Busia County has a reason to rejoice after two of their players were selected to represent the country and the African continent in the world deaflimpics women’s soccer championship to be held in Caxias do sul Brazil from May 1-15, 2022.
The selection was done at the National Championship held at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on March 3 and 4, 2022 that saw midfielders Zaituni Abdi and Mary Nafula pass the trial test.
The initial 35-woman squad that went into camp in preparation for the delayed 2021 Summer Deaflympics had three players from Busia including Goalkeeper Selina Alivika who did not make it to the final 23 selection squad.
Loreen Ngonga who shrugged off stiff opposition to finish third in 5000 metres in 21 minutes and 52.5 seconds earned a late slot and will represent the country in 5,00metres race to revive her hopes of winning silverware.
Her team mates will be season best record holder Serah Wangare from Nyandarua who came first with 18:55:05 and Nakuru’s Gracey Kendagor who came second with a personal best time of 19:08:00.
Chief Officer Culture, Sports and Social Services, Maurice Odundo, applauded the two athletes for booking slots for the world championships.
“On behalf of Busia Governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, I wish to express my gratitude to our three daughters for making Busia and the whole country proud. Best wishes to them as they pursue this task with dignity and hardwork to make sure that we become victorious,” Mr Odundo said.
Kenya would have been subjected to qualifiers but the withdrawal of Ghana and Zanzibar earned them automatic qualification for the global bonanza.
By Salome Alwanda and Kepha Demba
