Ferdinand Omanyala outlines what Kenya must work on to be successful at World Relays

Ferdinand Omanyala outlines what Kenya must work on to be successful at World Relays

Joel Omotto 06:00 - 09.04.2024

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has pointed out the key areas Team Kenya has to address for a successful outing at next month’s World Relays Championships.

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala feels Team Kenya’s 4x100m team must work on their baton exchange if they have to be successful at the World Relays Championships.

Omanyala will team up with former 100m national record holder Mark Otieno, Hesborn Ochieng, Mike Mokamba, Meshack Babu and Samuel Chege in search of victory during the event in Nassau, Bahamas from May 4-5.

With the event also key to their hopes of qualifying for the Olympics, Omanyala feels the six must work together and ensure there is harmony ahead of the event with every technical detail covered.

“It is a good team, the only thing we need to work on is the exchanges because the World Relays is not going to be jokes,” Omanyala told Capital Sports.

“Every team wants a spot in the Olympics. Starting next week, we need to make a very firm team…not just in physicality or speed but in the mental aspect as well.. and the cohesion we need in the team. We are going to be brothers for the next three weeks,” he added.

It will be Omanyala’s maiden appearance at the World Relays but he had expressed a desire to feature and ensure a great performance at the event late last year, something he is keen to achieve.

The World Relays will also be key for Team Kenya since the top 14 teams from each race will seal a ticket to the Paris Olympics which would widen the country’s medal bracket while also giving the runners an extra motivation.

“It is nice but I think we need to bring that time low…reduce it to 38 (seconds) at worse or at best, lower it to 37.0 if we are to make it to the Olympics,” said Omanyala.

Athletics Kenya selected a formidable team of 24 athletes to the World Relays with National 400m champion Zablon Ekwam teaming up with National 400m hurdles champion Wiseman Were, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Boniface Mweresa, David Sanayek, Brian Tenega, Moitalel Nandokila, Kelvin Kipkorir, Kennedy Kimeu and Nathaniel Kipngetich in the 4x400m squad.

Commonwealth 800m champion Mary Moraa will lead the 4x400m relay team that also has Mercy Chebet, Jackline Nanjala, Joan Cherono, Veronica Mutua, Vanice Kerubo, Maureen Thomas and youngster Diana Chebet.

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