L. MathekaMaiden Sterling Cup title for Zetech Sparks a morale booster
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 10.07.23. | 17:01
The varsity side settled for silver in the national league after making the playoff final for the very first time
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women’s league silver medalists Zetech Sparks were on Sunday 9 July crowned champions of the annual post-season U23 Sterling Cup.
As curtains came down on the women’s competition the Nyayo Gymnasium on Sunday, coach Maurice Obilo could not hide his joy after leading the varsity to a dominant 68-48 victory over Strathmore Swords.
@SportsSterling champions @Zetech_Sparks coached by @mauriceobie pic.twitter.com/woCYLpaswG
— Matheka (@Lynmatheka) July 9, 2023
This is a maiden title for Sparks in the five years they have participated in the competition. They have always settled for silver and the tactician says this win goes a long way in motivating his players ahead of the new season.
“This win means a lot to the girls. We have participated in the last four editions without success in clinching the title so this feels special. What’s more, we just started training last week and this win means a lot. It gives the team morale to prepare for a better season. I had the opportunity to field the youngsters due to the age restriction of the tournament and I am impressed,” Obilo said adding that the key factor in this win was playing under no pressure from the get go and enjoying good basketball.
Veronica Ayoo scored seven of her 12 points in the opening quarters to lead Sparks to a 14-12 performance in the closely-contested encounter that had Sword’s Faith Kogei making five.
_(1).jpg)
Obilo’s charges went on a rampage in the second quarter, scoring 25 points while restricting the Ronnie Owino-led Madaraka-based side to just six for a massive 21-point advantage going to the break.
On resumption, it was an all-Sparks show as they went 12-06 and 17-04 for the 40-point victory that stamps their authority as the varsity team to beat in the league.
Meanwhile, Africa Nazarene University (ANU) fought from ten points down to edge out Dennis Orek- coached Olympic High School’s Lady rebels 46-41 for third place.
The winners of the tournament walked home with Ksh100,000 while second place was awarded Ksh 50,000. Mike Oluoch’s ANU got Ksh 20,000 for finishing third.
