Basketball in Africa

Eagle Wings will this afternoon play CSS Faxien club from Tunisia in the opening match of the 2012 FIBA African basketball competition. Eagle Wings the East African champions arrived in Abidjan Ivory Coast on Thursday afternoon and the girls are in good spirits ready for the challenging assignment after missing out in the Tunisian edition in 2010 due to financial constraints.
Eagle Wings has been drawn in Pool B alongside defending champions Inter Clube from Angola, Deep Water, Arc En Cell, ABC and CSS Faxien.
Team coach Thomas Smarts Olumbo has set the targets high for the girls and he is confident they can manage a podium finish,
“All the ladies are ready for the challenge ahead. Having been to continental championships before makes the players understand what awaits us. Previously we have not performed to expectation. It’s about time we changed everything.”
The coach said going by the training and league matches the team has taken part in, they will be able to make informed decisions when it matters most.
“We are not the team we were a few seasons back. Everyone seems to have matured; getting nothing less than a podium finish will be below average from us.” He said.
Full Squad: Linda Nyikuli, Samba Mjomba, Brigid Nanzala, Susan Akinyi, Evelyn Nora, Sharon Okeyo, Angela Okoth, Denise Apondi, Rebecca Sarange, Eunice Ouma, Silalei Shani (Captain), Lucy Machuma.
Head Coach- Thomas Smatts Olumbo,
Ass. Coach- Evelyn Kedogo,
Team Manager- Nelly Odero
Ass. Team Manager- Agina Wesonga.
DAY ONE FIXTURES/PROGRAM
CSS FAXIEN VS EAGLE WINGS
Desportivo Liga vs First bank
Opening Ceremony
Ndela vs CSA
ABC VS Inter Clube