Equity Bank Hawks coach David Maina has welcomed back guard AnneRose Mandela to the team ahead of next month's FIBA Africa Zone Five Club championships in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The veteran tactician said they will start preparations next week for the tournament scheduled for September 26 to October 1.
"Yes, Ndella is back and will be available for us in Zone Five," said Maina adding: "Her presence will give us more depth."
Mandela featured for the bankers in the league last year but did not participate in the playoff finals against rivals Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Hawks, who suffered a shock 71-35 loss against KPA in an all-Kenyan final, have lost two Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) matches.
Zonal secretary general Vitalis Gode confirmed that more teams have now confirmed entry pushing the number to nine. Sporting Club (Egypt), Kenya Ports Authority and Equity Bank Hawks (Kenya) were the first to confirm entry.
They have been followed by Young Sisters (Burundi), JKT Stars and Vijana Queens (Tanzania) as well as Hawassa and Walktie (Ethiopia). Gode said that a club from Rwanda will be determined once the ongoing Rwandese league is through.
Last year, the regional event,played at the National Stadium in Dar attracted only six teams. Meanwhile, six teams will battle it out in the FIBA Basketball World Cup2023 African Qualifiers Window 4 that starts next Friday in Monastir, Tunisia.
Kenya Morans were locked out of the qualifiers' third window played in Cairo, Egypt in July. DR Congo are scheduled to play their opening tie against Cameroon.
The other matches of the day will see Egypt take on Tunisia as Senegal meet South Sudan. Cameroon face Egypt, Tunisia play Senegal and South Sudan meet DR Congo on day two.
On the closing day, Senegal face Cameroon, DR Congo fight it out with Tunisia as Egypt lock it out with South Sudan.
