NOCK to federations: Team selections must be above board

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) has challenged sports federations to observe transparency while selecting their teams for various international assignments.

With the 12th edition of the African Games set for August 19-31 in Morocco drawing closer, NOCK has reiterated the need for respective federations to ensure they pick their teams on merit.

“It has always been our position that Kenya is represented by the best athletes in international games and championships. We therefore encourage various federations and associations to carry out transparent and competitive selection process in selecting teams for  international assignment, including the upcoming African Games,” NOCK  said in a statement.

The statement comes barely a day after the Sports Disputes Tribunal made a ruling quashing the  badminton squad for the Games and ordering that a fresh team be picked in strict conformity and adherence to the procedures.

The claimants, some of whom are also badminton players such as Sheila Gakii, Edwin Waitathu and Loice Andia had accused Badminton Kenya of picking a team that did not fulfill the requirements set up in the selection policy.

With less than two weeks to Games kick off, virtually all the federations have already selected their teams which are in residential training.

NOCK has further revealed that whilst the entire management of the Games is under the Kenya National Sports Council, they will provide kits for the teams.

Kenya will be sending a contingent of 290 athletes to take part in 22 disciplines in the Games that will be held in four Moroccan cities – Rabat, Casablanca, El Jadida and Khemisset.