National women's basketball team centre Velma Achieng believes Uganda poses a big threat to Kenya at the FIBA Africa Zone Five Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt in July.
Alongside Egypt and South Sudan, the experienced Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) player said Uganda boasts experienced, professional players.
“This time round, we will face tough opponents in the Zone. We are looking at Egypt and South Sudan as the teams to beat, but having played in Uganda, I know they will not be easy either,' said Achieng'.
"The same goes to Rwanda. I am aware that Uganda and Rwanda have players in the USA and they might also prove tough opposition for us. We need not underrate any team.”
She admitted that many teams have improved considerably and prepared well since the last qualifiers in Kampala in 2019 when the Lionesses lost only one game, to Egypt, in the four-team tournament.
“Since that time, South Sudan is coming in strongly while Uganda and Rwanda have managed to send some players abroad,” she said.
Achieng is one of three players who were in the team that did duty in Kampala two years ago — the others are Mercy Wanyama (Spain) and Georgia Adhiambo (Rwanda).
However, she feels that Kenya can still reign supreme thanks to the injection of talented youngsters into the team. She described them as new energy to push the team forward.
“Injecting the young players into the side is always progressive. This is the time for the talented players to showcase what they can bring to the table after we exit,” Achieng said.
The Lionesses assemble on May 1 at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium under Uganda-based head coach George Mayienga.
