Beach volleyball teams intensify training ahead of Club Games qualifiers in Accra

National women's beach volleyball players Gaudencia Makokha (left) and Brackcides Khadambi during last month's tournament in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

National beach volleyball teams have intensified their training in Mombasa in readiness for the African Commonwealth Games qualifiers.

The 12-member squad consisting of six men and six women entered day five of their residential training camp yesterday before they jet out for the continental qualifiers scheduled for March 24-29 in Accra, Ghana.

Men’s head coach Patrick Owino expressed optimism the teams will hit top form before departing for Accra on March 20.

“We are now working on the areas of weakness. We are leaving nothing to chance at all as we have all it requires to win and qualify for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham, United Kingdom. We have few days of training and we need utilise it effectively,” said Owino.

Women’s coach Salome Wanjala is also confident the girls will give their best in Accra.

“We are getting all the needed support and the girls are in top form and we are ready for task ahead,” she said at the teams training base at The Big Tree Beach Hotel.

Ibrahim Oduor, who was named the overall captain, said the team is up to the task ahead and Kenyans should expect good results.

“We are looking forward to a tough task ahead but we are ready to roll over our opponents,” said Oduor.

Naomi Too has been named as Oduor’s assistant. Four players from each gender will be named for the African qualifiers. The championship has attracted more than ten countries.

The men’s team has Oduor, James Mwaniki, Jairus Jepkosgei, Wilfred Kimutai and Donald Mchete, while the women team is comprised of Gaudencia Makokha, Brackcides Agala, Yvonne Wavinya, Phosca Kasisi, Veronica Adhiambo and Naomi Too.