The Kenya men’s national team is confident that they will excel at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s Under-20 Championship that begins this Friday in Jeju, South Korea.
Kenya and Ghana are the only African countries that will be chasing glory at the global event that will bring together 20 nations.
Despite facing many challenges, the team departed yesterday for the South Korean Island determined to make Kenya proud.
Kenya Lacrosse Association (KLA) patron Linda Mwende, who has worked around the clock to ensure that the team travels and arrives in time for the championship, exuded confidence saying that they will excel.
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“These boys are fighters and I believe they will defy all odds and perform well. They have shown commitment and worked very hard in training and I’m confident that their unwavering dedication and efforts will culminate in success,” Mwende said.
She added that even though the team will be flying the Kenyan flag, lack of finances is their major challenge because the government has not supported them despite making a formal request to the ministry.
“It’s sad that we didn’t receive any help from the government though we see it heavily supporting other national teams. The boys were optimistic that they will also get financial support but it didn’t happen. We hope government will come through and provide allowances for the team.”
Mwende revealed that the team mostly comprises learners from humble backgrounds and allowances would help improve their lives.
“Some of these players have huge fee balances in school. If the government would support by at least paying allowances, then they would clear their fee balances.”
Kenya are in Group E and will begin their campaign on Saturday against Chinese Taipei.
They will take on Puerto Rico and Germany in their second and third pool matches.
The Kenyan boys will be under the tutelage of Isaac Kirinya, who will be assisted by coaches Vincent Nyamweya, Mclean Richard, Remingtone Joshua and Bonface Agoi.
Captain Vincent Odhiambo will lead the team on the field alongside his assistants Brimin Koyo and Gideon Maranga.