KSSSA School Games: How a Principal Built a Basketball Legacy

KSSSA School Games: How a Principal Built a Basketball Legacy

Against all odds, a little-known school in Narok South has emerged as a powerhouse in high school basketball, overcoming limited resources and tough competition.

Enkare Ngiro Secondary School, previously overlooked in the sports world, has gained national recognition for its incredible journey, fueled by determination, resilience, and the steadfast leadership of its principal-turned-coach, Seela Kuluo.

Located in the quiet, dusty town of Ewaso Nyiro in Narok South Sub-county, Enkare Ngiro Secondary School has long been overshadowed by larger institutions with well-established athletic programs.

With a small student body and minimal resources, the basketball team often found it challenging to compete against larger schools with top-notch facilities and highly sought-after players. Nevertheless, the team remained focused on their aspirations.

Their journey began in 2024 during the secondary school games, starting with modest expectations.

Principal Seela Kuluo, who also serves as the head coach, introduced the sport last year. The team participated in the basketball 3×3 tournament, winning the sub-county title but narrowly losing to Kilgoris Boys High School in the subsequent round.

This year, in the basketball 5×5 tournament, they faced a similar fate, losing by just one basket to the same school.

Kuluo, a trained basketball coach and referee, is dedicated to enhancing the players’ skills, promoting teamwork, and fostering a winning mindset.

“We instilled a philosophy that emphasized grit, discipline, and believing in the impossible. This mindset helped the team build confidence and momentum,” she stated.

She noted that many players come from underprivileged backgrounds and often struggle to pay school fees. Kuluo has made it her mission to keep them in school so they can both study and play.

“If we allow such talented players to drop out, it would be a significant loss—not only for basketball but for their futures. They have also excelled academically because education and extracurricular activities go hand in hand,” she remarked.

Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the sport, Seela has organized a series of friendly matches with universities and clubs to expose the team to higher levels of competition, which has been crucial to their success.

Enkare Ngiro hails from a region in Narok known for producing world-class athletes like David Rudisha and Billy Konchellah, making their rise in basketball even more impressive.

The team entered every championship as underdogs.

The competition was intense, and each game posed new challenges. However, they refused to be daunted. They surprised their opponents with aggressive defense, fast-paced offense, and an indomitable spirit.

Despite facing heavily favored rivals, the team played with heart and determination.

“In many games, the audience was captivated as we executed perfect plays, battled for every rebound, and demonstrated an unyielding determination to win. Even when facing home teams with strong fan support, we achieved victories that sent shockwaves through the high school basketball community,” Seela remarked.

Their achievements have become a symbol of the strength of perseverance. The team’s journey has shown that passion and commitment can overcome any challenge, regardless of a school’s size or resources.

“We are no longer just a small school; we have become a source of inspiration for every underdog aspiring to achieve greatness,” Seela proudly declared.

In light of their basketball success, an international football player based in California has committed to sponsoring the construction of a proper basketball court at the school.

“By doing this, we will be able to exchange talent with top schools from other areas in the future and develop more young athletes,” Seela continued.

Having been in the teaching profession for over 20 years, Seela is no stranger to success. She was the driving force behind Narok Boys High School’s hockey team, leading them to the East Africa Games in Tanzania in 2014, where they earned a bronze medal.

With her leadership and the team’s relentless spirit, Enkare Ngiro’s basketball journey is just beginning. Their story serves as a motivation for all aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with dedication, discipline, and the right guidance, success is always attainable.