Nairobi News

Kenya will commence its quest to defend the Women’s CAVB Africa Nations Championships title with a tricky tie against Algeria on Saturday evening.

This is after the two volleyball giants were pooled together during the draw for the tournament that serves off on Friday at the the Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani.

This continental showpiece which has attracted eight teams with Botswana and Mauritius being Kenya’s other opponents in Group A.

Cameroon, Tunisia, Senegal and Morocco make up Group B.

Speaking to Nairobi News, Kenya coach David Lung’aho expressed confidence that his charges will retain this continental gong.

“That is our aim and we our plan is to start strongly even as we study our opponents. Although Kenya and Algeria share a long history, we have to qualify for the FIVB World Cup,”Lung’aho said.

Kenya’s has bitter memories of 2012 when Algeria denied them a ticket to the London Olympic Games.

OTHER CHALLENGERS

But the Malkia Strikers returned the favour by outclassing their rivals at the FIVB Grand Prix in Mexico last year.

Tunisia is the other side which is likely to challenge Kenya for the honours after. The North Africans beat Kenya the last time the two teams met at the World Championship qualifiers in Nairobi last year.

The Carthage Eagles coach Massel Muny has however opted to remain modest with regards to his team’s chances.

“We came here to have the best result and if we have any opportunity to beat Kenya, we are more than willing to do it,” Muny was quoted by Kenya Volleyball Federation’s (KVF) official Twitter page.

KVF Chairman Waithaka Kioni has meanwhile assured all participants that the match venue will be guarded by the Kenya Defence Forces for the duration of the competition.

He also urged the visiting teams and officials to enjoy the hospitality and visit the various tourist sites in the country during their stay.

Draw:

Group A:

Kenya

Algeria

Botswana

Mauritius

Group B:

Cameroon

Senegal

Morocco

Tunisia

Friday’s fixtures: 

Mauritius v Botswana (4pm)

Senegal v Cameroon (6pm)

Saturday’s fixtures: 

Kenya v Algeria (6pm)