Volleyball: Africa Cup of Nations start in Nairobi

By Oscar Pilipili

An Olympic Games ticket, continental crown and Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) ranking points are at stake as Africa Cup of Nations start at Nazarene University and Brookhouse School Nairobi today.

The event has attracted nine womens’ teams but only ultimate winners qualify to represent Africa in 2012 London Olympic Games, besides claiming confederation’s throne and gaining global points.

Kenya captain Bracksides Agala, in view of the mouth-watering offers, reckons that despite playing at home, the tournament poses them great challenge.

Agala said: "All the big teams are here and definitely each one of them want to be part of 2012 London Olympics. No team will be beaten hands down."

"All our team members have trained hard for the event. They are psyched and all are in winning mood. I can confidently assure Kenyans that we’re going to win the Cup," she said at Nazarene.

The tournament has attracted nine top African teams namely: Algeria who won the previous edition to play in , Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Nigeria and hosts Kenya.

Kenya coach David Lung’aho promised that the home girls would scatter the opposition and lift the trophy.

He said: "It is true all the teams here are very strong but the girls are determined to wrestle the continental trophy from Algeria."

Lung’aho’s line-up boasts of experienced stars like Agala, Lydia Maiyo, Jane Wacu, Janet Wanja, Mildred Odwako, Diana Khisa and Edna Rotich.