Beach volleyball team goes hunting for Olympic Games slot

Gaudencia Makokha in action against Rwanda. [KVF Media]

International Naomi Too has been named in the final team that leaves on Tuesday for the Africa beach volleyball Olympic qualifiers in Tetouan, Morocco.

The women and men's teams have been going through intensive training at the Flamingo beach hotel in Mombasa.

Too is bouncing back to partner with Gaudencia Makokha for the Morocco event that runs from June 18-24 where the winners of both genders will automatically qualify for the Paris Olympic Games slated for next month.

Too and Makokha teamed up to win silver medal during the 2019 Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco.

Coach Salome Wanjala picked the duo after she dropped Yvonne Wavinya and Sharleen Maywa who have been in camp in Mombasa.

"We have set our eyes on winning the continental competition and make our second stab at the Olympic Games," said Wanjala.

Makokha partnered with Brackecides Agala in 2020 to represent Africa at the delayed Tokyo Olympics games.

In the men's team, coach Ibrahim Oduor settled for Brian Melly and Edward Kibet after dropping Elphas Makuto and Jairus Kipkosgei.

"All the four players in the camp are equally good, but I had to pick two from them," said Oduor.

"We have received all the needed support from the government through National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Noc-K) and the Kenya Volleyball Federation. We just need to do our part," said Oduor.

"This is a long journey we started since last year and we need to conclude it in style by qualifying for the Olympic Games," added the former international volleyball player.

"We are aware of what awaits us in Morocco as all the teams have prepared well for the sole ticket," he added.

Kenya Beach Volleyball Commission chairman Moses Mbuthia commended Noc-K for taking care of the teams' preparations 

"The team will jet out today and we expect strong opposition from the hosts Morocco and Egypt, among other teams," said Mbuthia.