NAIROBI - Kenyan basketball is mourning the death of Thomas "Smatts" Olumbo, the former head coach of the women's national team.

Olumbo, who was the chairman of the Kenyan Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA), passed away in early February at the age of 53, at the Mbagathi District Hospital in the capital Nairobi, after battling an illness.

In November, Olumbo guided Kenyan side Eagle Wings to a bronze medal at the African Clubs Cup in Meknes, Morocco thanks to a 67-64 win over Nigerian side First Deep Water. It was an historic feat for Kenyan basket as it marked the first time one of its clubs stepped onto the podium of the competition.

Olumbo won three Kenyan League titles with Eagle Wings in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and two Africa Zone 5 titles in 2012 and 2013.

"It is indeed a very sad moment for the basketball coaching fraternity to lose one of its greatest minds," said KBCA member Carey Odhiambo. "Coach Smatts has done a lot for basketball and we should celebrate his life."

Eagle Wings released a statement in which it paid tribute to Olumbo: "We are in shock following the demise of Thomas Olumbo. We take this opportunity to send our heartfelt condolences to his family. We have lost one of the best coaches Kenya has ever had."

FIBA