Ismael Changawa, Albert Njogu and Ibrahim Kibet will play in the Ethiopia Futures tournament in May as they step up preparations for the Davis Cup later in July.
Coach George Oyoo said the team will resume training next week with an eye on the Ethiopia event.
“We have entered the players for the Futures tournament in Ethiopia to ensure the boys play competitive matches and are in good shape for the Davis Cup as we eye promotion from Group Four to Group Three,” said Oyoo
Oyoo was satisfied with the performance of the trio during the just concluded Africa Games in Accra Ghana.
“From a performance level I can't fault the boys' level they played well what we need going forward is exposure to the high-level tournament to match our competitors from Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria," observed Oyoo
The Kenyan quartet were bundled out in the round of 32 after winning their first-round opening matches. However, Oyoo expressed optimism that the young charges can be on the podium in the next cycle of the championship.
“We have a very good group of talented players and if we can make progress in the Davis Cup in the next two to three years, then I am confident we will medal at the next edition,” said Oyoo
In Accra, Changawa lost to Joseph Eliot of Morocco 6-3, 6-2, Albert Njogu was shown the door by Egyptian Michael Bassem 6-1, 6-1 while Ibrahim Kibet lost to Mohammed Safwat of Egypt 6-3, 6-2.
In the doubles category Ismael Changawa/ Ibrahim Kibet lost 4/6 0/6 to Ghanaian duo of Abraham Asaba and Isaac Nortey.
The tactician said he may make a change or two to the team for the Davis Cup depending on player availability “ Kevin Cheruiyot is based in Australia so he might not be available we are looking to having Kael Shah who is based in the United States he missed the Africa games but could be available.
Oyoo said they have to look at different combinations in the doubles category after a poor display at the Africa games “ On the doubles category we may have look at different combinations to ensure we win” noted Oyoo
Team Kenya finished third last year in the Davis Group four campaign in Kigali Rwanda missing out on promotion to Group 3.
The beat Cameroon and Botswana 3-0 respectively but lost to Ghana and Nigeria 2-1
Kenya's best performance in the Davis Cup was reaching the Europe/ Africa Zone Group 1 semifinals in 1992
