We have what it takes to conquer the world- Ngisirei

Team Kenya’s coach for the IAAF World Under 20 Championships Robert Ngisirei believes that the squad at his disposal has what it takes to finish top of the medal table just as they did at the 2010 World Championships in Motcon, Canada, where they bagged 15 medals; seven gold, four silver and an equal number of bronze.

Expectations are already soaring high ahead of the competition in Tampere,Finland and Ngisirei remains upbeat of  having a full house by the end of the week, even as preparations hit top-gear.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after a morning training  session at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday, Ngisirei said that only three athletes are yet to report  but are expected by Sunday evening.

The trio led by Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist Celliphine Chepsol and World  U-18, 800m title holder Jackline Wamboi — were both called to represent their employer, the Kenya Prisons Service  — during last week’s Kenya Prison Services championships, while Commonwealth silver medalist, Edward Zakayo, will report to camp after completing his mid-term papers.

Zakayo is a third year student at Kapsait Secondary School in West Pokot.

” I have done a couple of sessions with the team since Monday to tone their muscles ahead of the international assignment. For the long runs we are training at Karura forest while  speed and techniques are done at the Kasarani Stadium.

” The team is very strong and clocked good times during their trials last week at Kasarani,”a confident Ngisirei said after the morning work-out.

Team captain, the 2017 Africa Junior Championships 800m champion Solomon Lekuta said that the team is in high spirits, ready to write their own history at the international arena.

” I’m ready to claim a top podium place. I believe the team will follow my lead and deliver more medals for the country. We are doing well in camp and insist on team work in everything we do. That is the only way to conquer the world,” said Lekuta.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth chairman Baranaba Korir pointed out that the team will spend about 15 days in camp then leave for Tampere, Finland on July 7 before starting their competition on July  10-15.

“We have a very strong team compared to the one we fielded during the 2016 World Under 20 Championships in Poland. They have transitioned well from youth athletes to junior at the right time. Chances are high that they are going to do well in Finland,” said Korir, expressing robust faith in the team.

Full Squad

Men:

Laban Kiplangat, Gabriel Nkaka (400m), Justus Soget, George Manangoi (1500m), Solomon Lekuta, Kipngetich Ngeno (800m), Edward Zakayo, Stanley Waithaka (5,000m), Rhonex Kipruto, Solomon Kiplimo (10,000m).Leonard Bett, Philemon Kiplagat (3000m SC), Philip Musyoka (Tripple Jump), Moitanel Mpoke, James Mucheru (400m H), Dominic Ndigiti (10,000m walk).

Women:

Mary Moraa (400m), Edinah Jebitok, Mirriam Cherop (1500m), Lydia Jeruto, Jackline Wambui (800m), Zena Jemutai, Mercy Chepkorir (3000m), Beatrice Chebet, Hellen Ekalale (5,000m) Celliphine Chespol, Mercy Chepkurui (3,000m SC).