Team Kenya Davis Cup captain Francis Rogoi is bullish about Kenya's chances of promotion to Group 2 in Algeria next week.
Speaking after the handing over flag ceremony on Friday at the Nairobi Club, Rogoi said they have a strong squad and will be aiming to go one place better than last year, where they finished third overall.
"Last year, we had challenges both from a financial and playing standpoint but credit to the boys; they played their hearts out only to lose in the final four. This year, we will be going all out to secure qualification to Group 2,” said Rogoi.
Kenya missed out on qualification last year after losing 2-1 to Benin in the semifinal in Egypt with Benin and the hosts gaining promotion to Group 2.
Rogoi has named Albert Njogu, Derrick Ominde, Spain-based Kean Shah and Kael Shah for the five-day extravaganza in Algeria.
The former player said the players are in high spirits and expects them to seamlessly to the searing temperatures in North Africa as well as the clay court surface.
“We have had an intensive training session at Nairobi Club for the local players while Kean and Kael, who are based in Spain, have been playing Futures tennis tournaments in Europe and are relishing the challenge," said Rogoi.
Kean said he is delighted to be called up to represent his country at the high-profile event.
"I am ready and raring to go. I have played a few tournaments in Spain for the past four months and am relishing the challenge of meeting the best on the continent," said Kean.
Rogoi said they will take one game at a time knowing they face stern tests.
"This is a new year and we know all teams have upped their game. But we are ready for the challenge ahead,” said Rogoi.
Team Kenya will face hosts Algeria, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Morocco in the five-day event.
The top two teams will gain Promotion to Group Two whole the team that finishes bottom gets relegated to Group 3.
