Madina Okot Set to Join Elite Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Team After Visa Approval

After a long and challenging journey, Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot is finally set to join the Mississippi State Women’s Basketball team in the USA, following the recent approval of her visa on the fifth attempt. The news marks a significant milestone in Okot’s promising basketball career, which has been marked by perseverance and dedication.

Okot, a forward for the Zetech Sparks, faced multiple setbacks in her bid to secure a US visa, with her initial four applications being rejected. Despite these hurdles, she remained steadfast and resilient, continually reapplying until her persistence was rewarded. “I just got good news today. I went to the US embassy and my visa was approved. I’m so happy about it; it has not been easy being denied four times. I kept going and I did not give up. Imagine being rejected four times and still having the energy to go back, and finally, God did it for me,” Okot expressed with relief and joy.

Madina’s new chapter in the US comes with a full scholarship—a testament to her skills and determination. This scholarship is her third in a five-year basketball career, reflecting her exceptional talent and commitment to the sport. She previously received full sports scholarships to Kaya Tiwi High School and Zetech University, where she played for the Zetech Sparks in the Women’s Premier League. Her move to the US is not entirely surprising, given her impressive performance since her debut with Kaya Tiwi.

Michael Finley, Kenya Country Lead at NBA Africa, acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead for Okot. “She has to expect to play against the best of the best. She has to expect to work harder than she ever imagined in her life. It means on the basketball court she will be challenged like never before. She can handle it, and they have seen it,” Finley commented. He also highlights the importance of Okot balancing her athletic commitments with academic responsibilities. “The big question is whether Madina can adapt and adjust mentally because she also has to work hard in class. She can’t play without getting what is required in the classroom,” Finley added.

Okot’s journey to the US has been shaped by her remarkable achievements on the court. Her international debut came during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she represented Kenya in the 3×3 basketball event. Despite initial nervousness and camera shyness, Okot impressed with her performance, earning the player of the match accolade in her debut game. Reflecting on her Commonwealth Games experience, she noted, “I was a bit shaky. I didn’t expect to perform the way I did because I performed well. I was voted player of the match in my first game on that big stage, but I couldn’t speak because I was camera shy. It was very scary.”

Kita Matungulu, Director of Basketball at NBA Africa, sees Okot’s move as a significant opportunity for Kenya to showcase its basketball talent on a global stage. “We have to thank a lot of the stakeholders, especially the US government for allowing her and many other young people to have this opportunity to go play basketball and study in the USA. We are talking about the young Kenyan that can prosper on the next level,” Matungulu stated.

Standing at 6-foot-6, Okot is poised to make a substantial impact with the Mississippi State Basketball team. Her experiences and growth over the years have prepared her well for this new challenge. As she prepares to transition to college basketball in the US, she carries with her the hopes of Kenyan basketball fans and the promise of a bright future in the sport.