Okumu siblings make Lionesses' squad for the Women's AfroBasket Qualifiers
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 01.02.25. | 21:12
The side is looking to reclaim their zone title and make a comeback in the continental competition after missing the 2023 edition
Kenya Basketball Federation has named the final squad to compete for the sole slot at this year's FIBA Zone Five Women's AfroBasket Qualifiers set for Monday 3 to Saturday 8 February in Cairo, Egypt.
Headlined by 2021 Qualifiers' Most Valuable Player (MVP) Victoria Reynolds, the final 12 under the tutelage of George Mayienga features only two foreign-based players. Rwanda Energy Group (REG) forward Reynolds is joined by Mercy Wanyama, plying her trade in Lithuania.
"The team, which has been in non residential training since January 10, 2025 at Nyayo National Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex, moved into residential camp on January 27, 2025 at Kasarani. They depart this evening aboard Ethiopian Airlines," a statement from the federation reads in part.
For the sole automatic ticket to this year's Women's Afrobasket scheduled for Abidjan, Ivory Coast from 25 July to 3 August, Kenya is set to battle hosts and defending champions Egypt, last year's silver medalist Uganda, Burundi, returning for the first time in 12 years and South Sudan.
The Kenyan-based legion is led by former African 3x3 champion and MVP Natalie Akinyi who will command the floor alongside Zetech Sparks' Ashley Minayo.
Meanwhile, Equity Hawks guard Elizabeth Okumu makes her debut for Lionesses, joining her elder sister Seline Okumu who will captain the national team for the first time. The elder sister has been a mainstay for both club (Kenya Ports Authority) and country, and will be one of Mayienga's key players.
Travelling squad
1. Natalie Akinyi (KPA Women)
2. Ashley Minayo (Zetech Sparks)
3. Elizabeth Okumu (Equity Hawks)
4. Jemimah Night (Equity Hawks)
5. Victoria Reynolds (REG, Rwanda)
6. Seline Okumu (KPA Women)- Captain
7. Christine Akinyi (Zetech)
8. Mercy Wanyama (Siauliai, Lithuania)
9. Margaret Nereah (Strathmore Swords)
10. Rita Aluoch (Equity Hawks)
11. Belinda Okoth (KPA Women)
12. Vilma Owino (KPA Women)
HEAD COACH: GEORGE MAYIENGA
ASST. COACH: SYLVIA KAMAU
Other accompanying Officials:
1. Hazel Agina: FIBA International Referee
2. Oliver Auma: Team Doctor
3. Lilian Adhiambo: Physiotherapist
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