Kampala — For the second year running, Boniface Kiprop will not compete in the World Cross-country Championships. The former world junior 10,000m champion was at the weeekend omitted from the team heading to Poland for the World Cross-country due March 28.

Kiprop, who has struggled with injuries and poor form in the past two years, failed to impress the technical committee during a trial held in Kapchorwa at the weekend where the team is undergoing residential training.

The star dropped out of the 12km race at the national cross-country last month but was summoned to camp to prove himself. "He still needs more time to build up," Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) publicity secretary Namayo Mawerere told Daily Monitor yesterday. "We are still confident he can be fit for the Commonwealth Games due October."

Martin Toroitich, Kiprop's elder brother, who also missed the national cross-country, however, was named on the final team after excelling in training and the trial.

In Kiprop's absence, Moses Kipsiro, a silver medallist at last year's World Cross-country in Jordan, will lead the senior team in the hunt for glory. Uganda is sending a junior women's team to the world event for the first time.

Senior men

Moses Kipsiro, James Kibet, Geoffrey Kusuro, Martin Toroitich, Dickson Huru and Ben Siwa

Junior men

Kibet Soyekwo, Moses Kibet,Thomas Ayeko, Timothy Toroitich and Alex Cherop

Junior women

Annet Negesa, Rebecca Cheptengei, Viola Chemos, Mercy Chelangat and Linet Chebet