She revealed that since her switch to represent Kenya last year, she has always been financing herself and organising all her events without support.
German-born Kenyan fencing sensation Alexandra Ndolo has called out the Fencing Federation of Kenya and Sports System at large for their lack of support as they aim to develop fencing in the country.
Ndolo revealed that what she has received so far are empty promises and she cannot afford to keep financing herself as she seeks to promote the sport in the country.
10:30 - 11.04.2023
FENCING Meet Alexandra Ndolo, German-born Kenyan fencer yearning to put Kenya on the world map
Ndolo is ranked eighth in the International Fencing Federation.
Ndolo took to her Instagram page to lament as she urged the sports system in the country to become more intentional if they want to have a team in the Paris Olympics next year.
“Contrary to the Kenyan idea of people living in Europe I am not a rich mzungu that has bottomless pockets and can therefore be taken advantage of.
I can’t afford to promote Fencing in Kenya, assure visibility for the young Kenyan athletes, coaches and provide results for the officials whilst getting no support whatsoever. All I have received these past nine months have been empty words and promises from the Kenyan Fencing Federation and Kenyan sports system.
Whilst being happy to boast about their new sport and new top 10 world ranking player, no one was able to put actions behind their words,” Ndolo said.
The 2022 world women’s epee silver medallist also revealed that since her switch to represent Kenya last year, she has always been financing herself and organising all her events without support.
Ndolo added that due to that, she is not able to travel with her coach and physiotherapist to many competitions. She also revealed that she has to dig deep into her pockets and has been forced to ask for loans that are now becoming detrimental to her career.
10:57 - 22.04.2023
CHESS Chess Kenya turns focus to nurturing young talent in schools
The federation has been conducting the Chess in Schools programme for the last five years and the response is promising.
“So far, I have organised and financed all of my fencing season. I have travelled to many competitions without my coach and not once taken a physio with me. For a fencer of my caliber, this is not just unusual, it is unheard of.
Despite this, I have completely exhausted my resources and built up a debt that is quite frankly threatening my existence,” she lamented.
10:00 - 16.05.2023
TENNIS Angella Okutoyi to grace Billy Jean King Group 3 tournament in Nairobi
The 19-year-old will be up against some of the greatest athletes from 11 other countries that have confirmed participation.
She completed by saying: “To the Kenyan sports system I want to say if you truly want to embrace me, not just with words, if you truly want to be on this road to Paris together, put some actions behind your words.”