Kenya men’s provisional volleyball team unveiled ahead of Africa Nations Cup preps
By Collins Amanga, July 20, 2023
Kenya’s National Men’s Volleyball Team has revealed its exciting provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Nations Cup.
The tournament is set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from September 1 to 13, 2023. With a mix of talented players and skilled coaching staff, Kenya is determined to make a mark among the top volleyball teams in Africa.
Kenya Mens’ NEC
The Kenya Volleyball Federation NEC, led by Acting President Charles Nyaberi, was introduced the 21-man squad that will represent the country in the prestigious event.
The selected 21 players have been carefully chosen to form a well-balanced squad, each contributing their unique strengths to the team.
Among them are skilled setters like Brian Melly from GSU (Morocco), Kelvin Kipkosgei from Prisons Kenya, and Nick Kimutai from KDF.
The team’s middle blockers include Simion Kipkorir from GSU (Tunisia), Bernard Wechuli from KDF, and Shadrack Misiko from GSU.
The left position will see Cornelius Kiplagat from GSU, Denis Omollo from KPA, and Elphas Makuto from Prisons Kenya ready to make an impact.
Talented players in Kenya squad
Meanwhile, the right position boasts talent such as Abiud Chirchir from GSU (France), Enock Mogeni from KPA (Japan), and Peter Kamara from KPA. Additionally, Sam Juma from KPA and James Muthero from Trailblazers will serve as the team’s liberos.
The team is set for intense preparations and the training camp will begin with non-residential sessions before transitioning to a residential program, where the final squad will be formed by the technical bench.
Currently ranked 69th in the global FIVB Ranking and fifth in Africa, Kenya faces a formidable challenge as they aim to solidify their position among the continent’s top volleyball teams.
However, the team has shown great promise in the past, most notably with a memorable victory over defending champions Egypt during the 2019 tournament in Rwanda.
The newly appointed team will be under the expert guidance of Team Manager Alfred Chedotum and the coaching prowess of Gideon Tarus, David Lung’ahp, Sammy Mulinge, and Elisha Aliwa.
Kenya Mens’ Volleyball:
Setters: Brian Melly – GSU (Morocco)
Kelvin Kipkosgei – Prisons Kenya
Nick Kimutai – KDF
Middle Blockers: Simion Kipkorir – GSU (Tunisia)
Bernard Wechuli – KDF
Shadrack Misiko – GSU
Eugene Ogello – Trailblazers
Timothy Kipruto – Prisons Kenya
Brian Kamonde – KPA
Left:
Cornelius Kiplagat – GSU
Denis Omollo – KPA
Elphas Makuto – Prisons Kenya
Naftali Chumba – GSU
Denis Esokon – Prisons Kenya
Aggrey Kibungei – KDF
Joshua Kimaru – GSU
Right:
Abiud Chirchir – GSU (France)
Enock Mogeni – KPA (Japan)
Libero:
Sam Juma – KPA
James Muthero – Trailblazers
Coaching stafff
1. Gideon Kiptanui Tarus – Head Coach (GSU)
2. David Lung’aho Mutsami – 1st Assistant Coach (PRISONS KENYA)
3. Sammy Mutemi Mulinge – 2nd Assistant Coach (KPA)
4. Elisha Aliwa Ragot – Trainer (KDF)