NAIROBI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's women's volleyball team Defense Forces (KDF) will debut at the world military championships in Canada from May 26 to June 4.
The team, which secured the ticket to the global military competition, hopes to win Kenya its first medal in the discipline.
Kenya claimed the ticket to the global championships after winning the regional East Africa military games in Bujumbura.
Head coach Elisha Aliwa said he is certain the team will surprise their rivals.
"We have several players who have international experience having played for Kenya in FIVB competitions like World Cup and world championships.
"They need little polishing to have their focus on winning the tournament in Edmonton," he added.
The world military championships will also act as a qualifier for next year's World Military Games, which will be hosted in Wuhan, China.
"We are trying to adjust to indoor training since we have been working out in outdoors only," said Aliwa.
The draws for the tournament in Edmonton will be released next week, but Aliwa singled out hosts Canada, China, Russia and Brazil as some of the top names to watch out for. The team will depart to Canada on May 23.
Veterans Ednah Rotich and Jackline Barasa will lead the strong KDF squad. The two have been at three FIVB World Cup and world championships plus several appearances at the Africa Nations Cup.
Others in the squad are Maureen Agwala, Ednah Chemeli, Monica Chepkorir, Gladys Etale, Damaris Kamaina, Teresa Maingi, Josephine Rotich and Hellen Kwanthai.