In an exciting development for women’s basketball in Kenya, the Kenya Women’s 3X3 basketball team has successfully secured a Sh5 million sponsorship deal from Odibets, a leading gaming company. The generous sponsorship will cover the team’s logistics, including travel expenses, merchandise, and meals, as confirmed by Odibets General Manager, Dedan Mungai.
Expressing his pride in the team’s achievements, Mungai stated, “We are proud of the ladies. They’ve displayed their spirit of excellence and are already Champions of Africa.” The team emerged victorious in the final of the FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup 2023 held in Cairo last December, defeating Egypt to claim the title.
The Kenya Women’s 3X3 basketball team comprises talented players such as Hildah Indasi, Madina Okot, Mercy Wanyama (the younger sibling of renowned footballer Victor Wanyama), and Natalie Mwangale, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. Mwangale’s exceptional performance contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Reacting to the sponsorship deal, Indasi expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is a big boost. The funds will help us prepare better to face what undoubtedly is quality opposition in the next few months. But we are up to the task.” The team is now preparing for a buildup tournament in France before the Olympic qualifiers in Japan.
Odibets, through its Odi Mtaani foundation, has made a commitment to sponsor sports in various fields as part of its key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The company has previously supported grassroots football, including Mathare United and several teams at the grassroots level, as well as the national soccer team, Harambee Stars.
The sponsorship provided by Odibets demonstrates their dedication to the development of sports in Kenya. Notably, the company has also shown support for fans, facilitating the travel of dozens of supporters to watch select matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
With the financial backing from Odibets, the Kenya Women’s 3X3 basketball team is poised to enhance its preparations and compete against top-quality opposition in the coming months. This sponsorship deal serves as a significant step forward for women’s basketball in Kenya and highlights the growing support for women’s sports in the country.
