Ulinzi Warriors during training/ CHARLENE MALWA

As Ulinzi Warriors gear up for the 2026 season, the soldiers are not merely chasing wins but asserting their intent to dominate after a hard-fought third-place finish last year.
Head coach Bernard Mufutu has already begun shaping a squad built for speed, precision and relentless intensity, determined to turn last season’s bronze medal into a serious title challenge in the Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL).
Ulinzi wrapped up the 2025 campaign in third place after edging Umoja 59–58 in the bronze-medal playoff at Nyayo Gymnasium. The result earned them a podium finish and qualification for the FIBA Africa Zone 5 East Africa Club Championship. But for Mufutu, bronze is merely a foundation.
“We played with heart last season, but to move beyond bronze we must start strong, defend better and maintain intensity for all 40 minutes,” said Mufutu.
Reflecting on the campaign, the tactician admitted that slow starts proved costly at key moments, something he is keen to correct as preparations intensify. He praised the leadership within the squad, singling out captain John Washika alongside emerging talents Brans Nzioka and Elisha Odhiambo.
“Our mix of experience and youth gives us flexibility. It’s on all of us to turn that into wins from day one,” he added. Mufutu stressed that defence and communication will be central to Ulinzi’s identity in the new season.
“Defence isn’t just about stops. It’s about controlling the pace and talking on the court,” he said. Training sessions will emphasise fast-break execution, rebounding and composure under pressure, areas the Warriors believe will elevate them from contenders to champions.
However, the road to the title remains challenging. City Thunder and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) finished first and second, respectively, last season, with KPA emphatically clinching the championship, sweeping the finals 3–0 thanks to their depth, efficiency and high-tempo style.
Mufutu is under no illusions about the task ahead and believes catching up with the league’s pacesetters will require flawless execution, sharper starts and a defence capable of switching instantly from lockdown mode to fast break—a challenge the Warriors are eager to embrace. “We aim to start strong, sustain momentum and keep improving. That’s how we grow from good to great,” Mufutu concluded.