Owalo cushions Kenya Morans and Lionesses

Kenya Morans [Courtesy]

Kenya Morans and their women counterparts, the Lionesses, were yesterday treated to a luncheon by former Kenyatta University Pirates and Barclays Bank Eagles player Eliud Owalo at a Nairobi hotel.

Owalo’s gesture came timely as most sportsmen and women are struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Sports have been adversely affected by Covid-19 pandemic and our sportsmen and women who earn their living from playing or coaching are struggling to make ends meet. So, they need support," said Owalo.

He donated Sh350,000 to the players to cushion them against the harsh realities of the coronavirus. “I understand the challenges players are facing and I make a humble donation as a short-term mitigation measure.”

Owalo, who has in the past extended the same gesture to Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, said he was ready to partner with the teams going forward and be part of the growth of the sport in the country.

“The future of Kenyan basketball is bright because Morans are already on the right track. Advancing to the final round of the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers is a sign of bigger things to come. I humbly appeal to corporate and other stakeholders to give the team the needed support,” he said.

Kenya Morans and Ulinzi Warriors point guard Eric Mutoro and women’s Captain Hilda Indasi received the donation on behalf of their teammates. Indasi expressed gratitude for the support.

“I am humbled by this kind gesture because it is timely. Some of us have lost our sources of livelihood and on behalf of Lionesses I say thank you,” Indasi said.

Kenya Morans are currently preparing for their 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Group B qualifiers set for November. The Kenyans will be up against Angola, Senegal and Mozambique as they battle for a return to the continental championship after 27 years in the cold.

They qualified for the final round of qualifiers after beating Eritrea, Somalia, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan in Zone Five qualifiers.