The Kenya Morans jetted out of the country on Saturday, August 21, for Kigali ahead of the 30th edition of the Fiba AfroBasket Championships.
Their coach, Liz Mills, had earlier released the names of the 15 players that will battle out with Ivory Coast on August 25.
They include, Griffin Ligare, Joseph Khaemba, Derrick Ogechi, Bosire Victor, Eric Mutoro, Faheem Juma, Albert Odero, Tylor Okari, Valentine Nyakinda, Tom Bush Wamukota, Ronnie Gunda, Fidel Okoth, Desmond Blacio and Ariel Okall.
However, Kenya will miss out on the services of dependable forwards Preston Bungei and Joel Awich who were instrumental in the national men's basketball team's win against Angola to book a ticket to the competition.
This being Moran's first FIBA Afrobasket championship in 28 years, their morale is high.
“In my ten years playing for the national team, there has been no better feeling than fighting for our flag at the highest level on the continent,” said Morans’ centre Desmond Owili.
“The journey to Kigali started in 2018, and it has been a good experience as we waded through the qualification rounds. We have done what many people thought was impossible, and we face the championship with full confidence,” said Owili.
According to Owili, Morans’ belief in themselves soared after they defeated Angola 73-74 in Yaoundé, Cameroon in February.
The Morans however, are scheduled to play two friendly games against Uganda and Senegal before the actual tournament on the 25th of August.