Africa's four Associate countries begin their quest to join Kenya at next year's Under 19s World Cup when the African titles start today in Kampala, Uganda.

In what is possibly a clash between the evenutal winner and runner-up, Kenya plays Namibia, while the host country meets West Africa. East and Central Africa has a first up bye.

Two teams from these titles will compete in the finals in 2002, Kenya, which qualifies automatically due to its One Day International status, and the highest placed other country.

With Uganda, East and Central Africa and West Africa fielding under 19 teams in an international tournament for the first time, it will provide African administrators with a further guide to the state of their junior development.

Namibia is expected to be a major threat, having finished third out of 16 teams in the South African under 19 championships in early December. It is captained by Stefan Swanepoel, a talented opening batsman and off-spinner. Opening bowler Burton van Rooi leads a disciplined bowling attack.

Uganda's preparations have been bolstered by appointment of Kenyan, Steve Tikolo, arguably Africa's best black batsman, as coach for the five day long championships. Tikolo has been with the team in a training camp for the past fortnight.

Its strength is understood to be its bowling and fielding, with national team opening bowler, Kenneth Kamyuka, the under 19s captain, expected to be a key player.

Kenyan team manager, Tariq Iqbal, said the team had reason to be cautious despite its favouritism.

"We know we've qualified but we don't know the opposition and we do want to justify our One Day International status," Iqbal said this week.

In what Iqbal described as a balanced team, batsman/wicket-keeper, Maurice Ouma, and opening bowler, Alfred Luseno, are regarded as keys for the Kenyans.

Perhaps the least known of the five teams are the two composite regional sides, East & Central Africa, and West Africa.

It will be the first time the Associate members have fielded their own 19 teams. However, there should be some degree of familarity within each side, with Tanzanians dominating East & Central Africa, and Nigeria providing nine of the 13 West African squad.

East & Central Africa will look to opening batsman, Reuben Koshiya, and off-spinner Aszal Patel, for big performances.

West Africa will be captained by Ovie Osuaso, who has hit two centuries in Nigerian domestic cricket this season.

He should get good support from vice-captain, Endurance Ofen, the team's opening batsman and wicket-keeper, and new ball bowler, Kunle Adegbola.

West African officials admit their team will concede experience, but are confident talent can compensate.

© CricInfo