NAIROBI (Kenya) - Faheem Juma was not even four months old when Kenya last featured at FIBA AfroBasket in their capital city Nairobi in 1993.

But the 27-year-old sharpshooter believes Kenya could return to Africa's top basketball festival if they play their cards well during next month's FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers in Kigali.

In the Rwandan capital, Team Morans will go up against Group B opposition Angola, Mozambique and Senegal in the First Round of the qualifiers. 

Talking to FIBA.basketball after being named in the Morans' 19-man preliminary squad released Monday, Juma recalled that he has only one thing in his mind: to propel Kenya into the history books by booking a slot to the continental show.

Faheem Juma (Kenya)

"Of course the first step in reaching the Finals next year is the Qualifiers in Rwanda next month. If we train well for this tournament, we should be able to make it. There is no two way about it," he observed.

To advance to the FIBA AfroBasket 2021, Kenya will need to finish in the first three places of their group.

Juma went on saying that the team will swing onto the momentum that saw them win the six team Pre-Qualifiers at home in January without losing a game and sharpen whatever arsenal they posses.

"If we get our foreign-based players home early and build the team chemistry by training well together, our efforts will surely be rewarded," noted Juma.

He explained that because of COVID-19 restrictions he has been doing a lot of shooting on his own which has really helped his shots since the play off finals last year.

"Shooting is basically my strength," the 1.99m (6ft 6in) forward said, adding: "I have been taking a lot of shots on my own and moving to the basket for the rebounds if I miss. This has sharpened by rebounding skills as well."

Griffin Ligare (Kenya)

Juma, who turns out for Thunder in the Kenya Premier League, said he has learnt a lot from his teammate and Morans captain Giffin Ligare who has continued to mentor him.

He broke into the side in 2019 in Bamako, Mali where Kenya made their first podium finish by finishing second at the inaugural FIBA AfroCan. 

Juma is one of the eleven home-based players named by head coach Cliff Owuor for the upcoming show slated for November 25-29 in Kigali.

Owuor kept most of the squad from last year's FIBA AfroCan and AfroBasket Pre-Qualifiers in Nairobi in January.

The only new call ups are all from the diaspora.

The tactician believes the trio, Preston Bungei (Australia), Alonzo Ododa (Portugal) and Joel Awich (France) will bolster the team's chances to return to continental glory.

The local based players assembled at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium on Monday to start their sessions as the federation follows up on how to bring home those based overseas.

"I am in contact with the diaspora based players almost on a daily basis. I want to establish when they can come home in the earliest opportunity so that they can join the rest in training," noted Owuor.

Defensive ace Victor "Jet" Odendo who was Bamako team but missed out in the Nairobi Pre-Qualifiers due to an  injury has been recalled to the team. So too is the speedy Joseph Khemba.

Foreign-based players, including Tyler Ongwae, Robert Nyakundi , Tom Wamukota, Ronny Gundo, Ariel Okall and Desmond Owili who had superb outings in the national colors, have all been retained.

"What they brought home by playing in league's outside the country was really valuable to us. I am sure things can only get better this time round as well," quipped Owuor.

Having been in Kigali for 13 years as coach of top club side APR, Owuor said Kenya can bank on the crowd to spur his men to victory.

"Having coached in Rwanda for many years, I am sure of their support during the games," he insisted that adding Patriots Wamukota and assistant coach Ben Oluoch will also bring in some fans.

FIBA