Discover the inspiring journies of Sarah Chan, Evelyne Kedogo and Dorothy Okatch, three remarkable women making significant strides in African basketball. Join us as we delve into the stories of these unsung heroes, their contributions, and their impact on the sport across the continent.
Last Updated on
March 20, 2024
Kendi Mwiti
Staff Writer
In the vibrant tapestry of African basketball, there are unsung heroes whose dedication, resilience, and passion have significantly shaped the sport's landscape.
Among these luminaries are Sarah Chan, a trailblazing NBA scout for the Toronto Raptors; Evelyne Kedogo, a revered coach and legend of the Kenyan 3x3 women's team; and Dorothy Okatch, hailed as one of the most experienced female referees on the African continent.
Their remarkable journeys and contributions not only exemplify excellence but also serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring athletes, coaches, and officials across Africa and beyond.
Sarah Chan, a South Sudanese ex-professional basketball player, is the lead scout in Africa for the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first woman to scout for an NBA team on the African continent. Chan's basketball journey began when her family sought refuge in Nairobi, Kenya, in August 1998. She showcased her exceptional talent on the court while attending Laiser Hill High School.
In 2007, Sarah Chan moved to the United States, where she earned a basketball scholarship to Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Following her collegiate career, she ventured into professional basketball, competing in Europe and Africa.
Eventually, Chan returned to Nairobi, Kenya, to pursue a master's degree in peace and conflict studies at the United States International University Africa (USIU-A). She also played a pivotal role in leading the varsity team to a Kenyan title during her time there.
Sarah Chan also launched her Home At Home/Apediet Foundation, a charitable organisation that mentors girls, combats child marriage, and advocates for education and sports. Named after her mother, this national non-governmental organisation reflects Chan's commitment to uplifting her community. Additionally, she contributes to the Giant of Africa program. Notably, in 2022, Chan was named to the prestigious BBC 100 Women list.
Evelyne Kedogo achieved a significant milestone by guiding the Kenyan 3x3 women’s team to victory in the 3x3 African championship, a triumph that has kept the nation’s Olympic aspirations alive. However, Kedogo’s impact on African basketball extends beyond this recent success.
Introduced to the sport during her teenage years in high school, Kedogo, now 50, has established herself as a prominent figure in African basketball, both as a player and a coach. Beginning her professional playing career with the now-defunct Railways basketball team, Kedogo also represented the women’s national team, serving as captain from 2003 to 2005 before retiring from international competition.
Transitioning into coaching in 2012 after a distinguished career as a player at both club and national levels, she joined the late Thomas’ Smutts’ Olumbo on the Eagle Wings technical bench, further cementing her influence on the sport. During the 2013 FIBA Africa Club Championships in Meknes, Morocco, Coach Olumbo fell ill, prompting Kedogo to step up and take charge from the sidelines.
Under her guidance, Eagle Wings clinched a bronze medal, marking the first time a Kenyan club reached the podium in a continental championship. This achievement was later surpassed by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) a decade later during the inaugural AWBL, where they secured second place.
Kedogo's involvement extends to coaching the national team. Alongside former KCB Lionesses and national team player Alice Onono (USA), she established an academy called AfricasDream. With bases in Goma and DR Congo, the academy has formed two teams: Dreamers (Congo) and the Dream Girls (Kenya).
Since 2018, the duo has facilitated over 15 boys' journeys to the USA on basketball scholarships. Additionally, Kedogo contributes to FirstCoach, an International Mini Basketball Instructors Network focused on enhancing capacity building in East Africa and beyond.
Dorothy Okatch, one of Africa's most seasoned female referees, has surmounted numerous obstacles in her journey to pursue her love for basketball. As Botswana's first female FIBA-licensed referee, Okatch is a trailblazer in African sports. Originally from Uganda, Okatch's family relocated to Botswana when she was four years old in 1987.
Her passion for basketball blossomed during her final year of high school, and upon entering the University of Namibia, she quickly became a key player for the varsity basketball team known as the Wildcats.
Her defining moment arrived in her second year when she was appointed captain of the Wildcats team for two consecutive seasons. In 2014, she etched her name in history as the first Botswana national to earn the prestigious title of FIBA International referee.
