National women's coach Francis Rogoi has called for a revised and revamped plan for the Billie Jean King Cup ahead of next season.
Team Kenya came up short, losing in the promotion decider against Morocco 2-1a fortnight ago in Windhoek, Namibia.
The former player believes more needs to be done in terms of preparations ahead of big tournaments.
“ For example, Okutoyi played several build-up tournaments in France and Germany, but the rest of the players, like Alicia Owegi, Melissa Mwakha and Stacy Yego, did not play the quota of tournaments I had recommended to the federation,” noted Rogoi.
He added, "For us to be in a good place, you need to train for two weeks and then subsequently play two tournaments thereafter to gauge yourselves,” said Rogoi.
Rogoi observed that with better preparation, Kenya can qualify for Group II and stay in the top tier next season.
"My target in the long term is to ensure we gain promotion and stay in Group II and don't get relegated within a year. I'm confident in the players we have,” noted Rogoi
Rogoi has called for increased government support, observing that the Ministry of Sports can't only come when the team is playing in competition.
“Remember, there is the preparation phase, which the ministry needs to be involved in. You can not expect a student to pass examinations if you do not support him or her in the revision phase,” added Rogoi.
Team Kenya recorded its best-ever finish at the tournament, beating Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana with a similar 3-0 before falling short to Morocco in a heartbreaking final.
In the opening singles match, Melissa Mwakha lost to Malak el Alami 6-4, 6-3, while Okutoyi beat Yasmine Kabbaj 6-2, 6-4.
In the crucial doubles category, Okutoyi and Cynthia Wanjala lost 6-3, 4-6, 10-6 to Malak El Allami and Diae El Jardi.
