This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) emerged champions at the Africa Basketball League Group F qualifiers, held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from November 26 to December 1, 2019.
Coached by former international Sammy Kiki, the dockers whitewashed Usoni of Comoros 121-74 in their last match of the round-robin tournament, securing all eight points to top the group.
Other teams that qualified for the final stage from other groups include Patriots of Rwanda, City Oilers of Uganda, Lions of Namibia, and Mozambique's Ferroviarro and GNBC from Madagascar.
The top three teams from the Rwanda event will automatically qualify for the inaugural Africa Basketball League that kicks off in March 2020.
On November 5, 2019, KPA led 34-17 in the first quarter before enjoying a comfortable 59-30 at the breather. They extended the lead 87-45 in the third quarter before easily wrapping the game at 121-74.
Former international Sammy Kiki praised his players, saying they played well throughout the tournament.
“Our focus now shifts to Rwanda where we shall meet champions from other qualifying groups,” said Kiki.
“Getting to the next stage is only the first part of the plan. The next one will be to become even more visible on the African scene. We cannot rest now. We want to make it to BAL 2020 and we will not leave any stone unturned to get there,” said joyful Kiki.
