Coach Rogot applauds Team Kenya's stellar show at ITF-CAF Championship

Coach Francis Rogoi says he’s been impressed by Team Kenya`s performance in the ongoing ITF-CAT Eastern African Junior Individual Championships 2025 for under 14 & under 16 at the Nairobi Club.

Kenya’s up and coming tennis stars ensured three out of singles and doubles titles remained in Kenya when they claimed four out of the five titles on contention during the finals of ITF/CAT Eastern African Junior Individual Championships 2025 for under  14 & 16.

Ten Eastern African nations (Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda) are competing.

The competition, open to boys and girls aged 14 and under 16, is organised by the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) in partnership with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Tennis Kenya.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Rogoi said, “We were able to clinch the overall title which is very good, now we are into the team`s competition, we started yesterday very well with all teams winning their tie and today we have started again very well with 16 and under girls at 2-0, 14 and under girls at 2-0.

However, Seychelles’ coach Marcus Maria, admitted the championship has been tough on their side.

“It is not what we expected. A lot of players are doing very well. It's very difficult for our players. We know they have capabilities and are physically fit. We prepared for it but the level of other countries is much higher than before. We will keep on trying and work hard for the best,” he said.

Seline Aboya of Kenya won by two straight sets 6-1, 6-0 against Rwanda’s Esther Tuyishime in the girls 16 and under.

Ishaara Deschilder saw off Rwanda’s Thierine Ineza 6-2, in the same category.

In the girls 16 and under doubles Ishaara Deschilder and Nancy Kawira defeated Rwanda girls Thierine Ineza and Esther Tuyishime 6-0, 6-2.

In the boys 16 and under Rehan Bulsara defeated Rwanda’s Abedi Nimigisha 6-1, 6-3 while Ayush Bhandari saw off Rwanda’s Kevin Rutayisire 6-0, 6-1.

The Kenyans also shone in the girls 14 and under as Liya Gikunda and Felicia Ouko won their singles matches. Liya saw off Julienee Uwitonze 6-0, Felicia Ouko also won 6-0, against Rwanda’s Ishimwe Maombi Ndayisaba.

In the doubles, Liya Gikunda partnering with Bathsheba Ogamba won 6-1, 6-0 against Rwandan ladies Fidela Sheja and Julienne Uwitonze.

Seline, one of the most outstanding players expressed contentment for representing Kenya.

“I have learnt a lot of things and the championship is very good since the start, I have been able to meet many friends. I need to work hard since my friends are improving. It’s a good thing to represent Kenya since Kenya has been shining at tennis,” Seline said.

On the other hand,Tanzanian based player, Alesi Silvery Kazoba said, “At first, the championship gives you experience and also good relations with others.”

Thierrine Ineza from Rwanda also shared excitement. “I feel so grateful, I’m happy to be at this place and I’m really enjoying the tournament.”

The Individual Zones’ Championships for the 14 and 16 & under categories will act as an evaluation platform for selecting potential players to compete in the 1st AJC for 14 & Under in March 2025 and the AJC for 16 & Under in April 2025.

Kenya last hosted the championships in 2018, a memorable edition that saw the host nation crowned champions.