Experienced junior coach Robert Ngisirei and captain Amos Kipkemoi are confident that Kenya's athletics team will dominate next month’s Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ngisirei, who has been a mainstay at the helm of national junior athletics teams, said they have trained sufficiently and are therefore ready for the August 4 to 11 championships.
Ngisirei said his belief is built on hard work, dedication and talent that the athletes have showcased in training.
"We have a group of exceptionally talented young athletes who have shown great potential. With their commitment and the support from the NOC-K staff, we believe they can make Kenya proud on the international stage,” said Ngisirei.
The coach is happy with the fitness levels of the athletes after monitoring the selected athletes since they came back from the Africa U18 athletics championships held in Ndola, Zambia.
“We agreed to select the team for the Commonwealth Youth Games after the Ndola championships, based on performance. That's what we did. I have been monitoring their progress by visiting them in training and working with their local coaches. I'm happy with what I have seen,” said the coach.
Ngiserei tipped the 4x400m mixed relay team to pull an upset.
“We picked one sprinter, one hurdler, two 800m runners (the girl), and one 1500m runner. We have more 1500m athletes on standby,” explained the coach.
Captain Kipkemoi, who won silver and bronze at the Africa U18 athletics championships held in Ndola, Zambia, said: "Looking at my teammates and the shape they are in, I am confident we will make the nation proud by bringing home medals from Trinidad and Tobago.”
Andrey Kiptoo and Josephat Kipkirui carry the country's hope in the 3,000m while Kipkirui will show his versatility by doubling in the 1500m.
There are four medalists from Ndola in the women's side including Nancy Cherop, who delivered gold medals in the 3,000m, 1500m, and 800m races.
Janet Chepkoech, who secured silver medals in both the 1500m and 800m race is also in the mix alongside Daisy Chepgetich, who struck a bronze medal in the 800m.
Caroline Anyango will be looking to continue her excellent form in Port of Spain buoyed by the silver medal she won in Zambia in javelin throw.
