History setting Morans coach revels at AfroBasket exploits

The men’s national basketball team head coach Liz Mills has cut out a delighted figure after making history by leading the Kenya Morans in the recently concluded 2021 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Afrobasket Championship held in Kigali, Rwanda.

With Tunisia seeing off Cote d'Ivoire 78-75 in an entertaining final to lift their third title and a second in a row as the AfroBasket came to an end on September 5, Kenya crashed out at the pre-quarterfinal stage, losing 60-58 against South Sudan in what was their first appearance at the continental championship since 1993.

Kenya's outing by numbers as AfroBasket concludes

After a 28-year absence, Morans, coached by Mills who took over the side in February when qualifiers to the tournament were still ongoing, made their way back to the championship after upsetting eleven-time AfroBasket winners Angol73-72.

Despite only managing one win against Mali in the four matches they played at the tourney, Morans showcased their potential and desire to fight toe to toe with some of the best teams in the continent. Mills, who became the first female in history to lead a men’s team at the AfroBasket, expressed her delight at the performance showcased by the national team in Rwanda.

“It was an amazing experience to work with the Team Morans at AfroBasket. The team started this journey in 2019 at the AfroCan qualifiers and has continued to get better every single tournament. Credit to the players and federation for continuing to push this team to new heights,” the Australian head coach posted in a tweet.

Focus for the Morans now shifts to the World Cup African qualifiers where Morans have landed Senegal, Egypt and DRC set to begin in November 2021 where the team will play in the first round in either November or February 2022.

Kenya’s results at the 2021 AfroBasket

Group Stage

Ivory Coast 88-70 Kenya

Kenya 55-71 Nigeria

Kenya 72-66 Mali

Pre-quarter final match

South Sudan 60-58 Kenya