Team Kenya banking on experience in Guangzhou with World Championship slots on the line
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 08.05.25. | 13:06
Head coach Stanley Towet says the team has been working on their baton exchange, which has been Team Kenya’s Achilles heel for a while now
Team Kenya, to this year’s World Relays in Guangzhou, China, has left nothing to chance in their preparations as they look to give favourites a run for their money at the global competition set for Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 May.
Captained by Commonwealth bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the 2022 Games, Boniface Mweresa, the team has its eyes set on making the Tokyo World Championships.
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This weekend’s event will serve as a qualifying event for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, with the top 14 teams in each event, except the mixed 4 x 100m, which will feature for the first time, securing qualification.
Head coach Stanley Towet says the team has been working on their baton exchange, which has been Team Kenya’s Achilles heel for a while now.
“Handling of the baton has been a big issue for us for a long time, especially in the 4x100m, but we are working to ensure that the baton flows smoothly from start to end. We have done numerous tests, and I am comfortable with how each athlete has reacted,” the coach told Athletics Kenya media.
Ferdinand Omanyala, the star attraction for Team Kenya, has been tipped to play a huge role in leading the team as he comes equipped with experience and confidence that will rub off well on his teammates at the global stage.
“Omanyala has previously run with Mweresa and Meshack Babu. We therefore expect to experience no issues on race day,” Towet said of the African 100m record holder who linked up with the team in China after competing in Xiamen and Shanghai Diamond Leagues.
Meanwhile, Mweresa says the time is nigh for Kenya to stamp their mark as one of the giants at the World Relays.
“This is my fourth World Relays, and I am privileged to captain the team. Expectations are high since we have a very young team,” Mweresa said. “The baton is moving smoothly. We’ve focused on exchange zones, acceleration, and baton handling. Now, we just want to execute that on race day. The vibes are great, the times are fast, and the focus is solid.”
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