Otula backs Morans to shine at Afrobasket

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) boss Paul Otula says Kenya’s Morans will enter the second round of this year’s Afrobasket qualifiers as favourites against the challenge of Angola, Mozambique, and Senegal in Group B.

Kigali, Rwanda is set to host teams from 12 countries and four others competing in Alexandria, Egypt with the events staged under COVID-19 social bubbles in November 25-29.

Otula says the team will make the most of the individual players exceptional athletic abilities as they aim to replicate last year’s exploits in which they went all the way to the finals of the championships.

“I am confident the team to beat is still Kenya because everyone in the camp is upbeat. “They are training well and we are counting on their athleticism to overcome all obstacles on the way. The players have the warrior spirit and I think that is very important to them playing well,” Otula said.

Morans’ foreign-based players will report to camp starting this weekend depending on their league schedules and will be subjected to COVID-19 testing before joining the rest of the playing unit.

Otula says they will not allow themselves to be victims of their success in the last edition of the tournament

“Apart from the intense physical training, we are also subjecting them to psychological preparedness so that they do not become complacent. We understand everyone’s eyes will be on us and we are ready to match their expectations.

“We are not taking this aspect for granted.”

After overcoming South Sudan in the finals of the pre-qualification games last year at the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, Kenya will take on Angola, Mozambique, and Senegal hoping to make the cut for the finals.

The top three teams from the qualification journey will qualify for the Afrobasket Championship that will be held in Kigali, Rwanda next year.

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