National Under 20 head coach Robert Ngisirei has predicted Kenya to end a decade long drought without winning gold in the women’s 3,000m.

The 3,000m women’s race will be the first final of the World Under 20 championship which has been scheduled for 4.15pm on Tuesday, the first day of the six day Championships.

Ngisirei who has led the junior team to several global events over the years topping the medal standings on many occasions says the long wait will end.

“I have done continuous assessment of my athletes. They resemble the triumphant classes of some years back.

I can say they are at par with the rest of the athletes from the globe, if not slightly better,” said Ngisirei.

Ngisirei recalls that Kenya last won gold medal in the women’s 3,000m race through Mercy Chebwogen at the 2002 edition of the championship in Barcelona.

Next Tuesday, Kenya will be counting on Japan-based Teresia Muthoni and Zena Jemutai to restore parity that is stretching to near a decade.

“We have not had talented athletes in the event  like we do now. 

Training has been going on well, I think we will start day one on the high which is a huge morale to the rest of the team,” he added.

Muthoni and Jemutai beat tough competition at last month’s national trials at Kasarani Stadium to qualify to represent Kenya at the junior championship.

Muthoni, who arrived in the country for the trials upon graduating at Serra High School in Japan, surprised the field to win  the race in 8:51.69  ahead of Jemutai who crossed the line in 8:55.75.

The two have been  sharpening their skills ahead of the championships, hoping to win medals for Kenya. 

Muthoni who hails from Kinangop, Nyandarua said she is yearning for victory as she prepares to represent Kenya for the first time.

Her big challenge is expected to come from Ethiopians who are the defending champions but this does not bother her much.

“I have participated in a number of races in Japan and I think I have enough experience to handle my opponents.

With few days left to the championship, I’m just fine-tuning a few things and focussing my training on specific things as directed by  our coaches,” said Muthoni.

Meanwhile day one of the Championships will see Kenya also represented in the men’s 1,500m where Vincent Keter and Kamar Etiang will be eyeing a place in the men’s final slatted for Thursday.

Levi Kibet and Benson Kiplangat will also feature in the men’s 5,000m, the final event of day one,  Ngisirei hopeful of good results.