The Kenyan basketball scene is abuzz with anticipation as the Eliud Owalo Foundation tournament kicks off, showcasing the top six teams in both the men’s and women’s leagues at the Nyayo Gymnasium and Ulinzi Complex.
The tournament, generously sponsored by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, promises a thrilling prelude to this season’s playoffs, with a handsome prize of Sh300,000 awaiting the victor.
Men’s Competition
In the men’s division, Pool A features the reigning champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), alongside Ulinzi Warriors and the university team USIU. Pool B boasts the undefeated Nairobi City Thunder, Equity Dumas, and Strathmore University.
Women’s Competition
The women’s league is equally competitive, with university teams Zetech, Strathmore, and USIU in Group B, while Group A includes the league-leading and undefeated KPA, Equity Hawks, and Storms.
Opening Clashes
The tournament ignites with the Ulinzi Warriors challenging KPA at 5:00 PM on Friday, aiming for a strong start to advance to the semifinals. The Warriors, currently third in the league, previously triumphed over KPA in Mombasa and are determined to prove their victory was no accident.
The women’s opening match at 6:30 PM features defending champions KPA against Equity, a rematch anticipated to be as explosive as their nail-biting encounter three weeks prior, where KPA narrowly secured a 57-55 victory.
Key Transfers
Equity, having suffered three consecutive season defeats to KPA, has bolstered their roster with the mid-season acquisition of Rita Aluoch and Val Kemunto from KPA, aiming to turn the tables in their favor.
Evening Showdown
The late game at 8:00 PM will see Nairobi City Thunder, known for their captivating performances, face off against Equity Dumas. The Dumas, who nearly bested Thunder in their last matchup, are eager for redemption.
Coaching Strategies
Equity’s coach Isaac Munywoki, having rested his key players in their recent league win, is preparing for a full-force return against Thunder. Meanwhile, Thunder’s coach Brad Ibs is set on claiming the tournament victory to position his team for the upcoming playoffs in June.
Preliminary Match Schedule:
Friday, May 10, 2024
- Men: KPA vs. Ulinzi at 5:00 PM
- Women: KPA vs. Equity at 6:30 PM
- Men: Equity Dumas vs. Thunder at 8:00 PM Saturday, May 11, 2024
- Women: Zetech University vs. Strathmore University at 8:30 AM
- Men: USIU vs. KPA at 10:00 AM
- Women: USIU vs. Zetech University at 11:30 AM
- Men: Ulinzi vs. USIU at 1:00 PM
- Men: Strathmore University vs. USIU at 2:30 PM Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Nyayo Gym
- Women: KPA vs. Storms at 9:00 AM
- Men: Thunder Twende vs. Strathmore University at 10:30 AM
- Women: Storms vs. Equity Hawks at 12:00 PM
- Men: Strathmore University vs. Equity Dumas at 2:00 PM
Semi-Finals:
- Women: A1 vs. B2 at 6:00 PM at Ulinzi Complex 2, and B1 vs. A2 at 6:00 PM at Nyayo Gym.
- Men: A1 vs. B2 at 8:00 PM at Ulinzi Complex, and B1 vs. A2 at 8:00 PM at Nyayo Gym.
Basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat as the tournament unfolds, setting the stage for a season of intense competition and high stakes.
