Kenya take on Tanzania in Under-20 showpiece

Kenya coach Paul Gitau has promised to guide Kenya to its first ever title in the junior category when the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations championship serves off Sunday afternoon at the Kasarani indoor arena.

The hosts, who have been drawn in pool A, will open their account against Tanzania at 4pm. Other teams in the pool include Nigeria and Cameroon. Pool B has defending champions Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Uganda and Rwanda.

Gitau, who is one of Kenya’s most experienced volleyball coaches and whose coaching experience spans 28 years, says that it is time the junior teams emulate the senior Malkia Strikers in becoming multiple champions on the continental front.
Speaking to Nation Sport Saturday, Gitau said that his team is prepared to go out and fight fearlessly for the junior continental crown, and that the least result that Kenyans should expect from the girls is a second place finish.

"I know the expectations are high especially since we are playing at home. I have interacted with these girls for the last ten days and I am convinced that we stand a chance of dominating this competition if we can start strongly.

“We are aiming at the title, but even if we lose, we shall go down fighting. Second place is the lowest target we have set for ourselves,” said Gitau, who won the 2015 African Games title.

The juniors have been training at Kasarani alongside the senior national team, which is preparing for the 2018 World Women's Volleyball Championship to be held next month in Japan.

Kenya’s biggest opponents are Egypt, who have won the competition a record eight times, including last year’s showpiece.

Sunday's Fixtures

Mauritius v DR Congo - 12noon

Kenya v Tanzania - 4pm

Egypt v Uganda - 6pm