NAIROBI, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Kenya coach Japheth Munala has signaled for a bruising battle in quest to secure the title in the Zone Five African Games qualifiers which will be held in Uganda from May 18-24.
Munala believes, he has a strong squad that will be able to overcome giants Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and host Uganda to secure the single ticket from the six-day zonal competition to take part at the Africa Games, which will be held in Rabat, Morocco in August.
"Kenya has always had talent in women volleyball. We have some tall and ambitious players that make our squad strong and the most important thing is we are building a new team to succeed the seniors after the Olympics. It is a good opportunity for them to grow," Munala told Xinhua on Friday in Nairobi.
Kenya is the Africa Games defending champions after edging Cameroon by 3-1 in the finals held in Kinshasa, DR Congo in 2015.
Munala has named two debutants in his provisional squad of 20. They are setter Easter Mutinda and middle-blocker Gladys Ekaru who have come through the school ranks.
Africa's best attacker Sharon Chepchumba as well as middle blocker Loraine Chebet have made the team.
Setter Jane Wacu who plies her trade in Seychelles with Anse Royale (ARSU) and Pipeline's long-serving Janet Wanja as well as captain Mercy Moim are among the experienced faces in the team.
The Kenya team will start its residential training on Monday in Nairobi for one week before the big squad is cut down to 14, who will travel to Uganda on May 16.
Kenya will also be using the tournament as part of its build up ahead of the Intercontinental Olympic qualifying tournament set for August.
Kenya named Italian volleyball coach Shailene Ramdoo to direct the national women's team in the Olympic qualifiers and will use this event to analyze individual player's ability.
Kenya will face Italy, who finished second at the World Championships, the Netherlands and Belgium in the qualifiers, which will be played in Italy from August 2-4. Only the winner will secure a ticket.
Should Kenya fail, they still have another chance through the Africa Olympic qualifiers in April next year to secure their berth to Tokyo 2020 Games. Kenya last competed at the Olympics in Athens in 2004.
