Kenya U23 step-up preparations ahead of Africa championships

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Kenya U23 national women’s volleyball team has intensified its training ahead of Confederation of African Volleyball championships.

The tournament will be held from October 23-27 at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

Winner of the continental qualifiers, which have so far attracted six countries -Kenya, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, Botswana and Rwanda -will qualify for the World Championship set for next year in Slovenia.

The Catherine Mabwi-coached side started its residential training on Wednesday at Kasarani and played two friendly matches against national league champions Kenya Pipeline. The youthful Malkia Strikers lost 3-0 to Pipeline in the first match, before bouncing back to win the second tie 3-1.

This was the third friendly match between the two sides after Pipeline thrashed the junior side by straight sets last week. Prior to the Pipeline defeat, Kenya U23 had beaten Nairobi Water 3-0, but lost twice by an identical set scores of 3-1 to five-time African champions, Kenya Prisons.

But with the high spirits in camp, coach Mabwi is optimistic of a good outing as they seek to emulate the seniors, Malkia Strikers.

“I am glad we have an injury-free squad at the moment and morale in the camp is really encouraging. Everything is going on as planned. The girls have been responding well to training and from the few friendlies we have had, they have helped the players improve their confidence,” Mambwi told Feverpitch.

“We know it will not be easy, but playing at home and given the kind of training we are having, we expect nothing short of qualifying for the World championships. We want to emulate Malkia Strikers and even equal their achievements on international scene. This team has a great future.”

However, the former Kenyan international is wary of the threat posed by Egypt.

“Of the five teams that have confirmed their participation, I consider Egypt as the main threat. We have played against them before, so both of us know each other's strengths and weaknesses. But that doesn’t mean we will underrate other teams,” cautioned Mabwi.

Meanwhile, the 2016 edition of the Savlon Volleyball tournament enters the semifinals stage at the Nyayo Stadium this weekend.

Women’s defending champions St. Paul’s University will take on Strathmore, while Kenyatta battle Daystar University in the other semi.

Strathmore University, who are men's defending champions, St Paul’s University, JKUAT and Kenyatta have all qualified for the semis, but the pairings will be done on Sunday.