Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President, Charles Nyaberi, is optimistic as Kenya gears up to host the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball qualifiers for the Paris Olympics Games.
Nyaberi is hopeful that the Kenyan teams will leverage their home advantage in this crucial tournament, where coveted tickets to both the Paris Olympics and the 2024 African Games are on the line.
“We are hoping for the best,” Nyaberi stated. “It’s a double qualifier where winners will grace the All African Games as well as the Paris Olympics.” The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 19-24.
Six countries, including Burundi, Egypt, Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda, and the host nation Kenya, are set to battle it out in Mombasa. Nyaberi mentioned that Egypt is already en route to the competition. Coach Salome Wanjala is leading the women’s team, with Olympian Brackisdes Agala serving as the team manager, while Patrick Owino guides the men’s side.
Both teams are finalizing their preparations in Vipingo after relocating from Flamingo resort due to the ongoing El Nino rains. Nyaberi explained, “The El Nino rains that occurred last month brought about immense destruction, subjecting us to shift our training venue. The teams are now based in Vipingo on the North coast.”
The final national teams’ lists will be released in due course. The men’s squad features contenders such as Jairus Bett, Donald Mchete, Elphas Makuto, Edward Kibet (KDF), Melly Brian (GSU), and Wilson Cheruiyot (Equity).
The women’s side includes athletes like Pamela Masaisai, Vyonne Wavinya (Kenya Prisons), Mercy Iminza (DCI), Sharleen Sembeli, Mariam Musa (KCB), and Gaudencia Makokha (Kenya Pipeline).
“Both teams are in high spirits as they look forward to the competition,” affirmed Nyaberi.
