The national women’s team, Harambee Sand Starlets, has earned a direct ticket to represent Africa at the World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, in August.
Their qualification came after Cape Verde withdrew from the Africa Beach Games, granting the Kenyan team a walkover.
Having already arrived in Hammamet, Tunisia, for the African Games, Harambee Sand Starlets found themselves as the sole team in the championship due to Cape Verde’s last-minute withdrawal.
A letter from the World Beach Soccer Competitions Department to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed Kenya’s qualification to fly Africa’s flag in Bali.
Utilizing their time in Hammamet, the team has intensified their training, now with a renewed focus on competing against the best in the world. Head coach Fathimi Hamisi expressed her delight at securing a ticket to the World Championships for the first time.
With less than a month before the games kick off on August 2, the team is determined to embark on rigorous preparations.
The coach expressed that they were well-prepared for the competition and arrived with a strong determination to demonstrate their abilities. Despite having a walkover, their eagerness to play and showcase their skills remained high.
The coach emphasized the significance of qualifying for the World Beach Games, considering it a massive opportunity. They affirmed their immediate return to training to ensure the team becomes formidable for the upcoming event.
Arriving in Hammamet on Tuesday, the team wasted no time and conducted their first training session early Wednesday morning. The coach emphasized the need to strengthen the team’s attacking prowess and mentioned the possibility of making a few additions from back home.
Team captain Terry Ouko, a former captain of the Harambee Starlets, expressed the team’s delight in participating in the World Games. Highlighting the team’s experience, with some players having previously competed in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2016, Ouko emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for the upcoming challenge.
The captain mentioned that they have a talented team, comprising players who have experience from the Women’s AFCON.
They acknowledged the significance of the opportunity and emphasized the importance of thorough preparation. The captain expressed excitement about being part of the World Games.
