KENYA Ports Authority men’s volleyball team left attacker Joseph Pushati is on verge of joining Nairobi Water team ahead of the this year’s Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league set for next month in Busia.
Pushati, who has featured for the porters for two seasons, said he is waiting to sign the contract after successful trials last week at the Nairobi Water training base at Stima Club. The former Oloolaiser Secondary School alumni was instrumental for his immediate club KPA as they finished third behind General Service Unit and Kenya Prisons’ who took the first two positions during last year’s KVF league play-offs in Mombasa. The player said a time has come for clubs to run the sport professionally.
“I am looking forward to pen down the contract anytime this week. They (Nairobi Water) have a better deal and have structures in place and I can only hope for the best,” he said.
He said: “ The fact that Nairobi Water made their debut last year and finished fifth is a clear indication that they have what it takes to do well in future and I want to be part of the development,” said the player, who received his first call up to the men’s national team last year. Should Pushati land at the Nairobi-based club, he will fight for a starting line up alongside Peterson Kimani, Eric Kibet and Jimmy Mwaniki for the left attacking position.
Nairobi Water head coach John Mwaniki confirmed they intend to give contracts to five players who were impressive at the trials.
“We want to strengthen our team prior to the league kick-off and our target is to feature in this year’s play-off. Last year, we begun the season poorly and gained ground along the way but this time, we want to start the season well and go all the way,” observed Mwaniki.
He added, “I believe with the arrival of the five players who were outstanding in the trials, together with the current squad, we will make this happen,” said the former national team player. Other players who successively underwent trials and are waiting to sign contracts include Tom Wanjala, Elvis Kimeli, Dun Otieno and Simon Mukhwana.