This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On Monday, July 1, 2019, Kenya's men's basketball team, the Morans, made history by winning the Fiba Africa Zone Five Championship at the Lugogo Indoor Court.
The championship, which served as a qualifier tournament for the 2019 African Games, saw Kenya crowned champions thanks to Uganda Silver Bucks' 77-71 victory over Rwanda in the last match of the qualifiers.
Kenya's victory was a significant milestone, as it marked the team's first win against Egypt, a 97-79 triumph on Day Two of the championship.
The win also secured Kenya's place in the Afrobasket Championships to be staged in Mali later this month.
Kenya's women's team, the Lionesses, will be competing in the Afro-basket Championships for women in Senegal.
Kenya Basketball Federation chairman Paul Otula attributed the team's success to God's will, stating, "It's God's will. He is the one who has handed us this victory. I will always walk with our amazing God. This time we assembled the most awesome crop of players. They are self-disciplined, patriotic and are ready to fight to the last minute to defend our beloved country. Their fighting spirit shocked even the hosts. They weathered the worst storm to bring honour to our country."
Kenya Basketball Federation treasurer Peter Orero echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We've never had such organised preparations due to inadequate funding. I thank our sponsors MadGoat for making this happen."
