KNBL: Obilo satisfied with Zetech's show against KPA despite loss

Zetech Sparks Head Coach Maurice Obilo is impressed with his young squad despite losing the first two games of the Kenya National Basketball Women’s Premier League final against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) over the weekend.

KPA battled their way to a hard-fought 54-49 win against Sparks at the Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa, but Obilo’s assessment goes beyond the result.

“This team has shown incredible resilience. Coming into this season, we lost seven out of the 13 players who were with us last year, as they graduated. That left us with only six players, and we had to bring in young talents from Division One to rebuild. Despite that challenge, these players fought their way to the final. For them to reach this stage under such circumstances already speaks volumes about their character, growth, and determination.

"With the right corrections, adjustments, and continued effort, I believe they can still compete strongly at this level. This final is not just about the title but rather it’s about the progress and belief this team has built together,” Obilo said.

Zetech enjoyed an unbeaten record in the second leg of the regular season and Obilo is proud of the effort as he looks forward to turning things around when they host KPA in Nairobi next weekend for Game Three, Four and Five.

Zetech will need to win all the remaining three matches to be crowned champions for the first time while KPA only need one win to reclaim the title they lost last season to Equity Hawks.

“I’m not taking anything away from these girls. They have done so well — in fact, they’ve done more than I expected this season. To be honest, they have been amazing.

When you look at KPA, they have international and professional players who live, eat, and breathe basketball. They are experienced, and they are being paid to do this. But my girls, who are still students, have given them a very good run, and I couldn’t be happier.

For us, it’s about doing what we can with what we have, and so far they’ve shown they can stand up to the challenge. Now, it’s just about making the right corrections and stepping onto that court ready to fight. I know we are going to give a good fight — and above all, it’s going to be fun,” he added.

In their second Game Two of the final playoffs played on Sunday, the Dockers got off to a strong start, taking control of the first quarter with a 20-14 lead. 

However, they lost momentum in the second quarter as their opponents tightened up defensively and found their rhythm on offense, outscoring KPA 13-07. By halftime, the scores were tied at 27-27, setting the stage for an intense second half.

After the break, KPA regrouped and dominated the third quarter with a commanding 20-10 performance, showing sharp execution on both ends of the court. Despite a late push from their opponents, who claimed the final quarter 12-07, KPA held firm to seal the game 54-49.

The win highlighted KPA’s resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure, especially in crucial moments of the game. In game One played at the same venue on Saturday, Zetech lost narrowly - 48-49.

In the men's final defending champions Nairobi City Thunder are one foot away from defending the title after winning Game One and Two 81-47 and 93-79 on Saturday and Sunday respectively against giants KPA  and now leads the five-game series 2-0.