NAIROBI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is hopeful to stage a surprise performance in Tunisia and stake claim to one of the four slots up for grab for the Africa teams in table tennis for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Doreen Juma, Lydia Setey (women), Brian Mutua and Josiah Wandera (men) will carry the country's flag in the Africa Olympic Table Tennis qualifiers, which will be held in Tunis from February 24-29.
Team Manager Samson Ateka said here Thursday that the team will be up for a fight as it seeks to oust giant Africa countries and that the four players were part of the 25-member team in 2019 that toured China for training and hopes their experience will be useful in Tunisia.
"Kenya number one Brian Mutua will also participate in the Africa Top 16 Championship after emerging the victor at the regional event held in Uganda last year. However, the focus is on the team to win one of the four berths up for grabs for the Olympics," Ateka said.
Each country will be allowed to enter two players into each draw. However, Egypt has already qualified for the Tokyo 2020 team competitions owing to its top ranking.
Nigeria's Quadri Aruna starred for Africa at the Rio 2016 Olympics, reaching the men's quarterfinals before defeat to China's eventual champion Ma Long. He will be among the players expected to line-up in Tunis.
"The Kenya team will be coached by Kennedy Otieno. The team will compete in men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles," said Ateka. Enditem
