Angella Okutoyi, the Wimbledon Open doubles junior champion, credits the popular Kenyan hit song “Angela” by Boutross and Juiceman for providing her with extra motivation during her singles match against Morocco’s Malak El Allami at the Billie Jean King Cup held at the Nairobi Club.
As Okutoyi wrapped up a tight contest in the first set, the speakers blared the familiar tune of “Angela,” prompting the crowd, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, to join in singing and cheer her on.
The joyful chants of ‘Angie! Angie! Angie!’ from the crowd served as the exact boost Okutoyi needed to push through.
“I really enjoyed that moment because I had chosen that specific song to be played during the match… so, it felt special to me. I didn’t expect the crowd to sing along, but when they did, it felt incredibly good,” Okutoyi expressed. She added that having her grandmother, Mary Omukuya Ndong’a, present courtside was a heartwarming experience and a source of great support.
“It was really wonderful… she came to congratulate me. Seeing her in the crowd was truly nice. I gave my all because of her, and I am happy that she witnessed me giving my best and cheering for the team,” Okutoyi shared.
Kenya enjoyed a double triumph as Okutoyi, partnering with Cynthia Cheruto, defeated Morocco’s Aya El Aouni and Yasmine Kabbaj in a thrilling double clash with a score of 6-4, 7-5 in the afternoon.
With the conclusion of day one, Team Kenya eagerly anticipates further success as they face Botswana on Day Two of the tournament.
Okutoyi admitted to feeling nervous before her match but credited the enthusiastic crowd for providing her with the mental strength to face the top-seeded Moroccan opponent.
“It feels incredible to win today because we had identified Morocco as one of the toughest teams to beat in this tournament. The positive energy from the crowd and my teammates on the sidelines was a major motivation for me to outperform my opponent,” Okutoyi expressed.
The week-long tournament continues on Tuesday with a lineup of more exciting matches on the schedule.
