TWO BUSIA PLAYERS IN KENYAN SQUAD FOR WORLD DEAFLYMPICS WOMEN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Two players from Busia County have been included in the Kenyan squad that will represent the country and Africa in the World Deaflympics Women soccer champions in Caxias do Sul, Brazil from May 1st to 15th, 2022.

Midfielders Zaituni Abdi and Mary Nafula passed the trial test after the National championships held at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on 3rd to 4th, March, 2022.

Three players from Busia were in the initial 35-woman squad that went into camp in preparation for the delayed 2021 Summer Deaflympics, but the number was whittled down to 23 to make the final squad. Goalkeeper, Selina Alivika failed to make the squad.

Kenya would have been subjected to qualifiers but the withdrawal of Ghana and Zanzibar earned them automatic qualification for the global bonanza.

Loreen Ngonga who earned a late slot will represent the country in 5,00metres race to revive hopes of the runner returning to the border county with a silverware.

Ngonga had shrugged off stiff opposition to
finish third in 5,000 metres in a time of 21 minutes 52.5 seconds but organisers initially had considered only the first two podium finishers.

However, the Busia runner earned late consideration to represent the country at the global event which she has exuded confidence of excelling.

She will run alongside Serah Wangare from Nyandarua who came in first position with a season best of 18:55:04. Gracy Kendagor from Nakuru was second with a personal best time of 19:08:00.

Chief Officer Culture, Sports and Social Services, Maurice Odundo has thanked the two women soccer players and the athlete
for booking slots for the world championships.

” On behalf of Busia Governor, H.E Sospeter Ojaamong, I thank the trio for making Busia proud. I wish our flagbearers the best of luck as they battle for honours in the global events,” Mr Odundo said, adding that the Governor has demonstrated his support for the youth especially the most vulnerable.

The Chief Officer noted that three flag bearers will report to the National training camp on Match 25th, 2022 in preparation for the global games, disclosing that Ng’onga might also be considered to run in her speciality, the 10,000 metres.