Hit Squad captain Boniface Mugunde is convinced Kenyan boxers can still punch tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic games scheduled for August.
The Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) unveiled a star-studded roster of six boxers to represent the country at the World Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand from May 24 to June 2.
The quintet was peeled away from an initial list of 18 summoned to a non-residential training camp at the Mathare Police Depot earlier in the year. The team will depart on Tuesday.
Mugunde said they will use the golden opportunity to redeem their battered image after two failed attempts.
"We are ready to register impressive results in Bangkok. We are eager to qualify for the Olympics and I believe we'll secure tickets because nothing is impossible," Mugunde said.
"It's time for us to step into the ring and prove our mettle at the second World Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand.
"We've had effective training sessions and our coaches have done a brilliant job to prepare us for the huge task ahead. We feel strong and our bodies are in good shape," he added.
Mugunde urged the dropped boxers to continue training for future tournaments.
"Not all of the squad members who were training will make the trip. I want to urge them to keep their heads high since more travelling opportunities lie ahead and their time will come," Mugunde stated.
"There is always next time and they should keep their focus and continue training hard."
BFK said 12 boxers (seven men and five women) had initially been identified to fly the country's flag at the championships only for the government to facilitate travel for only six and four officials.
Experience and performance in recent international tournaments was key in the selection.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Christine Ongare is the standout omission.
Travelling party:
Women: Middleweight - Elizabeth Andiego (deputy captain)
Welterweight - Friza Anyango
Bantamweight - Amina Martha.
Men: Light middleweight - Boniface Mugunde (captain)
Light heavyweight - Edwin Okong'o
Heavyweight - Peter Abuti
Management: Musa Benjamin (head coach), David Munuhe, John Waweru (team manager) and BFK president Anthony Otieno Ombok (Jamal).