Former Ulinzi Warriors Basketball Club player William Ochieng Otieno has earned continental recognition after being selected to attend the 2026 African Mini Basketball Forum, marking another milestone in a career that has flourished both on the court and on the sidelines.
Ochieng, who now serves as the head coach of Snipers Basketball Club, will take part in the African Mini-Basketball Convention 2026 set for Moroni, Comoros, from July 26 to 29.
His former club, Ulinzi Warriors, announced the selection and praised him for his continued contribution to Kenyan basketball, saying his impact has stretched from his successful playing days to his current coaching role.
"William's selection is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution to the game. A true Ulinzi Warriors legend, he was instrumental in the club's golden era, winning 4 of the club's 11 Kenya Basketball Premier League titles and cementing his place among the most decorated players in the club's history," Ulinzi Warriors said via a statement.
Ochieng enjoyed a successful spell with Ulinzi Warriors, helping the club win four Kenya Basketball Premier League titles during one of its most successful periods. His achievements as a player have now been matched by success in coaching, where he continues to nurture the next generation of talent.
As head coach of Snipers Basketball Club, the official Ulinzi Warriors development side competing in the Kenya National Basketball League Men's Division One, he has guided the team to three Division One league titles, including back-to-back championships.
His work has also seen several young players rise through the ranks and earn promotion to the Ulinzi Warriors team competing in the Kenya Basketball Premier League.
From lifting league titles as a player to winning championships from the bench, Ochieng has continued to uphold the values that have shaped his career.
"From a championship-winning player to a championship-winning coach, William continues to embody the values of excellence, discipline, leadership, and service that define Ulinzi Warriors."
Organised by the FIBA Regional Office for Africa with the support of the FIBA Foundation, the four-day forum is much more than a basketball gathering. It represents an investment in Africa’s future by introducing young children to the sport in an enjoyable and educational environment while providing coaches with the knowledge needed to nurture tomorrow’s stars.
The event builds on the success of previous editions held in Burkina Faso in 2019, Côte d’Ivoire in 2021 and other recent forums across Africa. Each gathering has demonstrated that developing basketball starts long before elite competitions or professional leagues. It begins with creating memorable first experiences for children, encouraging them to enjoy the game while developing confidence, friendships and healthy lifestyles.
This year’s edition is expected to bring together approximately 400 children between the ages of five and twelve, with equal participation from girls and boys. Their presence highlights one of the forum’s key objectives: ensuring basketball is accessible to every child regardless of gender. Joining the young participants will be 70 coaches representing national federations from across Africa. While the children learn through games and interactive activities, coaches will participate in technical workshops led by experienced international instructors specialising in Mini Basketball methodology.