Handball: Kenya chasing improved show as continental tourney beckons
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 15.11.24. | 17:51
A 26-person provisional squad has been in non-residential training for seven days so far
National women’s handball team head coach Jack Ochieng has expressed confidence in his charges, currently training at Nyayo Handball Court for the African Nations handball championship, to impress.
The side is readying for the 26th edition of the continental showpiece for senior women’s teams set to take place from Wednesday 27 November to Saturday 7 December in Kinshasa, DR Congo, at the Stade des Martyrs gymnasium.
Kenya has been placed in Group A of the 12-team competition divided into two pools. Teams play a round-robin format in the group phase with the top four sides proceeding to the knockout stages.
“Last time out we finished ninth. The target now is to improve on that and get in the quarters. We are in a tough group that has Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Cape Verde, all capable teams but I am confident the group of players we have assembled have what it takes to challenge for a last-eight place,” Jack who will be assisted by Ulinzi Sharks’ Victor Ochieng told Mozzart Sport.
The tactician has named a 26-person provisional squad that has been in non-residential training for seven days so far.
“We went for a mix of youth and experience as the league has provided us with a lot of good young players. So far we have focused on building our endurance and getting the players’ fitness standards to a level we can compete with the rest of Africa. Having the league on has come in handy as these players have been training with their respective clubs and their levels of fitness need just a bit of polishing. So far I can say we are at 60% and are working on getting to at the very least 80% before the competition,” Jack explained.
The team is set to be whittled down to 16 and the tactician has assured it will be done on merit.
“The squad is wide open. In the next week we will focus on systems of play with more emphasis on defense and those that exhibit high levels of competitiveness will get their chance. Fitness levels will also be key as we are up against very good opposition that should require our best to proceed,” Jack assured.
Group A
Congo
Senegal
Egypt
Algeria
Cape Verde
Kenya
Group B
DR Congo (host)
Tunisia
Angola
Guinea
Cameroon
Uganda
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