Kenya Morans honored for history-making

By Samuel Ouma

In conjunction with Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF), Kenya's Sports Ministry hosted a men's basketball team popularly known as the Morans to luncheon following their triumph in Yaoundé Cameroon over the weekend.

In attendance were the Sports Minister Dr. Amina Mohamed, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman Paul Otula and the federation’s Secretary General Ambrose Kisoi, among other officials.

The Morans jetted back into the country on Wednesday, February 24, after thrashing African giants Angola 74-73 on Saturday in a nail-biting contest in the West African country.

The historic win saw Kenya booking a ticket to the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 tournament in Rwanda after a 28-year hiatus.

The Australian Elizabeth Mills’ side also qualified for the 2023 World Cup qualifiers for the first time.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Amina Mohamed said the government is committed to supporting the team's activities before and during the tournament slated for August this year.

Dr. Amina said the Ministry would fully facilitate the team's pre-competition camp by ensuring that all the team and competition prerequisites' training needs are addressed promptly.

The Ministry will also cover the cost of participation.

"Yours has been a story of exceptional triumph and outstanding growth; the team and players' needs are of the utmost priority to our operations. We want to keep you motivated and to reward you for honoring the flag of our beautiful country,” said Dr. Amina.

According to the KBF Secretary General, Kenya can become one of the continent's basketball powerhouses if proper systems are implemented.

"We have learnt that we have a lot of talents in this country, and we need to have a well-coordinated way of bringing these talents together. Given good preparations and facilitation, the team can perform much better," Kisoi said.