Kenya Forest Service coach Wachira Gatuiria has challenged his charges to fight for their future at the Nyerere Volleyball Cup tournament which goes down in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday.
The gaffer reiterated that this is the moment his players must show their quality and fight for a starting role since everybody begins on a clean slate ahead of the 2022/23 Kenya Volleyball Federation league season.
KFS are making a second appearance in the five-day competition. They finished fourth last year and hope to better that performance.
The General Service Unit and Directorate of Criminal Investigation were triumphant in the men and women categories respectively and start as favourites after confirming participation.
"The purpose is to show we have come of age, that we have made a stride since we returned to the national league two seasons ago. We want to see players fighting for their future," said Gatuiria. "We are all starting afresh and possibly my starting players will be known after the tournament."
KFS failed to make the playoffs last season in a period marred by inconsistency. The team started well but was unconvincing at the tail-end of the season.
"We are targeting the final. We believe it's possible," Gatuiria, who exclusively spoke to the Star after arriving in Tanzania on Sunday afternoon, hinted.
KFS has roped in six new players, who will be given priority to showcase their talent in Tanzania.
Moses Kamau, Elly Kigen (left attackers), Douglas Chumba, Philip Tol (centres), setter Dennis Bett and Simon Githinji (libero) have teamed up with the Foresters. Tol was acquired from Trail Blazers while Githinji joined from Prisons Central.
Enock Kiptum left for GSU and Gatuiria doesn't expect further departures.
"I hope no one leaves as we embark on thorough training. New players must grab their chance. We want to have a season like no other," he said.
