T. NashipaeKenya beach teams shift focus to Continental Cup
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 25.12.23. | 09:10
The women's team finished second while their male counterparts settled for third
Team Kenya beach volleyball men's coach Patrick Owino has expressed pleasure with the team's fighting spirit in the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball championship played at the Pride Inn Beach Hotel in Mombasa from December 19-24.
According to the tactician, the Kenyan teams were visibly more powerful than their counterparts, despite missing out on gold.
The men's team settled for bronze while the women managed silver and the coach notes that they have shifted focus to the Continental Cup.
"There is no time to relax as we focus on the Continental Cup set for next year," Owino offered.
Ladies' run
The Kenyan teams showcased their massive potential by qualifying for the Africa Continental Cup. This is a step closer to qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In the decider silver match, Kenyan B ladies' side of Mercy Iminza and Sharleen Sembeli started on a low note after losing to Rwandan team A which comprised Munezero Valentine and Mukandayisenga Benitha 2-0 (21-19, 21-13).
Their defeat served as a wake-up call to the Kenyan A ladies made up of Olympian and captain Gaudencia Makokha and Yvonne Wavinya who dismantled Rwanda B pair of Uwiringiyimana Albertine and Tuyishime Aloysie) by a score of 2-0 (21-13, 21-17).
Following that, the teams proceeded for a decisive and golden set between Makokha and Wavinya against Rwanda's Valentine and Benitha.
The Kenyan pair carried the day after humbling their Rwandan opponents 15-9 leading to cheers and joy from the hundreds of fans present.
Men's run
In the men's category, Kenya saw off Burundian teams A and B to secure third place and secure a spot in the continental Cup.
Kenyan team B of Brian Melly and Edward Kibet humbled Burundi A side that comprised Iteretika Jean and Mukunzi Christ 2-1 (19-21, 21-16, 15-13).
In the second match, Kenya's team A of Jairus Bett and Elphas Makuto wowed the fans after they had an amazing victory against Burundi B which was made up of Niyongabo Fiston and Ishimwe Dan with a comfortable win (21-13, 21-13).
In the last edition of the qualifiers held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 2020, the Kenya and Rwanda women's teams qualified to the next stage.
Eventually, the Kenyan pair of Blackcides Agala and Makokha qualified for the Tokyo Games in 2021 after defeating Nigeria 2-1 at the Africa Continental Cup in Agadir, Morocco. Their male counterparts were eliminated by Mozambique.
