Q & A: Head Coach Kiki On His Love For KPA and Basketball

Playing for and coaching the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men’s basketball team will forever remain the best thing that ever happened to 50-year old Samuel Kiki.

He has enjoyed uniquely successful stints on both occasions, winning the league as a player and as a coach with the same club.

His strong performances as a player saw him claim the Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in different occasions and tournaments.

But beneath the brilliance and idolization that has followed his impeccable display on the court as a player and as a coach; a career in sports has not been rosy.

The soft-spoken tactician recounts his experiences, struggles, achievements and vision to basketball on a one on one talk with our basketball writer Kamariki Dennis Sabwa.

First of all I was born on 31st March 1973 in the city of Mombasa. I studied at Makande Primary school where I finished in 1986 then joined Mombasa Baptist High School from 1987 to 1990 for my secondary school studies.

My interest for the game started in 1984 though I was very active in Football and Volleyball by then.

I joined the KPA team in 1989 when I was in form three, I also played for Makupa Lakers, our home based team in Mombasa.

Having won the league title eight times, three as a player and five as head coach. As a player I won the league three consecutive times; 1990, 1991 and 1992.

As a coach I have won the league title five times including three in a row, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023. I have also won other trophies including Most Valuable Player in KECOSO games. I also coached KPA ladies for one season in 2015.

I had played for KPA for 18 years from 1989 to 2008 when I ruptured my Achilles and Tendons, got operated on and this made me stop playing active basketball, started coaching in 2009 up to date, I have also coached Makupa Lakers and High level teams.

No international trophy but won a trophy in an invite tournament in Malawi.

I am a Vessel Ship planning Officer.

Q. Can you tell us about your family?

I am blessed with a family; my adorable Wife Fadya Mohamed, also a former member of KPA basketball ladies team, two boys Kamal and Jamal and two girls Amal and Naseem.

I want to see KPA qualify for the Basketball Africa League. I also want to nurture talents, see young and new coaches come on board.

KBF is doing a great job but they should look for more sponsors and support as you have seen in this year’s playoffs, people love basketball.

I love football too. I am a diehard fan of Chelsea Football Club and locally I support Bandari Football Club.

 Q. Did you ever play for the national team?

Q. What do you do in your free time?

I love swimming and fishing during my free time.

Q. What’s your favorite meal?

I love ugali, greens and meat

Q. What don’t people know about you?

That I also do poultry and crops farming which a lot of people don't know