This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
Published on October 22, 2019, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is set to face a stern test in their Zone Five opener against Uganda's JKL Dolphine.
The match, which could have a significant impact on Group 'A', is a must-win for both teams, with the winner standing a strong chance of making it to the final and booking one of the two automatic tickets for the Fiba Africa Club Championships final tour set for Madagascar next month.
JKL Dolphine, formed only three years ago, has been dominant in the Ugandan league, ending the KCCA-UCU five-year dominance. The team has assembled Uganda's finest players for the Zone Five championship, making them the team to beat.
Some of the notable players in the JKL Dolphine team include Brenda Ekon, Rita Imanishimwe, Sarah Ageno, Zaina Lokwameri, and Flavia Oketch, among others. However, the team will have to do without star guard Jamila Zama, who left for the United States on a basketball scholarship in July.
JKL coach Henry Malinga expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform well in the championships, despite being new to the event. "We might be new at this championships because practically it is our first time but we are ready and equal to the task ahead," he said.
KPA, on the other hand, has been winning the event since 2016 but lost the title to Equity Bank last year. Coach Mike Opel, who took over the coaching duties at KPA this year, is confident that he has a strong team that can reclaim the title.
"I respect the quality of players in the JKL team but I also have a number of national team players in my roster which should make work easier for me," he said.
