Team Kenya men’s beach handball coach Titus Kasekwa is optimistic his side will rake in a good performance when they compete at the Africa Beach Games which start this week in the Tunisian coastal city of Hammamet.
The team has been training at the Buntwani Park in Malindi, putting in the hours of work as they look to firm up a formidable squad that will fly the Kenyan flag with pride and battle for medals.
“As the coach, I have full confidence in the abilities of our team. When you look at our agility and speed, blocking shots, and communication, the team has really improved. Each evening, we analyze Championships and our previous mistakes, I allow the players to point out mistakes and correct each other and lead from behind,” Kasekwa says.
He adds; “I feel ready, and our main target this time is to reach the finals and bring glory back home to Kenya.”
Following a rigorous selection process after the Kenya Beach Games held earlier this year in Malindi, the current squad has been meticulously chosen to showcase Kenya’s handball prowess on the international stage.
Coach Kesekwa acknowledged the team’s focus on addressing their weaknesses, as they aim to capitalize on the valuable experience gained from their previous participation in the Africa Beach Games.
Ahead of the tournament, Kenya has been drawn in a tough Group A with 2019 bronze medalists Morocco and Zambia and will start off their campaign against the North Africans this coming Saturday.
The team is prepared to face not only the fierce competition but also the weather conditions.
With temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees, the training camp in Malindi, at a cooler 26 degrees, will offer more favorable conditions compared to the challenging climate experienced during the 2019 edition in Cape Verde.
Furthermore, an impressive 80 percent of the team members have prior experience playing in the league, providing them with a wealth of knowledge and skills. This seasoned squad boasts a higher level of experience compared to 2019 when a significant portion.