KBF Playoffs: Kiki rallying KPA as title quest continues
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 07.06.24. | 21:00
The tactician says they are taking it one match at a time as they look to defend their title
On paper, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league defending champions are the favorites to proceed to the semis in the ongoing playoffs where they are playing Africa Nazarene University (ANU) Wolfpacks.
Having won the opening match in the best-of-three quarters playoffs 68-52, coach Sammy Kiki has called on his charges not to be complacent as they host the varsity side for a crucial Game Two in Mombasa.
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“Wolfpacks are a good side that we cannot underrate. On paper, we might be favourites but we had them push us in Game One, especially in the opening quarter where we led 14-13 and we cannot allow them space to do that as we want to complete the series at home,” Kiki told Mozzart Sport.
The tactician believes his charges have what it takes to go all the way, despite falling five times in the regular league and finishing third in the Eliud Owalo Foundation tournament played barely a fortnight to the playoff jump-off.
“We missed some crucial players due to injuries during the tournament but they have since recovered and are available for the playoffs. That, however, does not leave us complacent as, in addition to fighting for victory in the quarters, we are also working on areas that need improving ahead of the best-of-five semis,” the tactician added.
Victory for the dockers will see them face off with the winner of the quarters match-up between the United States International University (USIU) Tigers.
“We are not thinking about that yet. It is a match-at-a-time approach for the team as the playoffs are a different ball game,” he added.
The other quarters' pairings have unbeaten Nairobi City Thunder leading 1-0 against University of Nairobi Terror while Equity Dumas take on Ulinzi Warriors in Game One on Saturday.
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