Kenya Unveils Squad For U-18 Afrobasket Zone V Qualifiers

The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) has unveiled the provisional teams for the upcoming FIBA Afrobasket Zone V U-18 preliminaries, scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from June 9 to 14, 2024.

The selection highlights the exceptional basketball talent emerging from Kenyan schools, with both boys’ and girls’ teams drawn from a diverse range of educational institutions.

In preparation for the competition, the teams will commence residential training in Nairobi starting June 1, 2024. This training is part of a comprehensive preparation plan that includes participation in the Term II school games’ basketball 3×3 competitions.

The boys’ team will face formidable opponents from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Somalia, while the girls’ team will compete against teams from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The victors of these preliminary rounds will earn a coveted place in the FIBA Afrobasket U-18 championship to be held in South Africa later in August, with the possibility of progressing to the FIBA U19 World Cup in 2025.

Under the leadership of coaches Martin Okwako for the boys and Rose Mshilla for the girls, the KBF has expressed strong support for the athletes and their coaching staff. Angela Luchivya, the Federation’s Secretary General, has called upon the public to offer their support and encouragement to these promising young players.

Provisional Squad

Boys’ Team

• Patrick Ndung’u, Robert Otieno, Clinton Wambugu (Agoro Sare)
• Charles Jacob (Maseno School)
• Dennis Otieno, Collins Mwongela, Maurice Ochieng Fumo (Onjiko High School)
• Noah Wasike, Fidel Osuda, Sean Chibole, Gift Fidel (Dagoretti High School)
• Mukenu Wahome (Nairobi International School)
• Keith Tero (Kisumu Try Out)
• Kelcy Mathew (Ambira High School)
• Gachanga Minyu, Jeremy Bhoke, Clarence Macharia, Alex Mbote (Pioneer School)
• Daino Otieno (Eldoret)
• Ryan Kelly (Kisumu)
• Shadrack Omariba (Friends School Kamusinga)
• Willis Mboya (Chuka Boys)
• Alex Odhiambo (Young) (Dr Aggrey)

Girls’ Team

• Natalie Ayieko, Ivyet Wetoto (Loreto Limuru)
• Valentine Chelangat, Dolphine Nyandusi, Joy Muthamia (Mpesa Foundation Academy)
• Muriithi Jackline Wambui (Magomano Girls, Nyadarua)
• Violet Okundi, Rachael Achieng Owegi, Mariam Wangare (Kaya Tiwi)
• Diana Nyambura, Alicia Mito, Alicia Kanoti (Butere Girls)

The KBF’s commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in the robust lineup and the extensive training regimen planned for these athletes. The federation’s efforts, coupled with public support, aim to propel Kenya to new heights in the international basketball arena.