NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – On their road towards battling for qualification for this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, the national women’s 3×3 basketball team has landed a massive boost after receiving a Sh5mn sponsorship from leading sports betting firm Odibets.
The Kenya Lionesses are playing a series of tournaments as they prepare for the Olympic qualifier, and will be heading to France for a tourney, one that will help them prepare adequately.
Speaking during the event, Dedan Mungai, Odibets General Manager, disclosed that the sponsorship would cover travel, the team’s merchandise and meals during the France tourney.
“They’ve displayed their spirit of excellence and are already the champions of Africa,” remarked Mungai. Mr. Mungai also pointed out that Odibets is keen on supporting young talent in the country through their Odimtaani initiative.
“Under our Odi Mtaani foundation and as mandated by BCLB, we have committed to sponsoring sports in different fields as one of our key CSR pillars. Looking back, we started with Mathare United and several teams of grassroot level soccer including Harambee stars,” added Mungai.
The Lionesses made history late last year when they clinched the African Cup with a win over hosts Egypt, courtesy of a buzzer beater from skipper Natalie Akinyi.
Experienced hands Hildah Indasi and Mercy Wanyama are also part of the team, as well as the budding shooting hands of Madina Okot.
Speaking after receiving the sponsorship on Friday, Indasi, who represented the team, said they were excited after receiving the financial boost.
“We know just how expensive these tournaments are and for us to receive such massive financial boost is a blessing. As a team we want to thank Odibets for their generosity and this spurs us to go there and do well. Our target is to qualify for the Olympic Games and we will do everything to achieve that dream,” Indasi said.
The Kenyan team played at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, reaching the quarters and are hoping for another mega tournament, the Olympics being the epitome of it all.
Also at the event was Kenya Basketball Federation’s Peter Orero, also the Member of Parliament for Kibra as well as Angela Luchivya.
