Ahoya and Kawira set sights on the ITF Under 18 tourney in November

The duo recently played at the Africa School Games in Algeria, where they reached the quarterfinals. 

Ahoya believes their recent run at the continental schools games will put them in a strong position to perform well at the ITF show, which has attracted top players from around the world.

“ The event in Algiers was an eye-opener. Playing against my peers has sharpened my game and made me improve my play," she said. 

Ahoya lost to Algeria's Nora Lachouren 6-3, 1-6, 6-1, while Nancy Kawira's run ended at the hands of Houda Benamar of Algeria 6-2, 7-6(2). 

With two months to the tournament, Ahoya revealed she will feature in some build-up tournaments to get herself ready for the ITF show.

“ I will use selected tournaments to test myself against some of the best players. There will be some Confederation African Tennis (CAT) tournaments on home soil to prepare for the event, ” noted Ahoya.

Ahoya is bullish about her chances of performing well, having reached the semifinals of an ITF tournament in May at the Parklands Sports Club.

" I reached the last four last time out, and I believe with the build-up tournaments, I can have a deep run at the tournament in November," noted Ahoya.

Countries expected to participate in the week-long tournament include Spain, Italy, Great Britain and Germany from Europe. Others are— Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe. 

Kawira, on her part,  has set her sights on the Billie Jean King Cup team for next year's tournament after missing out on selection for this year's team.

” I'm going to work hard to be a part of the team for next season, and with the tournaments that I have been lined up, I believe I can improve my performances and ranking,” noted Kawira.