Kenya off to a false start as African Junior Championships begin

Team Kenya got off to a slow start at the African Junior Championships after Kenyan tennis teams lost a majority of their matches at the extravaganza that kicked off on Sunday at Nairobi Club.

The week-long (24th Feb - 1st March) tournament features players from 15 different African countries who are all eyeing the coveted ticket to go and represent Africa at the European Championships for the14 and under players.

Kenya has been represented by a delegation of ten players, even being offered wildcard slots by virtue of being hosts.

According to the Tournament Director Wanjira Karani, who also doubles as the Secretary General of Tennis Kenya and Vice President of the Confederation of African Tennis, the tournament brings together the best 14 and under players highlighting that Kenya`s tennis star, Angela Okutoyi, also came through the ranks of the Junior Championships which she won in 2018.

"Team Kenya has got a big team, and what is good about hosting is that you get wildcards, so we have four extra players from the normal number, that is if we would not be hosts.

“To note, one of our star players, Angela Okutoyi, won this tournament," she said

The International Tennis Federation Development Officer for East and Central Africa, Thierry Ntwali, has praised the tournament`s impact, highlighting its role in the development of young players and its pathway to becoming professional tennis players.

The ITF, together with the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), collaborates with Tennis Kenya and is working together to ensure that more players take up tennis and make the best out of it.

"The African Junior Championship is the premier tournament for young players and is a clear pathway for young players to become pro players so all these players that are here, this is the start of their journey to becoming pros, so we hope this tournament brings opportunities for the players after playing this event. "

The Kenyan team coach, George Oyoo, has maintained that a positive mindset is being maintained after day one`s games, acknowledging the games` roles in gauging the players as they prepare for future championships, having failed to win all but one of their day one match-ups, with only Felicia Wasonga winning her singles match, 6-4 6-1.

Jenerica Rogoi battled it against Emily Lebogangg of Zimbabwe in what was a closely contested affair but fell just short after taking the first set, eventually outmatched by the all-striking forehand of Lebogang.

The Kenyan delegation includes Vihaan Bulsara, Jyan Patel, Indiatsi Olembo, Jenerica Rogoi, Ashley Wafula, Ayaan Quadros, Felicia Wasonga, Khalil Nathani, Naila Gikunda and Bathsheba Ogambo.

Khalil Nathani echoed coach Oyoo`s sentiments on remaining positive, promising that the team aims to learn from the experience of playing in such a tournament.

Nathani had lost his opening singles match against Madagascar Avo Razafindrazaka 6-4, 6-3 and his doubles matchup, but remained upbeat to learn from the losses.

"I’m gonna go in and give it my all; even though I lost, I will be better. It is a tough tournament, but all of us are trying to perform. We`re doing fine, and we`re having fun."

The African Junior Championship continues today, with matches lined up throughout the day at the Nairobi Club. Team Kenya will be looking to gain momentum from yesterday and register a positive outing in today`s matches.

 In the Singles match, Ayaan Quadros (KEN) will take on Seyi Ebenezar (NGR) as Felicia Wasonga (KEN) will pair up with South Africa`s Anabel Morakane to take on Tunisia`s pair of Melek Gamaoun and Emna Mathlouthi