Kenya to adopt new style in Africa Para Volleyball Championship

Kenya Para volleyball team players pose for a group photo ahead of the Africa Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena on July 03, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya's para volleyball coaches are planning to introduce a new, faster playing style aimed at catching opponents off guard in the Africa Para Volleyball Championship, set to serve off at Kasarani Gymnasium on Friday. The tournament will end on July 10.

Head coach Julius Ouma explained that the team has shifted from the traditional four-two formation, which used two setters and four attackers, to a one-five system with one setter and five attackers to surprise opponents.

Previously relying on a slower approach where players waited for the ball to be set, the team is now shifting to a 1-5 formation one setter and five attackers instead of the traditional 4-2 system that used two setters and four attackers.

While the transition is proving challenging, the players are adapting steadily.

“We’re moving from a patient style to a quicker game, and it’s working,” said head coach Ouma, who holds a world diploma in sitting volleyball coaching.

“The change is hard, but the players are catching up well.”

Kenya opens the tournament against Algeria, whose government sponsors year-round training for its team.

Ouma observed that most Kenyan players struggle to get training time as they run small businesses on the streets to earn a living.

Ouma will be working with setters Caleb Odiyo, Cheruiyot, and Njoroge selected after nationwide trials held in April.

The team faces tough competition from bronze Olympic medallists Egypt and Rwanda.

“Rwanda’s players train regularly as many are employed and live in camp, unlike most Kenyan players who juggle training with small-scale businesses on the streets," said 

Ouma urged Kenyans to support and expose young children with disabilities instead of hiding them due to stigma, especially in wealthier families. He also called for the establishment of youth academies to nurture future talent.

Kenya Sitting Volleyball Federation president Dorcas Atieno said: “Kenya is very much ready for the tournament and we are aiming to qualify for the 2025 World Para Volley Championships in the USA."

Kenya's men's team is placed in Group A alongside Rwanda and Algeria, while Group B comprises Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. The women's competition features a single group with Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.