Boost for Morans as they jet out for AfroBasket qualifiers

The men’s national basketball team Kenya Morans yesterday sealed a four-year sponsorship deal with RentCo Africa Limited.

The deal was a timely boost for Morans who jet out of the country today for the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers that begin on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda.

Speaking during the official signing of the partnership at Nyayo Gymnasium,  RentCo Deputy CEO Michael Amingh said that the move was due to Morans exceptional performances, zeal and dedication.

“They have shown zeal and commitment in all championships and the results have been brilliant. That is why as a company we think that they need this kind of support,” Amingh said. 

Yesterday, Amingh handed Morans a Sh3 million cheque which will go towards kitting the team as well as meeting other needs.  He added that  the leasing company was committed to increasing the amount yearly.

“It is a four year partnership and are starting with Sh3million due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected businesses globally but it will be revised upwards depending on how the economy.” 

Morans coach Cliff Owour expressed gratitude saying RentCo support had boosted team morale ahead of their Group B clashes.

“The support we have received today has boosted our morale. This great gesture will motivate us to work harder so we can make the country proud,” Owuor said. 

Going up against their highly fancied opponents Angola, Senegal and Mozambique Owour exuded confidence saying that despite the FIBA rankings his charges had prepared well for battle.

“We have prepared well, worked on our game plan and we are ready to deliver victory to Kenyans. As a team, our aim is to at least win two matches in Rwanda which will ensure that we enhance our chances of qualifying.” 

Victory in Kigali will see Kenya inch closer to securing their return to the Africa’s top men’s basketball contest and end their 27-year wait. The last time Kenya featured in the championship was 1993 when Nairobi hosted the event. 

However, Morans will miss the services of captain Griffin Ligare who will not travel due to work commitment. Ulinzi Warriors point guard Eric Mutoro will be looking to perfectly fit in Ligare’s shoes as he takes the captaincy of the side.

Mutoro’s work is cut out if Ligare’s record is anything to go by having led Morans to the 2019 FIBA Zone Five title in Kampala, silver medal in the inaugural AfroCan in Bamako, Mali last year.

Ligare was also instrumental helping Kenya beat South Sudan 74-68 in the decisive AfroBasket pre-qualifier match early this year at Nyayo. 

Owuor will bank on the services of Tylor Okari who plays for Danish side Bakken Bears, forward Preston Bungei who will be making his debut for Kenya, Ariel Okal (Algeria) and Desmond Owili who plays for Kilsyth Cobras, Australia. Kenya Ports Authority shooting guard Victor Odendo returns to the squad after missing pre-qualifiers.