This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
Kenya's Gaudencia Makokha, a seasoned beach volleyball player, has been named the captain of the national women's team for the Tokyo Olympics.
On July 8, 2021, Makokha and her partner Brackcides Agala were selected to represent Kenya at the games, which will take place from July 23 to August 8.
The duo made history two weeks prior by defeating Nigeria in the final of the Africa continental Cup-cum-Olympic qualifiers, securing Kenya's spot at the Tokyo Olympics.
However, only Makokha and Agala were chosen to compete in the games, and the team is currently training at the Flamingo Beach Hotel in Mombasa before departing on July 21.
‘We are aware of what awaits us in Tokyo, but we are well-prepared. We will meet the world’s best players, but this won’t stop us from giving our best,’ Makokha said in an interview at the team’s training base.
The team has been grouped in pool D alongside Brazil, the USA, and Latvia, and coach Sammy Mulinge expressed regret over not being able to travel with the full team of four players.
‘We wanted to have the four players in the team, but only two are mandated to play at the tournament. We cannot assure Kenyans that we might not bring a medal home, but we will come back with our heads held high,’ Mulinge said.
