• He further revealed that the team is contented with the result as it is an improvement from last year’s 11th-place finish.
•A gutted Okutoyi said that lack of confidence was a major reason for the loss.
Image: HANDOUT
Coach Francis Rogoi strongly believes Team Kenya needs to bridge the gap between Angela Okutoyi and other players for Kenya to progress in tennis.
His remarks came after Kenya missed out on a finals spot after losing two matches against Nigeria in the last pool match of the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III.
“We need to bridge the gap between Okutoyi and other girls for us to perform better. We are currently dependent on her to constantly carry the team which is overburdening her,” said Rogoi.
“Our education system where students leave school late in the evening is hindering the development of sports in the country,” he continued, “It will be very nice if we could have training centres, where young players can train and study concurrently.”
He further revealed that the team is contented with the result as it is an improvement from last year’s 11th-place finish.
The spotlight was on Okutoyi who opened the day against Nigeria’s Adesuwa Osabuohien.
Okutoyi’s powerful backhand proved too strong for Osabuohien in the opening set as she stormed to a commanding 4-0 lead.
Despite Osabuohien’s valiant efforts in the subsequent three sets, she could not overcome Okutoyi’s prowess as she sealed the first set 6-2, demonstrating her superior performance.
The second set was no different, as Okutoyi continued her dominance, sweeping through with an impressive 6-0 victory.
In the second match, Cynthia Wanjala played against Nigeria’s top seed Barakat Quadre. Wanjala struggled to find her rhythm in the opening set, ultimately losing 6-0.
However, she showcased her resilience in the second set, putting up a fight against Quadre. Despite her efforts, Wanjala fell short with a 6-2 loss, granting Nigeria another point on the scoreboard.
The highlight of the day came during the third match, where Okutoyi and Wanjala joined forces against Quadre and Divine Nweke.
The Nigerians made a strong start, claiming the first game with the help of Quadre’s powerful serves.
Undeterred, the Kenyan duo showcased remarkable teamwork, overpowering their opponents and leveling the scores at 1-1 in the first set.
The Nigerians responded with determination, regaining the lead and extending it to 4-1 before they earned a 6-1 victory in the first set.
However, Okutoyi and Wanjala were not ready to concede defeat as they fought back in the second set, winning the opening game after battling through numerous deuces.
Quadre and Osabuohien showed their resilience by quickly leveling the set and further securing a 2-1 lead.
The Kenyan pair, determined to mount a comeback, fought hard and managed to close the gap to 3-2 but Nigeria remained relentless, extending their lead to 4-2 and eventually clinching the second set 6-2.
A gutted Okutoyi said lack of confidence was a major reason for the loss.
“The truth today is that we were not confident with our shots. We sat back and tried to see what the opponents were going to do instead of sticking to our game,” Okutoyi lamented.
Okutoyi echoed Rogoi’s thoughts saying, “It is good that Kenya now has clay courts but we need to have tennis centres here in Kenya to help develop young talent. I was at the ITF centre from a young age and it helped me to develop my game and gain experience.”
She promised Kenyans that the team will finish on a high when they face Zimbabwe in the third-place playoffs on Saturday.