Kenya Ports Authority coach Anthony Ojukwu believes they have a chance to get themselves out of a huge hole after their weekend playoff loss to Equity Bank Hawks in Nairobi.
KPA surprisingly trail the bankers 2-0 in the best-of-five-game final series and will relinquish their crown if they lose one more game in Mombasa this weekend.
“ As far as we are concerned, it’s not over until it is over,” Porters' long-serving tactician said.
Ojukwu, who is going for his 15th national crown in his 20th final, blamed the losses on mental lapses, bad decisions and judgment.
“We put ourselves inside a hole and we must come out and show our character as champions,” he offered.
Hawks won Game One 67-60 as Betty Kananu notched 18 points, Mary Ann Nyagaki 12 and Rita Onyango 10. Grace Irabu had a game-high of 24 for KPA.
It was so close yet so far in Game Two as KPA succumbed to 64-60. Valery Kemunto, Kananu and Liz Okumu stood out with 14, 12 and 10 points respectively. Game Three and if need be Game Four and Game Five will be at the KPA backyard at Makande Welfare Hall.
In the men’s final, unbeaten Nairobi City Thunder are also riding on a 2-0 series advantage and will dethrone KPA for the first-ever title with a win in Nairobi.
Thunder coach Brad Ibs said he will make some small adjustments in what will be the team’s deciding weekend as they go for their first title. “It has not been an easy road to stay unbeaten. We’ve played a lot of games with a target on our back.”
“It takes a lot of composure and mental toughness to grind out tough wins. It also takes guys who are strongly committed to each other. “
He said what he is most proud of is his boys' sacrifice, love and how they play for one another.
“It is about team accomplishments, not individual honours. We’ve had a lot of different heroes throughout our games and everyone genuinely celebrates those efforts without jealousy. It’s an amazing brother.”
