Basketball in Africa

By SAMMY KITULA

Former US-based star Rose Ouma arrives in Nairobi on Wednesday to beef up the national women’s basketball team ahead of the All Africa Games to be held in Mozambique from September 2.

Assistant team coach, Philip Onyango, who has been taking the players through their paces at the Nyayo National Stadium in the absence of coach Cliff Owuor, said the arrival of Ouma will be a big boost to the squad since she was part of the Kenya team for the last edition of the All Africa Games in Algeria in 2007.

The head coach was expected back in the country from Rwanda Friday evening.

Also expected in camp on Saturday is star forward Purity Odhiambo, who is a student at Uganda Christian University as the team looks to add punch to their front court.

According to Onyango, who also coaches Mombasa Sports Club and former regional and national schools basketball side Shimba Hills, the players are responding well to training and are determined to cause an upset in Maputo.

Players committed

“This is the best ever team I have handled in my coaching career. The ladies are disciplined and receptive, making our work easier.

“If they continue like this, we stand to be in the medal bracket”, the coach said. “It will be difficult to name the final 12 because every player is working hard on the court and ready to make the trip.”

The training camp was boosted by the arrival of KPA players Salma Akinyi, Brenda Angeshi and Hellen Oketch on Tuesday, while Vilma Achieng’ and Debra Obunga were expected in camp yesterday after completing their examinations.

Players who have been in training include Venessa Wacuka Mwangi (based in Namibia), Silalei Shani, Caroline Achieng, Hilda Indasi, Emma Nyakweba, Maureen Andalia, Linda Alando and Mitchel Otinda.

Others are Grace Wanjiku, Denis Apondi, Faith Owich, Samba Mjomba, Mercy Wanyama and Angela Akoth .

Margaret Wambui and Pamela Sinda could not make it to training due to commitment at their places of work according to the coach.