NAIROBI, Sept. 13 -- Kenya is expected to claim a few scalps at the volleyball world championships, in spite of missing out on international friendlies, head coach Japheth Munala said here Thursday.

"Kenya is parading a young team and we are not afraid to challenge the giants and carve our own niche. Nobody should rule us out," Munala told Xinhua.

Munala eyes at least two wins in the preliminary rounds to proceed to the next round.

Munala said that his team has been boosted with return to form of agile setter Jane Wacu, who has been nursing a fracture on her finger. The veteran setter was out injured alongside Sharon Chepchumba.

"It is good news because Wacu had a finger injury and has been out for a week and half. She is back in training having been given a go ahead by the doctors. Chepchumba had an injury on her wrist, she was attended to and so far she is already in the field," added Munala.

Kenya's prospects in international volleyball has dwindled in the past three years, but Munala believes they will accelerate their rise starting with the World Championships where they are paired in Group D together with Serbia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Kazakhstan.

Kenya last featured in the tournament in 2010. Africa's other team is continental champions Cameroon, who have pitched camp in France for training.

Kenya will play four warmup matches in Japan against select teams, which has been organized by former coach Sadatoshi Sugawara of Japan, who was in charge of Kenya team during the 2006 World Championships.

【体坛英语资讯：Kenya looks to advance at volleyball worlds】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hiltons potential inheritance dramatically diminished

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hawks set for decider in Boston

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Angelina Jolie voted worlds No.1 yummiest mummies

★ 体坛英语资讯：Respect, admiration abound in Shanghai

★ 体坛英语资讯：Harris says Yi will be all-star in NBA

★ 体坛英语资讯：26-year-old Universiade athletics record shattered

★ 体坛资讯：Henman tops Moya to advance at Wimbledon

★ 体坛英语资讯：Maradona wants to coach Argentine Olympic team

★ 体坛英语资讯：Wang ready to bounce back in 2008

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Beyonce, Jay-Z marriage become official