Members of the under-23 volleyball team at a past event [Photo/Michezo Afrika]
Kenya women's under-23 volleyball team are making final preparations ahead of the week-long Under-23 World Championships that start on Sunday in Slovenia.
The squad is set to depart Friday and faces stiff competition in group 'B' with champions Brazil, runners-up Turkey, Japan, Bulgaria and Cuba.
The 2013 tournament was a disappointing one for the then u-23 team after they finished in last position. This time around they are aiming to establish themselves against their formidable opponents.
Coach Catherine Mabwi believes her team is well prepared for the tournament and the confidence can be seen on the face of the players.
“We have talked to the girls to make them psychologically ready for the opener against Brazil on Sunday,” the coach said.
“It is a bit scary as we have never played on such a big stage before but we shall confidently follow the coaches’ instructions to the letter,” assistant captain Faith Imodia said.
The 14-player squad has flourished under the under the watchful eye of former Kenyan international Mabwi, assisted by Vernon Khainga after a month long training.
However, the team traveling squad has been reduced to 12 players.