France-based Chirchir among the 21 players named in national men's volleyball team

Prisons Kenya's dou Rogers Kipkirui (left) and Kelvin Maiyo block ball from Cornelius Kiplagat of GSU during National Men's Volleyball playoffs at Nyayo indoor arena. July 29, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

France-based Abiud Chirchir is among the four foreign-based players named in the national men's volleyball team to prepare for the Africa Nations Cup championships in Egypt.

The continental showpiece is slated for September 1-5.

The naming of the national team comes after the unveiling of the technical bench led by Gideon Tarus as head coach.

The General Service Unit (GSU) coach who took over from Moses Epoloto in 2021 will be assisted by Prisons Kenya coach David Lung'ago and Sammy Mulinge.

Also in the technical bench is the Kenya Defence Forces tactician and former international setter Elisha Aliwa as team trainer. Alfred Chedotum is the team manager.

Chirchir who plays for France's Nancy volleyball club and was the 2019 most valuable player in the Kenyan men league has been dominating volleyball courts in France and his inclusion in the national team was inevitable.

Enock Mogeni who left Kenya Ports Authority for paid ranks in Japan has also been included in the team alongside Simon Kipkorir and Brian Melly who plays in Tunisia and Morocco respectively.

Peter Kamara of KPA who played a major role for the dockers at last month's Africa men club championship in Tunisia has been included in the team alongside his teammates Brian Kamonde, Dennis Omolo and Sam Juma as Libero.

Provincial team

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

Outside Hitters(Left)
Cornelius Kiplagat - GSU
Denis Omollo - KPA
Elphas Makuto - Prisons Kenya
Naftali Chumba - GSU
Denis Esokon - Prisons Kenya
Aggrey Kibungei - KDF
Joshua Kimaru - GSU

Opposite (Right)
Abiud Chirchir - GSU (France)
Enock Mogeni - KPA (Japan)
Peter Kamara - KPA

Libero
Sam Juma - KPA
James Muthero - Trailblazers