Nairobi — "Kenyans should pray for our team because we have done all we have to do. We know what their expectations are and we are going there to fulfil them."

That was national cross-country team captain, Mark Kiptoo's final message before the 27-strong squad departed for Sunday's World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh last night.

"Our coaches have given us all the instructions while they were with us and we have received all the support we need to perform well," Kiptoo, 32, who will feature in the men's long race, added.

He was speaking during a farewell luncheon organised by sponsors KCB at the Panri Sky Hotel in Nairobi, where the team was feted and rallied to go for glory in the global event.

Head coach, Julius Kirwa, was more bullish, saying: "We are ready to go and I am confident that this team will do something good. The team is looking forward to the challenge and are well motivated and in high spirits."

On whether the class of 2008 will bring home the senior men's and women's titles that have slipped Kenya's grasp for eight and 14 years, Kirwa exuded confidence that chances of bringing the dismal run to an end were high.

"This time, I have a women's team and I am willing to die with it that it will bring the team and individual titles home," he said.

Kirwa, who led Kenya to runners-up slot at last year's World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, expressed similar sentiments in regard to the men's team.

"We stand a good chance of getting the team title and the individual winner will have to struggle very hard since we are ready for war," he said.