Eight teams confirm participation in the U-20 African championship

Eight teams have confirmed participation in this year’s Women’s U-20 African Nations volleyball championship set for August 26 – September 2 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

According to the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), defending champions Egypt, DR Congo, Rwanda, Mauritius, Cameroon, Nigeria and Uganda have confirmed their participation, joining hosts Kenya.

Though expected to grace the tourney, Tanzania and Guinea are yet to confirm their participation.

Egypt have won the title consecutively since 2002 after Algeria claimed the inaugural edition in the preceding year held in Tunisia.

In last year’s edition, the Pharaoh’s beat Algeria 3-1 to retain gong on home soil and will be aiming to defend the crown.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after the continental volleyball governing body released the names of the participating teams, Kenya’s under 20 head coach Paul Gitau said he will announce his final 14-member next week ahead of the week-long event.

“I am still assessing my team and the final squad will be announced this week. I want to have the best team so I don’t want to rush before,”Gitau said, adding that he is upbeat Kenya will challenge Egypt for the title.

“Last year we did not participate but being the host this time round, I think we can win although Egypt remains our biggest challenge, “he noted.

The competition will also be a qualifier for the World Championship of this age category set for next year September.

Kenya Under -20 Provisional Squad

Esther Mutinda, Betty Sifuna, Gladys Ekaru, Miriam Chelimo, Lydia Iswan, Immaculate Nekesa and Sharon Sandui (Kwanthanze); Esther Mwaka, Linet Awino (St John’s); Mildred Cherop, Maureen Chepkosgei, Juliana Namutira and Diana Okonja (Soweto); Caroline Jeruto, Benedine Jepngetich and Sheilah Jepchirchir (Cheptil);Abigael Wanjala (Bishop Sulumeti); Pamela Adhiambo, Metrine Nasambu, Esther Mbusiro (Nyakach).