Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya Lionesses are eyeing two more foreign-based players to bolster their FIBA women’s 2021 Afro-Basket preparation ahead of the September championship.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) treasurer, Peter Orero said they are aware of the task that awaits the national side in the tournament and will prepare the team adequately for the event.
“The team did well against all the odds by winning the Zone Five qualifiers in Rwanda last month. We are aware the finals are much tougher and we will prepare the girls well to face the challenge,” said Orero.
“We already have one of our former players in the USA who is helping us identify the two players. We need to beef up the front court because this was our main undoing in Kigali and in Afro-Basket, we expect to meet even taller players.”
Lionesses have been pooled in Group A alongside the host and Cape Verde during the event slated for Yaounde, Cameroon from September 17-24. Only the top two teams will progress.
Meanwhile, reigning national women champions Equity Bank Hawks beat Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 64-59 in a top of the bill Premier League clash at University of Nairobi Courts. Both sides were deadlocked 56-65 in normal time before the bankers managed a 8-3 score-line in the extra five minutes to carry the day in the lively exchange.
“We lost it due to lack of mental toughness in the last minutes. We were in a control and should have sealed the win. I blame my senior players for not controlling the ball when it mattered. They made costly turnovers,” said KPA coach Anthony Ojukwu.
The dock women who have now lost one match, clobbered Eagle Wings 57-26 in their earlier game. Africa Nazarene University (ANU) stunned Strathmore University Swords 43-41 in another match.
