Lilian Nechesa is competent at basketball. Very competent. She even has a trophy and a phone from an M-PESA Jr NBA Elite 100 camp featuring the best Under 16 girls in the country to prove it.

“I did not know I would emerge as among the Best 5 Under 16 girls nationally as I am just used to playing with my schoolmates. I thank God I played well. It felt nice to be selected,” said a delighted Lilian clutching her trophy and a goodie bag.

Lilian only started shooting hops one year ago. Previously, the Grade 9 pupil was a footballer. Her fast journey to success on court started as a class assignment in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) at Nambale AC Primary School in Busia County.

Eugene Makokha, who wears many hats – teacher, basketball coach and referee – is the driving force behind Lilian’s success.

With the introduction of basketball in Junior school through CBC, Coach Eugene took a leap of faith introducing his students to the sport. Lack of sufficient basketballs and having no kit was no hindrance to the eager young girls.

Their valiant effort met the grand opportunity of the M-PESA Jr NBA program, and it was a slam dunk success for Lilian.

“Now we know that Nambale AC can produce a star. A team that didn’t have balls, a team that just saw the ball last year, 2024, that’s the first time these girls came in touch with the basketball,” said Coach Eugene.

While Nambale AC was participating in the Kisumu edition of the four regional M-PESA Jr NBA tournaments, Lilian caught the eye of the scouts. A first-time trip to Mombasa was her reward.

Her proud dad, who had also never travelled to the Coast tagged along for the ride and he also has dreams, “I am really praying for Lillian’s talent to prosper. She has made me see a ferry for the first time and if she continues excelling, she may even make me travel abroad.”

Lilian’s talent discovery, nurturing and rewarding captures the essence of the spirit of the M-PESA Jr NBA program. Taking basketball to the grassroots and lowering the age of introduction to the sport.

Watch the video below to see how Lilian emerged top of the class and how she hopes to graduate to basketball success.