Nine countries will be battling it out in the Africa Nations Cup women volleyball tournament, which starts on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Defending champions Kenya will be under pressure from home fans to retain the title they won two years ago.
Kenya, who beat Algeria in the 2011 finals at Africa Nazarene University gymnasium, face a litmus test against powerhouses Tunisia, Cameroon, Algeria and Egypt. Other countries expected for the Nairobi battle are Senegal, DRC, Ethiopia and Gabon.
National team coach David Lung’ahu named a strong squad of 12 players, who will be flying the Kenyan flag high in the quest to retain their title.
Lung’ahu named veteran Kenya Prisons player Bracksides Agala as team Captain.
The team however, expressed displeasure over lack of government support.
“We have been successful just like our athletics and rugby colleagues. But the government has been reluctant to support us. There have been no official visiting our training camp,” said Agala.
She also expressed concern over unpaid allowances and failure to secure accommodation at Kasarani after Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) denied them use of the facility for lack of cash.
“The team is perfectly blended with more experienced and young talented players. With a team like this we are confident of retaining the title,” said Charles Nyaberi, the Kenya volleyball Federation (KVF) first vice chairman.
Nyaberi was however, disappointed to announce that both Uganda and Botswana made last minute withdrawal from the week-long tourney.
However, their withdrawal will not water down the elvel of competition as the remaining nine countries lead in the rankings.
Tunisia challenge
Kenya face stiff competition from Tunisia, who jetted in the country on Wednesday to have three days to acclamatise.
Another bigwig, Tunisia is known for having produced some of the finest women’s players for both national and club sides in the 90s. However, their youthful side is carving a niche and ready to wrestle the title from Kenya.
The memories are still fresh for the Kenyan team in All Africa games in 2011 and will be seeking Cameroun’s scalp after they spoilt their party beating them in the semis.
Cameroun, Senegal and Tunisia are already in the country to give themselves more acclimatisation time before the tournament serves of on Saturday.
By ELIZABETH MBURUGU, The Standard
