Team Kenya for the 3rd Confederation of African Athletics Under 18 and 20 Championship was kitted today ahead of their tomorrow night departure to Abeokuta, Nigeria, for the continental event to be held between the 16th and 20th this month.
The Kenyan under-18and -20 teams, heading to Nigeria, received motivation from the 100m Commonwealth champion Ferdinand Omanyala and former captain of the 2016 Under-20 Athletics Championships Mofat Ngare ahead of their trip tomorrow night.
“Tusiache kusoma, you will make a lot of money, but it will come to an end; just invest in your education and stay humble.” Omanyala stated
Speaking to the athletes on Sunday, AK Youth Director Barnaba Korir challenged them to pursue education alongside running as well as flying the Kenyan flag high in Nigeria.
“As I looked into the eyes of these young, determined athletes, I felt immense pride. Wearing the Kenyan jersey is more than just competing—it’s about representing a legacy; education is just as important as athletics. The two can and should go hand in hand.” said Korir
Team Captains Clinton Aluvi, who will represent Kenya in the 100m and 200m, and the 2023 Africa Under 18 3000m silver medallist Joyline Chepkemoi said the team is well prepared for the championship.
“Our team is psyched up and ready for the championship. The camp has helped us polish our skills, and we hope for better results. I personally am going for gold in both 100m and 200m or silver at worst,”said said excited Aluvi.
The team of 47 athletes has been in a residential training camp in Kasarani for the past three weeks in preparation for the continental assignment.
“Mimi nilipata silver ya 3,000m in 2023 in Zambia na this year am targeting gold in 5,000m. The training has been well so far, with no disciplinary cases so far, as everyone knows what to do,”said said Chepkemoi.
Kenya, under head coach Robert Ng’isirei, finished 3rd in both categories during the 2023 edition in Ndola, Zambia.
Kenya finished with 14 medals: 6 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals in the under-20 category, while the under-18 team scooped 19 medals: 6 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze medals.
The team is scheduled to travel to Nigeria tomorrow for the 5-day championship.
