Chris Musumba
9 July 2009
Nairobi — After three weeks of preparation, Kenya begin their campaign for the solitary ticket to the 2010 World Championship against a young Senegalese side in the third round Africa qualifier at Kasarani on Friday.
Kenya head coach David Lung'aho has axed two players as he named his final squad that will also do battle against Tunisia and Cameroon.
Emotions ran high in the Kenyan camp as the coach dropped two sister players, Kenya Pipeline's Abigael Tarus and Judith Tarus. The two will, however, remain in camp to give their colleagues moral support.
"We only needed 12 players and they are still part of this team. It is normal to be dropped from the team. Once we qualify they will be back," said Lung'aho.
Judith Tarus beat Mildred Odwako to the Libero position during the 2007 All Africa Games in Algeria but could not hold her back when the team returned to Algiers for the Beijing Olympic qualifiers last February.
Coach remained upbeatShe will have to do much better to secure back her slot should the team qualify for the Japan trip. Her sister Abigael was making a comeback to the national team but could not convince the coach against the likes of Lydia Maiyo, Jackline Barasa and Joan Chelegat.
Kenya holds a better record against Senegal, with a 2-0 ratio. In 2007, Kenya beat Senegal in Nairobi in straight sets in the campaign to qualify for the World Cup.
The same year, Kenya went on to beat their opponents in an identical score in Algiers during the All Africa Games to secure a bronze medal. Senegal coach Sene Amadou remained upbeat his young squad will weather the storm.
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