Skipper Hannah Wambui in training/ HANDOUTKenya women’s deaf volleyball team head coach Alborn Ouma is confident they have what it takes to upset the world’s best when they make their Deaflympic Games debut in Tokyo, Japan, on November 15–26.
Women’s volleyball is among seven disciplines where Kenya will make debuts at the global showpiece, alongside tennis, table tennis, cycling, swimming, bowling and badminton. Additionally, the country will field teams in athletics, women’s football, men’s handball, golf and women’s basketball.
The Kenyan side has been drawn in a Group ‘A’ that features powerhouses Italy, the United States and hosts Japan. Group ‘B’ has Turkey, Ukraine, Brazil and Canada.
But Ouma remains unfazed, promising that his players will not just show up to participate but rather compete for honours.
“We are in the same pool with Italy, Japan and the USA. I know those are the powerhouses of volleybal,l but we are up to the task. We promise that we are going there not as underdogs but to bring back a medal,” he said.
Kenya earned a wild card into the women’s volleyball competition through the rankings, where they are top in Africa.
Ouma is drawing inspiration from the national team, Malkia Strikers, who have recently troubled the established order.
“It is possible. Malkia Strikers have done it. They proved it (getting a set) against Poland and beating Vietnam (at the World Championships). We are in the same shoes and we have to go for the best in Japan,” Ouma said.
While acknowledging the pedigree of their opponents, Ouma is convinced Kenya’s thorough preparations and fighting spirit will make the difference when action gets underway.
“Italy are good. I have been following them. They are doing well but it is the field that decides. It is not about the name. We are going to the competition knowing that we are also good. Kenya has a name and we have to protect it anywhere we go,” added the coach.
Team captain Hannah Wambui echoed Ouma’s optimism.
“The training has been good; we are just aiming for gold so that we can make our country proud,” she said.
The 29-member provisional squad has been training twice a week at Nyayo Stadium and the University of Nairobi. They will join the residential camp later this month.
The final squad of 14 will be named just days before departure.
The players were selected during the national trials held in Nairobi last month. Their training has involved playing friendly matches against local rivals, including their male counterparts, who play in the Kenya Volleyball Federation Division Two League.
