Gitau promises new-look men's volleyball team

Newly appointed Kenya men’s volleyball team head coach Paul Gitau is looking forward to the challenge of building a new-look side ahead of the Zonal Olympic Qualifiers set for December at a yet to be confirmed venue.

Gitau, who was in charge of the triumphant women’s team at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, replaced Geoffrey Omondi and will be assisted by Sammy Kirongo and trainer Joseph Waiganjo.

And in a bid to transform the men’s team into title contenders like their women counterparts, the former Kenyan international has vowed to build his own team. Gitau will make his selection from this month’s ninth leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation League leg in Kapsabet.

“As I am coming in, I don’t want continuity. First step, is to make sure we select the best and talented players. I would like to have my own new-look team with young and merited players and that is why I will be travelling to Kapsabet in person to do the selection,” Gitau told Feverpitch.

Having won back to back league titles (1989 and 1990) with Posta Nyeri as a player/coach, Gitau says he was ready for the new challenge.

“Poor performance by the men’s teams is going to be a thing of the past. I have handled the men’s teams before and I know what they are lacking. Though tough, I have taken the challenge and I am ready to make history and put a mark,” said Gitau.

“I do things with passion and I like criticism, but as always I prove them wrong with results.” The outspoken tactician said that he does not regret being shifted from the women to men’s team.

“I don’t fight change. When I was appointed by KVF to coach the women’s team B it was not by my own making,” Gitau said.