Omanyala, Tebogo promise fireworks at Kip Keino Classic

Africa's fastest men Ferdinand Omanyala (100m) and world silver medallist Letsile Tebogo (200m) have promised fireworks during the fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Botswana's Tebogo, who will be competing for the second time on Kenyan soil, believes the one-day Continental Tour will not only help athletes get in shape for the season but also prepare them well for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Tebogo and his coach, Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane, arrived in the country on Wednesday night, ready for the annual event.

Tebogo said: "I strongly believe this is the year for Africa to rule the world since we got me, Ferdinand and Akani (Simbine). He (Omanyala) is the fastest man over the 100m, I'm the fastest over the 200m so let's see what happens."

Omanyala, who dominated the 100m in the last two editions of the Kip Keino Classic, admitted that the change in coaching personnel has made him calmer and more focused compared to the previous years.

The 28-year-old, who broke into the global scene in 2021, believes home advantage will play a part in him posting a good time in the 100m, a race he hasn't run in for eight months.

"I changed my coaches and we are getting into the season with a different mentality. We have seen what promising people can do and I'm not doing so again this year," Omanyala said.

"I will let the coaches do the work and let the action speak. At the moment, it is all about Saturday. Nyayo is a fast track, open air and we will see fast times on the course. Am looking forward to starting the season," he added.

Also making her second appearance on the tour is Namibian Christine Mboma, who was forced to pull out of the 2022 edition due to injury.

The Olympics silver medallist in the 200m has been out of action for 20 months and wants to launch her Paris Olympics ambitions with good timings in the women's 100m that will also feature USA's Ray Shannon.

Speaking during the final press conference on Thursday morning, Mboma, 21, said her only target is to get back to her normal shape before aiming for a medal at the Olympics.

"I will not talk about what I will do at the Olympics but I will go and make sure that I do my best at the Games," she said.

The world 800m champion Mary Moraa, who has done more of the 400m than the 800m this season, is keen on lowering her 1:56.03 personal best before the Paris Olympics.

She said: "I will be racing in the 800m. I remember how many people turned out at Kasarani. This gives us energy. We will possibly see good times posted at Nyayo Stadium."

World silver medallist in the women's hammer throw Jenee Kassanavoid of the USA, who is competing in Kenya for the fourth time, has set eyes on improving her previous performances and enjoying the Kenyan ambience, which she regards to as the best she has experienced in her worldwide tours.

“For me, it is all about finding the rhythm and getting ready for the season. I'm going out there to enjoy myself," she said.

"Over the past four years, the Kip Keino Classic has helped me find the energy and get the right performances that come along with the push from the amazing fans and, of course, the beautiful weather in Nairobi." 

Meet director Barnaba Korir has promised a day full of activities with the tour going back to the place it was first held in 2020.

"Most of the top athletes have come to Nairobi and posted good times and we hope this will be the case this year," said Korir.

“We have had a few financial problems and the government has also cut costs but we are managing. The government is also renovating most stadia but we are liaising with them to ensure we get better next year."

With the fans expected to flood the Nyayo Stadium, Korir assured them that they would get value for their time.

"When an event of this magnitude comes to Kenya, you don't have to sit in front of your TV to watch these athletes. Come cheer and interact with them. We ask all Kenyans to support the event," he added.

The event starts at 10 am.