KVF President Charles Nyaberi and CAVB President Bouchra Hajij/ CHARLENE MALWA
African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) President Bouchra Hajij has urged Kenya to consider hosting a major continental competition.
Hajij said it would be a step in the right direction for a country that already holds the African women’s title and continues to inspire the region.
Speaking during the signing of a Sh15m sponsorship agreement between the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) and MozartBet in Nairobi, Hajij said hosting would give Kenya’s national teams the home backing they deserve and strengthen the development of volleyball across all levels.
“Kenya is already the pride of Africa in volleyball and hosting competitions here would be a strong step forward,” Hajij said.
“Home support gives players confidence and with the right investment, Kenya can showcase its strength on and off the court.”
The partnership with Mozart, which supports Malkia Strikers and Wafalme Strikers, underscores Kenya’s commitment to building stronger national programmes and keeping the country at the heart of African volleyball excellence.
She praised the Mozart partnership as a model for African federations seeking to grow the sport through corporate collaboration.
“This is what we encourage across the continent partnerships that empower women’s and men’s volleyball,” she said.
“CAVB remains committed to supporting Kenya and together with FIVB, we will ensure more resources reach senior and junior teams.”
Her visit, which includes engagements with stakeholders and the KVF leadership, aims to strengthen collaboration and chart the way forward for volleyball growth in the region.
KVF President Charles Nyaberi echoed Hajij’s sentiments, saying the partnership with Mozart comes at a crucial time.
The national teams are preparing for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations and, ultimately, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“This sponsorship is a step in the right direction. We’ll now at least be training for a longer time,” Nyaberi said.
“We need to narrow our basics — services and reception — because that’s where the difference lies between us and the top African teams.
When you serve well, you deny opponents a chance to execute their plans; when you receive well, you create your own.”
Nyaberi said the national teams will continue to seek international exposure through training stints abroad as part of preparations for continental and global competitions.
“We’ve been to Serbia and Brazil and this partnership allows us to keep training with stronger teams. Our big vision is LA 2028. The Africa Cup of Nations next year will be our key benchmark,” he said.
He revealed that KVF will submit a bid to host the tournament.
“We are sending a bid to showcase what our players can do. Hosting would motivate the teams and the fans and that’s the next bold step we want to take,” Nyaberi said.
Discussions with CAVB and FIVB are ongoing to secure continued technical and financial backing.
“President Hajij has assured us of continued support from FIVB for senior and junior teams. We are working on future plans and long-term aspirations,” he concluded.
