Obilo finds positives in Zetech’s young side despite KPA loss

Zetech Sparks head coach Maurice Obilo has expressed pride in his youthful side despite bowing out to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the Kenya National Women’s Basketball Premier League finals last weekend.

The students were swept 3-0 by the Dockers at Nairobi’s Nyayo Gymnasium.

But Obilo, who led Sparks to the championship round after rebuilding his squad, insists the journey itself was a triumph.

“Overall, I think we played well and I’m very happy with the results. The fact that this year we relied on a young squad, after losing seven of my top players last season, yet still managed to reach the final, is a huge achievement. To me, that’s success. That’s a goal achieved. I have nothing but praise for the girls,” noted Obilo.

From the very first tip-off of the season, Sparks impressed with consistency, dropping only two games in the regular campaign.

Their youthful energy and fearless play saw them punch above their weight in the playoffs, toppling experienced rivals to reach the championship series against KPA.

“We played well. Considering that we promoted six players from Division One, the team still performed exceptionally. From the very first leg of the season, we showed consistency, losing only two games in the regular campaign. To me, that was impressive. Even in the playoffs, the girls carried the same spirit and did well,” he added.

Reflecting on the finals, Obilo acknowledged that his side’s inexperience proved costly.

“In Game One, we actually lost because of our own maturity. These girls are still not very confident or familiar with this kind of level of basketball, especially at the finals, and that really cost us. In Game Three, we lost one of our key players, Angela Akinyi, to injury with about three or four minutes left. That was also demoralizing for the girls and made it difficult to finish strong,” he explained.

While KPA celebrated yet another league crown, Obilo maintained that the finals experience will be invaluable for his youthful squad as they continue to grow and mature.

Their ability to challenge seasoned giants like KPA underscored their potential, with this campaign laying a strong foundation for seasons ahead.

For Obilo, the finals run wasn’t just about results — it was about showing that a rebuilding side, powered by raw talent and belief, could rise to the occasion and carve out its own chapter in Kenyan basketball.