After underwhelming in the last two legs of the Kenya Volleyball Federation men's league, Kenya Forest Service team manager Wachira Gatuiria has tipped his charges to charge for a podium finish in the Paul Bitok tournament this weekend.
KFS were drawn in pool 'D' of the competition alongside Prisons Kenya and Kenya Defence Forces in the three-day event to be played at both the Nyayo and Kasarani Indoor Arena stadia.
Gatuiria said the team has grown in leaps and bounds after a slow start to the 2023 league season and has what it takes to be competitive.
"The team was not well prepared in the last leg and the results were no surprise. However, we have re-organised ourselves and with proper coordination and synergy the team has shown in training, why not dream of the title?" quipped Gatuiria.
Gatuiria at the same time warned KFS against complacency.
"We cannot afford to underrate any of our opponents at any stage of the competition if we intend to realise our title dream. This is a one-off competition that any team can win."
Rwanda Air is the only foreign-based team that will be part of the 12-team men's event. Gatuiria said local teams must be watchful of Rwanda to avoid surrendering the title on home soil.
"Rwanda Air consists of the best-assembled players from Rwanda. I know them very well because we played with them in the Nyerere Cup in Tanzania last year. They normally fight for the title at all costs. It will be a pity to allow them to win the title at the expense of local teams."
The winners of the tournament will pocket sh. 100, 000 while the runners-up take home half the prize.
