B-ball night re-ignites passion at Kasarani

Western’s Jimimmah Night (left) and Elizabeth Okumu of Eastern during the 2019 All-Stars Connect ladies basketball tournament on Saturday night at Kasarani Stadium, March 30, 2019. [Standard]

Rising stars Faheem Juma, Ryan Otsimi, Daisy Ayodi and Deedee Were were some of the upcoming basketball players, who participated in the 2019 All-Stars Connect Bball Night staged on Saturday at Kasarani Gymnasium.

The All Stars Connect event sponsored by Radio Maisha brought together players under the age of 24 from different universities. The men’s teams comprised 26 players while the women were 20.

The objective of the tournament was to re-ignite passion in the game of basketball as well as showcase upcoming talent.

Sports Connect Africa CEO Cynthia Mumbo said the initiative is aimed at empowering young players who are the core of the sport. “I believe in empowering young players because they are the core of the sport, by having a tournament like this we are looking at not only giving them an opportunity to showcase talent but also providing a platform for them to connect with fans,” Mumbo said.

Players competed in two teams of 13 in the men’s category while the ladies had 10 each.

In the men’s contest, East team comprising of Faheem, Otsimi, Brian Ondiek, Peter Mundia, Joseph Irungu, Brian Oyoo, Bramwel Muchina, Collins Nyamweya, John Osoro, Kennedy Wachira, Mark Miruka, Sheldon Ouma and Pardy Owuor carried the day.

The Cliff Owuor-coached side beat a resilient West outfit made up of Philip Tobias, Davies Siaji, Peter Odhiambo, Liban Hussein, Paul Ekiru, Hezron Omondi, Derrick Olang, Ariel Ortega, Jeff Obuya, Keith Adams, Kjellan Otieno, Troy Yavin and Bertram Opiyo 60-52.

West were under the tutelage of Martin Okwako.

Collins Gaya guided West ladies to a 62-53 win over Peter Kimani’s East.

Ayodi and Were starred for their West side which also had Jemimmah Night Omondi, Irene Atieno, Teresa Ekise, Cherly Akoth, Sandra Ekisaba, Peace Osenah, Elizabeth Atieno and Sylvia Anyango.

Kimani’s East had Carolinee Nduta, Yvonne Peace Masila, Elizabeth Akumu, Maryann Nyagaki, Sharon Odera, Liz Abayo, Christine Achieng, Diana Wafula and Caroline Njeri.

Gaya said that bringing together players to compete in such a tournament will go a long way in improving the standards of the sport in the county.

“These players are the future of the sport. They are young, talented and very passionate about the sport all we need is to invest in them and that will improve basketball standards in the country.”