KPA assistant coach Ocholla praises team’s fight despite WBLA title miss

Ocholla said the Dockers had targeted a semi-final finish, confident in the depth and balance of the squad assembled for the championship.

“We expected to reach the semi-finals because we had a strong team. All departments were okay, but luck was not on our side,” said Ocholla.

The tactician noted that attention now turns to the national premier league, set to tip off late next month, as KPA aim to reclaim the title and secure another route back to Africa.

“Our focus is now on winning the premier league so that we qualify for the Zone Five qualifiers and eventually return to the WBLA next year,” he explained.

Ocholla remains optimistic that the Dockers can challenge for continental honours with improved preparation.

“We have learnt a lot from this competition. If we prepare well, we have what it takes to win and bring the trophy home,” he added.

KPA, the 2023 Zone Five women’s finalists, returned to Africa’s top women’s club basketball competition after missing out in 2024, hoping to improve on their previous outing.

However, the Kenyan champions finished sixth at the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa following a 74–67 loss to Angola’s Sporting Clube de Luanda in the classification 5–6 playoff.