Volley pros expected: Japan based Maiyo, Chemos will join team in February

By Oscar Pilipili

Cornelius Kiplagat (left) and Saul Wafaula block a shot from Nicholas Lagat during the National team training at Nyayo National Stadium. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Turkey-based professional players Philip Maiyo and Mike Chemos are expected in the country before the FIVB Men’s World Championships Qualifiers to be held in Nairobi from February 5-10.

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Secretary General Evans Wasike said: “Arrangements are ongoing to have the players report to the camp at the earliest time possible.”

“KVF is talking with their respective clubs to release them in good time so as to train with the rest of the squad for the purpose of team cohesion,” said Wasike.

The national team has been training in the outdoor court at Nyayo National Stadium for last one month.

Wasike announced that the team would engage Rwanda in a build-up match on February 4. Rwanda will be on transit to Cameroon where they will compete in one of the three qualifying tournaments for the World Championships.

Drawing of lots

Meanwhile, as Kenya prepares to host one of the three Africa’s qualification tournaments, the FIVB have announced dates for draws for the men’s event.

According to a press statement from the FIVB yesterday, the draws would be held on January 27 at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland.

“The drawing of lots will determine teams that will play against each other for the coveted title,” the statement said.

The World Championships will take place from August 30 to September 21 in Poland.

“In addition to the draws, there will be unveiling of the World Championship trophy and details of the opening ceremony. The organising committee will also announce the match that will launch the most anticipated event of the 2014 volleyball season.”

the candidates

To date, 16 out of 24 teams have qualified for the Championships following the completion of the European, Asia and South America qualifiers.

On the African continent, the campaign kicks off in February with three tournaments in Kenya (February 5-11), Cameroon (February 12-18) and Tunisia (March 2-8).

The three tournaments will involve five teams with one ticket per tournament on offer to Poland.

The NORCECA region will stage four qualifying tournaments (each with four teams) scheduled for Cuba (May 12 to 18), Canada (May 13 to 19), USA (May 13 to 19) and Puerto Rico (May 20 to 26). The region will then stage their play-off either in Mexico or Puerto Rico from July 7 to 13.

Kenya is pooled together with Kenya giants Egypt, Botswana, Zambia and Cape Verde in the Africa qualifeirs. The winner qualifies for Poland event. It will be followed by the FIVB Women’s World Championship in Italy, which will take place from September 23 to October 12.

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