To emerge the Player of the Tournament at a World Cup is no mean achievement. Goalkeeper Emilly Amimo got that gong after guiding the Kenya ladies team to victory at the fifth Roll Ball World Cup in Chennai, India in 2019. She was also part of the sixth Roll Ball World Cup-winning team in Pune, India where Kenya also bagged the men’s crown.
Kenya defeated Egypt 5-0 in the women’s final and India 7-4 in the men’s final last month. Roll ball is a sport that combines basketball, throwball, handball and roller skating. Each team consists of 12 players, six on the field and six in reserve. The main objective of the game is to score maximum goals within a stipulated time. Emilly got into the sport of roll ball by accident, but is now reaping fruits, albeit small.
How did you get into roll ball and skating?
What challenges have you faced as a football goalkeeper and in roll ball?
Kenya won gold medals at the Roll Ball World Cup 2023. Are rollballers accorded the same honour as, say, medallists in track and field?
What does it take to be a good roll ball player and captain?
Who is your role model in roll ball?
Roll ball is not a popular sport in Kenya. Do you think this should change?
How has roll ball shaped you as a person? Have you benefited financially from it?
How did your parents react to your love for roll ball?
You were voted the Player of the year in 2019. How did it feel?
Outside roll ball, what else are you involved in?
Any advice for aspiring roll ballers?
What are your future goals?
