Kenya beach handball team departs for Dakar

Led by Coach Caroline Nyadiero, the beach handball team left Nairobi for Dakar on Thursday morning with enthusiasm of cloning the indelible achievement of the Rising Lionesses who humbled Australia 17-12 in the final to grab a gold medal, a feat that has arched their names into in the annals of history.

“The rugby team has really boosted our morale and it is a good challenge to us by winning the gold medal. They have surely hoisted our flag high and for us is just to draw inspiration from that remarkable achievement.

"We are heading to Dakar with hope and determination that we are able as well to come back with a medal and we have set our eyes on the gold medal. The win for the Rising Lionesses is a great motivation,” coach Nyadiero said at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before their departure.

Kenya is Group B alongside hosts Senegal, Uruguay and France. Sand Queens will begin its campaign against Uruguay at the Saly beach on November 9, and will face France in the afternoon.

“We have monitored our opponents and we know their weaknesses and strengths. The group looks tough on paper but we are also determined to put in the work to achieve our target in the competition,” coach Nyadiero added.

Team captain Mercy Wanyonyi who schools at St. Johns Kaloleni in Kilifi County echoed her coach’s remarks heading to the Games.

“We have prepared well since we left Angola to where we finished second in the African Youth Games. We have been working on our mistakes, especially defending and attacking. We want to improve our performance, and we want to make our country proud again in this Games.”

Kenya’s 15-year-old fencer Aliyah Makena also jetted out on Thursday morning and will be making her debut on the world stage, competing in women’s épée fencing.  

Makena is coached by Georgina Mukami and hopes to announce herself in a big way at the Dakar Youth Games.

“My goal in Dakar is to leave a lasting mark behind Kenya fencing and everyone in general. I know the competition will be tough because other competitors have prepared as well as I have but for me I carry a dream and I am hoping to give a good show for my country.”

Kenya Women’s Beach Handball Squad

Pauline Achieng Musaa, Mercy Naswa Wanyonyi, Grace Bahati Simiyu, Lilian Charo Mwaka, Dorcus Kigasia, Mary Achieng Abogi, Sheryl Akinyi Juma, Neema Chembe, Phelesia Asami Amaya,

Khadija Ali Furaha.

Coach – Caroline Nyadiero

Assistant Coach – Victor Bwire