From dreams in the US to pride in Kenya: Iffi Kazmi's historic International basketball debut beckons
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 18.10.25. | 11:01
As he takes his first steps on the international stage, he carries with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the spirit of a young athlete who dared to dream big—and is now making those dreams a reality
Iffi Kazmi’s long-awaited debut for Team Kenya is finally here!
An American-born Kenyan sensation, Kazmi’s journey to this moment has been extraordinary - a story of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism.
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Kazmi was initially set to make his Team Kenya debut last year with the U18 team, but, despite being named team captain, passport issues prevented him from representing Kenya then. But Iffi’s dream never waned.
“The U18 National Team coach, Martin Okwako, was impressed by my abilities and invited me to play for the national team. I took the opportunity, but sorting my passport took long,” he offered, further assuring that that issue has since been dealt with and his documentation is almost ready.
Born in Chicago, Kazmi’s basketball odyssey began at just eight years old. The sensational guard admits he poured thousands of hours into perfecting his craft, and his talent quickly became evident at St John’s Northwestern Academy in Wisconsin, where he showcased his skills during his freshman year.
His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to some of the top basketball academies in the country. He played for the prestigious Patrick School, ranked fifth nationally, during his junior year, and for Chicago Prep Sports Academy, competing on the Grind Session National High School Circuit—the premier high school league in the US.
For his senior year, he moved to Utah to play for Anthem Prep, further sharpening his skills. By his sophomore year, he was emerging as one of the best guards in Chicago, and his shooting prowess—ranking among the top 10 in the US—caught the attention of Kenya’s U18 National Team coach, Okwako.
Now, at 20 years old, Kazmi is finally on the cusp of making his debut for Kenya.
“The journey to this moment has been challenging but rewarding. I think I got to this point due to being a perfectionist and making sacrifices to be successful. I stay locked in and focused on my craft,” he told Mozzart Sport.
While many might find his choice to represent his country of birth peculiar, given the opportunities in the US, his decision was heartfelt. Kazmi feels a deep connection to his heritage and wants to inspire Kenyan athletes worldwide.
“It means a lot to me to represent my family’s home country at the highest level. I feel like I can be an inspiration to Kenyan athletes all over the world. I think I can be the best Kenyan basketball player ever. Kenyan is one of the athletic powerhouses in the world, but in basketball, we haven’t been able to be very successful.
My goal is to help change that. I want to win with the national team and help turn Kenya into a basketball powerhouse. Ever since I started getting media recognition, the Kenyan people have really embraced me. I appreciate that greatly, and seeing how the people support me makes me feel like I have the country on my back, and I owe it to them to help Kenya reach new heights in basketball. There’s a lot of pressure on me, but I love it,” he continues.
Kazmi’s excitement for his debut is almost palpable. “Putting on that jersey is a dream come true,” he says. “I’ve always believed in myself, but seeing how much I can inspire the Kenyan people humbles me. It pushes me to work even harder. It’s going to be a great experience, and I am ready to live up to the hype. I don’t know if I would’ve expected my basketball career to pan out this way, but I am very glad that it did,” he continues.
His ambitions, however, extend beyond the court. He is eyeing a college career in the US, with top sides chasing his signature. He has also received interest from teams across Europe and beyond, but for now, his focus is on making history with Kenya.
First of all I would like to thank Coach Martin Okwako for the amazing opportunity… With that being said I’m excited to announce that I have been named Team Captain of the Kenya u18 National Team. Go Morans! @MartyneOkwako @Teammorans @chi_prep @Sports4Illinois @PrepHoopsIL pic.twitter.com/kliCSvDEMQ
— Iffi Kazmi (@IffiKazmi) February 16, 2023
“I want to prove that Kenya can produce world-class players,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We’re here to stay, and I want to be part of turning Kenyan basketball into a global force.”
As Iffi Kazmi takes his first steps on the international stage, he carries with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the spirit of a young athlete who dared to dream big—and is now making those dreams a reality.
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