Kenya keen on securing ticket to All Africa Games

Michael Chemos reacts in a past league match. [File]

Tanzania men's volleyball team has pulled out of the All Africa Games Zone Five Qualifiers that begin today at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

Tanzania becomes the third team to withdraw from the regional qualifying tournament after Sudan and Ethiopia.

This leaves four countries to battle it out for the single slot to the continental showpiece slated for August in Rabat, Morocco.

"Yes, it's true. Tanzania have officially pulled out of the tournament leaving only four teams in the race," confirmed Kenya Volleyball Federation deputy president Charles Nyaberi.

KVF Technical Director David Lung'aho added: "Definitely Tanzania's last minute decision is a huge blow to the tournament, but the competition must continue. Interestingly, the remaining four teams are the strongest," said Lung'aho.

"So, we expect very tough but entertaining matches."

Hosts Kenya were expected to face-off Tanzania in their opening match of the round-robin tourney, but with their opponents' last minute withdrawal, Wafalme will now clash with neighbouring Uganda in their first match at 4pm today.

Kenya, who finished third in their last 2011 AAG in Maputo-Mozambique, will compete with Egypt, Rwanda and Uganda as they seek to defend their regional title they lifted in Kigali two years ago.

Rwanda, under the tutelage of legendary Kenyan player and coach Paul Bitok, landed in the country yesterday morning two hours before the arrival of Uganda and Egypt.

Despite Tanzania's last minute withdrawal, Kenya head coach Moses Epoloto is focused on successfully defending their regional title and qualify for the Rabat event.

“Expectations are high and we don’t want to let our fans down. It’s been long since we last participated in the All Africa Games, but I believe this is our chance," Epoloto told Standard Sports.

"With our good preparation and playing at home, the only good thing we can do for our supporters is to win the ticket to Morocco for the Africa Games."

But the former General Service Unit coach labelled Egypt as their main threat in the qualifiers.

"Of course Egypt remains the tournament's favourite and our main threat. But I believe despite the withdrawal of Tanzania, Sudan and Ethiopia, the tournament will still be competitive and interesting for the fans to watch," said Epoloto.