This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
On November 5, 2019, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman Paul Otula hailed Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men's basketball team for their impressive performance in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL).
According to Otula, KPA's qualification for the second round is evidence that the national men's team, Morans, performance in the Africa Nations Championships in Mali was no fluke.
“On behalf of KBF, I want to thank KPA management for the support they have accorded this team which has helped them achieve greater heights,” said Otula.
KPA emerged winners in group F of the qualifiers in Madagascar, winning all their matches to finish top at this qualifier of the East Division. The team defeated Usoni 121-74 in their last match, concluding the qualifiers in style.
They had earlier beaten Cobra 81-78 and destroyed Beau Vallon Heat 131-54. The dockers, who were under the tutelage of national team coach Cliff Owuor, had earlier silenced home side Gendamerie National 98-84 in the opening match.
BAL is Africa's premier men's club competition, consisting of 24 teams each qualified through their domestic leagues. The second round qualifiers will see six teams, the top two from three groups in each division, battle it out for two slots reserved for respective divisions.
KPA and group F runner-up GNBC from Madagascar will be among teams gunning for the two slots reserved for East Division in Rwanda.
