KEN - Eagle Wings plans to call in thee more oversease based players for finals

NAIROBI (FIBA Africa championships) - Newly crowned Fiba Africa Zone Five women club champions Eagle Wings plan to fly in three overseas based players to bolster their Africa Club championships campaign, coach Thomas Olumbo revealed.

The self supporting Wings who has just made history as the first no institutional side to claim the regional crown know the task ahead is tough and want to start off their preparations for the continental tournament straight away.

Olumbo told Fiba Africa upon the teams arrival from Bujumbura, Buundi where the team attained the feat by whipping Armee Patriotique de Rwanda 9APR) 75-43 that with only two months to the Africa championships, the time to start preparing is now.

He said that he has already initiated talks with Josephine Owino, Sarah Chan and former Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and national team forward Gladys Wanyama, voted among the top performers in the 2006 championships in Libreville, Gabon.

Roe Ouma, another US based star who played a key role in the Burundi championships has agreed to return to the country when the time comes all set to help the side again during the Tunis festival slated for November.

"With Ouma ready to return, I am optimistic that with an additional three more players from US, the team will do well in Tunisia." said Olumbo whose side were placed 10th in the 12 team tournament played at home in Nairobi in 2007.

Flanked by team managers Agina Wesonga and Nellie Odera, Olumbo disclosed that he is also eyeing a guard with a leading premier league side whom he will only named after the talks are positive.

"I need at least four good guards if we are to well. I have identified one play maker who I am pursuing and whom I believe will give me the much needed options at this crucial position once she comes on board.." he said.

Olumbo attributed the teams win to hard work and support they got from the government and well wishers. "We owe it all to those who came up to help us. And we are still making that appeal so as to realise a dream of playing in the final tour. I am sure w will make a mark." he said.

Zone Five president Morris Aluanga, who treated the girls to a luncheon after their win said that he will approach continental basketball body to see what help hey can give the team." I will talk to them and see what they can do." he said

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa