Kenya Morans head coach Cliff Owuor said they are going for nothing short of the title at the 2023 Fiba AfroCan Championships in Luanda, Angola this weekend.
The tactician said the national side, who fell 82-61 to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the inaugural tournament in Bamako, Mali, four years ago, does not look bad at all and should improve on that performance.
Kenya, DR Congo, Angola and Morocco gained direct entry to the Luanda show by virtue of reaching the semifinals in Bamako.
“We had a friendly game against Equity Bank Dumas on Wednesday and I am impressed with the boys’ performance. The last time the two teams met, it was a two-point game,” noted Owuor.
“In the first game against the bankers, the team conceded too many points, which indicated that the defence was not tight at all. The second one was better.”
Morans won both games 97-96 and 85-62. Owuor, who handles Rwandese giants APR, said the three-man position is worrying but he will fix it before the Angolan tournament throws off on Saturday.
“The three-man position is still not good. But I will try Ogechi (Derrick) and Bramwell (Muchina) to operate in that area a few times before deciding. I am also trying to assess the new boys by giving them playing time,” said Owuor.
“The shot selection is also an issue but I will make adjustments with a few training sessions here and in Luanda. We will manage a game a time.”
Owuor said he watched Morans’ Group ‘A’ rivals Ivory Coast during the Ivorians’ last zone game against Nigeria in Abidjan and described them as physical. “I know getting a win in our opening fixture will give us confidence,” he said.
Team captain Victor Bosire said the team has a good blend of youth and experience and was brimming with confidence ahead of the nine-day championship.
“The confidence is very high and the new players are bringing a lot to the team which is the key,” he said.
Moses Wanjara will head the contingent of 20 including government officials. The team departs the country on Thursday morning.
Four new caps, Ariel Ortega (United States International University), Eugene Adera and Brian Shivachi (Kenya Ports Authority) and Tanzania-based Bramwell Muchina, made the cut.
Squad: Victor Bosire, Victor Ochieng (Equity Bank), Eugene Adera, Bryan Shivachi (KPA), Erick Mutoro (Ulinzi Warriors), Ariel Ortega (USIU Tigers), Griffin Ligare (Thunder), Kennedy Wachira (Unattached), Derrick Ogechi (USA), Fidel Okoth (Oman), Bush Wamukota (APR Rwanda) and Bramwell Muchina.
Officials: Cliff Owuor (head coach) Ancette Wafula (assistant coach), Mercine Milimu, Steve Opon, Erastus Wainaina, Moses Wanjara, Festus Njera, Adan Sugow.
