Basketball in Africa

Kenya women’s basketball coach Thomas Olumbo believes his side has the ability to make it to the medal bracket at the All Africa Games in Algiers.

Marion Githegi, based in Britain, trains at Nyayo stadium yesterday. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN

“There are eight players in this team who played in Abuja four years ago. They have gotten more experience and with the preparations we have had we are capable of at least making the semis,” Olumbo said.

Kenya finished fourth during the last edition of the game in a performance that impressed many and will be hoping to go one better and come back with a medal.

Survivors from the 2003 squad that was under Olumbe are Millicent Anyango, Gladys Wanyama, Josephine Achieng, Rose Ouma, Caroline Achieng, Joyce Makungu, and Eunice Owino.

Olumbo said training had been better this time round and the team, composed of local and overseas based players had had time to gel together.

“The players from the US have taken playing to another level. Definitely this team has gained from their inclusion,” Olumbo said.

The exiles are US-based Ouma, Lorene Achieng and Josephine Achieng and UK based Marion Githegi.

Olumbo said the 12 players to represent Kenya in Algiers will be picked on Monday from the 15 in camp.

The team, captained by Angela Luchivya, almost picks itself with perhaps four or five players fighting to get into the tour party.

Olumbo is handling the team together with Ronny Owino.

Kenya are in Pool “B” together with Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Zimbabwe.

The top two team from the pool will proceed straight to the semi-finals.

The basketball team has opted to train at Nyayo Stadium because of its unlimited availability.

“We could have preferred to train at the multipurpose gymnasium at Kasarani but their are so many teams training there and we would have had problems securing the place at our convenience,” Olumbo said