Kenya will be facing off with Pakistan in the weekend’s Internet Scrabble Championships as a way of beating boredom and skilling Word Warriors, the national scrabble team.
After losing to South Africa last weekend, Scrabble Kenya (SK) selected top seeded players to play against Pakistan that is five position behind in the world ranking.
SK chairman Bernard Amuke said the top seed players will be key in delivering good results to reclaim their position.
Kenya, placed in the 10th position lost to South Africa and will be taking on Pakistan ranked 15th in the world world worlc champions Nigeria leading the podium. As Kenya lost to SA 67-77, Pakistan defeated Nigeria.
The west African side leads the world with 2851 points with Kenya in position 10 after collecting 2201 points and Pakistan in the 15th position with 1777 points.
Amuke said Kenya is well prepared to face Pakistan who defeated world champions Nigeria last weekend and they have proved to be the best recently.
“We are preparing our players well for the championships hoping to defeat them after beating our opponents last weekend. We have a good team that will deliver the best results come the material day,” said Amuke on Tuesday.
Nigeria has been defeating Kenya in all championships as they beat Word Warriors, the national scrabble team during the ASC held in Kirinyaga last year, winning back to back titles as hosts Kenya retained the bronze medal.
“Due to the coronavirus, we are playing the online lockdown challenge and Pakistan and we are upbeat after Pakistan beat Nigeria as we lost to South Africa,” said Amuke.
He added that teams comprise of 2 Divisions with 10 players aside in each Division that has kept scrabblers in good shape and active as we await the lockdown to ease.
Top seed player Allan Oyende and Amuke will be leading the team after SK selecting ten players to battle against Pakistan. Oyende, who has dominated local tournaments, will be leading Toby Outi, Patrick Litunya, Martins Mutahi, Okioma Chris, Muema Muumbi, David Njenga, Francis Wachira and Patrick Miriti in the open Division.
In Division B, Div B, the players are Daniel Machanje, Okioma Nick, Tarus Kipruto, Phillip Mutinda, Wabwire Andrew, Limo Kipkemoi, Midiwo Nicholas, Mahinda Joseph, Topstar Oketch and Marion Awuor
Reserve players are Edwin Bii, Simon Gitonga, Joel Birgen, Nicole Achan and Charles Mokaya.
Amuke also sent a congratulation message to the government after their players received the Stimulus food package.
“We must thank the government for giving stipends to 22 of our members” thanked Amuke