Kisumu County hosted the second edition of half-court qualifiers games that was organized by Red Bull Kenya in partnership with the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF).
The tournament held over the weekend attracted 27 basketball teams from the region that involved 8 and 19 teams for women and men respectively.
According to chairperson of Kenya Basketball Federation Kisumu County Dave Michaels, the tournament was a chance to showcase the region as a talent hub and a potential sports’ tourism destination.
“There is a lot of talent in Kisumu which needs to be showcased and nurtured especially in sports. The region has produced the best sportsmen and women in the country,” Michaels said.
He disclosed that the tournament was extremely important to KBF to ensure their players qualify for the National League fixtures.
He added that it was a good opportunity to also prepare the teams for the Africities’ Summit tournament that will be held in Kisumu from 17 to 22 May, 2022.
“The tournament has come at the right time as the county prepares to host the Africities. It will be an opportunity for the players to show their talent to over 900 delegates and other investors,” he explained.
Michaels said that the 3-on-3 half-court concept is very effective as it is able to involve more players and even nurture talent from a younger age.
He also urged corporates to invest in basketball, which would enable youths to keep away from drugs and violence.
“We should ensure useful engagements among youth and the best way to engage them is through sports. With the help of corporates, we will be able to nurture and support their talents and it’s also the best way to give back to the society,” he emphasized.
Captain of Eagles Wings Natasha Atieno said tournaments were the best ways to bring youths together, display talent, and even motivate them through sports.
Atieno said that as women in sports, they were facing challenges in terms of inclusivity in the tournaments and leagues.
“You find a 3on3 basketball tournament based on men only and we women find very few tournaments that’s why you find some of them give up on the way,” she said.
She called upon the KBF to consider organizing more tournaments for women as there is a lot of talent that is not being showcased.
The Urbanvile Vanguards and Seal Teams were crowned the overall women’s and men’s team winners respectively at the Kisumu’s edition of the Red Bull Half Court 3-on-3 basketball tournament held at the Magadi Primary School.
The crowned champion teams will face off with other competitors at the National tournament slated for 28th May 2022 in Nairobi.
The Seal team will be joined by Platinum, Pacho, and Flat- earthers in the Men’s category while in the women’s category, the Urbanville Vanguards will be joined by the Dutches team.
By Evangeline Mola
