Liz Mills ecstatic despite loss to Mozambique

Morans coach Liz Mills was over the moon after sealing a historic place in the Afrobasket slated for August despite being thumped by Mozambique 71-44. 

Mozambique ended the qualifiers on a high, winning their maiden game in the qualifiers, compounding Morans to a third-place finish in Group B.

Mills was delighted by the historic feat of being the first woman to guide a men’s team to the Afrobasket championship since its inception in 1962.

“I give credit to the Kenyan Federation for giving me the opportunity regardless of gender, they looked at my qualification and experience and said I have what it takes to lead a men's team,” said Mills.

“It means a lot to me, I value being a role model, how do we expect young girls who dream of doing great things if they do not have role models.”

The coach also lauded her friends and family’s support back in Australia who burned the midnight to watch the qualifiers in the wee hours of the morning due to the huge time difference.

Mills was however not impressed with the physical nature of Mozambique’s game with the Morans struggling to get some rhythm in the game.

“I have not seen that kind of basketball in Africa for about 10 years where it is basically physical, not a skill involved and a disappointing way to play the game, as you can see we can compete against the better teams,” noted Mills.

“We played a more international style of basketball, we had a higher skill set. I think we were just not ready for that kind of physicality.”

French-based Joel Awich had an outstanding game registering 11 points and four rebounds but dearly missed the services of Taylor Ongwae who was rested.