Kenyan coach faces hard task on Commonwealth Games

NAIROBI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Newly appointed Kenya team coach Japheth Kemei said the country must change its focus and preparations if they are to continue to dominate in middle and long distances races.

Kemei has his work cut out as he takes over Julius Kirwa, who led Kenya to successful performances in World Championships in London and Beijing.

"It is a role that requires cooperation and support. I have good rapport with the athletes and the management must support us," he said on Tuesday.

Kemei's first task will be to lead Kenya team to the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.

Athletics Kenya senior vice president Paul Mutwii said Kenya must improve its performance in the club games, which are only open to athletes from former British colonies.

Kenya won 23 medals at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 - 10 gold, 10 silver and three bronze - to top the athletics medal standings. Now Kemei must improve on this tally with a squad of 57 athletes.

Kemei will have top stars like David Rudisha, the Olympic 800m champion, javelin star Julius Yego, World 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi in Gold Coast.

The marathon teams for the Commonwealth Games will be confirmed on Tuesday along with Kenya's teams for the World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia in March.

"There are still a few details we are waiting for on some athletes," said Mutwii. "We will name the final team to Commonwealth Games in a week's time." Enditem