Winning with women

So, if you were to use very few words to describe

what you do, what would they be?

Head coach of Equity Hawks Ladies and Nairobi International School basketball teams.

How old are you?

I am 47. I have coached for the last 21 years.

Coaching a women's team was what you wanted or you just landed there?

I have been coaching men’s teams but when Equity started I thought I should take the challenge. So far so good.

Why did you want a challenge coaching a women's team?

I believed that with women you can do better than men. I have done well though with men.

Coaching was your preferred career choice?

Yes. I was a player myself – for KPA. During games, whenever I was out, I found myself giving tips to our coach. Somehow it was noticed and I was appointed assistant coach. The following year I was the coach. I had to sacrifice my playing career.

Your coach never took offence?

He actually wanted to find out if I really wanted to coach. To date, we are still in touch and he is proud of my achievements.

Growing up, was life always to your expectations?

Not always. All I do is take it one day at a time. I am also prayerful. Generally though, my attitude is to never think about the challenge but above it

So far, your best experience coaching women?

That must be last year when I won the national league with Equity despite the team being only three years old. We were the underdogs but I trusted my players to bring the title home.

Is there anything that has made you feel coaching women is better?

I don’t know. However, I will tell you this: when women want to learn, they make your work easier. Once their emotions are taken care of, everything else falls into place.

Emotions?

Many things affect women’s personal lives and I have managed to understand that they are accustomed to rough patches.

Are you a family man?

I am married with three kids of my own and one is my late sister’s son.

Has your wife ever complained you work with lots of women?

She has never complained. I have explained to her the nature of my job and she fully understands. Also, as a coach, you must be very disciplined.

Let's address the nature of your job ...

Sometimes I am given earrings, necklaces and lip balms to keep for players during training and I end up going home with them.

What do you think of sports as a career option for women?

They need to be disciplined if they want to excel. Once they set their goals, they will do well.

How did you celebrate after the big win?

It was a big milestone. First game and first win, it gives me the confidence of the remaining games.

Lessons you have learnt working with a women's team?

Being patient with women has made me what I am.

Were you nervous when you started coaching a women’s team?

I was not nervous but I was extra careful with how I gave them instructions. They received me well and I have no regrets of taking that opportunity

What is the most difficult part of coaching a women’s team?

They can sometimes bring their differences to the court.

By differences you mean cat fights?

Yes.

Really?

Yes - stuff that has nothing to do with the game.

When that happens, how do you solve it?

You must sit them down and have a conversation, otherwise it affects the team’s performance.

Sometimes, do you find yourself yelling out of frustration?

Yes. When they are not doing what I expect them to do. It’s normal but I have to control myself so that I don’t make them feel demoralised.

You are in Cairo right now. What’s happening over there?

I am in Egypt with the national team for the Afrobasket qualifiers.

How is it -- having to travel around the world with a women’s team?

It’s normal especially when you know your role.

Would you rather work with a women's team or a men's team?

Women’s team now that I have an experience with both.

Why?

They take instructions better than men.

What do you recall about growing up?

I grew up with a brother and four sisters. We were raised by a single mother.

Could the fact that you had four sisters and only one brother make you work better with women?

Maybe. Even today, my closest friends are my sisters.