Wafalme Stars ready to stamp authority in Cairo

Kenya in action against Morocco at the 2021 African Nations Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.[FIVB]

National men's volleyball team, Wafalame Stars, is ready to stamp its authority at the Africa Nations Cup championships that serves off today (Saturday) in Cairo, Egypt.

Under coach Gideon Tarus, the team left the country on Friday full of confidence of making a strong presence at the tournament that runs from today to September 13.

Kenya is ranked 69th in the global FIVB ranking and fifth in Africa and the main focus for the team is to solidify their position as among the continent’s top volleyball teams.

During the 2021 tournament in Rwanda,  Kenya produced sterling performance,  which saw them upset powerhouse Egypt in a memorable victory and the team is looking forward to an excellent show in Cairo.

"Our goals are well set. We are aiming to finish within the medal brackets," said Tarus before the team's departure.

The team trained at Kasarani with a provisional squad of 21 players before it was trimmed to 14.

Tarus who is assisted by a strong technical bench that has experienced coaches David Lung’ago, Sammy Mulinge, and Elisha Aliwa is determined to make a clear statement in North Africa.

Japan-based captain Enock Mogeni will be assisted by setter Brian Melly of General Service Unit (GSU) but is playing his professional volleyball in Morocco.

Other experienced players in Cairo are setter Kelvin Kipkosgei of Kenya Prisons, middleblockers Simion Kipkorir from GSU and currently playing in Tunisia (Tunisia), Bernard Wechuli and Shadrack Misiko from Kenya Defence Force and GSU respectively.

GSU's Cornelius Kiplagat and Kenya Ports Authority's Dennis Omollo will take care of the left position.

KPA's Sam Juma and James Muthero from Trailblazers have been picked as the team's liberos.

The right position will be taken care of by talented Abiud Chirchir from GSU but who plays professional volleyball in France, (France), Aggrey Kibungei, Joshua Kimaru and Brian Kamonde.