By Caroline Katana
Basketball is one of the most popular sports played widely in Africa ,it is the second most popular sports in the continent next only to football.
It is most prevalent in countries like Nigeria ,Egypt ,Tunisia ,Ivory coast ,Senegal ,etc .
Figures such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo have played an instrumental role in developing and popularizing basketball in the continent.
Africa has produced some of the finest basketball players to date and has paved the way for other countries to participate internationally in the sport .
The rich history of basketball in Africa is filled with great players and organizations striving to take this sport to another level .
These sports have encouraged and empowered many athletes from around the world to play in professional leagues .
Basketball has allowed athletes from Africa and places around the world to make a name for themselves and their countries by becoming towering figures in the history of sports .
Basketball was introduced to Kenya in the 1960s ,primarily through education institutions and community centers ,it quickly gained popularity among the youth due to its fast –paced nature and minimal equipment required to play .
Schools and local clubs became the breeding grounds for young talent ,with inter-school tournaments and local leagues providing the first platforms for competition .
Basketball is becoming increasingly popular and has a firm hold on the nation’s youth, emerging athletes may polish their skills and show their abilities in local leagues and competitions.
Kayatiwi Girls Basketball team in Matuga, Kwale county will represent the country in east Africa games set to kick off in August 16 in Mbale ,Uganda.
The team will travel to Uganda this week to prepare for the tournament that will prominently feature Kenya.
During the team’s flag-off at Kaya Tiwi High School on Tuesday, Matuga Member of Parliament Kassim Sawa Tandaza commended the team for their dedication in representing Kenya at the East African games.
Hon. Tandaza pledged his support to ensure the team arrives on time to achieve their goals and secure victory.
“I’m proud of the team for making Kwale and the entire country shine , you have my blessings, I don’t take your hard work for granted ,may success be your portion ,” Said the Mp
The legislator urged the girls to stay focused on their education, emphasizing that it is the key to success in life.
“We need victory in the games, but you should also focus on achieving good grades. Balance education and sports, as both can lead to great opportunities,” said Tandaza.
The MP challenged the team to uphold discipline as a key factor for success.
He said that discipline is essential for everyone, noting that a lack of it can result in failure in life.
At the same time, the legislator challenged parents whose children’s performance is deteriorating each term to start conversations with their children about career paths and take them to vocational training colleges to gain skills rather than wasting their time struggling in class.
The Kayatiwi girls basketball team lost three tournaments in the East Africa game competitions in 2019, 2021, and 2023 and failed to secure victory.
The school last won the East Africa Championship in 2016 when it was held in Eldoret.
Owigi Racheal, a basketball player at Kayatiwi High School, believes they will bring the trophy home despite losing three times in a row.
Angelina Adhiambo ,16, assured that they will continue to work hard to represent the school and the nation very well on the international competitions.
Adhiambo pledged to support her teammates in winning the East Africa Championship as the games commence on the 16th of this month.
The form three student cited Angel Reese, the American professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association, as her role model.
Kaya Tiwi girls’ basketball assistant coach Ms. Adhiambo Everlyne stated that the team is well-prepared for this year’s games and is optimistic about becoming the East Africa champions.
“I want to assure the school and the residents of Kwale that we are committed to maintaining our dominance. We aim to continue our winning streak and secure significant victories as the Kwale County team,” said Ms. Adhiambo.
A Parent Mohamed Toza said that strong cooperation between teachers, parents, and other stakeholders is essential for achieving excellence in both education and sports at the school.
Kaya Tiwi High School Principal Daudi Kakui urged parents to fully support the school administration to ensure their children perform well.
He also stressed the importance of students focusing on achieving high academic performance to effectively support and develop their talents.
