By ERICK OCHIENG’
Former national champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) have been stripped of points and rankings by Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) officials for causing chaos during their men’s Premier League final match against Co-op Bank.
The team is yet to face further punishment as KBF officials stated yesterday they would deal with the culprits who were behind the chaos.
"KCB have been penalised and now finish the league in the eighth position as they have been stripped everything," said KBF Second Vice-Chairman Henri Shihemi. Regional champions Co-op Bank were declared men’s Premier League winners on Sunday, just five minutes to the end of the match when KCB supporters attacked match officials. At the time, Co-op were leading 44-30.
The unruly KCB fans halted the match twice and also disrupted the medals presentation ceremony.
Posta, who had emerged third in the men’s Premier League, were therefore promoted to second and will represent the country in Africa Zone Five Championships alongside Co-Op Bank.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) came from behind to emerge this year’s KBF women’s Premier League champions after beating Eagle Wings 60-59 (12-14,5-16,21-12,21-17). In the second quarter, KPA coach Antony Ojukwu and other KPA officials stormed the court to apprehend umpire June Oluoch, whom they accused of denying them a foul and instead awarded it to their opponents.
Hilda Indasi and Helen Oketch gave KPA 17 points each. Brigid Nanzala (nine), Janet Okoth (nine) and Angela Okoth (12) stood out for Eagle Wings.
Eagle Wings coach Smatts Olumbo attributed their loss at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium in Nairobi to poor officiating. KPA coach Antony Ojukwu attributed the win to the strength of a younger team he assembled this year. Both Eagle Wings and KPA will represent Kenya at the regional championship next year.
Coincidentally, the two teams were also last year’s finalists, with Eagle Wings winning the national title by half a basket.
In another contest, Ulinzi Warriors were declared KBF men’s Division One champions after they won 87-51 against Mennonites. Trailblazers finished third in the category after being awarded a walkover against Nakuru Club, who failed to show up.
Posta emerged third after beating KPA 89-76 in the men’s Premier League. Strathmore emerged third in the women’s Premier League after they beat Yana.