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The first-ever tug-of-war national team to represent Kenya in international competitions will be selected in February.

Speaking last week, acting Secretary General for the Kenya Tug of War Association (KETWA) Charles Opondo was optimistic the game will take some strides from Kenya to the world.

“We have been trying to put our house in order and as of now, I think we are ready to go. Our main aim now is to have a national team to be selected from February and get ready for any international assignment thereafter,” a smiling Opondo said.

Opondo is currently also coaching the Nairobi City County tug-of-war team that is preparing for next year’s Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association Games (KICOSCA) to be held in Kisumu from January 12.

KETWA is also planning to have a league with notable teams from the County governments and the disciplined forces. “When we form a national team, we are going to select players from teams that at least participate in competitions. We also need to have an ongoing league and we are in talks to have that as soon as possible,” he said.

Some of the notable seasoned figures to watch out for in the national team selection will be Stephen Onyango from Nairobi City County, Patrick Omollo from GSU and Kennedy Were from Laikipia Air Base.

The association will heavily rely on top athletes from teams such as GSU, Kenya Anti Stock Theft Unit, Laikipia Air Base, the ninth Battalion of Gilgil and the Nairobi City County team to provide players that will form a base for the national team.

Formative years

The Tug of War International Federation has done enough lobbying for the game to be included for the first time in the Commonwealth Games.

Opondo and his crew are sure that international assignments such as the Africa championships, World championships, the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games will not bypass Kenya like in the formative years.

With the idea of having a national team and forming a regular league, the game is now set to be a popular sport in Kenya as all eyes are on the government and other sponsors to support its growth.