Africa-Press – Kenya. The national para volleyball teams will be keen to debut at the World Championships when the Africa Sitting Volleyball Championships go down in Tripoli, Libya.
The continental championships, set for between November 30 and December 9 at the 17th of February Stadium will act as qualifiers for the world show where the top two teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will secure their tickets for the May 18-24 showpiece in Hangzhou.
Kenya Sitting Volleyball Federation secretary general Justus Katumo said spirits in the camp are high and players are prepared to give their all in search of a place at the world event.
“We recently broke camp in Nakuru where we had our championships and we are now in Mombasa. Our ultimate objective is to qualify for next year’s World Championship in China. We need to win at least two matches and gain at least seven points for us to stand a chance,” Katumo said.
He, however, admitted the team of 32 players — both men and women — have encountered hurdles in their preparations for the championships, chief among them, lack of sponsorships.
“Our main issue is lack of finances. We had to resort to a non-residential training camp although that has also been challenging especially with players depending on themselves,” he said.
Regardless, Katumo added that their aim to grow the sport still remains as they target more local and global championships to allow players showcase their talent.
This weekend, various teams from 23 counties will gather in Mombasa for the inter-county championships.
“Apart from the world championships, our other target is the Commonwealth Games. Our tournament this weekend is more of a year-ender as we shift focus to next year. We have had to work out our schedule to ensure we do not disrupt the school calendar,” he said.
The national teams are under the tutelage of six coaches, led by head coach Julius Ouma.
As per the program of activities issued by Hayat Khattab, president of Paravolley Africa Committee, all teams are expected in the Libyan capital by November 30.
All participants will be required to undertake a PCR Covid-19 test 72 hours before arrival in Libya and another two days before departing for their respective homelands.
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