Zetech Sparks forward Madina Okot is on the verge of realizing her dream to play basketball in the United States after finally securing a visa on her fifth attempt.
The 6-foot-six star, who has been a rising force in Kenyan basketball, has been granted the opportunity to join the Mississippi State Women’s Basketball team on a full scholarship.
Madina’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. Her visa application had been rejected four times, a series of setbacks that would have deterred many. However, her determination never wavered.
“I just got good news today. I went to the US embassy and my visa was approved. I’m so happy about it, it has not been easy being denied four times. I kept going and I did not give up,” Madina said, expressing her joy and relief.
“Imagine being rejected four times and still having the energy to go back, and finally, God did it for me.”
This will be the third scholarship of Madina’s burgeoning basketball career, which spans just five years. She first gained attention at Kaya Tiwi High School, where she was on a full sports scholarship.
Her talent then earned her another full scholarship at Zetech University, where she played for Zetech Sparks in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League.
Her rapid rise has attracted interest from international teams, and now, the Mississippi State Women’s Basketball team is set to be the next chapter in her career.
Madina’s move to the U.S. is a significant step up, and she knows the challenges that await her. Michael Finley, Kenya Country Lead for NBA Africa, highlighted the level of competition she will face. “She has to expect to play against the best of the best.
She has to expect to work harder than she ever imagined in her life; it means on the basketball court she will be challenged like never before. She can handle it, and they have seen it,” Finley remarked.
However, Finley also pointed out that Madina’s success will depend on more than just her athletic prowess.
“The big question is whether Madina can adapt and adjust mentally because she also has to work hard in class. She can’t play without getting what is required in the classroom,” he added.
Madina is confident she can rise to the occasion, having overcome numerous challenges in her career so far.
Madina first made a name for herself on the international stage at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she represented Kenya in the 3×3 basketball event.
Despite initial nerves, she excelled, emerging as the best player on the Kenyan team.
“I was a bit shaky. I didn’t expect to perform the way I did because I performed well. I was voted player of the match in my first game on that big stage, but I couldn’t speak because I was camera shy. It was very scary,” she recounted.
Kita Matungulu, Director of Basketball at NBA Africa, emphasized the significance of Madina’s move.
“Madina now has the chance to prove to the world that Kenya has got talent in basketball since her journey to the US has not been easy with the visa hiccups,” Matungulu said. He also expressed gratitude to the US government for facilitating opportunities for young Kenyan athletes like Madina.
As she prepares to join the Mississippi State Basketball team, Madina is hopeful that her experience in Birmingham will help her adapt quickly to the high level of competition in the U.S.
Her journey, marked by perseverance and talent, is a testament to the potential of Kenyan athletes on the global stage.
