Kenya will bank on a blend of defending champions, regulars and newcomers after the Kenya Amateur Wrestling Association (KAWA) unveiled a 17-member squad on Thursday for the third East African Wrestling Championships set for Bujumbura, Burundi, from August 17-23.
Three reigning East African champions — Jemimah Nakhumicha (65kg), Joy Lichuma (57kg) and Janet Ingwesi (69kg) headline the squad as Kenya seeks to retain the regional title it won on home soil in Nairobi last year.
Speaking after naming the team on Thursday, KAWA Secretary General Eric Walucho expressed confidence that the reigning champions have what it takes to successfully defend their crown despite stiff competition from hosts Burundi.
"Kenya is the defending champion from last year's East African Championships in Nairobi, and we anticipate retaining the title. Burundi will be our main rivals because they will enjoy home advantage and have entered wrestlers in all the weight categories," said Walucho.
The women's cadet team comprises last year's gold medalists Ingwesi, Lichuma and Nakhumicha alongside Joy Shalyng (53kg), Nancy Sophia (70kg) and debutant Lavenda Tali of Bungoma County, who will compete in the 45kg category.
The men's cadet side features Calvin Nyatuka (65kg), Vincent Waweru (70kg), Dan Kegode (60kg) and Clinton Omari (51kg).
Faith Wamalwa (70kg), Vivian Odongo (53kg), Ivonne Masibo (68kg) and Dyvonter Ashly (65kg) make up the senior women's squad, while Mahabila Mathayo (79kg), James Omwange (74kg) and newcomer Rogers Onyambu (70kg) complete the senior men's team.
The squad will be handled by coaches Peter Omenda, Mark Omumasaba and Alivisa Winrose, while Peter Omaya will travel as referee. KAWA president Anthony Kariuki will lead Team Kenya as head of delegation.
Walucho revealed that the global wrestling governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has extended sponsorship to cadets Nyatuka, Ingwesi and Nakhumicha as well as senior wrestler-player coach Mathayo.
The selected wrestlers will assemble for a residential training camp from August 9-16 at either Kasarani or Ruiru, with the final venue expected to be confirmed shortly. They are currently preparing individually at their respective clubs.
Walucho noted that the final squad was selected from an initial pool of 50 wrestlers across cadet, junior and senior categories. KAWA had sought government funding for 30 wrestlers for the regional championships and eight athletes for the Under-17 World Beach Games.
He added that the East African Championships will also serve as an important qualification pathway towards the Youth Olympic Games while providing crucial preparation for upcoming continental competitions.
Besides hosts Burundi and defending champions Kenya, the championships will feature Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan, with invited nations Mauritius and Burkina Faso having confirmed participation. Madagascar is also expected to take part in the regional showpiece.
