Kenya Ports Authority have started camping ahead of their FIBA Africa Zone Five title defence in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania later this month.
The porters' tactician Anthony Ojukwu said all the players are in Mombasa for strict training ahead of the regional event.
"All my local-based players are already here for training after our league action in Nairobi last weekend," said Ojukwu.
He said the national champions' level of fitness is worrying going by their performance against Eagle Wings in Nairobi.
"It is clear from that the break affected our rhythm if our performance is anything to go by. We must now put a lot of effort to regain our fitness level," he said.
Unbeaten KPA, who top the Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) table, will host second-placed Zetech University Sparks in a league clash on Saturday.
"We expected to play a friendly game in Nairobi but this didn't work out. Zetech test will really be good for us," Ojukwu said.
The tactician said he is still pursuing two players from outside the country to bolster the teams' chances in the September 26-30 show.
"I am following up with two more players to join us. But if I don't succeed, I am convinced I still have a good team that will deliver."
KPA and Equity Bank Hawks, who battled in last year's finals will once again spearhead Kenya's title quest in the Tanzania coastal city. Zonal secretary Vitalis Gode confirmed the tournament has so far drawn nine teams from six countries.
Heading the list are Sporting Club (Egypt), Young Sisters (Burundi), JKT Stars and Vijana Queens (Tanzania), Walktie and Hawassa (Ethiopia).
A Rwandese club has also been confirmed but the name will be released as soon as their league comes to a conclusion.
