Ready for world beach games
By Lucky Oluoch, June 30, 2023
Kenya’s women’s football team has achieved a direct qualification to the highly anticipated World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia after being awarded a walkover against their opponents at the Africa Beach Games in Cape Verde.
The team’s road to glory took an unexpected twist when their sole opponents, Cape Verde, withdrew from the Africa Beach Games in Tunisia at the last minute. Despite the unfortunate walkover, Kenya’s spirited squad had already arrived and was raring to showcase their skills on the sandy shores.
The news of their qualification was confirmed by a letter from the prestigious World Beach Soccer Competitions Department to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), cementing Kenya’s position as Africa’s representative in the global tournament. With less than a month remaining until the games kick off on August 2, head coach Fathimi Hamisi expressed her elation at the team’s historic achievement and wasted no time in redirecting their focus towards rigorous training.
“We had meticulously prepared for this competition, training relentlessly in Malindi for the past 10 days. We had arrived with the intention to prove ourselves as a formidable team. While we may have received a walkover, our determination remains unwavering. This qualification to the World Beach Games is an immense opportunity for us, and we will leave no stone unturned in preparing a strong and cohesive team,” beamed the tactician.
The squad of ten talented athletes arrived in Hammamet, Tunisia, on Tuesday afternoon and promptly held their inaugural training session the following morning. Coach Hamisi outlined plans to reinforce the team’s attacking prowess, seeking potential additions from their homeland to bolster their chances of success.
In a testament to their experience and determination, captain Terry Ouko, a former leader of the Harambee Starlets, expressed her team’s delight at the prospect of participating in the World Games.
“We possess a formidable roster, comprising players who showcased their skills at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2016. This indicates the wealth of experience within our ranks. We are thrilled to be gracing the World Games, and it is imperative that we prepare meticulously. It presents a fantastic opportunity for us,” emphasized the skipper.
Undeterred by the abrupt turn of events, Kenya’s women’s football team remains resolute in their pursuit of greatness.
Eager to capitalize on the unexpected break, the team has vowed to intensify their training regimen and ensure they are primed to make a resounding impact on the grand stage.
With their sights set on victory, they are poised to leave an indelible mark at the upcoming World Beach Games, showcasing their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.