NAIROBI, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan women's volleyball team wants the government to pay for their foreign training camp in Europe ahead of the World Championships, which will be held in four cities in Japan.
Kenya's volleyball technical director David Lung'aho also wants the team to play several international friendly matches to help the coaches gauge the players' ability before the World Championships, which will be held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 20.
"The team wishes to train overseas and play international friendly matches to gain experience playing at higher level. This will help sharpen our players because we participated in the tourney a long time ago," said Lunga'aho Tuesday.
The last time Kenya competed at the World Championships, the premier women's volleyball competition, was in 2010, and Lung'aho believes they can turn the tide to become world champions and not just part of the 24 teams making the tournament.
Poor preparations cost Kenya the chance to win the Africa Nations Cup tournament in Yaounde as hosts Cameroon secured a straight set victory.
"We trained under poor conditions, outside in the wind and sun, which affected our play. But hopefully as we prepare for the World Championships, things will be better," said Lung'aho.
Despite their challenges, Kenya still secured the ticket to the World Championships as the second-placed African side. Egypt, who represented Africa in the last competition, had to settle for third place after beating Senegal.
"I believe it would be good if we had good preparation and a training camp in Europe. These players are experienced, but they need exposure and top challenge for them to bring out their best form consistently. That type of challenge can't be found in Africa," added Lung'aho.
Unlike other teams, majority of Kenyan players are turning out for semiprofessional leagues back at home, which has limited their cruise at the global level.
Already, the world volleyball governing body FIVB, has drawn the lots for the group stage matches with Kenya in Pool D which includes Serbia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Kazakhstan.
"Kenya has been paired in a tough pool with all other teams ranked higher. But it's a challenge for our girls to prove their mettle. We are unlucky to be pooled against such teams but we will prepare well and see where we reach," said Lung'aho.
Hosts Japan are grouped with the Netherlands, Argentina, Germany, Cameroon and Mexico in Pool A. Rio Olympic champions China, who have been tagged as favorite, will take on Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, Canada and Cuba in Pool B.
Pool C has reigning world champions USA, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Trinidad and Tobago. Enditem