A past KVF league action between Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline at Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri/HANDOUTThe annual regional championship has drawn teams from Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda, setting the stage for five days of high-intensity volleyball featuring some of East Africa’s top club sides.
Barasa said his team has undergone rigorous preparations, describing the tournament as a crucial opportunity for tactical fine-tuning and bonding ahead of the domestic season.
“We’ve been training hard and focusing on improving our consistency, especially in reception and transition play,” said Barasa. “The Nyerere Cup gives us a good chance to gauge our fitness and competitiveness against top regional teams.”
He aims to reach the final while giving his younger players a chance to experience high-pressure matches, vital when the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League starts.
“We aim to reach the final and play quality volleyball that reflects the hard work we’ve put in,” he said. “We want to give our new signings international exposure early enough to be mentally ready when the league starts.”
KCB will join Prisons in the women’s competition, where they will battle the likes of Falcon (Zambia), Star Girls and Chui Women (Tanzania) and Malawi Combined. KCB, under head coach Japheth Munala, will look to build on strong pre-season form and extend Kenya’s dominance in the women’s game.
“We are going to Tanzania to compete, not to participate,” said Munala. “Our target is to defend Kenya’s reputation, play our system well and give every player a chance to express themselves against quality opponents.”
Chema Volleyball are Kenya’s male representatives and will be up against the likes of Grace VC, Serengeti Men and High Voltage from Tanzania, Falcon from Zambia, Rukinzo from Burundi and APR from Rwanda.
Promoted Chema are keen to test themselves at the continental level. Head coach Jeremiah Mukopi believes their recent build-up matches will prove crucial as they prepare for life in the top tier.
Chema were promoted alongside Eldowas.
