Kenya is setting its sights on securing victory in the under-12 category at the Africa Junior Tennis Championship, which commences today in Casablanca, Morocco.
Kenya earned its qualification after finishing second overall in the regional qualifier held in Uganda in July. The girls secured second place, while the boys placed third in Kampala.
Head coach Caroline Oduor expressed confidence in the young squad, emphasizing their physical and mental preparedness. She acknowledged the challenge of facing higher-ranked nations but affirmed the team’s determination to compete and make a strong impression during the week-long tournament.
The girls’ team comprises Bathseba Ogamba, Jenerica Rogoi, and Liya Gikunda, while the boys’ team features Ayan Quadros, Jyan Patel, and Inditiasi Olembo.
In the tournament, the girls will compete against Morocco, Zimbabwe, Algeria, and Botswana, while the boys will face Tunisia, South Africa, Algeria, and Guinea.
Oduor noted that Morocco poses the biggest challenge for the girls, while the boys will contend with Tunisia and South Africa, both of which have strong age-grade tennis programs. Despite the exposure of their opponents, Oduor expressed confidence in the team’s training and expected them to achieve positive results.
The former international player stated that the team’s goal is to participate in the continental competition annually. She highlighted the significance of consistent participation, allowing the under-12 players to improve their overall game.
Oduor also mentioned the benefit of training at the refurbished Nairobi Club tennis courts, which has aided the team’s preparedness by providing a surface similar to that in Casablanca.
