Nairobi — The Kenya Rowing and Canoeing Association has selected a team of seven athletes for the All Africa Games scheduled for July in Algeria.

The association was the first to name a team for the games. The secretary-general, Seif Patwa, said the final trials were concluded on November 6 at the Masinga Dam with 28 athletes taking part.

He said Kenya would be represented in five categories -scull singles, doubles, heavyweight singles, lightweight and coxless pairs.

He said the team comprises athletes aged under 30 with only one woman. The athletes are Caroline Osewe (scull single, Francis Musembi and James Ochola (doubles), Matthew Lidaywa (heavyweight singles), Peter Osiany (lightweight singles, John Mugabe and Roy Append (coxless pairs).

Patwa said he was optimistic they would win medals as the athletes have trained well for the games. He said he expected four athletes to qualify for the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.

Patwa, however, said the Kenyans should expect tough competition from South Africa, Egypt and Tunisia, among other countries.

Ibrahim Githaiga represented Kenya in the Athens Olympics last year, but has now switched from active rowing to coaching.