity students are prepared to hit back.

International shooting guard Griffins Ligare, forwards Faheem Juma, Kevin Chogo are expected to play a key role in Thunder's bid for victory away to Eldonets who have a good home record.

In the women’s Premier League, champions Equity Bank will confront Eagle Wings on Saturday before they entertain newcomers Africa Nazarene University on Sunday from 1pm.

Equity Bank women’s team had little problems in beating newcomers ANU 71-43 last weekend and will again start as favourites to win against struggling Eagle Wings.

In Saturday’s lower tier league matches at Nyayo, Lions will meet ANU while ANU men’s team will square it out with JKUAT.

In Kisii, Kisii University will welcome Strathmore University while in Kisumu, Lady Bucks will host KCA-U with Lakeside meeting KCA-U in their men’s Premier League second leg matches.

FIXTURES

Saturday

At Nyayo Stadium: Lions v ANU (8.30am), JKUAT v Strathmore University (10am), ANU v Strathmore University (11.30am), Equity Bank v Eagle Wings (1pm), Equity Bank v World Hope (2.30pm), Ulinzi Warriors v KPA (4pm).

Kisii University: Kisii v Strathmore University (9am). Kenyatta Sports Ground-Kisumu: Lady Bucks v KCA-U (9am), Lakeside v KCA-U (1pm).

Menengi High School, Nakuru: Renegades v Riara University (8.30am), Egerton University v Nakuru Club v KAA (1pm).

USIU-A: JKUAT v MKU Thika (8.30am), Neosasa v 4-Christ (10am), Little Prince v KCITI (11.30am), Trailblazers v Zetech University (1pm), ANU v Pirates (2.30pm), KAA v Strathmore University (4pm).

Sunday

At Nyayo: KDF Morans v Blazers (8.30am), Footprints v Riara University (10am), KAA v Strathmore University (11.30am), ANU v Equity Bank (1pm), Oryx v Eagle Wings (2.30pm), Umoja v KPA (4pm).

USIU-A: MKU Thika v Little Prince (8.30am), NIBS v Riara University (10am), Upper Hill School v JKUAT (11.30am), Riara University v Footprints (1pm), Barclays Bank v KAA (2.30pm), Zetech Titans v Terrorists (4pm).

Kenyatta Sports Ground-Kisumu: Lakeside v KCA-U (1pm)

Menengai High School -Nakuru: Egerton University-men v Riara University (8.30am), Egerton University v Riara University (10am), Renegades v 4-Christ (11.30am), Nakuru Clubv Trailblazers (1pm)

Eldoret: Eldonets v Thunder (9am)