Kenya readies to host U17 Rollball World Cup in April

The Under 17 event has attracted 20 countries with giants like India, France, Iran, Portugal and Argentina confirming their participation in the week-long event.

Speaking during the launch, Kenya RollBall Federation president Samuel Litaba expressed his elation to host the first of its kind tournament.

Litaba said the sport has made a splash in Kenya following successes of the senior teams-men and women-who won the past six editions of roll ball World Cups.

“Today we are basically just launching the world cup tournament just telling people that the world cup is coming so that they can look forward to it and come and enjoy it. We look forward to Kenya performing well as we have done in the past, and hopefully we will win it, as we have prepared the team to be ready for whatever comes.”

A relatively new sport, roll ball has quickly risen to prominence with about 60 countries actively participating, with the World Cup being its highest level of competition.

First played in India, in 2003, its combination of both roller skating, with features of handball, basketball and emphasis on timing, balance, skating skill makes it highly attractive and enticing to first timers.

Team Kenya captain Joseph Alukhala, who also doubles as the junior men`s head coach, is brimming with confidence the young side is very much ready for the championship.

He also expressed desire to play in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as the International Federation led by President Tapan Acharya who is leading a lobby group to get the game recognised by the international Olympic Committee.

"I am happy and proud that we are having the under 17 juniors World Cup as I have seen the growth of the game here in Kenya. So this is a really cool moment. Obviously our dream is to be able to go and represent the country at the Olympic stage, so hopefully we will be there,” said Alukhala.

Among the key challenges the game faces are the inadequate training or playing facilities and surfaces for the Kenyans who are forced to play on hard surfaces that would render injuries, as normally, the game is played on wooden and smooth surfaces with the risk of injuries being low.

Kenya will be looking to host the tournament with the selected venue being the Kasarani Indoor Arena, and coach Alukhala has called on the stakeholders to allow the team Kenya squad to be able to train and camp at the arena owing to its smooth surface that meets the international standards for roll ball.