Blades coach Ochieng wants focus ahead of Thunder, Dumas tests

The students face defending champions Nairobi City Thunder on Friday night before taking on Equity Dumas on Saturday at Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi.

Ochieng acknowledged Thunder’s quality but insisted his side would treat the match like any other.

“Thunder have a complete setup with experienced, professional and elite players. For us, we will approach it like a normal game because they are beatable,” he said.

He warned against unnecessary turnovers, noting that Thunder thrive in transition and can quickly punish mistakes with their strong shooting ability.

Looking ahead to the clash against Equity Dumas, Ochieng highlighted the side’s pace and chemistry as key threats.

“They have quality players, including young players who can match our pace,” he said.

He urged his team to stay calm, remain organised defensively and maximise opportunities on the break.

Blades are sixth in the standings with 13 points from eight matches, having recorded five wins and three defeats.

Weekend Fixtures

Friday, 22 May 2026 – Nyayo Gymnasium

• Strathmore Blades vs Nairobi City Thunder – Men’s Premier League, 8pm

• UON Dynamites vs Safe Spaces – Women’s Premier League, 9am
• TH 3 Swish vs Dream Girls – Women’s Premier League, 11am
• Lady Titans vs Equity Hawks – Women’s Premier League, 1pm
• USIU Flames vs Stanbic Aces – Women’s Premier League, 3pm
• Stanbic Shields vs ANU Wolfpacks – Men’s Premier League, 5pm
• Equity Dumas vs Strathmore Blades – Men’s Premier League, 7pm

• Equity Hawks vs TH 3 Swish – Women’s Premier League, 9am
• USIU Flames vs Strathmore Swords – Women’s Premier League, 11am
• Lady Titans vs UON Dynamites – Women’s Premier League, 1pm
• Zetech Sparks vs Safe Spaces – Women’s Premier League, 3pm
• ANU Wolfpacks vs UON Terror – Men’s Premier League, 5pm
• Ulinzi Warriors vs Moischers – Men’s Premier League, 7pm