Warriors, USIU set for Biro Lich tournament title assault

Fireworks are expected in Kisumu this weekend when the fifth edition of Biro Lich Basketball Tournament tips-off at Jomo Kenyatta Sports ground after three top tier clubs confirmed participation.

Unlike in previous tournaments that have been a men’s affair, except the secondary schools category, this year’s games will also feature women's teams.

Dubbed Biro Lich Mashujaa Day Basketball Tournament, this year's event will see teams from outside Nyanza and Western regions take part in the competition.

In the men’s category, holders Team Resist face an uphill task as they seek to retain the trophy for another year after Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier league sides Lakeside, USIU and Ulinzi Warriors confirmed participation.

Also expected to stand in Team Resist’s way are Kisii University, African Nazarene University, University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic and Maweni Berrets.

Kisumu County Basketball League sides - Natives, Tritons, All-Star, Bay Lakers and Mbale Saints will also be out to pull a surprise while Busia Raptors are also expected to join the fray.

According to the organisers, most of the men's teams will come with their ladies sides to battle it out in the women's category.

“We expect the tournament to be big. We will be hosting many teams and the tournament is all about fun, the event will spill into the night on the first day (Saturday),” said Chris Kinyua, president of Pacho 360 Hoops who are the tournament’s organisers.

This year’s event, which aims at fighting crime and drugs through sports, enjoys the support of the Kenya Basketball Federation and has been sponsored by Silverstone Airline, Safarilink, Equator bottlers, Creative natives and AAR healthcare.

Others are Golden Entertainment, Skylark Kicens Sports, Jamii Telkom Limited, Lake Dental Clinic, Webba Sports, Anti-doping Agency of Kenya, Club da place and Club Barcadia.