'Hit Squad' training interruption a risky affair: coach Musa

National boxing team coach Benjamin Musa has expressed concerns about 'hit squad's inability to continue with preparations ahead of the July Tokyo Olympics due to the suspension of sporting activities in the country. 

The tactician believes the team members who have a tough task ahead should be allowed back on the ring either as an exception or through the resumption of all sporting activities as there is need to prepare for Tokyo early in advance. 

"Before going for the Africa Zone Three championship in Congo where Kenya managed 13 medals training was going so well. However, we now risk losing all the gains we had made due to the current closure as there is nothing much our boxers can achieve while training at home alone. If this situation persists then we will be forced to begin from zero when we finally get the go ahead to resume training," expressed the tactician. 

Through the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) all qualified teams and athletes had been accorded the services of a strength and conditioning expert consultant in Geoffrey Kimani who has been working with said athletes since last year. 

"The strength and conditioning sessions with coach Kimani have transformed how the team is playing. Before we can concentrate on the tactical aspect of the game, we are now assured that our boxers are ready in terms of their strength and power. The results of our interactions with Kimani were evident in Congo and we need to get back to that so we don't lose the progress already made," added the tactician. 

Four boxers have punched tickets to the Summer Games and as part of their preparations, the national federation has identified two international competitions that the boxers will take part in as part of their build up for the Games. 

"International Boxing Association (AIBA) cancelled the World Olympic Qualifiers that were scheduled for Paris, France in June so we felt the need for another competition to prepare our boxers and have settled for two. One is in the Netherlands next month and another in Philippines. We understand that Tokyo will be no walk in the park so we are doing everything to get our participants ready," said Musa.