Africa 2020 Olympics qualifiers: Kenya seek Olympics slot at Tunis event
National men’s handball team moved their preparations to Kasarani Indoor Arena on Saturday morning where they had three days of training ahead of their Africa 2020 Olympics qualifiers set for January 15-26 in Tunis, Tunisia.
The team had been in non-residential training at Nyayo Stadium since December 27 and wanted seven days of indoor preparations but could only manage three ahead of their departure.
However, coach Peter Mwathi has expressed satisfaction with the preparations so far.
“It was important that we train indoors so that the players don’t struggle to adapt to an indoor facility in our first match.
The three-day training ensures the players have a good footing in the competition, given that the league is played outdoors.
If there was anything missing in our preparations, this was it and now we are confident as we head to Tunisia,” said Mwathi.
The qualifiers double up as 2020 Africa Men’s Championships where the top six teams will book slots to the World Championships set for January next year in Egypt. Mwathi’s charges start their Pool A action against DRC on Thursday.
“Starting against a team we have experience playing against at club level is good for the players as it will give the relatively young squad confidence ahead of tougher opponents Egypt and finally Guinea,” added Mwathi.
While it is the norm to have the final squad in residential training, Mwathi invited all the 22 players. The final 16 were named yesterday afternoon.
