Kenya men’s netball team eyes gold in home Africa Cup qualifiers

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenya’s men’s netball team is targeting gold as preparations gather pace for the Netball Africa Cup qualifiers to be held on home soil in Nairobi from September 19 to 26.

Captain Julius Karanja and coach Peter Oloo are confident the team has made significant progress after bringing together players from different clubs and undergoing intensive training ahead of the championship.

Karanja, a wing defence, goal defence and goalkeeper for Kenya Prisons, explained that the team’s preparations have been boosted by training at the same venue that will host the competition.

“The style of play has changed. We have trained from last month until now, and the squad is well prepared,” noted Karanja.

The squad currently has 17 players, although the final team will be reduced to either 15 or 12 players, depending on Oloo’s decision. Karanja said the remaining days of camp will be used to polish the team and correct any weaknesses before the tournament.

Building team cohesion

Oloo pointed out that his biggest task has been developing cohesion, given that the players were recruited from different clubs.

“We are working so hard to ensure that there is that cohesion in the play pattern,” said Oloo.

The coach added that the team has concentrated heavily on attacking and defensive drills and is now working on perfecting their execution.

Oloo believes Kenya can upset the established order, with South Africa expected to provide the biggest challenge. The South Africans beat Kenya by two goals in their previous meeting, but Oloo believes the hosts have improved sufficiently to overturn that result.

“We are not under any pressure. We just want to make sure that we get the gold,” he said.

Karanja acknowledged the added pressure of playing before home supporters but said the familiar conditions could work in Kenya’s favour. The team is accustomed to the weather, food and facilities, while the presence of Kenyan fans is expected to provide an additional boost.

“When we go outside, we usually don’t have fans. Right now, it’s home. We have everything here,” noted Karanja.

The men have also been forced to conduct some outdoor training because Kasarani Indoor Arena is currently being used for the African volleyball championship. Oloo said the team will move indoors once the volleyball tournament ends on September 5 to familiarise themselves with the playing surface ahead of the qualifiers.

Karanja urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and support both national teams.

“Come all, come everyone, come with your kids. Support the men’s team as well as our ladies. We will make you proud,” he said.

World Cup qualification at stake

Both the men’s and women’s teams have intensified training at Kasarani Annex, with Oloo coaching the men and Evelyn Cherono in charge of the women. Zimbabwean coach Tapiwa Chirenda has also joined Team Kenya on a short-term deal running until the conclusion of the qualifiers. Chirenda has previously coached both Zimbabwe’s men’s and women’s national teams.

The women’s competition features 10 teams, including World Cup regulars South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Eswatini complete the field, with the latter three yet to qualify for a World Cup.

Kenya will open its campaign against newcomers Nigeria on September 19 at 7pm in Pool A, which also includes South Africa, Malawi and Namibia. Pool B comprises Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania.

South Africa and Uganda have already secured places at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, after earning qualification through their world rankings, where they occupy fifth and sixth positions respectively.

The qualifiers will provide two additional World Cup tickets, with the gold and silver medallists earning qualification for the 2027 global showpiece scheduled for August and September in Sydney.