Oluoch backs Equity Hawks to challenge for KNBL title

The Hawks have begun their campaign with mixed fortunes, winning one game and losing another to fellow bankers, Stanbic Aces, but the early matches have already offered a glimpse into the team’s ambitions.

Head coach Ben Oluoch says the work done during the off-season is beginning to show, even as the team continues to improve.

“What we have been trying to achieve is coming to fruition. With one loss we still need to work more more on our defence and we will be good to go,” Oluoch said.

The Nairobi-based side made several key signings ahead of the new campaign, bringing in players with experience from both local and regional competitions.

Among the notable additions are guard Riana Damaris and forward Taudencia Peter.

Riana joins the Hawks from Bravehearts Ladies of Malawi, where she featured prominently in regional tournaments across Southern Africa. The Kenyan guard began her basketball journey at St. Brigid’s Girls High School Kiminini before earning a scholarship to Strathmore University, and was also part of Kenya’s Under-18 national team in 2016.

Her experience in competitive league structure both in Kenya and abroad and international tournaments is expected to strengthen the Hawks’ backcourt as the team pursues the championship.

Taudencia, meanwhile, brings valuable experience from the regional circuit and in africa is expected to play a key role in the team’s frontcourt.

“The new pieces bring a lot of experience. Taudencia from Tanzania and Riana coming from Malawi have brought much-needed experience having played at a higher level,” Oluoch explained.

Another player who has made an immediate impression is shooting forward Fridah Yagomba, who joined the team from the United states international university basketball system and has already made a strong start to the season.

“Fridah has had a good start to the season and we are so excited about her prospects. We know she can only get better with training and consistency,” Oluoch added.

Team captain Melissa says the atmosphere within the squad remains positive as the players continue to adapt to the new additions.

“The mood is enthusiastic. We have a lot of psyche and new recruits who are a good addition to this team this season,” she said.

She also highlighted the team’s strength in the paint as a key factor that could influence their campaign.

“Our biggest strength this season is our post players and this will be key to us if they show up in all games.”

Veteran guard Kenyan guard, Betty Kananu believes the team will only grow stronger as their chemistry improves in the coming games.

“Last season we didn’t have the results we expected, but we have good additions this season. We are still gelling but by the third or fourth game we expect to have built our chemistry,” Kananu said.

“We expect to be the team to beat this season.” She added.

For Taudencia, the objective is clear as she looks to use her experience to help the team chase the title.

“I know ly experience will help the team towards the dream of winning the league. My focus is to step up my rebounding and scoring this season. I target to average a double-doubles this season of points and rebounds to help my team clinch this season’s championship,” she said.

Yagomba, who is adjusting to life outside university basketball, says she is ready for the challenge.

“It has been exciting moving from university to a higher team. There are more expectations but I am willing and ready to meet them,” she said.

“My teammates and coaches believe in me and all I can promise is more baskets, more intensity and the desire to win.”

With seven new signings joining the roster, coach Oluoch believes the Hawks are better equipped to compete for the championship this season.

“Equity Hawks are better this season. We recruited key players and this has increased our chances of getting the championship,” he said.

Although the season is still in its early stages, the Hawks believe their blend of youth, experience and new signings could position them as one of the teams to watch in the race for the KNBL women’s title.