Kenya names provisional squad for kabaddi World Cup in Cambodia
Kenya Kabaddi Sports Federation (KKSF) has named 30 men and women to a provisional squad that will prepare for a month in readiness for the Kabaddi World Cup to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from August 20-26 this year.
Speaking on Thursday in Nairobi after the release of the provisional squad, the federation’s president Mathew Mwangi said that the named contingent will hit camp on July 8 at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.
“They have amazing facilities there that can host us without any problems. We want our athletes to focus on training so that we can come back home with a podium finish in both genders,” observed Mwangi, adding that he has confidence that the men and women who will get to camp will be committed to winning medals for Kenya.
After a successful one-day tryout that was held at Kenyatta University, Thika Road, on Saturday, June 22, competitions manager Perpetual Muthoni led a panel of judges to select only players that were fit for the rectangle style Kabaddi that will be competed in this particular World Cup.
Reuben Odipo will coach the women’s national team, and his provisional squad includes Ruth Moraa Mose from Kisii County, Emma Nyambura of Kirinyaga Stars, Kenya Police Service duo of Georgina Bett and Grace Kagwiria, and Administration Police trio of Hilda Ambani, Laura Machinga, and Margaret Wangari.
The newly formed Maasai Warriors are proud to produce sensation Nancy Mila, who has been remarkable over the season and has been named in the squad, as well as rookie prodigy Irene Atieno of Kenyatta University and Millicent Adhiambo from Kisumu Queens.
Others are Damary Agness from Nairobi County, National Youth Service’s Lilian Kiende, Linet Mumbua of Paradiso, Brenda Chebet of NYS, and Susan Nafula of Kakamega.
The men’s national team will have Brian Nyore as coach, and his provisional squad includes long-serving captain Amos Kagiri from Kenyatta University, Samuel Kamau from Kiambu Kabaddi, Kenya Police Service duo of Dunford Muli and Bosco Oyoo, Administration Police duo of Fahad Orango and Hollis Makanga, Brian Osochi of Paradiso, and Joseph Kamau of Kenya Prisons.
Francis Shoore of Maasai Warriors has also made the provisional squad, together with Martin Ngugi from Githurai Warriors, Owen Mucheru of Githurai, Makueni’s Dominic Musai, Zacheous Okoth of General Service Unit, Kakamega’s Mackson Wanjala, Peterson Ngiri of Kirinyaga, and Marurui’s Hassan Kituno.
