The Kenya Morans have embarked on their rigorous training regimen in preparation for the upcoming 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers Group E Window 1, set to commence in Tunisia from 23-25 February.
Under the helm of head coach Cliff Owuor, assisted by Ancetas Wafula and Harrison Kaudia, the team has commenced twice-daily training sessions at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
All locally-based players named in the provisional squad of 30 are actively participating, with overseas-based players slated to join the camp upon arrival in the city.
With the bitter memory of their disappointing performance at the 2023 FIBA AfroCan Championship still fresh, where they finished sixth, the Morans are determined to make amends and reclaim their status as a basketball force to be reckoned with on the continental stage. Despite their recent setbacks, Kenya has shown promise, clinching a silver medal in the inaugural event in Bamako, Mali, back in 2019.
Kenya’s journey in the qualifiers kicks off with a challenging encounter against host and reigning Africa Champions Tunisia. Subsequently, they will face off against Angola, an 11-time AfroBasket winner, before concluding their campaign against Guinea.
While Tunisia remains the favorite, Kenya remains undaunted, aware of the formidable challenge posed by their opponents. Guinea, buoyed by the historic success of their junior boys’ team in the FIBA U16 Africa Championship, poses a significant threat.
Speaking to FIBA, Coach Owuor expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness, particularly once the foreign-based players join the training camp.
“We are not badly off from what I’ve seen so far. What we have also gathered is that the foreign-based players are in good shape as their season is on,” Owuor noted. “If we train well, we should do extremely well in Window 1.”
The squad, announced by the Federation, boasts 13 players based outside the country, with 10 returning from the Luanda tournament. Notably, Australia-based Desmond Blacio has already joined the team, actively participating in training sessions.
In their build-up to the qualifiers, the Morans showcased their prowess, securing victories in two friendly matches, defeating a South Sudan-based team 86-83 and a Nairobi Select Team 104-100, in thrilling encounters at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
With determination and focus, the Kenya Morans are primed to deliver a strong performance as they embark on their quest for AfroBasket glory.
