Morans and KPA shooting guard tears metatarsal in training

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) shooting guard Ken Wachira has been ruled out for four months following a fifth metatarsal fracture he suffered on January 30, 2021, during a training session with the national men’s basketball side Morans.

Wachira had just finished a boot-camp in Mombasa with his side and returned to Nairobi where the team took part in a premier league pre-season tournament organized by the federation.

On the fateful morning Wachira, who has been training with the national team currently in camp in preparation for the second window of the Afrobasket qualifiers set for February 17-21 in Cameroon, was to train with Morans then join KPA later for the pre-season tournament.

“I stepped on someone’s foot while on the defence. I had put in the work during lockdown and after the return-to-action protocol were given just to stay in shape. It is frustrating and draining that I will miss the game for another four months. But since it is already done I have to be strong and focus on recovery while keeping a positive attitude. I am still young so I will be back on the court,” said the 25-year-old.

 Wachira, who joined the Dockers in 2019 was instrumental in their run in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), often giving top-scorer performances as KPA sailed through to the second round of the African league.

Up against four other teams in hosts and Madagascar Champions Gendarmerie Nationale Basketball Club (GNBC), Beau Vallon Heat of Seychelles, Cobras from South Sudan, Usoni of Comoros in the first round BAL qualifiers held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Sammy Kiki’s charges won all their group F matches to qualify for the second round.

KPA, however, missed a chance to qualify for the continental competition after missing the opening match of their round two qualifiers. Alleged in-fighting amongst the team’s top brass caused a delay in approval of budget and subsequent travel forcing players to make their own plans to travel to Rwanda for the second round matches. They won the remaining two matches but still missed out on BAL.

“This is a big blow to us as a team as Wachira is a very good player. I knew I could rely on him to deliver both as a point and shooting guard especially at a time when we are still lacking in the point guard position. We will have to do without him for the better part of the first leg matches,” said coach Kiki.