Nairobi, Jan 2 (IANS) Having dominated the women’s volleyball scene in Africa for over two decades, Kenya are seeking the chance to extend their reign by qualifying for the 2014 world championships.
The event will be held in Japan in November. Kenya has been a permanent qualifier to the event in the last decade with both Algeria and Egypt alternating, reports Xinhua.
However, Algeria has taken the lead role qualifying for the last two editions of the Olympics in Beijing and London at the expense of Kenya.
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) chairman Waithaka Kioni remained optimistic, saying the national team will secure a ticket to the championship in 2014.
“We have been undergoing some generation change with new talent coming through. They have been exposed at club and junior levels and will be a force to reckon with at the international arena,” he said.
“The world volleyball governing body FIVB has confirmed that the 2014 world championship qualification will be another era for African volleyball. FIVB has granted three places in the men and two other places in the women category for the event.”
The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Sports Organising Committee decided during its meeting that the African qualification will be played in three phases — sub-zonal, zonal and finals. The sub-zonal events will be organised with four or five countries taking part. The new system secure a massive participation of more than 45 countries.
FIVB has extended the deadline for 2014 world championship registration till Jan 15.
