KPA Women's team/ HANDOUT
Zetech Sparks head coach Maurice Obilo has cited their final match against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as a test of their character and a chance to showcase their capability.
"The playoffs are within reach, and we hope to go further than we ever have,” Obilo said.
The students (Zetech) are second on the table with 40 points from 21 games, having won 19 and lost two, just a point behind KPA, who sit top with 41 after 21 matches.
Obilo said they are eager to carry momentum into the postseason, where they are hoping to make history. This comes after securing a 62-42 win over Safe Space in their last match last weekend.
“The match against KPA will be tough, but it will give us a feel of what to expect in the playoffs. We want to go all the way,” he added.
Obilo said they have grown under their mantra 'One game at a time' system, and are now fully focused on the final fixture. “We’ve been building this whole season, and our performance so far has shown we are capable of doing big things.”
Obilo also spoke on the team’s ambition, saying the target is not just to qualify but to contest for the title. “The growth we’ve seen in this squad is tremendous. From the start of the season, we’ve been preparing for moments like these,” the coach said.
KPA head into the clash with confidence after clinching back-to-back victories over the weekend. They defeated Strathmore Swords 73-51 on Saturday before sweeping past ANU Panthers (Africa Nazarene) 83-39 on Sunday to complete a perfect double. Assistant coach Samuel Ocholla praised the Dockers’ form and preparation.
“We had a good weekend because we won both matches and not just narrowly, but with great margins. That comes from the work the team puts in every day. Our eyes are on the trophy and we’re not taking anything for granted,” Ocholla said.
He added that the team is focused on finishing the regular season in style and then switching full attention to playoff preparation. “With one game remaining, we’ll keep practising and stay grounded. Our goal is to maintain our current form in the playoffs. So far, so good, and we continue to fight till the end,” he said.
Last season, KPA’s chance to defend their title was snatched by Equity Hawks, where the dockers fell by a small margin of 76-74 in the last game to complete a hard-fought 3-2 victory in a best-of-five series.
