KCB team’s technical advisor Paul Bitok believes Pauline Chemutai is the next big thing in Kenyan women’s volleyball.
This follows her standout performance in the ongoing 2023 women’s African Club Championships in Tunisia, where she continues to contribute immensely to the Bankers’ unbeaten run.
Chemutai is one of the six alumni of Kwanthanze School currently playing top-flight club volleyball for KCB.
The others are left attacker Faith Cherotich ( 18 ), Immaculate Nekesa, Esther Mutinda, Magdaline Mwende and Elizabeth Maria, who did not travel to Tunisia due to an injury.
Speaking in Grombalia, Tunisia, where the defending champions wrapped up their group matches, Bitok who is also the national team coach quipped: “Chemutai is a great protege of the team and definitely the next Sharon Chepchumba(a national team star). It’s just a matter of time before she begins riding on the crest of the waves.”
Bitok continued: “She needs time and believe me you, she will be the next Chumba of Kenyan volleyball. Just one more year of hard work and resilience, sh will be a star of international repute.”
Greece-based Chepchumba was last year voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) when she helped KCB win the CAVB continental title from hard-fighting Al Ahly of Egypt. “When the national team is reconvened, Pamela will definitely be included. She needs to gain more match experience from the senior team players to realise her dream. We want to use her more, but we are aware of the fact that she still needs more match time. So we are just bringing her in sometimes to make sure she gradually gathers confidence.”
Bitok also hopes Chemutai will get better and better with time.
“We are yet to use her completely. We want to build her gradually as we don’t want to rush her to be among the first six for now. Bitok is glad Chemutai is already a jump-service player with a good eye and judgment when it comes to blocking.
“She has managed to block very well in Tunisia, incidentally on her continental debut. She is now fast though you can see her body moving slowly; she is faster when it comes to attack.”
KCB team manager, Moses Kimani is glad that Chemutai hasn’t suffered stage fright despite her first appearance at the prestigious event.
He said: “She is very shy even when talking, but lethal while on the court. We spotted her in school games and since joining our squad this season, she has not disappointed.”
