体坛英语资讯：Kenya volleyball team seeks to curve niche at World championships in Japan

NAIROBI, July 31 -- Veteran setter Jane Wacu is optimistic Kenya team will strike the right code and claim some scalps at the World Championships, which starts in Japan from Sept 29.

Wacu, who is based in Seychelles playing professional volleyball with Club Anse Royale has rejoined her colleagues in training as Kenya prepares for the competition, their first in over six years.

"I believe the team is strong enough to register positive results in Japan," said Wacu, Tuesday in Nairobi.

"We have some players in the team who have more experience and the young players can always learn from them and go on to showcase their talents," he added.

Kenya has been drawn to Group D together with Serbia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Kazakhstan and two wins will ensure they proceed to the next round of the tournament, which has attracted 24 teams.

Kenya secured their ticket to the World Championships after finishing second at the Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde, losing to their host Cameroon in the finals.

The West Africa side is in Pool A together with Japan, the Netherlands, Argentina, Germany and Mexico.

Olympic champions China are top in Pool B alongside Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, Canada and Cuba while Pool C has USA, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Trinidad and Tobago.

Kenya team assistant coach Josp Barasa says Wacu will add the steel the team has been lacking and hopes the younger players can quickly learn from her.

"Wacu offer the team motivation as a success story because she plays professional volleyball abroad," said Barasa. "She has been away for a while now and I believe her exposure and experience will come in handy."