Kenya Divas captain Parin Simiyu is confident about the national women’s netball team's chances of securing one of the two available tickets to the 2027 World Cup during the Africa Netball qualifiers in Nairobi.
Simiyu has captained the senior national team for some time.
In an interview, she said the squad’s blend of experienced players and emerging young talent has created optimism ahead of the September 19-26 championship.
“We believe that whatever we are doing is going to bear much fruit,” Simiyu added after training at Kasarani.
The Divas have been in non-residential camp for about a month and have added gym sessions to their preparations as they work to improve their physical strength and endurance.
Simiyu explained that the arrival of Zimbabwean coach Tapiwa Chirenda has also added new skills to the team alongside the work of the local coaches.
The team trained outdoors because the Kasarani Indoor Arena was hosting the African volleyball championship between August 23 and September 4, but is now expected to go into residential before the qualifiers. Simiyu, however, believes the outdoor sessions are beneficial.
“The outdoor training helps us a lot because of the endurance,” she said.
Simiyu observed that the players were particularly motivated by the opportunity to compete for a World Cup place on home soil.
“It has really motivated the girls, and the men's team, and for that we are putting in much more effort to just defend the Kenyan soil,” she said.
Only two teams from the 10-country qualifier will join South Africa and Uganda, who have already qualified for the World Cup.
Kenya Divas face South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria in its pool, with Simiyu insisting that the opposition will not intimidate the hosts.
She acknowledged Malawi’s experience after competing at the Commonwealth Games, while also warning that Nigeria cannot be underestimated despite being new on the global stage.
“Our aim is to make sure that we sail through to the semis in our pool, then we shall be good to go,” she disclosed.
Simiyu urged Kenyan fans to turn up in large numbers and support the team, promising that the players will give their best in the historic championship.
“Continue cheering us up, continue supporting us. We shall not disappoint you,” she said.
Kenya men and women teams have trained outdoors because Kasarani Indoor Arena was hosting the African women volleyball championship.
They are expected to move indoors after the volleyball tournament ended on September 4 to familiarise themselves with the playing surface.
Both Kenya men and women teams are training at Kasarani Annex, with Peter Oloo coaching the men and Evelyn Cherono the women. Zimbabwean coach Tapiwa Chirenda has also joined Team Kenya on a short-term deal until the qualifiers. He has previously coached Zimbabwe’s men’s and women’s national teams.
The women’s competition features 10 teams: Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and pens against Nigeria on September 19 at 7pm in Pool A, alongside South Africa, Malawi and Namibia. Pool B has Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania.
The qualifiers offer two additional World Cup slots, with gold and silver medalists qualifying for the 2027 global showpiece in Sydney, Australia.
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