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The Mathematics and Computer Science student is unfazed by her relative inexperience and strong opposition expected at Kasarani gymnasium
Kenyan sensation Mary Kinuthia has her eyes cast on the title even though she will be making her continental debut at the Africa Festival of Table Tennis in Nairobi this week.
The third-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is counting on her offensive tactics to get her past the strong opposition expected at the Kasarani gymnasium.
"You may use different styles of play and different game systems to win your battles. But then again, it's paramount to choose your playing style based on your tactics and strategy. I will go for the kill from the word go," said Kinuthia, who made her Kenya debut in Djibouti this year.
"I know that defensive players will always prioritise keeping the ball in play and frustrating opponents by returning shots with consistency and accuracy but as an offensive player, I will focus more on attacking and placing aggressive shots to score points.
"I expect to perform better than how I played in Djibouti. I am excited because I'm being given another opportunity to rate myself with the foreign players."
The Mathematics and Computer Science student started her journey in 2016 at St Monica Girls School Kitale under the tutelage of coach, Justus Gichuki.
Meanwhile, Nairobi City men's team has been drawn in a tough Group A alongside defending champions ENPPI of Egypt and Gardes Cotes of Djibouti.
Kenya's City Eagles are in Group B alongside Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Vision ITC of Rwanda and Kibuli Table Tennis Club of Uganda while in the women’s the category, Petrojet of Egypt are pooled in Group A with Vision ITC of Rwanda and Nairobi City.
The women’s Group B has Uganda's Kibuli Table Tennis Team alongside Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and City Eagles of Kenya.
The tournament’s draw was conducted on Sunday by ITTF Competition Manager Adam Ashour in the company of team representatives, ITTF Africa President Khaled El-Salhy and Andrew Mudibo, the President of Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA).
This year's championship has attracted seven men's and six women’s teams. Nairobi City men's team have Jensen Owade, Allan Singar, Mike Otieno and Alikhan Kezia while City Eagles have Kenya top seed Brian Mutua, Josiah Wandera, Peter Theuri and Kevin Mwangi.
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