This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
Kenya Ports Authority and Equity Bank are gearing up for a tough semi-final match-up in the Fiba Africa Club Championships Zone Five, with the two teams competing for the two available automatic tickets to represent the zone at the final tour of the championships in Madagascar.
The games entered a crucial stage on Friday evening, with the semi-finals matches being very crucial since the teams that make the final will qualify for the Madagascar extravaganza.
Kenya Ports Authority women won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017 but surrendered the title to local rivals Equity Bank when the championship was held in Dar es Salaam last year.
"We came here to defend our title and that is the focus at the moment. We have watched the Ugandans play and have planned for them accordingly," said stand-in Equity Bank coach Carey Odhiambo, who is holding brief for head coach David Maina who had to travel back home on Wednesday due to pressing personal issues.
On the other hand, KPA coach Mike Opel insists the trophy belongs to record champions KPA.
"We believe this trophy belongs to KPA and we are therefore here to return it to its rightful place," a bullish Opel said after Thursday's training session.
