Daniel Munguti believes the national cross-country team can surpass last year’s performance at the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday.
Munguti led team Kenya to win gold in the mixed relays at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia alongside world 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Miriam Cherop and Brenda Chebet. In an interview, Munguti said they are better prepared compared to last year.
“We hope this year will be better than last year's in Australia. Cross country is all about teamwork and we are focusing on that,” he said.
Munguti finished third in the 2km relay at the national trials behind Raymond Kipkorir and Wanyonyi.
The Kenya Defence Forces man said he believes the entire team from the 2km mixed relay team to the 10km senior men, is ready and raring to go.
He said he is not worried about the course in Serbia, because they have trained to tackle any terrain.
“Our coaches have analysed the course in Serbia and have already briefed us on what to expect. There is a water point, hills and other obstacles across the course but we are ready for anything," he added.
He said Ngong has been a good training base just like Kigari last year ahead of Bathurst.
“The good thing is that we are training on a course similar to the one we will be competing in Serbia," Munguti noted.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Chebet in the relay team, Virginia Nyambura will fill the position to team up with Purity Chepkirui.
Full Team: 2km mixed relays: Virginia Nyambura, Purity Chepkirui, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Daniel Kyumba Munguti and Reynold Kipkorir.
Men's 10km senior: Nicholas Kimeli, Ishmael Kipkurui, Benson Kiplagat, Samwel Maasai, Gideon Rono and Sabastian Sawe
Senior women's 10km race: Immaculate Anyango, Beatrice Chebet, Cynthia Chepngeno, Margaret Chelimo, Agnes Ng’etich and Lilian Kasait.
Junior men's U-20 race: Johana Erot, Samuel Kibathi, Shadrack Kipkemei, Gideon Kingetich, Matthew Kipruto and Charles Rotich.
Junior women's U-20 race: Deborah Chemutai, Diana Chepkemoi, Mercy Chepkemoi, Nancy Cherop, Diana Cherotich and Sheila Jebet.
