Kenya team fired up ahead of Africa Athletics Championships in Durban

Nairobi, June 20 (IANS) Kenya is optimistic it will win more medals as it sends a squad of 60 athletes to the Africa Senior Athletics Championships starting on Wednesday in Durban.

Kenya' s head coach David Kitum said that despite the team missing its early morning flight to Durban, for which officials cited confusion in transfer logistics, the team is still focused on ruling the roost in the middle and long distance races, reports Xinhua.

"This team is strong and nobody should think of it as second string. The focus to qualify for the Olympics will add fire in their desire to excel," he said.

Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt have dominated the African Championships, but Kitum believes the team has the capacity to turn the tide in their favour and beat their opponents.

Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei said the team has been well prepared and urged them to go beyond the expectations and achieve faster timings as an incentive to secure Olympic qualification.

"There was a problem with the air tickets which forced us to delay our team's departure. That is being worked on and they will be in Durban tomorrow ahead of the championships starting on Wednesday. The championships will end on June 26.

Kenya team:

Men: Mike Mokamba (100m); William Mbeki (110m); Mike Mokamba, Peter Mwai, Gilbert Otieno (200m); Alphas Kishoyian, Raymond Kibet, Stanley Kieti, Boniface Mweresa (400m).

Nicholas Kiplagat , Jonathan Kitilit, Boaz Kiprugut (800m); Harun Koech, Boniface Mucheru, Kiprono Koskei (400mh); Vincent Leting, Timothy Cheruiyot, Eric Kiptanui (1,500m); Abraham Kibiwott, Phenus Kiplenting (3,000m s/c); Mangata Ndiwa, Peter Lagat (5,000m);

Kenneth Kipkemoi, Wilfred Kimitei, Stephen Arita (10,000m), Tera Lagat (Long Jump), Elijah Kimitei (triple jump), Matthew Sawe (High jump), Nelson Yego, Alex Toroitich (Javelin); Samuel Kireri, Simon Wachira (Race walk).

Women: Eunice Kedogo (100m), Priscillah Tabunda (110mh); Eunice Kedogo, Millicent Ndoro, Mary Atanui (200m), Margaret Nyairera, Maureen Thomas, Hellen Syombua (400m), Emily Cheortich, Winnie Chebet, Sylvia Chesebe (800m);

Maureen Jelagat, Jane Chege (400mh); Judy Kiyeng, Sela Jepleting, Sandra Chebet (1,500m); Lydia Rotich, Nora Jeruto, Agnes Chesang (3,000m s/c); Sheila Jepkirui, Margaret Chelimo, Sheila Chelagat (5,000m); Alice Aprot, Jackline Chepng' eno, Joyline Jepkosgei( 10,000m); Rebecca Kerubo (Hammer); Grace Wanjiru, Linda Waweru (Race walk).

Officials: Joseph Kiget (Team manager), Mohammed Said (Deputy team manager), Justine Kipchirchir (Chaperone). David Kitum, Joseph Ngure, Pascaline Chelagat, Peter Saina, Benjamin Kemboi, Sammy Koskei, Benjamin Busia, Joseph Kasaine.