The Kenya Academy of Sports recently hosted an elite basketball coaches training program in collaboration with NBA Africa and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This significant initiative gathered a selected group of 20 basketball coaches within the region for an intensive training and capacity-building experience aimed at elevating the standard of basketball coaching in the country.
Mike Finley, Director of NBA in Kenya, attended the training and explained that the project is part of NBA’s agreement with the Ministry of Sports. The agreement aims to enhance basketball standards in Kenya and provide opportunities for players and coaches to grow and compete at higher levels. Finley emphasized the crucial role of coaches in this development. “Coaches are key to the development of this industry in Kenya. They are the foundation that will help us reach the grassroots players. For every coach we train, there are hundreds of players that benefit and thousands of other coaches that emerge,” he noted.
The binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) highlights several key areas, including player development, the construction and improvement of sports facilities, and the nurturing of elite talent.
During the training, coaches engaged in hands-on sessions focusing on advanced basketball techniques, strategies, and coaching methodologies under the guidance of NBA Africa’s seasoned professionals. The program emphasized not only technical skills but also leadership, team management, and fostering a winning mentality among players.
Empowering Coaches, Elevating the Game
The partnership between the Kenya Academy of Sports, NBA Africa, and AFD underscores a shared commitment to the growth and development of basketball in Kenya. Coaches gained access to world-class resources, including the latest in coaching technologies and methodologies, essential for nurturing the next generation of basketball talent.
Shaping the Future of Kenyan Basketball
The impact of this training program is anticipated to be profound and far-reaching. By equipping coaches with advanced skills and knowledge, the Kenya Academy of Sports is setting the stage for a new era of basketball excellence in the country. The trained coaches are now better prepared to develop young talent, implement modern coaching techniques, and elevate the sport to higher levels of competition.
Looking Ahead
As coaches return to their respective teams and communities, they bring with them the insights and experience gained from this elite training program. The Kenya Academy of Sports, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to support these coaches as they apply their new knowledge, ensuring that the benefits of this program resonate across the nation.
Coach Simon Faist remarked, “We have learned to provide opportunities to young talents, adjust, and offer them the necessary requirements. Communication is also key. We will use appropriate language when interacting with kids because they are mostly 12-18 years old. The program will keep opening doors to talented Africans who lack skills and give us an opportunity to excel.”
Coach Susan Nyambura added, “It has been a great learning session. Most of it has been a refresher. We have picked up many lessons. This is growth. I hope we will see more such initiatives. Basketball teaches life skills, interaction, and communication. Meeting others was fantastic. We forged friendships. It’s a wonderful initiative.”
The successful completion of this training marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Kenyan basketball. With continued support from NBA Africa, AFD, and other stakeholders, the Kenya Academy of Sports is poised to lead the country’s basketball program into a new era of success and international recognition.
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