Reynolds inspired to help Lionesses reclaim continental glory

Two years ago, Victoria Reynolds was in the country visiting her family and it so happened that at that time, her uncle Ronnie Owino was preparing his squad, Kenya Lionesses, for the Afrobasket zone five qualifiers held in Kampala, Uganda and she joined the team for a few sessions.  

Her desire to live in the footsteps of her father ‘Big’ Ben Wanjara who played for Kenya Morans in their last Afrobasket appearance in 1993 alongside her uncle Owino was fired up and when the call to join the 2021 squad for the Afrobasket qualifiers set for Rwanda from July 12 to 17, she answered. 

The 23-year old has trained with Lionesses since June under coach George Mayienga and as the team prepares to do battle for a ticket to the Afrobasket, the College of William and Mary alumnus says she is ready to help the team reclaim their position as a top team both in the East Africa region and in the continent. 

“I feel honoured and blessed to be named to the team. I am very grateful to have been selected and have the opportunity to represent Team Kenya. so far the training is going on well. I did not know what to expect but so far everything is fine. I like the high spirits and competitiveness. You can tell there is a drive to learn and win. Whether training in the morning or in the afternoon, the drive remains the same. I believe this year’s team is more ready and capable of ensuring that Kenya is recognised again as one of the top countries in Africa,” Reynolds told Fiba.basketball.

Fresh-faced Lionesses working on chemistry for Afrobasket qualifiers

Four nations including the hosts Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya and debutants South Sudan have already confirmed participation in the regional biennial competition.

The winner of this tournament will qualify for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2021 set for September 17-26 at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Teams from Uganda, Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi and Tanzania withdrew from the qualifiers.