Gilbert Wandera
23 September 2003
Nairobi — The All Africa Games (AAG) training at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) gymnasium has been hampered by lack of power for the last one week.
Reports from the camp, indicated that the power blackout has adversely affected the training of three teams ahead of October 4-18 Games in Abuja, Nigeria.
Volleyball coach, David Lung'aho, complained that his players cannot see the ball during training due to the darkness that has plunged the gym.
"The situation has really interfered with our training as the players are finding it extremely difficult to cope," said Lung'aho.
He said their programme is likely to be slowed down owing to the fact that they can not train anywhere else. "This is the only facility we have for training and unless something is done, our training is likely to suffer," he added.
He said they have reported the situation to Kasarani management but nothing has been done to rectify the situation. But contacted for comment Moi, Kasarani director, Lydia Muiru, said they have contacted Kenya Power and Lighting, who have promised to rectify the situation.
Also hindered by the new development is the tae-kwondo team, who have been left with no choice but to train in semi-darkness inside the gymnasium. Women's handball team has also not been spared. "We need more light to be able to train properly," said handball coach, Stephen Karuma.
The handball team played two build-up matches over the weekend, beating both Kenyatta University 24-1 and University of Nairobi 26-1.
They, however, failed to match the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) men's team, who overcame them 23-37.
The boxing team will acquaint themselves with the computer scoring system on Wednesday night.
Coach Albert Matitu said yesterday after training that he intends to acquaint the team with the new system ahead of the games.
Meanwhile, the paralympics team have switched to light training as the clock ticks closer to the games, adds Oscar Pilipili.
Coach Hussein Ali, said yesterday the team is through with the first phase of training, which involved strenuous exercises.
The coach was yesterday taking his team of 12 athletes through what he described as pre-competition training which involves light exercises. "The team is ready to bring glory and honour to our country," he said.
World's paralympics 10,000 and 5,000m record holder, Henry Wanyoike said he is sure of winning gold in the two events.
"I'm well prepared after taking part in two road races in the US. I'm going to bring my usual medals," an optimistic Wanyoike said. Wanyoike won the Kentucky (8.1km) and Boston (5.1km) road races held in the US early this month.
Taekwondo: Coach Lee Byoung Young was expected in the country last evening from Zimbabwe, where he has been visiting his family.
In his absence trainer George Mureu was in charge of the team. Mureu yesterday said the team was fully prepared for the competition. There is no change in the squad.
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