Zetech University Sparks are ready for their two Kenya National Basketball League games this weekend, coach Maurice Obilo said.
The matches will be played at the United States International University and University of Nairobi courts.
The varsity side returns to league action after stunning national champions Kenya Ports Authority and Equity Bank Hawks to clinch the inaugural Eliud Owalo-sponsored tournament over the weekend.
Obilo, whose team fell to the Porters in the playoff finals last year, said their focus is on the remaining league games.
“We went back for training yesterday (Thursday) but didn’t train due to the rains,” said Obilo. They were to do it again on Friday.
The students will rely on Madina Okot, Mitchelle Soukoujou and Christine Akinyi, who were named among the show’s best five players.
USIU Flames meet Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Strathmore University Swords.
“I know it’s going to be tough for us in both games,” said Flames coach George Mayienga.
UoN Dynamites host Sparks and Africa Nazarene University Panthers and coach Eugene Genga said they are keen to perform since wins will push them closer to the playoffs.
“Very competitive games. University derbies can go either way. Both games will be tough. They (our opponents) have good teams,” noted Genga.
“We may be the underdogs but we live for these games and will take on the challenge. We hope home advantage and fan support will spur the team to good results.”
ANU tactician Mike Oluoch is wary of UoN, saying they are playing against a tricky team, which has improved a lot.
“But the girls are ready and prepared for the game and I believe we will get a win,” he said.
Eldonets Platinum will be in Nairobi for two matches. They face Umoja in what should be a close contest and former champions Ulinzi Warriors.
At the Menengai High School courts in Nakuru, home girls TH3 Swish hope to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win against Eldonets.
Fixtures
Saturday (at USIU unless indicated)
TH3 Swish v Eldonets (Menengai High)
Jkuat v USIU Flames
Umoja v Eldonets Platinum
Equity Bank v Absa
USIU Tigers v Ulinzi Warriors
UoN Dynamites v Zetech Sparks (at UoN)
Sunday (at USIU unless indicated)
Th3 Swish v Jkuat
ANU Panthers v UoN Dynamites (at UoN)
USIU Flames v Strathmore Swords
Equity Hawks v Zetech Sparks
Ulinzi Warriors v Eldonets Platinum