NAIROBI, Kenya, September 20 – African steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong believes the athletics team to next month's Commonwealth games can replicate the success Kenya has had so far this year.
Mateelong told Capital Sport on Monday that there is no pressure in the camp as they prepare for this year’s biggest international assignment.
“I don’t think they will be any pressure because Kenya has selected a very good team this year. The main challenge will be in the sprints because we are not good in that area but we are trying,” said Mateelong.
“There aren’t any serious injuries, everyone is prepared and we are waiting for the games to come,” he added.
Kenya will be fielding the biggest number of athletes at the games with 60 athletes set to take to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Mateelong who hopes to bag a first Commonwealth medal said that the absence of perennial rivals Ethiopia will not alter their mindset of winning on the sub continent.
“We’re ready for any other country because its not only the Ethiopians who are strong. Other countries like Britain are also coming up but I think we are set,” said Mateelong.
Eighty five nations will compete at the event that will be held from October 4-13.