Debutants pair of Monica Biama and Linet Mukambi have been drafted into the provisional beach volleyball squad
ahead of next week’s East Africa Community Games in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Other pair consist of regulars Naomi Too and Gaudencia Makokha, who featured in the last year’s FIVB beach volleyball World Championships in Vienna, Austria.
Experienced Kenya Prison and former national team player Ibrahim Oduori and James Mwaniki headline the men’s squad, with
Donald Mchete and Elija Bosire as the other pair. Men’s coach Patrick Owino said they will be out to stamp their authority in the region as far as the sport is concerned.
Owino said they are scheduled to start training next week at the Strathmore University grounds ahead of the event.
“These players are the top crème in the country and we hope to start training soon ahead of the championship. The best thing about these pairs is that they have featured in almostall events and are aware of what to expect,” said Owino, a former Nairobi Water women’s coach.
He added: “As much as we would wish to train in Mombasa, we are pressed for time and that is why we will be conducting our training sessions at Strathmore as we seek to extend run in game during the 10-day event. We have what it takes and we can only hope for the best. Sammy Mulinge will coach the women’s team.
Meanwhile, plans are underway for the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) branches to be transformed into counties. The new development was passed during the Annual General Meeting held over the weekend in Nairobi. KVF secretary general, Ben Juma, said all this is to be aligned according to the Sport Act.
“The committee is in place to kick start the process and all this is aimed at ensuring the sport is well spread across the 47 counties,” said Juma.