Volleyball: National team intensifies training ahead of contest

By OSCAR PILIPILI

The national men’s volleyball team has intensified training following a confirmation of dates for the 2014 FIVB World Championships African Qualifiers.

Head coach Gideon Chenje (pictured) said there was no time to waste since the February 5-11 dates were very close.

The Confederation of African Volleyball last Monday declared dates and venues for the event.

This was one day after the local team resumed training at the Nyayo Stadium outdoor court after the festive season.

Chenje said: “We must do everything in a hurry because the qualifiers are just around the corner. We thought the event would be played at the end of February but that is not the case.”

Most of the players had reported to camp by yesterday and Chenje encouraged the rest to move fast and join the training.

“I urge those players who are not yet here to hurry up and join us as we want to train as a full team,” he said at Nyayo yesterday.

Chenje’s other desire is that foreign-based professionals – Philip Maiyo and Mike Chemos who are both based in Turkey – join the team as soon as possible.

He confirmed that John Ndung’u, who plays beach volleyball in Italy, will arrive in Nairobi on January 18.

“We’re yet to know the arrival dates of Chemos and Maiyo but I’m certain they will be here on time,” he said.

Commenting on the CAVB decision to settle on Kenya as Pool U hosts, Chenje said they would not rely on home advantage in their pursuit of qualifying for the worlds.

“Home advantage does not guarantee a team straight victory. Good game, determination and discipline are the only way to success,” he said.

“But playing before home fans is a pleasure for the team because the pressure from opposing fans would be suppressed,” he said.

Chenje said that they would not underrate any team in their pool since all had qualified through hard work.

“We shall treat all teams as equals because we don’t know they have prepared for the event,” he said.

Kenya plays in Pool U alongside Egypt, Botswana, Zambia and Cape Verde.

Chenje has identified Egypt as their main challengers in the pre-worlds.