Kenya Prisons men's volleyball coach David Lung'aho has challenged his charges to forget the troubles of last season and focus on perfection ahead of the team's return to pre-season training on Wednesday.
The warders performed below expectations and only managed to sneak into the playoffs in the last leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation league staged at Nyayo gymnasium.
However, the former champions could not master an upset, falling to fourth in the final standings to extend their title drought to five years. General Service Unit clinched the title, their fifth on the trot.
Lung'ago said every player begins on a clean slate and must fight for his position in the team.
"We gave the boys some time off and they will be back this week as we plan and prepare for the new season," said Lung'aho.
"Honestly, our levels dropped last season and our troubles were well documented but we have to begin the season with renewed vigour."
The former Malkia Strikers and Kenya Prisons women's team coach said the solution to their troubles lies within the squad and wants the players to prove themselves.
He maintained that they don't need to overhaul the squad counting on their three players at the Kenya Prisons' Staff Training College to solve their conundrum in the setting and attacking positions.
"Our fingers are crossed that Emmanuel Mwandori (setter), left attacker Dennis Ekotom and Dominic Kipkogei who is a right player by trade will be done with training by the end of November," said Lung'aho.
"The trio's arrival will be a timely boost for us because we won't sign players this season, unless otherwise."
He revealed that conditioning and ball handling skills will be worked on from Wednesday.
"Players must be in peak physical fitness before the league kicks off and that is our priority in training. We also have to adjust with the way players deal with the ball," he said.
In the meantime, Lung'aho rubbished rumours of Michael Chemos' departure.
Social media was awash on Sunday with news that the utility player had agreed to a one-year deal with Saudi Arabia top tier side Al Yarmouk.
"I expect everybody in training including Chemos. What I know is he is on holiday and will report back with the rest of the team, unless there's something I haven't been told," he concluded.
