FIBA come to the rescue for Kenya Morans ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
After the Kenyan government through the ministry of sports recently released a statement that sports teams are henceforth not guaranteed financial assistance more so when it came to travelling expenses, world basketball governing body FIBA has fortunately pledged its support of the Kenya men's basketball team, Morans.
According to Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Secretary General (SG) Ambrose Kisoi, the governing body is wiling to to cater for the team's travel expenses to Cairo from Kenya for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers slated to kick off on July 1.
“Talks with FIBA began when we realized we had to find a way for the team to play. They have shown willingness to help. They will cater for travel expenses and we will pay the debt owed later," explained Kisoi.
"Initially we had requested them to cater for accommodation but realized they would be of much more help with the latter expense. We still have to find the funds to accommodate the team in Egypt and any other expenses so that is what we are sourcing for. The cost of players who are set to play but are travelling from outside the country could also partly fall on us. When we have a proforma invoice ready for FIBA then we can tell how much they are willing to handle,” added Kisoi.
The Morans who consist of a heavily beefed up contingent of mostly pro players and only 4 local based players are placed in tough qualification group that will truly be a challenge.
Morans who are in Group D are lined up against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt and Senegal. Interestingly the Kenyan side lost all their matches in Dakar in February to put themselves in a tough place where they will need victory in all three matches for a chance to proceed to the next level of qualification.
Morans Squad:
Victor Masiba Bosire - Captain,Local Based
Ronald Gundo - Pro
Okall Koranga- Pro
Erick Mutoro - Local based
Valentine Nyakinda- Pro
Victor Ochieng- Local based
Albert Odero-Pro
Fidel Okoth- Pro
Tylor Ongwae- Pro
Kennedy Wachira- Pro
Tom Bush Wamukota-Pro
Griffin Ligare- Local Based
Joel Awich- Pro
