Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) coach Anthony Ojukwu remains optimistic about his team’s chances to rebound after their playoff defeat against Equity Bank Hawks in Nairobi. KPA finds themselves unexpectedly trailing 2-0 in the best-of-five final series, and a loss this weekend in Mombasa would see them relinquish their title.
“It’s not over until it’s over,” stated Ojukwu, who is vying for his 15th national championship in his 20th final. He attributed the losses to mental lapses, poor decision-making, and judgment errors. “We’ve put ourselves in a difficult position, and now we must demonstrate our character as champions.”
In Game One, Hawks narrowly edged KPA with a score of 67-60, led by Betty Kananu’s 18 points, while KPA’s Grace Irabu recorded a game-high 24 points. Game Two was equally close, but KPA fell 64-60, with standout performances from Valery Kemunto and Kananu contributing 14 and 12 points, respectively. The upcoming Game Three, along with potential Games Four and Five, will be held at KPA’s home venue, Makande Welfare Hall.
In the men’s final, Nairobi City Thunder also holds a 2-0 series lead and is poised to claim their first-ever title with a win in Nairobi. Thunder coach Brad Ibs acknowledged the challenges of maintaining an unbeaten streak, stating, “It takes a lot of composure and mental toughness to secure tough wins.” He praised his players for their commitment and teamwork, emphasizing that the focus is on collective accomplishments rather than individual accolades.
