Bunge Basketball Team faces Umoja in friendly Match at Nyayo Stadium

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟒,𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 

The Bunge men’s basketball team today morning played a friendly match against Umoja basketball club at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium. 

Despite a determined effort to win, the Bunge team was upset 48 to 40 by the visitors in a closely contested game.

Speaking after the match, Bunge basketball team captain, Hon. Brighton Yegon, MP, (Konoin), expressed satisfaction with their performance, emphasizing the importance of such games in improving their fitness and skills.

“We are happy to have played this game to test our abilities and keep us fit. We thank the Umoja basketball team for honoring our invitation and coming to play with us. After the EALA Games, which were hosted in Mombasa last December where we finished as runners-up, our players relaxed and the build up match was a good awakening," he added.

According to Hon Yegon, the friendly matches are crucial in keeping the team prepared for upcoming tournaments, including this year’s EAC- IPG Games.

He further encouraged his teammates to continue practicing diligently, sharpening their skills to ensure they remain competitive in future games.

“We need to keep working hard and refine our abilities for better performance in our next matches,” he added.

Bungoma Senator, Hon. David Wafula Wakoli, who plays as the team’s point guard, also shared his thoughts on the game, expressing gratitude to the Umoja team for providing strong competition.

He reiterated the importance of sports in talent development and physical fitness among leaders and Kenyans at large.

“We are focused on nurturing talent and encouraging our people to take sports seriously, not just as a recreational activity but also as a means of staying fit and even earning a living,” Hon. Wakoli said.

He further encouraged his teammates to reciprocate the gesture by visiting Umoja’s home court for another friendly match.

“It would be great to visit Umoja and play on their court as well. This is how we build friendships and grow the sport together,” he added.

Hon. Japheth Nyakundi, who plays the Bunge team's center position, noted the responsibility of leaders in promoting sports across the country.

“As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that Kenyans take sports seriously. We are setting an example by actively participating in games like this. Our goal is to see basketball grow in Kenya and to encourage young people to embrace the sport,” Hon. Nyakundi said.

He further called for collaboration with stakeholders to develop basketball infrastructure across the country.

“We need to work with different partners to ensure that basketball courts are built in various parts of the country. This will help nurture young talent and grow the sport at the grassroots level,” he added.

Umoja basketball team manager, Stephen Kuta, expressed his delight at the friendly encounter and welcomed more such games in the future.

“As the Umoja basketball team, which was founded in 1995, we are happy to have played with the MPs today. It was a great match, and we look forward to more of these in the future,” Kuta said.

He also urged the MPs to collaborate with organizations such as Giants of Africa, which has been instrumental in developing basketball courts across Kenya, including Umoja’s own home court.

Former Kenya’s Consul General to Los Angeles, U.S.A, Big Ted, who also plays for the Umoja basketball team, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Kenya’s potential in basketball.

“Kenya has immense talent in basketball that needs to be tapped. With the right investment and support, we can take the sport to greater heights,” he said.

The match served as an important platform for players to showcase their skills while fostering camaraderie between the two teams. 

Both sides expressed their commitment to furthering the growth of basketball in Kenya through similar engagements in the future.

Ends....