Kenya Beach Volleyball Teams Gear Up for Olympic Qualifiers on Home Turf

Moses Mbuthia, Chairman of the Kenya Beach Volleyball Commission, is urging the national beach volleyball teams to make the most of their home ground advantage as they enter the battle for the single beach volleyball ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Kenya is hosting the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone Five qualifiers, and Mbuthia is confident that the women’s and men’s teams can perform well at the event, also serving as qualifiers for the 2023 African Games.

After a three-week camp at the venue, Mbuthia believes the teams are well-prepared and encourages them to give their best in the quest for the Paris Games ticket. The women’s team aims for a consecutive Olympic Games appearance after their debut in Tokyo 2020, while the men’s side, led by coach Patrick Owino, is determined to secure the elusive ticket.

The podium finishers in the regional beach volleyball championship will proceed to the 2023 CAVB Continental Cup, with the winners earning the single slot reserved for Africa in the Paris Olympic Games.

Despite expecting tough competition, especially from teams like Rwanda and Egypt, Mbuthia expresses confidence in Kenya’s strong side, a mix of experienced and young players, ready to take on the challenge.

The participating countries in the event include hosts Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Egypt, with the action kicking off on Wednesday.

In the women’s team, seasoned player Gaudencia Makokha partners with Yvonne Wavinya, supported by newcomers Mercy Iminza and Sharleen Sembel. The men’s side, led by Elphas Makuto of Kenya Prisons and Jairus Bett, also includes Brian Melly and Edward Kibet.