Okumu, Knight among Lionesses' debutants

Jemimah Knight and Celia Okumu have been handed their national women's basketball team, Kenya Lionesses, debut as coach George Mayienga named his final squad of 12 who will do duty at the Zone Five Afrobasket qualifiers set to jump off on July 12 in Kigali, Rwanda. 

Okumu, who ditched Masaku Sparks for Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) this season and Knight who left United States International University (USIU) for Storms get their nod in the team dominated by foreign based players. 

The diaspora squad is led by USA-based trio of Troy University's forward Felmas Koranga who is joined by College of William and Mary alumnus Victoria Reynolds, a debutant herself and Brenda Wasuda. 

United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Rose Ouma will captain the team that also has Spain-based Mercy Wanyama and Rwanda's Georgia Adhiambo. Okumu and Knight constitute the local-based players list that has Melissa Akinyi, Velma Achieng, Natalie Akinyi and Christine Akinyi. 

"The diaspora based players will be key to our performance in Rwanda. From what I am seeing, I expect the team to do well. They look sharp and their understanding of the game will be crucial. Their presence is vital to the team's progress," Mayienga said. 

Final team 

Victoria Reynolds 

Wanyama Mercy Brenda Adhiambo Felmas Koranga Rose Ouma Melissa AkinyiVelma Achieng Natalie AkinyiCelia OkumuJemimah Knight Georgia AdhiamboChristine Akinyi