WHO IS IN, WHO IS OUT? MVP Ocholla missing in action as KBF names teams for Zone V games

Equity Bank's Captain Samba Mjomba (left) give a chase to Nathalie Akinyi of KPA during play-off game 3 at Nyayo National stadium on Saturday, Feb 11, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

 

Teams for the Fiba Africa Zone V Championships in Cairo from March 12 have been named.

Some of the notable players, who have made the cut in men’s squad, include former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Most Valuable Player James Mwangi and Nairobi City Thunder marksman Griffins Ligare.

Surprisingly, reigning league MVP Tobias Ocholla has been dropped, while international Desmond Owili opted out of the national team to link up with his new side in Australia.

KBF had named 27 players for the three-week nonresidential camp at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium, before the squad was whittled down to the traveling 12. The men’s team will be captained by Co-operative Bank’s Joseph Khaemba.

But the squad announced yesterday could be altered further, depending on the availability of professional players who are yet turn up for training at Nyayo. The team is coached by Co-operative Bank’s tactician, Carey Odhiambo.

“We expect three professional players, including Valentine Nyakinda (Seychelles), Tylor Okari and Bush Wamukota (Europe) to link up with the squad in Cairo,” said KBF President Paul Otula.

Otula is confident the team will post impressive results in the Cairo games. The side has been engaged in numerous friendly matches, their latest outing being in the annual Thomas Olumbo Memorial Tournament a fortnight ago.

In women’s category, the 21-member team has also been whittled to13. Head coach David Maina was scheduled to drop one more player last evening ahead of the final trip.

Among the notable players, who will travel to Cairo include reigning MVP Mercy Wanyama, her Equity teammates Samba Mjomba and Hilda Indasi, who is also the team captain.

The Egyptian championships will also act as a qualifier for the Fiba Africa Championships, which will be held in Brazzaville, Congo in August 19-30.

Otula said he is confident the Kenyan squads will overcome fierce rivalry from Egypt, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Uganda, and South Sudan as their aim to qualify for the continental event in Congo.

The KBF boss is optimistic the government will support the teams ahead of their departure to Cairo.

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