Leaders Kenya Ports Authority meet Equity Bank Dumas in an explosive Kenya National Basketball League encounter at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium on Sunday.
This will be a huge test for the bankers, who are coming off a morale-boosting 69-59 victory over Ulinzi Warriors last week.
KPA arrived in the city on Monday and has been in strict training since. They start their two-game tour with a game against Thunder on Saturday. KPA coach Sammy Kiki said these are two tough matches and he will take each game at a time as he seeks to stay on top of the pile.
“I am prepared and we will take each game seriously. My major concern is that we have not played for a month,” Kiki said. “We have been working on team chemistry and fitness. I know they will come hard at us. We must be hard in defence and at the same time execute well offensively.”
Dumas will hope that shooting guard Faisal Aden will continue his giant-killing act against the porters, who lead the standings with 15 points from eight games.
Both giants have lost only one match each although Equity Bank having played two games less. They are fourth on 11 points.
Thunder tactician Collins Gaya’s message to his charges is clear — they will have to execute well in their two matches on card.
Thunder, sixth with 10 points from four wins in six games, will also face winless Kisumu Lakeside.
“KPA have got a big man, tall and athletic. We will look on how to slow him down. They also have a strong guard line up,” Gaya said. “For us, execution is everything on both ends of the floor. That is our focus as we prepare for both matches.”
Tenth placed Strathmore University Blades will hope to cut their way up the table when they confront Lakeside.
In the only women’s encounter, champions KPA should consolidate their position at the top with what is expected to be an easy match against Eagles Wings.
Coach Anthony Ojukwu said other than Vilma Achieng, who was expected to link up with the dockers Friday, everyone else is ready.
