Oscar Pilipili
11 April 2008
Nairobi — The women's national hockey team has left for the World Olympic qualifying tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Team captain, Terry Masibo, said the players were out to make an impact in the six-nation event that will earn winners a ticket to the Beijing Olympics in August.
"Although we have not played against any of the teams in the Azerbaijan tournament, we are confident of good results.
"We know that most of the teams, especially those from Europe, are well exposed, but we are going to play our best game," said Masibo, the Blue Eaglets veteran, before the team flew off yesterday.
She said although training was short, they had gained experience, especially after engaging men's teams in build-up matches. The tournament starts tomorrow.
"According to my understanding of hockey, the build-up matches we played against teams like Kenya Police offered us quality training," Masibo said shortly before the team departed for Baku via Dubai.
The captain, a set piece expert, said the tour would be a blessing for youngsters in the national under-squad. They will use the Olympic qualifier to prepare for the under-21 African Junior Championship set for Egypt in July.
"It is good that some members of the junior team are this squad," she said. "I believe that the experience they will gain in Baku will help them deliver during the African Junior Championship," she said.
Youngsters in the team include Nomaliso Omondi of United States International University-Africa and Nerica Kuguru and Rachel Ousa of Sliders.
"My target is to score at least one goal at the qualifier and help Kenya sail through to Beijing Olympics," said Kuguru.
Kuguru and Omondi made international debut during the African Olympic qualifying in round in Nairobi last year where South Africa claimed the ticket.
Ousa, who has taken over from Helen Chemtai, is hopeful of making a memorable international debut by scoring at least one goal.
Kenya play Ukraine in their opening match tomorrow. Other teams in the competition are: Spain, Belarus and Azerbaijan.
Players:
Jane Wanja, Nomaliso Omondi, Michell Morgan, Winnie Cheruiyot, Judith Owino, Linnete Onyango, Dorcie Agunda, Carol Okoth, Flavian Amuhaya, Josephine Ataro, Esther Mwikali, Terry Masibo, Donna
Igumba, Nerica Kuguru, Rose Mbulo, Jackie Atieno, Lilian Kimeu, Rachel Ousa.
Officials:
Fred Masibo (coach), Cecilia Wamakonjio (manager), Surinder Mangat (team leader), Paul Muraya (physio).
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