Nairobi governor Mike Sonko gave the Kenya Men’s basketball team a hero’s welcome on Monday. The Kenya Morans made it to the final of the FIBA Afrocan tournament where they lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was the first time the team had ever reached a major final in Africa and served the fans some memorable moments en route to the final. The Morans lost 61-82 to a very Superior Congolese side but still gave Kenyans a reason to smile. Kenya’s main man and tournament top scorer Tyler Okari scored a match-high 21 points but his effort was not good enough to help Kenya overcome DRC.
Interestingly, both teams had an earlier meeting in the Group Stages of the tournament with Congo again emerging victorious.
Once back home, Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko was at the airport to welcome the country’s new sporting heroes.
During arrival of Kenya national basketball team, "the Morans" at JKIA after excelling at the FIBA AfroCan basketball tournament in Bamako, Mali. Despite losing to DRC in the finals, Kenya excelled in the continental tournament by beating other established teams. pic.twitter.com/LQn8UtGbbN
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) July 29, 2019
Welcoming our basketball champions on arrival from Mali @ JKIA . We'll done Morans. Kenya says thanks you pic.twitter.com/EsnuKYDJZp
— Ambassador Kirimi (@PsSportsKenya) July 29, 2019
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka also got in on the act.
We welcome you home #Morans for an amazing performance at the basketball Africa cup of Nations in Mali.Well done.Kenya is deeply proud of you. pic.twitter.com/O2qk59Qke5
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) July 29, 2019
The team was also taken through an open bus tour around Nairobi by one of Sonko’s rescue team vehicles.
Great to see the reception the Kenya Morans have been given by the Nairobi County Government upon their return from Mali. Love it when sportsmen are appreciated @bush_w_tom with the signature 🤙🤙 well in gents @Teammorans pic.twitter.com/PlsuKtkxmk
— Tim (@olobulu) July 29, 2019
Congratulations Morans you have indeed made Kenya Proud. Hongera! pic.twitter.com/RbGuibO8z7
— Jane NgoiriOfficial (@janengoiri) July 29, 2019
Well done to the team!