Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok has said Kenya will use their experience from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to reclaim the continental title from rivals Cameroon at the African Nations Championships slated for Rwanda this month.
The Kenyan queens last won the continental trophy in 2015, when the 17th edition of the championship was held in Nairobi.
Malkia Strikers finished second during the 2017 and 2019 versions with nemesis Cameroon reigning supreme on both occasions.
“We have got an experienced team with players like Jane Wacu and Mercy Moim donning the jersey for more than 10 years while the rest of the players have had a go with the team. Our priority is to reclaim the title from rivals Cameroon and book a slot to next year’s World Championships,” Bitok said, adding that the mood in the camp is at an all-time high.
He, however, added he will inject some young blood into the team as they seek to foster smooth transition and as the management seeks to develop a quality team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“We want to bring in more youngsters. Avenues like the African Championships and the World Championships would offer them a platform to express themselves. The players are in high spirits and focused on the task ahead,” said Bitok.
The team will depart for Rwanda on Friday.
A total of 15 teams in the women’s category will take part in the tournament. They include hosts Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia and Tunisia.
Meanwhile, the men’s team left on Sunday after all members of the delegation returned a negative Covid-19 test.
