Africa-Press – Kenya. World Cup roll-ball champion Kenya Angela Kithinji has lamented over little appreciation for the game by the government despite the national team’s achievement. Despite the women’s team defending the world title thrice, there is no single indoor arena or standard training ground in the country for the game.
“Winning the world title is exciting especially when you have overcome challenges on the way but the saddening part is the little appreciation that comes after that.
“We expect the country to reward us for the exemplary work of flying the country’s flag high but what we get is the complete opposite and it leaves us disappointed,” said Kithinji.
Kithinji says they train at one of the university’s outdoor grounds contrary to what is expected and this poses a great challenge when the team travels abroad for matches where they play indoors.
“We need a roll ball sports ground. We don’t have an indoor arena hence train at Gretsa University which is outdoor and is not up to the standards. International matches are played indoors and this becomes a challenge to us as we try to adapt to the ground, sometimes you fall regularly before you can get the grip,” she noted.
“This is an indoor game that requires a standard ground. Other countries have developed grounds where they train and play and that is the only aspect they have beaten,” he added.
Kithinji, who is a medical practitioner also noted that the appreciation they get as world champions sometimes makes her feel the urge to quit the game and concentrate on her career. She says world champions deserve the greatest appreciation and urges the government and federation to pull up their socks.
“It has been 10 years participating in this game. Sometimes the thought of quitting hits your mind but the love for the game keeps you pressing on,” said the two-time World Cup winner.
“World champions deserve heroic treatment but what our government offers is way below par. I urge the government to improve on the appreciation. Awards should be tangible and should come on time,” she added.
Kenya won the first World Cup in 2015 in Chennai City, India before reclaiming the title four years later in the same city. The latest gong came in April 2023 when the team thrashed Egypt 5-0 in the final in Pune, India to successfully defend the title.
Roll Ball is a sport that is gaining popularity worldwide and has also found a fanbase in Kenya. It also combines elements of basketball, handball, and skating.
The game is played by two opposing teams each of six players on a court. The players move around the court on skates thus making the game a paced one. The goalposts for the game are similar to those in handball.
Veronicah Satia, a student at JKUAT and Kithinji’s teammate says the passion for the game is what keeps the players going despite the challenges that come with the game.
“Roll Ball is an expensive sport since you have to purchase the kit which might cost at least Sh 15,000. The love for the game guides me to balance my studies, and training and also forego a few expenses to save cash to purchase the gear,” said the Public Administration and Leadership student.
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