Nkatha missing in action as Kenya pick teams for tennis tourney

Reigning Kenya Open women’s champion Shufaa Changawa and Kevin Cheruiyot headline Kenya’s provisional squads for the Africa Nations Cup to be held at Nairobi Club from November 7 to 13.

The two are among five women and six men, who were selected to battle for the four slots available in each category. The final eight will fly the Kenyan flag at the continental showpiece. They will be under the tutelage of Rosemary Owino, who will be assisted by Caroline Oduor.

Stiff competition is expected in the men’s qualifiers, but it will be a smooth ride in the women’s contest. So far, only three out of five players have confirmed their availability. Changawa, Faith Nyabera and Paige Mbugua will be in action, while teen sensation Judy Nkatha, will not be available for selection as she will sitting for her Form Four exam.

“It is unfortunate the competition will coincide with my national secondary exams. I would have loved to represent my country in the tournament, but the timing is not favourable to me. My exams are crucial and I know I will get other chances to play for Kenya. This is a good chance to concentrate on my school work,” Nkatha said.

UK-based Nikita Dawda, who plays in the College Circuit, has also been invited and the national federation is waiting for her response. Dawda’s consent will complete the women’s team of four.

Cheruiyot and his senior brother Ibrahim Kibet Yego, who represented Kenya in this year’s Davis Cup, have been named in the squad. The others on coach Owino’s list will be Sheil Kotecha, Albert Njogu, Petty Andanda and Ronny Ndinya, who is currently in California on the Futures Circuit.

However, Kenya will miss the services of the country’s top seed Ismael Changawa, who is also the current Kenya Open Men’s titleholder, due to school commitments.

The 14th edition of the continental event will feature 20 countries among them Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Egypt, Algeria, Zambia, Tunisia, Sudan and South Africa.

Reigning champions South Africa won the last edition held in Congo Brazzaville two years ago, with Tunisia and Algeria finishing second and third. Kenya will be making a return to the biennial event after missing from the last five editions

The country will host the African Masters Under-14 competition also from November 7. The event will see Africa’s eight top-ranked boys and girls compete for top honours.

Sheil Kotecha will represent the country in the girls’ contest, while Ryan Randiek will be the player to beat in the boys’ matches.