Morans, Lionesses provisional squads for FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers announced

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) has officially released the provisional squads for the men and women national basketball teams in preparation for next month’s FIBA Afrobasket Qualifiers.

The women’s team is scheduled to compete from February 3 to 8 in Cairo, Egypt, while the men's qualifiers will take place from February 21 to 23 at a venue yet to be determined. 

Both teams feature a combination of seasoned players, international athletes, and promising local talent, positioning them to effectively contend for a place in the esteemed FIBA Afrobasket tournament. 

Morans’ head coach Cliff Owuor has assembled a robust 23-man squad led by Nairobi City Thunder guard Tylor Ongwae, who returns to the national team after a prolonged absence attributed to dissatisfaction with prior team management.

Ongwae’s return together with the inclusion of Bush Wamukota, who plies his trade with APR, Rwanda and Joel Awich (France) enhances the squad's experience and skillset. 

Veteran player Victor Bosire, who served as captain in the previous campaign, rejoins the team to provide essential leadership.

Additionally, local athletes such as Griffin Ligare and Derrick Ogechi are anticipated to contribute significantly to the team’s efforts.

The women’s team, under the leadership of seasoned head coach George Mayienga and assistant coach Sylvia Kamau, comprises a dynamic lineup featuring both local and international talent.

Key players include Mercy Wanyama (Lithuania), Felmas Koranga (United States), and Victoria Reynolds (REG, Rwanda), whose international experience is expected to enhance the team’s overall performance. 

The 2024 Most Valuable Player Bettie Kananu was the surprise omission from the Lionesses squad.

Both teams are scheduled to hit training camp on January 10 at Nyayo Stadium.

Full Men’s Squad

1. Victor Bosire (Umoja Basketball) 

2. Griffin Ligare (Nairobi City Thunder) 

3. Eugene Adera (Nairobi City Thunder) 

4. Lennox Wanje (KPA Men) 

5. Derrick Ogechi (Nairobi City Thunder) 

6. Kennedy Wachira (Nairobi City Thunder) 

7. Ariel Ortega (Nairobi City Thunder) 

8. Dismas Mbaka (Nairobi City Thunder) 

9. Tylor Ongwae (Nairobi City Thunder) 

10. Albert Odero (Nairobi City Thunder) 

11. Ian Ochieng (United States) 

12. Salim Kisilu (KPA Men) 

13. Davies Siaji (Equity Dumas) 

14. Brans Nzioka (Ulinzi Warriors) 

15. Joel Awich (France) 

16. Fidel Okoth (Nairobi City Thunder) 

17. Peter Sifuma (UCU, Uganda) 

18. Elisha Odhiambo (Ulinzi Warriors) 

19. Bramwell Muchina (KPA Men) 

20. Paul Ekiru (Dynamo, Burundi) 

21. Bush Wamukota (APR, Rwanda) 

22. Ariel Okal (Nairobi City Thunder) 

23. Desmond Owilli (KPA Men) 

Full Women’s Squad

1. Natalie Akinyi (KPA Women) 

2. Ashley Minayo (Zetech Sparks) 

3. Elizabeth Okumu (Equity Hawks) 

4. Marylisa Omondi (USIU Flames) 

5. Jemimah Night (Equity Hawks) 

6. Shirliz Apiyo (Croatia) 

7. Victoria Reynolds (REG, Rwanda) 

8. Rachel Akinyi (Equity Hawks) 

9. Seline Okumu (KPA Women) 

10. Frida Yagomba (USIU Flames) 

11. Valary Kemunto (Equity Hawks) 

12. Christine Akinyi (Zetech Sparks) 

13. Mercy Wanyama (Lithuania) 

14. Maryann Nyagaki (Equity Hawks) 

15. Joy Mupalia (Strathmore Swords) 

16. Margaret Nereah (Strathmore Swords) 

17. Rita Aluoch (Equity Hawks) 

18. Lavin Owiti (Equity Hawks) 

19. Ruth Mbugua (United States) 

20. Grace Mbugua (United States) 

21. Felmas Koranga (United States) 

22. Madina Okot (United States) 

23. Mary Nyakundi (United States)