Obilo demands tactical discipline as Stanbic target crucial weekend double-header

The bankers open their weekend campaign against former champions Equity Hawks on Saturday before facing league newcomers Dream Girls on Sunday in two fixtures that could significantly boost their title challenge.

Stanbic sit second in the standings with 32 points from 17 matches, having won 15 games and lost only twice.

Obilo said the team's extended break from competitive action had given them an opportunity to sharpen key aspects of their game ahead of the crucial fixtures.

"We have to be tactically disciplined if we want to win both games because we've been out for a while without playing. This week, we've gradually worked on improving a few areas we felt needed attention.

"The players are excited, and we've also made a few adjustments based on what worked for us in the first leg against these teams. We're coming into the weekend ready to compete," said Obilo.

The tactician acknowledged Equity Hawks' experience but insisted Stanbic would not be overawed. He also admitted his side fell short of their expected standards despite defeating Dream Girls in the reverse fixture.

"They have more senior and experienced players than us, and they're a very experienced team overall. We respect that, but we're going into the game with confidence and ready to compete.

"Against Dream Girls in the first leg, we didn't play as well as we wanted. We got the win, but our performance wasn't at the level we expect, so we've worked on those areas ahead of this game," he said.

Obilo added that preparing for two contrasting opponents within the same weekend presents a unique tactical challenge.

"Preparing for two teams in one weekend is never easy because you're dealing with two different systems, two different coaches and two different styles of play. It's challenging, but our focus is to take one game at a time," he added.

Stanbic will be aiming to keep the pressure on league leaders Kenya Ports Authority by securing maximum points from the two matches as the race for the regular-season title enters its decisive phase.

Weekend Fixtures

Friday, 31 July 2026 – Nyayo Gymnasium

• Nairobi City Thunder vs Lakeside (Men) – 8.00pm

Saturday, 1 August 2026 – USIU Grounds

• Strathmore Swords vs TH 3 Swish (Women) – 11.00am
• Stanbic Aces vs Equity Hawks (Women) – 1.00pm
• Dream Girls vs Safe Spaces (Women) – 3.00pm
• UON Terror vs Umoja (Men) – 3.00pm
• Zetech Sparks vs Kenya Ports Authority (Women) – 5.00pm
• Moischers vs Nairobi City Thunder (Men) – 5.00pm

Saturday, 1 August 2026 – Makande Gymnasium

• Kenya Ports Authority vs Eldonets Platinum (Men) – 6.00pm

Sunday, 2 August 2026 – Makande Gymnasium

• Kenya Ports Authority vs ANU Wolfpacks (Men) – 6.00pm

Sunday, 2 August 2026 – USIU Grounds

• Dream Girls vs Stanbic Aces (Women) – 9.00am
• TH 3 Swish vs Lady Titans (Women) – 11.00am
• UON Terror vs Strathmore Blades (Men) – 1.00pm
• Strathmore Swords vs Zetech Sparks (Women) – 3.00pm
• Moischers vs Lakeside (Men) – 5.00pm