Olympics qualification hopes high for Mercy Wanyama on 3x3 debut

National men's and women's teams to the 3x3 Africa Cup set for 1 to 3 December in Egypt were named on Wednesday 29 December with Lithuania-based Mercy Wanyama making the final women’s team.

The Kenyan International will be joined by Kenya Ports Authority’s point guard Natalie Akinyi who will skipper the team, experienced Hilda Indasi, and Zetech University’s Madina Okot.

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Wanyama, who has been a key player for the 5-aside national team, Kenya Lionesses, is making her debut in the 3x3 version of the game but believes her experience will play a crucial role in the team qualification.

“It feels great to join up with the team. It is my first time on the 3x3 but I understand the game. We will do our best as a team,” Wanyama told Capital Sport during the team naming.

“Every player wants to represent their country at the Olympics and for us, it is no different. We want to go there and give our best to be in Paris. This is very big for us because Kenya has never qualified for the Olympics in basketball and we want to make history for the 50million+ Kenyans,” she continued.

Ranked fourth in the continent, the Kenyan side will be keen to finish top in the continental showpiece and book a direct ticket to the Universality One, a competition that gives them a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games.

Under the tutelage of Evelyn Kedogo who led the U23 team to silver at the African Beach Games earlier in the year, Kenya will face Nigeria, Mali, Madagascar, and Benin in their group. Winning all matches will earn them a direct slot in the semi-finals.

“We had a Strength and Conditioning coach for the first time and this has really helped us to build our physicality. I believe we are ready as a team and we have what it takes to win,” she offered.