Kenya will seek to dethrone South Africa at the Africa U18/U20 Championships in Abeokuta City, Nigeria, on July 16-20, Athletics Kenya has said.
South Africa clinched the continental title at the 2023 edition in Zambia.
Speaking after Kenya named a team of 48 for the Nigerian contest, AK Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir backed the team to deliver in West Africa.
The talented U20 team has 14 men and 12 women, while the U18 team has 10 women and 11 men. They were selected during a two-day trial held at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. The team will camp in Nairobi for two weeks.
“I’m happy with what I have seen here today. It has been an exciting and competitive event. The athletes are within the required age. I encourage coaches, teachers, and parents to stop manipulating documents,” said Korir.
They have included a couple of field event athletes to give them exposure.
“Going forward, the field events athletes will be given equal opportunities,” he added.
Youth Committee secretary Joseph Ilovi will be the team manager for the U18 team and Nancy Sigei for the U20 team.
The teams will be coached by Paul Kemei, Christopher Chepkormet, Gilbert Chebet, Erastus Kabugi, Edward Godi and Monica Okumu. Daniel Sang’ and Florence Chepng’ei were appointed as physiotherapists. Other officials will be named later.
U20 men: Dennis Kipkoech, Frankline Kibet (5,000m), Edwin Elkana, Ronald Kipkoech (10,000m), Brian Kandie, Nicholas Ktum (3,000m steeplechase), Collins Koech, Owan Logorodi (1,500m), Kelvin Kipkoei, Ntayia Karembu (800m), Simeon Obori (400m), Clinton Aluvi, Brian Okoth (200m)
U20 women: Joyline Chepkemoi, Sharon Chepkemoi (5,000m), Mirriam Chemutai, Sheila Chepng’eno (3,000m), Judy Chepkoech, Vivian Cherotich (1,500m), Nancy Chepng’etich, Doricah Isoe, Josephine Sembeyo (800m), Faith Kemunto (400m), Faith Cherotich (javelin), Anastacia Cheptoo, Mercy Chepmg’eno (3,000m s/c)
U18 men: Kevin Kiprop, Emmanuel Rono (3,000m), Brian Kiptoo, Emmanuel Lemiso (2,000m s/c), Ezekiel Kipkorir, Lawi Kiplangat (1,500m), Lawi Kiplangat, Manases Koech (800m), Evan Kiprono (400m), Kevin Kipng’eno (long jump and triple jump), Calistus Kipkirui (javelin).
U18 women: Mercyline Wanjala (5,000m walk race), Cynthia Chepkirui, Lorna Cherono (3,000m), Mercy Chepng’eno, Claire Chepng’etich (2,000m), Melody Chemutai, Carren Chepng’eno (800m), Victoriours Cheruto (triple jump), Carren Chepchirchir, Millicent Jepkonga (1,500m).
