Obilo eyes perfect regular season for red-hot Zetech Sparks

Despite registering double victories in the Kenya National Women’s Basketball League, Kenya Ports Authority head coach Anthony Ojukwu has cautioned his side to be wary of their improving opponents in the top-tier league.

The former champions defeated Strathmore Swords narrowly 63-59 on Saturday before overcoming Africa Nazarene University team, ANU Panthers, 76-45 on Sunday.

“Though we did not play well, I am happy for the players as it’s a learning process.

“We struggled in our Saturday games against Strathmore, trailing throughout the game.

“After we changed the tactics, I was happy our defense brought us back into the game and won, but I wasn’t happy with the performance.

“On Sunday, we struggled in the first quarter, but after changing tactics and motivating the players, we managed to win,” Ojukwu said.

The soft-spoken tactician is optimistic that the team will wake up and play as required as the league enters mid-season.

“We are really struggling in terms of our play, but I believe we will wake up as we are still in the middle of the season.

“Gradually, we are learning, and I believe that we will be somewhere before the end of the regular season. 

“We are still working hard as we try to adjust in a few areas, and I believe we will do well,” Ojukwu added.

KPA are unbeaten so far, having won its first eight matches and having 16 points at the moment.

Elsewhere, Zetech Sparks head coach Maurice Obilo has admitted it wasn’t a walk in the park despite recording double wins over the weekend.

The students shocked defending champions with a 54-45 win on Saturday before securing a hard-fought win of 53-48 against fellow varsity side Strathmore Swords.

“The game on Sunday was tough, especially after fighting Equity on Saturday, but the girls were very tired.

‘We trailed that game right from the first basket to the last two minutes when we took the lead, and that’s how we managed to control them.

Otherwise, it was a very tough game for us and a tough weekend for us,” Obilo said.

The tactician has hailed his girls, admitting that such wins will give them the required confidence in the upcoming matches.

“We managed to stay composed and execute well the whole time to ensure we got the wins.

“The victories will give the girls confidence because most of them haven’t played at such a level, so winning such games gives them lots of confidence,” Obilo added.