This archive report was first published on 4 September 2021.
As the African Deaflympics Qualifiers draw near, Kenya's national women's deaf basketball team is facing a significant challenge - a lack of sufficient training facilities. Coach Carolyne Ouma has expressed her concerns over the team's ability to train effectively ahead of the tournament, which will be held at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium between September 11 and 25, 2021.
Despite being considered one of the favorites to win the tournament, Ouma feels that the team's inability to access a full court during training could work against them. The team has been forced to share the Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium court with their men's counterparts for almost two weeks now, which Ouma believes is hindering their progress.
"There is no pressure at all. The only thing that is working to our disadvantage is the court. We really need to train on a full court, but we are currently restricted to share one court with the men's team," Ouma said.
However, Ouma remains optimistic about the team's chances, citing their improving skills level and high spirits. "In terms of preparation, we are not yet there, but I think they are training well and they are improving day after day. They are picking up the shape well and their skills level is also improving. We are trying to synchronise everything," she said.
But the team is not without its challenges, with captain Mercy Mideva highlighting the lack of adequate training facilities as one of their biggest concerns. "The training is going on well. But the biggest challenge right now is sharing the court with the men's team. All the same we are doing our best to prepare for the championship. We want to send a statement to the continent by winning the championship," Mideva said.
