Three diaspora-based players will link up with Kenya Morans in Tunisia for the FIBA Afro-Basket Window 1 Qualifier, coach Cliff Owuor has revealed.
The tactician said they are making plans to airlift Tylor Ongwae from Germany, Derrick Ogechi from Spain and assistant captain Joel Awich who plays in France.
“Getting all diaspora-based players has not been that positive but we are still hoping to get Tylor, Ogechi and Awich to join us directly in Tunisia for the show,” said Owuor.
The inability to have everyone in camp for intensified training is another challenge facing the team ahead of the three-day tournament.
“For us not being able to get the players in camp is a big challenge as we can’t get them at the exact time we want them and this tampers with consistency,” Owuor lamented.
He added: “I am sure we can do some catch-up if we can have everyone in camp.”
Owuor said the team’s defence remains a matter of concern but they are working on it to have it tightened ahead of their Group ‘E’ opener against Tunisia on February 23.
“The defence isn’t tight as I want it to be. We ought to have done better in defence against a Nairobi Select team,” observed Owuor.
“We allowed them to reach 100 points, which is not a mark of a good defence. I hope to rectify that within the remaining days.”
The national side, who will also play Angola and Guinea, beat Select 104-100 and also won 86-83 against a local South Sudan side in another friendly tie.
Morans got a huge boost from the Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo who on behalf of his foundation, donated two sets of playing kits.
In a function held at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, Owalo also, through captain Victor Bosire, gave the national side a token of Sh200,000 as a morale booster.
“I have been a sportsman. It Is a question of giving back to the game. Basketball played a fundamental role in making us what we are today,” said the CS, himself a former basketballer.
“You can make it through with team effort, commitment from everybody and above all discipline from the players.”
Former national team player and coach Ronny Owino wished the team good luck and urged them to give their best adding, “It’s never easy out there.”
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) disclosed that the team will jet out next week for the show. They are in Group ‘E’ and will meet Tunisia, Angola and Guinea.