As the Kenya National Basketball Premier League’s regular season reaches its zenith, teams are vying for the coveted top eight spots, with a particular focus on securing a place in the top four to avoid challenging matchups in the playoffs.
Nairobi City Thunder, currently leading the league, is on the verge of an undefeated season and will face their closest rivals, Equity Dumas, in what promises to be a pivotal 16th match.
Despite Dumas’ determination to break Thunder’s winning streak, Thunder’s head coach Brad Ibs remains confident, citing a strong week of preparation. “The team is ready, and we’re looking forward to facing a seasoned opponent. We’ll stick to our strengths and keep things simple,” said Ibs.
City Thunder is at the top of the table with 30 points from 15 victories, while Equity Dumas trails in second place with 23 points from 14 games, having won nine and lost five.
Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), under the guidance of assistant head coach Samuel Ocholla, are gearing up for a challenging weekend. They will first face the rising USIU Tigers before taking on the formidable Ulinzi Warriors. Ocholla acknowledges the strength of both teams but is optimistic about KPA’s preparation and injury-free status. “We’re aiming for strong performances this weekend and to avenge our earlier loss to the Warriors,” he stated.
KPA currently holds 22 points from 12 matches, while the Ulinzi Warriors have accumulated 21 points from 13 games. The USIU Tigers, fresh off a victory over Umoja, stand with 23 points from 14 matches.
In the women’s Premier League, Equity Hawks’ head coach Benson Oluoch is bracing for a demanding month. The team is set to face the Africa Nazarene University Panthers and the Strathmore Swords. Oluoch is focused on integrating two new post players into the squad but emphasizes the importance of winning the upcoming games. “We’re taking it one game at a time, aiming to improve throughout the season,” he remarked.
