How fatherhood changed my view of this sport

Lennox Ziro Wanje, 28, is the second-born in a family of four children. He went to Harvest Primary School and Mombasa Baptist High School, where he sharpened his basketball skills. He studied procurement in supply chain management at the Kenya Institute of Management. A former footballer, Lennox played basketball for Kisiwa Stars, Weka Weka Warriors and Coastal Kings before joining powerhouses Kenya Ports Authority to play the sport professionally. 

Why did you choose basketball over other disciplines?
My basketball journey began by chance in primary school. We played football on a basketball court, and the older students insisted we learn basketball first. That’s how I was introduced to the sport, although football was still my favourite.

How did your family take your involvement in the sport?
Coming from a sports family—dad played football, mum did volleyball and football, my sister was into athletics, and my brother played football and boxing—it wasn’t easy. They saw basketball as a distraction and didn’t support me at first. But after I earned a scholarship worth more than Sh50,000 per year to cover my Form Two and Three tuition fees at Baptist High School, they began supporting me. 

At what point did you decided to make this sport a career?
In high school I joined the football team, but Coach Kimani picked me out and encouraged me to try shooting hoops. He gave me training gear including shorts and a singlet and even began locking the dorms early, so I had to pass through the court. I had no choice but to heed his call and start basketball training.

Did you fall in love with basketball immediately? 
No. I didn’t take it seriously and often got punished during practice. I gave up and rejoined the football team, but the coach wouldn’t let me be. Slowly by slowly he built a bond with me by allowing me to get a special diet and encouraging me all the time. Eventually he won be over.

In 2013 when I was in Form Two. Coach Kimani trained me personally. I was small in stature, but my teammates encouraged me. We played in the Mombasa League. When coach Kimani left, Coach Zadok Osogo took over and coached me through high school.

Coach Osogo pushed me even harder. I stayed on after regular training to work on my individual skills. I won my first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that year, and after that I never went back to football. I realised I could achieve so much more as a basketballer – wins, travel, and recognition.

Tell us about the other opportunities you’ve got from playing this sport…
I got a scholarship to join Coach Zadok’s team, Kisiwa, after high school. Together we won a local championship. Later, we formed a team called Weka Weka just for fun. It is through basketball that I now have a job at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and I’m really grateful.

Did you explore any other interests after high school?
 Yes. I joined college, focused on my studies and even began attachment at the Mombasa County Assembly. Balancing sports and studies was tough. I also coached at my former school, then I fell seriously ill and couldn’t take my final exams on time.

What health issues did you face?
I was diagnosed with asthma, bronchial issues, and Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) syndrome. Doctors advised me to stay active. That motivated me to return to training, even though I had initially quit.

So, how did you get back to professional basketball?
 After regular training, Coastal Kings reached out. They needed a point guard. I joined under Coach Anthony Ojukwu and helped the team reach the finals and earn promotion to Division One. Later, I moved to KPA for stability, especially since I had a son to support.

 In 2016, I briefly joined KPA but had to quit because traveling for games clashed with my school schedule. I later returned to Weka Weka and focused on completing my attachment. My priorities shifted to my career and family. I became a dad and started selling sports gear in markets to support my family.

How has fatherhood influenced your journey?
It gave me purpose. Once my son was born, I wasn’t just playing for myself. I had to think about achieving financial stability, being responsible, and setting a good example for my son. He became a major reason for me to keep pushing forward. Basketball has given me more than wins or trophies. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to connect with others.

What else kept you going despite all the ups and downs?
 Love for the game, the community it gave me, and the doors it opened. Basketball gave me friends, mentors, and a way to provide for my family. It’s a core part of who I am.

Who is your role model in basketball?
American professional basketball player Stephen Curry. I learn a lot from watching him—I love his style and work ethic. Locally, I look up to Victor Bosire, Tylor Ongwae, and Joseph Khaemba. They’ve given me valuable advice and encouragement.

Apart from basketball, what else do you do?
 I swim, do a bit of boxing, and work as an operator at KPA.

How do you balance sports, family, and work commitments?
It is tough. Basketball takes time—training and travel. But I prioritise my family by spending time with them when I’m not playing. It is easy to manage work since I play for the company team. They give me enough time to go for training or competitions.

Can you describe a day in your life as a basketball player?
I wake up at 4am for a run, beach workout, and gym session. Then I head to work for eight hours. After work, I hit the gym again, then the basketball court. When off work, I start with gym and court sessions. I ensure I eat a high protein diet. I usually train with the team from 4pm. After that, I get a massage, rest, watch basketball, and read novels before sleeping.