Scrabble Kenya chairman Bernard Amuke remains restless after two top-seeded players withdrew from Word Warriors, the national scrabble team ahead of World English Scrabble Players Association Championships (WESPAC) in Goa, India.
Amuke said the withdrawal of Bernard Koyyoko and Patrick Litunya opened a big gap leaving only three players to battle at the WESPAC.
After the government failed to sponsor the team Amuke said players had to sponsor themselves for the trip led by top Allan Oyende, Nderitu Gitonga and Onani Magwanga.
“It has been a tall order for us, missing out on top players in the championships. The government failed to sponsor us and we had no option. The players, who love the game, decided to pay for their own tickets, accommodation among others to compete at the event,” said Amuke.
Following the two withdrawals, seed 8 player Martins Mutahi and seed 14 Fred Magu had to fly to Goa to join the rest of the players.
“As a nation, we were handed five slots and six side events but after the government failed to sponsor us, some had to pull out,” he added.
With the tournament set for two days, Amuke said the performance will not reflect their expectations as they seek to retain the slot for next championships.
“I know the players may not give us the best but we want to retain our slot. If we perform poorly, then we lose the slot for next championships. The players have to perform averagely to retain the slot,” explained a disappointed Amuke who called on the government to support their activities as they fly the Kenyan flag abroad.