NOC-K Secretary General Mutuku believes basketball 3x3 teams can make it to Olympics

BASKETBALL NOC-K Secretary General Mutuku believes basketball 3x3 teams can make it to Olympics

Abigael Wafula 10:00 - 03.06.2023

Mutuku believes selecting a team earlier is a great step forward since they will be able to practice together and establish rapport.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya Secretary General Francis Mutuku believes both Kenya's men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams have a high possibility of making the cut to the Paris Olympics next year.

Mutuku feels with great support accorded to the teams, they will be able to feel ready to fly the country’s flag high. He added that they have two events lined up for the teams this year and it will be a great chance for them to gain sufficient ranking points.

The Africa Beach Games are scheduled for June 24-30 in Hammamet, Tunisia and later on the World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia from August 5-12.

“We have looked at the statistics and we believe the two basketball 3x3 teams have a fighting chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. It is not only about the actual participation in the last 16 days of the event but also the qualifying rounds," said Mutuku.

"We want every athlete to travel for the qualification feeling prepared and ready. Between now and next year, there are a couple of events and we want them to go and compete, not just participate. The women's team has also been invited for the World Beach Games."

He added that selecting a team earlier is a great step forward since it will be able to practice together and establish rapport.

With the team being together, NOC-K will also chip in to help the different federations to provide support with some resources. He added that they will provide the strength and conditioning coaches, the nutritionists and mental coaches among other technical personnel.

Mutuku revealed that in the past, they made such crucial decisions last-minute, a move that did not yield expected results.

“This period is very critical and, in the past, we have failed to plan well. It is easier for individual sports to thrive but team sports tend to struggle when we assemble last minute," he added.

"At the moment, we want to ensure that the teams come together and we shall provide support in terms of training and preparation."