With the KBF 2021-22 postseason now going strong, we are in the Semifinals and it keeps getting better. It’s down to four ladies’ teams and four mens’ team, these are the four top teams in the league in their respective categories.
Defending champions in the Women’s Premier League, Equity Bank Hawks, will matchup against Zetech Sparks. The Sparks have all their pieces together. Debra Obunga will be leading from the front with Christine Akinyi looking to continue her dominance in the paint.
Zetech guard Caroline Njeri is confident with the preparation towards the big semifinals matchup and she is ready for the games.
“Honestly everyone is just amazing in this playoffs, starting from practice. The energy is high, I can only say we’re ready for the semis.” says Caroline Njeri
The defending champions are not taking anything lightly. They are working, preparing to put out the Sparks. Equity matches up well with Zetech in almost all departments but the Hawks side has more experienced personnel and a very solid backcourt. They have the evergreen Samba Mjomba, Lionesses captain Melissa Akinyi and three point specialist Betty Kananu. With these three, the hawks have too much firepower at their disposal.
Equity bank vet Linda Alando believes this will be an interesting series and she expects a great game from both teams.
“We respect our opponents. It will be a good game and we are ready when they are ready. Let’s ball.” says Alando.
This series will boil down to experience and attention to details.
Mombasa-based KPA will match up against Storms coached by Abel Nson, who has nothing but praise for the performance of his side so far. Storms are up to the task and have put the pieces to their puzzles set for the semifinals. Ashley Minayo and Jemimah Omondi on the back court are their one two punch, and carry most of their offensive weight. The two will lead the way for Storms while Cylia Atieno and Deedee Were anchor their defense. Storms have a deep bench with Rebecca Ang’eth and Aurelia Achieng bringing the much needed support with the second unit.
“I believe we have a good chance to matchup against them. KPA relies mostly on Natalie and Hilda for their experience and their strengths in the court offensively and their ability to push the ball. On defense, which is their main focus, they will look to trap. We shall be ready for that. In the paint, their bigs rely on offensive rebounds and assists from the guards but if we keep them away from the paint we shall be fine.” Says Coach Abel
Storms will be at home in Nyayo defending their turf and hoping to head to Mombasa to close the series.
KPA on the other hand are led by Lionesses’ guard Natalie Akinyi who is playing great this season. Natty, as she is known, together with vet Hilda Luvandwa are looking to steal a game in a Nairobi before returning to Mombasa for game 3,4 and 5. The Anthony Ojukwu-coached team is a defensive team and as expected will be aggressive on both ends of the floor. They have a great backcourt and depth. Carol Akinyi playing that backup guard role and Rachael Wandago anchoring the defense they matchup well with Storms. KPA bigs have been great on the boards, Madina Okot, Vilma Akinyi and Rita Aluoch are playing great basketball this season. The trio will look to assert themselves early in the series to set the pace for the rest of the team. This series will be decided by the strength of the front court. Whoever takes care of business on the boards might have a huge advantage.
Games commence this weekend at the Nyayo Gymnasium.
Game 1: KPA vs Storms Saturday at 10am
Game 1: Equity vs Zetech Saturday 12pm
Game 2: Storms vs KPA Saturday 12pm
Game 2: Zetech vs Equity Saturday 10am
images Hoops Mtaani