NAIROBI, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenya risks missing out on the 2018 Amputee Football World Cup scheduled for Oct.24 to Nov.5 in Mexico due to lack of funds, officials disclosed on Thursday.
Peter Oloo, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Amputee Football Federation (KNAFF), said they need 180,000 U.S. dollars to prepare the team of 14 players and seven officials and cater for other expenses in order to make their second appearance on the global showpiece.
"The organizers will cater for our travel and accommodation costs therefore the money we require will go towards, allowances, insurance and purchasing of playing kit and gear among other expenses," said Oloo.
Kenya made their debut at the event, which was won by Russia, in 2014 in Mexico where the team finished in 17th position out of 24 teams.
Kenya is one of the top four teams in Africa alongside Angola, who are the reigning African champions and runners-up in 2014, Ghana and Nigeria.
The East African nation has been placed in a tough Group 'F' that also comprises of Turkey, USA and Iran.
Amputee football is played by seven players on each side in a game that lasts 50 minutes into two halves.
The players use elbow crutches for support and the infield player must have one leg and the goalkeeper one hand. Enditem