NAIROBI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Kenya now wants to ruffle feathers at this year's volleyball World Cup, which will be held in Japan in September.
Head coach Paul Bitok picked up his first title barely three months since his appointment, clinching gold at the Africa Games in Morocco.
Now the 44-year-old coach wants focus and more glory from the African Queens at the World Cup, which will run from September 14 to 29.
"Indeed, the results from the Africa Games has been as a result of team effort. We hope to replicate this all through other future tournaments starting at the World Cup," Bitok said on Saturday.
On the fourth asking, Kenya finally was able to elbow out Africa Champions Cameroon in the Africa Games to successfully defend the title they last clinched at the 2015 games in Brazzaville, Congo.
"A huge win for Kenya. I highly commend the team for their comeback in the second set. That was a great show of mental composure and strength from the team. Playing against an opponent twice is not easy, especially if your second meeting is at the final stage," said Bitok.
Sports cabinet secretary Amina Mohamed has pledged to support the team in their future competition even as she lauded their win in Morocco.
"When Kenya women's team 'Malkia Strikers' take to the pitch, it is impossible to ignore their incredible coordination. They play for purpose, play with heart and play to win. The victory against Cameroon is monumental and it proves that they are the true African Queens of volleyball," Mohamed said.
The women's competition will run from September 14 to 29, followed by the men's event from October 1 to 15. The Women's World Cup will start with the group stage in Yokohama and Hamamatsu over five match days, before the teams travel to Sapporo and Toyama for three more matches.
