Volleyball: National league serves off next month

GSU’s Brian Melly (left) blocking ball from Maxwel Ekunoit of KDF during National Kenya Volleyball Playoffs 2019 at Moi International sports centre Kasarani on Friday Nov 22, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Kenya national volleyball league will use a new format when 2021 season begins next month.

Kenya Volleyball Federation Sports Organising Secretary Ismail Chege said they have adopted the FIVB format.

This was communicated to all teams set to participate in the league.

During the first leg, Chege said there will be no tournaments in between since the new format requires the league to end by June.

“The league starts on January 23 and no tournaments will played during the first session. One venue will host three teams, which means each team will play two matches,” said Chege, adding that 13 men and eight women teams have registered for the league.

Meanwhile, Beach Volleyball Commission of Kenya Secretary Sammy Mulinge said they will release their fixtures soon.

“We have a tight beach program and must move with speed. In beach volleyball, we squarely depend on players from various clubs participating in the national league. We must work hand in hand with all clubs featuring in the national league,” said Mulinge.

“As a commission, we have to align ourselves with the world beach volleyball body to ensure we complete our assignments by June,” added the national women beach volleyball coach.

Mulinge said Kenya is still optimistic of featuring in the Continental Cup and seek to bag a ticket to the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games.

The world body FIVB threw out Kenya’s appeal but went ahead to challenge the outcome, where Mulinge said he is optimistic they will be reconsidered.