Equity Bank Hawks arrived in Dar-es-salaam yesterday ahead of the FIBA Africa Zone Five Women's Club Championships starting on Monday.
The bankers, who have been undergoing intensive training, jetted out in two groups. The first group left on Sunday morning with the second bunch following in the afternoon.
Coaches David Maina and Sylvia Kamau expressed optimism that the bankers will make a podium finish in the week-long event.
"Playing two friendly games against boys teams was good for us because this will help our mental strength. If we move the ball well, I am sure we will achieve our target because we have very good shooters," Maina offered.
The bankers, who won the same event in 2019 in the same venue, also reached the final last year, where they lost to compatriots Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The porters have been in Dar since Wednesday, having arrived earlier for acclimatization purposes. The draws were expected to be conducted last evening.
Apart from the two Kenyan powerhouses, the other teams that confirmed participation are Nile Sisters (South Sudan), APR and REG (Rwanda), Young Sisters (Burundi), Walktie (Ethiopia), Sporting Club (Egypt) and Vijana Queens (Tanzania).
Meanwhile, national team star Victoria Reynolds has joined the reigning FIBA Africa Zone Five Club champions KPA ahead of the event.
While releasing the names of three more players who arrived this morning, Porters' tactician Anthony Ojukwu said he was taking no chances.
Reynolds, who was a member of the KPA squad that lifted the diadem last year, has been joined by Britney Shine and Kristina King.
"The trio arrived today morning. Everything is set and we are just waiting for the draws to be done in the evening," Ojukwu said.
