Approximately 100 junior basketball players attended an elite basketball Camp held at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
The camp the consisted of 50 boys and 50 girls is a build up to the forthcoming Jr.NBA national finals scheduled Thursday and Friday at the same venue.
The camp is meant to identify and sharpen the budding talents as well as build the skills of the youngsters.
In order to achieve this players were taken through skills development sessions, scrimmages, 5v5 tournaments, and scouting activities.
The 100 players were selected from regional tournaments held across four major cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
Speaking at the camp, Wholly Kawemba, Umoja Junior School, Changamwe, coach said: “This is a great opportunity for my players ahead of the national finals. Some of the skills we have enhanced today like dribbling are essential, and we are definitely going to apply them as we compete in the finals.”
“At Safaricom, our purpose is simple, to transform lives. Through our partnership with Jr. NBA Africa, we have created a space where sports meets opportunity and play meets purpose. We are not just supporting the sport; we are also equipping our youth with financial skills through M-PESA Go. By empowering young people with practical financial literacy, M-PESA Go naturally complements the Jr. NBA Program. Greatness isn’t just what you achieve on the court, it’s how you apply what you have learned in every part of your life,” said Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer.
Commenting on the tournament, Michael Finley, NBA Africa – Kenya Country Lead said,
“So far, so good, the regional tournaments were a great success across the four regions. We promised, and we delivered. Today, together with M-PESA, we hosted the top 100 young players for an Elite Camp to enhance their skills development. We also had scouts on the ground, and I believe some incredible talent has been identified.”
The Jr. NBA National Finals will feature 16 teams (8 boys and 8 girls’ teams) competing on Thursday and Friday at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.