Amputee World Cup Team Eyes Semis As Trip Hangs In The Balance

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is targeting making the semi-finals of the Amputee World Cup that kicks off in the Mexican cities of San Juan and Guadalajara on Wednesday week (October 24) as their trip to North America hangs in the balance.

This will be the second time that the country will take part in the global football showpiece after their 2014 debut also in Mexico but the team is not certain of travelling in the first place since the Ministry of Sports and Heritage is claiming their is no money to fund their trip according to Kenya Amputee Football (KFA) officials.

“We finished 17th out 24 countries on our first appearance. The only team we beat was Colombia (4-0),” Kenya Amputee Football Secretary General, Peter Oloo, told SportPesa News on Wednesday.

Kenya is in a tough Group F alongside Turkey, USA and African rivals Liberia while the other continental outfit, Nigeria, is grouped alongside defending champions Russia, Brazil and El Salvador.

“I believe USA is beatable and we have inside information on Turkey since most of our professional players are based there.

“Liberia is a weak side. They are taking a second string team to the competition after most of their key players disappeared at a recent event in USA,” Oloo explained.

Kenya’s opening fixture will be against Turkey on October 28 before taking on USA the next day. They will wrap the preliminaries against Liberia on October 30.

“We are confident that we will be among the two top sides that will qualify for quarterfinals from our batch. Our aim is to reach the semi-finals in this edition,” Oloo underlined.

Ministry woes

Dalmas Otieno, Nicholas Keiyo and Mohamed Munga has inspired the squad who are all based in Turkey have given the team a lift.

“Daniel Safari, who is also based in Turkey, could have been with us but he will be taking part in a skiing contest in Korea,” Oloo underscored.

Selection to pick the final team was held at Bhukungu Stadium in Kakamega on August 24-25 during the national trials with the Mexico-bound team in non-residential training at Parklands Sports Club and City Stadium in Nairobi.

The side has been engaging Ministry of Sports for the last two days to fund their airfare and allowances for the World Cup.

“We presented a budget of KSh23 million to the Ministry on March 14 which is yet to be honoured.

“The funds were reduced to KSh13 million, then KSh6.6 million and now we are being told that the Government has no money,” Oloo complained after KFA staged a protest outside the ministry headquarters in Nairobi.

Kenya risks an eight-year ban by global Amputee governing body if the country fails to travel to Mexico.

“Our accommodation and transport while in Mexico has already been catered for by the organisers, all we want the Government to do is to provide us with air tickets and allowances,” Oloo pleaded.

Mexico Bound Squad

1. Dalmas Otieno- (Midfielder/Striker, Turkey)

2. Nicholas Keiyo - (Utility, Turkey)

3. Mohamed Munga- (Utility, Turkey)

4. Brian Oroka –Midfielder

5. Polycarp Mboya-Midfielder/Striker

6. Ferdinand Obi-Goalkeeper

7. Vincent Mutai-Goalkeeper

8. Anthony Mundia-Goalkeeper

9. Samson Njoroge-Defender

10. Ignatius Kayumbe- Defender

11. Kevin Lumbasi-Defender

12. Samuel Njoroge-Midfielder

13. Peter Nzioka-Defender

14. Fred Aguk-Defender

15. Albert Mwakenga-Midfielder

Traveling Officials

1. Michael Somba-Team Doctor

2. Maurice Shikanda-Coach

3. Willis Odhiambo-Assistant Coach

5. Peter Oloo-Team Manager.