This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Published on July 29, 2019, the Kenya Morans' impressive run in the inaugural Fiba AfroCan Basketball Championship came to an end with a 81-62 loss to DR Congo in the final.
The team, led by coach Cliff Owuor, surprised many by beating continental heavyweights such as Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco on their way to the final.
This was the first time Kenya reached a continental basketball championship final at club or national team level, marking a significant milestone in the country's basketball history.
The performance is also a testament to the good atmosphere and serenity between clubs, players, and the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF), which has been a key factor in the team's success.
The politics that saw some key players boycott national assignments seem to have ended, with the athletes accepting national call-ups.
The team's success can be attributed to the sponsorship provided by Madgoat Television, which helped them get allowances and kit on time, as well as enabling KBF to bring in foreign-based players.
The turnout at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Saturday night to watch the live relay of the final from Bamako was a clear indication that Kenyans appreciate quality basketball.
However, the facility at Nyayo is in poor state, with leaking roofs, one of the problems teams are forced to endure to get that quality.
Basketball is one of the most vibrant sports in the country, commanding a lot of following in high school and colleges, where there is raw talent.
Unfortunately, the popular sport has, in recent years, taken a downward trend that needs to be urgently checked lest it sinks into the abyss.
