KEN - Only lady tactician all set for new season

NAIROBI (Premier League) - Sylvia "Sly" Njeri, Kenya's only lady tactician is all set for the task ahead and awaits the start of the Premier League with glee.

The Strathmore University coach believes that her young and enthusiastic team has what it takes to battle against the country's top giants when the season gets underway in a few months time.

Njeri, who guided the blades to the top league after beating Predators 2-1 in the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA) provincial play off finals last year, believes her girls can deliver.

She said in an interview that the return of forward Faith Owich from a career threatening injury will make her team even stronger. Owich who missed out the entire season is now fully recovered and all rearing to go.

"The fact that she is now finally recovered is welcome news. She will play a key role in Strathmore University's battle for honours in the league." said Njeri, whose team will making their debut in the top tier league.

Njeri said that besides retaining all her players who did duty for the institution last year, including national team center Beryl Amayo, the students can only get better and better.

"So far I have already got two new players who are training with me right now and since I have lost non, I can only look forward to a brighter 2008." said Njeri fondly refered to as Sly.

On the challenge of being the only lady tactician in the league, she observes." I am all set for the assignment, with the players I have and the support I have got, I believe things will work out well in my first year."

Apart from Njeri, only two coaches have talked about their plans for the year. They are Francis Ngunjiri of national men champions KCB Lions and Anthony Ojukwu who coaches national women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

Dann OWERE
FIBA