National 3X3 sides facing herculean test in Algeria

National men and women 3x3 teams departed the country Wednesday night ahead of the Nations League Northern Conference competition scheduled for Algeria from 28 July to 3 August.

Under the tutelage of Tony Ochieng and Eunice Ouma, the two teams have been undergoing their preparations at Nyayo Stadium for two weeks before moving to Kasarani ahead of their travel.

“We have had residential training and both teams look good. We have trained well and are looking forward to representing the country well,” offered the men's team coach Ochieng told The Star while naming the squad.

Kenyan youngsters to benefit from Basketball Without Borders camp

Ochieng’s charges finished third in the 2022 Nations League Southern Conference hosted at Nyayo Stadium. From that squad, new additions have been made led by Ulinzi Warriors forward Elisha Odhiambo who is making his debut in the national team as well as KDF Snippers’ Brans Nzioka.

The duo had trained with Kenya Morans ahead of the recently-concluded AfroCan competition but did not make the final squad.

Also making the men’s squad is Strathmore Blades Denis Koja, who was part of last year’s team that finished third Timothy Oyoo, Jack Waweru and Ziruel Gichana.

Meanwhile, coach Ouma has maintained the women’s team that recently won silver at the African Games under coach Evelyne Kedogo. The team had MaryAnn Nyagaki, Medina Okot, Lisa Omondi and Margaret Nerea. Zetech’s Ashley Minayo and Alexendra Juma have also been included.

Kenya will face stiff competition from host Algeria, North Africans Egypt and Morocco as well as Benin.

The top teams from the tournament will qualify for the World Cup and World Championships to be held in Poland and Mongolia respectively in September.

Kenya women’s team won the event in Nairobi last year and booked their tickets to the World Championships in Romania.

Full Squad

Men: Koja Denis, Timothy Oyoo, Brans Nzioka, Jack Waweru, Elisha Odhiambo, and Ziruel Gichana

Women: MaryAnn Nyagaki, Medina Okot, Ashley Minayo, Lisa Omondi, Margaret Nerea and Alexendra Juma