KNBL: Obilo welcomes tip-off delay as Sparks regroup

Zetech Sparks head coach Maurice Obilo has welcomed the postponement of the 2026 Kenya National Basketball Premier League, saying the delay allows student-based teams more time to stabilize following the reopening of universities.

The league was scheduled to start last Saturday, but the Kenya Basketball Federation pushed the tip-off date to February 6.

Obilo said the shift comes at a time when many student-athletes are still settling back on campus, affecting commitment levels and overall team preparation.

“It’s still very unstable right now because the school has just reopened. Students are still hustling to get their classes and hostels in order, so commitment during practice has been shaky. I also lost my brother, so I was away for about two weeks,” said Obilo.

The coach added that he has not fully linked up with the squad following his absence, saying training has been disrupted.

“I’m still in the village and will probably return over the weekend. We’ll meet with the team next week because we haven’t trained properly and I haven’t even seen the players. So the plan is to regroup next week and start preparing seriously for the season,” he said.

With less than two weeks to the revised start date, Sparks will be looking to regain momentum ahead of the new campaign.