This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
After reclaiming the national title in 2019, Buruburu Girls basketball team is now setting its sights on the East Africa crown. The team, led by coach Julius Otieno, will be competing in the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association games in Arusha, Tanzania, starting on Friday.
According to Otieno, his team is ready to end the year with the East Africa trophy. "This is our year to excel and we want to end it on a high note with the East Africa trophy," he said.
Despite competing in the 2016 games, the team is looking to improve on their fourth place finish in the 2013 games held in Lira, Uganda. Otieno has identified Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda as tough opponents, warning that they will not have it easy.
The team will be banking on captain Chantal Kiyobe's impressive form, which saw her lead Buruburu to victory against Coast's Kaya Tiwi in the national final. Kiyobe will also be out to prove that her Most Valuable Player award at the nationals was no fluke.
Buruburu will launch their quest in Group B, which includes home sides Juhudi and Machame, St Noa of Uganda, Lycee De Kigali (LDK) of Rwanda, and LST Gitega of Burundi. Their opening match will be a perfect opportunity to avenge their 44-59 loss during the 2016 games in Eldoret.
