National champions Kenya Ports Authority head coach Anthony Ojukwu admitted that his teams looked shaky and unfit in their opening Kenya National League games.
The porters, however, started their title defence on a roaring note, hitting Africa Nazarene University men's and women's sides in matches played at the varsity backyard in Rongai on Saturday.
KPA, who have been camping in Limuru for over one week, were playing their opening games for the first time since they clinched both titles at their Makande Welfare Hall in Mombasa in June.
“We played our first game after nearly four months. The teams are getting on well as they try to rebuild to get in shape and in good condition both physically and mentally,” he noted.
He went on, “There is a lot to be done. We still look shaky and very unfit but I believe with this camp, we will be back on form.”
He said he lost four players to other clubs and is still following up on new signings whom he expects to join the team after the Limuru Camp.
Job Byron led the KPA scoring tally with 16 points, Lennox Wanje made 14 and Benjamin Muga added 12. The hosts were led by Yien Matai who picked up 10.
KPA women also torched ANU Panthers 69-29 after taking a 38-13 halftime lead. Vilma Achieng scored 15 points and Jemimah Knight registered 13. Nicole Otieno bagged 10 for the students.
“We started the season on a slow note but it is not bad. I know we will pick up as the session goes on. We have some new talents that we have signed and we are trying to incorporate them into the team,” said ANU’s coach Mke Oluoch.
