Kenya Lionesses start their FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Women Championship Group ‘A’ campaign against home girls Cameroon in Yaounde on Saturday.
The Kenyans, well aware that the results from the last show in Dakar, Senegal in 2019 was not impressive, are going all out to make amends. They lost 55-59 to Mozambique, 51-64 to Angola and 57-64 to Vape Verde.
A brave showing during the Zone 5 qualifiers in Kigali rekindled some hopes as Lionesses completed the tournament stronger after a slippery start. They beat Rwanda 75-52 and Egypt 99-83 to claim the crown.
Head coach George Mayienga said the absence of forward Felmas Koranga has complicated matters for the team but he promised to rally his girls to put up a show.
“What Felmas brings on board for the team is immense. But we don’t have her and we will go to this war with what is at our disposal. I expect all players to rise up to the occasion,” said Mayienga before departure.
He will rely on the speed of Victoria Reynolds, who was named the best player in Rwanda in her debut for the national side. The tigerish USA-based guard is ready to bring glory to the nation gain by once again excelling at the continent’s biggest show.
Mayienga believes that if the lethal Georgia Adhiambo will find her shooting range and connect from outside, then Kenya has as good a chance as any other side in the 16-team tournament.
Captain Rose Ouma and Natali Akinyi will be the playmakers with the tireless Melissa Akinyi expected to cause havoc with her speed and deadly outside shooting.
The tactician said he will play a strong defensive formation that involves everyone so as to stem the opposing tide. “Everyone will have to be involved in defence because it will be key to our progress.”
The frontcourt trio of Mercy Wanyama, Vilma Achieng, Christine Akinyi and Brenda Wasuda will have to work overtime in both ends of the floor rebounding and scoring.
“Mercy and Vilma will have to play bigger roles. I expect them to score and at the same time keep the opposition from our defensive back boards,” said Mayienga.
With only two teams from each group sailing to the quarter-finals, Kenya will have to put through their best performance from start if they are to progress. They meet Cape Verde on Sunday.
