• Makokha asked Kenyans to shun the notion that beach volleyball is for the old players.
• Unfortunately, they have had limited matches since the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, unlike their rivals.
Image: FILE
Beach volleyball player, Gaudencia Makokha, said there are no deliberate efforts to develop the game in the country.
The Kenyan team left Accra empty-handed despite having an opportunity to become the best in the game.
The country’s top female beach volleyball player said: “For any country to thrive in beach volleyball, they must invest heavily in the game. Surprisingly, not much is needed to elevate the standards of the sport,” she added.
“It is a cheap sport to maintain. All that is needed is a beach.”
“However, the players must be given the necessary support and backup, just like in the rest of the sports.”
Unfortunately, the sport has become an afterthought and they are always brought on board at the last minute.
“This is a sport where you must play in a lot of tournaments to earn points yet we are hardly exposed. The last time I featured in any serious tournament was early last year,” she says.
The remedy is the start a serious league in Kenya.
“Just like the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) League require clubs to have women's football teams, we can peg registration of indoor teams on inclusion of at least six beach volleyball players in their ranks.”
In addition, the training stint is too short yet they require more than two months of training to compete effectively.
“The first month is supposed to be used for loading. The next two weeks should be for recovery including physiotherapy. The last two weeks should be dedicated for build-up matches,” she noted.
Other regions have proper leagues and play regularly, which amounts to more points earned.
Makokha asked Kenyans to shun the notion that beach volleyball is for the old players.
Other countries have engaged young and flexible players.
“Nigeria have players as young as 17 years, who are doing well,” she said.
Unfortunately, they have had limited matches since the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, unlike their rivals.
“We finished ninth at the Commonwealth Games but we still rarely get any support,” she noted.
Makokha doesn't understand why a team like Algeria should beat them yet the east Africans have bigger, better beaches.
"All we require is support in accommodation to hit camp in the coastal towns.
She explained that the last time t
They were sharp when winning a silver at the previous Games since they had just returned from a proper build-up past the World Beach Volleyball in Cape Verde.
“This is proof that proper build-up works,” she said, adding that she is in beach volleyball because she loves the discipline.
She said she is in beach volleyball because of her love of the game.
“If I was to look at other things, we would not be here at thi moment. Maybe I would have quit the game or returned to indoor volleyball,” she added.
“I am here because I want to see this game grow. I am offering my swerve ices to train the upcoming players,” she added.
Most players in indoor volleyball are hesitant to join the sport due to limited support.
Their opponents in Accra were better prepared.
“Our opponents were better prepared, having trained in Spain among other places. Beach volleyball is a whole year affair and one requires consistency in training. Makokha said they are currently struggling due to a lack of regular camps.”
“I would have qualified for the Olympic Games a long time ago save for my inconsistency on the circuit. It’s all about honouring tours,” she added.