Basketball in Africa

The Kenya national championship throws off on April 1 with men's and women's champions Ulinzi Warriors and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) stepping onto the podium on the opening day.

According to the fixtures released by Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) fixtures secretary Steve Nyakina, there will be a total of 13 matches on card in the opening weekend.

Ulinzi have been given what looks an easy opening date as they face off against newly promoted International Christian Center (ICC) on the opening Saturday.

KPA women on the other hand face the crunch as they host East and Central Africa Club champions, Sprite Storms, at the Makande Welfare gymnasium on the same day.

Last years runners up Co-operative Bank of Kenya have a date with Kenya University "Pirates" as KCB Lions are drawn against University of Nairobi "Terrorists".

Nakuru Club will also welcome United States International University (USIU) side that has vowed to return to wining ways this year.

Kenya Railways will launch their quest for a second title when they confront Unites States International University (USIU) as Coast Youth (CYC)take on Stormers.

In the lower division, Kisumu Lakeside make their long awaited debut at home against Moi Air Base (MAB)while 4Christ meet Don Bosco.Mennonites face off against Lomboritz.

Other matches on card on the opening weekend will see Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) champions Strathmnore University take on Java Warriors.

Fixtures April 1:
Strathmore v Java Warriors, 4Christ v Don Bosco, Jkuat v Lioness, Ulinzi v ICC, Co-op v KU Pirates, Kisumu v MAB, KPA v Storms, CYC v Stormers, Nakuru Club v USIU.

Fixtures April 2:
NPC v Jkuat, Mennonites v Lomboritz, Railways v USIU, KCB Lions v Terrorists.