The Kenya national women’s Beach Volleyball team is beaming with confidence ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 28 - August 8 in Birmingham, England.
The Salome Wanjala-coached side, which qualified for the games after being awarded a wild card, is currently sharpening its skills in Mombasa. Kenya missed an automatic qualification after finishing third behind Mauritius and Ghana in the African qualifiers in April this year.
Kenya has been grouped in pool A alongside Ghana, New Zealand, and the reigning champions, Canada. Australia, Cyprus, Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago are in pool B while pool C has Scotland, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and hosts England.
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The pair of Naomi Too, and Phoscah Kasisi as well as the experienced duo of Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Agala have been training in the coastal town for a month now. Wanjala disclosed that only one pair will represent the nation in Birmingham.
Speaking to one of the local dailies from their training base, Wanjala said that her team is capable of upsetting the giants.
“The teams have been placed in three pools and, therefore, the top two teams in the group alongside the best loser will proceed to the next stage and I know we are capable of upsetting the form book," she told Nation Sports.
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The current Nairobi Prisons women’s tactician also revealed that they have been using YouTube videos to analyze the weaknesses and strengths of their opponents.
“Luckily, we have been able to watch New Zealand and Ghana and we know a thing or two on their mode of play.
“We have not been able to access Canada's videos in action but I know it's just a matter of time. We have had ample time training here and I hope our efforts will pay off," added Wanjala.
Kenya will kick off their Club Games campaign on July 30 against New Zealand before entertaining favorites Canada on August 1. They will square it out with Ghana in their final group match on August 2.
Only the top two teams in each of the three pools and the best loser will qualify for the next round.
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