KAYA TIWI GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM TO DEFEND EAST AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIP IN MBALE, UGANDA.
By Caroline Katana
Basketball is one of the most popular sports played widely in Africa ,it is the second most popular sports in the continent next only to football .
It is most prevalent in countries like Nigeria ,Egypt ,Tunisia ,Ivory coast ,Senegal ,etc.
Figures such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo have played an instrumental role in developing and popularizing basketball in the continent .
Africa has produced some of the finest basketball players to date and has paved the way for other countries to participate internationally in the sport .
The rich history of basketball in Africa is filled with great players and organizations striving to take this sport to another level .
These sports have encouraged and empowered many athletes from around the world to play in professional leagues .
Basketball has allowed athletes from Africa and places around the world to make a name for themselves and their countries by becoming towering figures in the history of sports .
Basketball was introduced to Kenya in the 1960s ,primarily through education institutions and community centers ,it quickly gained popularity among the youth due to its fast –paced nature and minimal equipment required to play .
Schools and local clubs became the breeding grounds for young talent ,with inter-school tournaments and local leagues providing the first platforms for competition .
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular and has a firm hold on the nation’s youth, emerging athletes may polish their skills and show their abilities in local leagues and competitions.
Kaya Tiwi girls basketball team in Matuga Constituency ,Kwale county will represent the country in east Africa games ,set to kick off on 16 August in Mbale, Uganda .
The team is set travel to Uganda this week to prepare for the tournament ,which showcase
Kenya on a grand stage. Speaking during the team flag- off on Tuesday at Kaya Tiwi high school ,Matuga member of
the parliament Kassim Sawa Tandaza applauded the team for their effort to represent the great nation of Kenya in the east African games.
Hon. Tandaza promised his support to the team to ensure they arrive in time so as to achieve their goals and dream of victory .
“I’m proud of the team for making Kwale and the entire country shine , you have my blessings,
I don’t take your hard work for granted ,may success be your portion ,” Said the MPs.
The legislature urged the girls not to lose focus in their education noting that education is the key to success in life .
“ We need victory in games but also you should give us good grades ,I want you to balance
between education and games , I understand there is need to nurture talent because they can lead to great opportunities in your lives but let it go hand in hand with good performance ,”
Said the MPs. The MPs challenged the team to maintain discipline for success .
“ Discipline is a fundamental tool to every person ,indiscipline can lead to meaningless and failure in
life ,I understand education ,talent and discipline works together ,”Noted the MP's.
At the same time the legislature challenge parents whose children performance is deteriorating every term to initiate dialogues with their children on career pathway and take them to vocational training colleges to get skills instead of wasting their time struggling in classes .
Kaya tiwi girls basketball team lost three series of their championship tittle in 2019 ,2021 and 2023 competition in the Africa games ,where they fell short of claiming the trophy .
A basketball player in Kaya Tiwi high school Owigi Racheal said she is optimistic of the team to bring the trophy back home despite losing for three times.
“Without understanding our opponents ,we have tightened our grip to win the east Africa trophy and bring it back home ,we are prepared ,”Said Ms. Racheal;
Angelina Adhiambo ,16 years , assured that they will continue to work hard to represent the school and the nation very well on the international competitions.
“ I started playing basketball since i was in class five ,have brought a number of trophies in
school and at home ,at first I lacked support from my parents but since they realized my talent and potential in basketball they fully support me and I’m working hard to make them proud. ,”Said Ms. Angelina.
Angelina vowed to help his youthful squad to reclaim the east Africa tittle as the games begins on 16 this month .
The form three student confessed Angel Reese the American professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky of the Women’s National Basketball Association to be her role model .
Kayatiwi girls basketball last won the east Africa championship in 2016 when they were held
in Eldoret Kenya.
Kaya tiwi basketball girls assistant coach Ms. ADhiambo Everlyne Said they are set for the games this year and they are optimistic of becoming the east Africa champions.
“ I want to promise the school and Kwale residents that we are going to guard our supremacy after running riot to score huge victories as Kwale county team ,”Said Ms Adhiambo.
A parent Mohamed Toza said good cooperation between teachers, parents and other stakeholders will ensure good performance in education and games in the school .
Kaya tiwi high school principal Daudi Kakui called upon parents to fully support the school administration so as to ensure good performers of their children.
At the same time he emphasized the importance of students focusing on obtaining quality performance in education so as to strongly support their talents.
In African schools basketball clubs are being formed which will birth the next generations of great basketball players .
In future more athletes are likely to rise to fame from Africa and be a source of inspiration for the next generations .
Basketball is a popular sport with millions of fans worldwide ,it is played around the globe and serves the purpose of bringing people together and closer.
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