Nairobi Water warm-up for play-off

By Oscar Pilipili

Nairobi Water women’s volleyball team coach Joseph Waiganjo is positive about the prospects of his team in forthcoming national league play-off.

Waiganjo told FeverPitch that although Nairobi Water is the youngest of all the teams in play-off, he is certain that they would lift the trophy.

The play-off takes place on November 20-22 at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

“The task ahead is big challenge to my young players who are first timers in play-off but I have asked them to remain focused,” Waiganjo affirmed.

“I know that our opponents-Pipeline, Prisons and Kenya Commercial Bank- are more experienced than us but we’re very positive about our chances of winning the title,” he said.

Nairobi Water team have great chance to gauge their preparedness for the play-off as they have entered Moshi International tournament scheduled to start on November 13 in Tanzania.

“Moshi tournament is very important as it will offer our players good exposure as we move to the play-offs,” he added.

Joined league

Nairobi Water joined national league two years ago and reaching the play-off on their second appearance in the competition is big achievement, according to manager Philip Ngugi.

“We do have a lot of talented players with high ceiling to fill and I’m sure that with hard work we can elevate our position in volleyball,” he said.

Nairobi Water showed their potential in regional volleyball after they won silver in 2010 Rwanda Genocide Memorial tournament in Kigali, just one year after the team was formed.

Ngugi said the management is Nairobi Water is willing to help the team as much as they can to attain highest standards in regional volleyball.

“Currently, we’re working on how to improve our rating in regional volleyball before focusing on continental championships,” said the manager.

Speaking about their future, team captain Mereza Onyango said:  “I’m optimistic that with everyone pulling together in the same direction, we can reach a higher level and possibly play in African Championships by 2014.”