Kenya’s men aim high in volleyball: Epoloto says his players will give their best in the tournament

Volleyball

The world championship qualifiers serves-off in Kigali today.

Kenya men’s volleyball team head coach Moses Epoloto insists the national team will not underrate any team in the 2017 CAVB Zone V world championship qualifiers that serves off at the Amahoro Indoor Stadium in Kigali today.

The four-day tournament that has attracted six teams, including hosts Rwanda and Uganda, will see the top two teams join Egypt in the continental final qualifying round.

Other teams include South Sudan, Tanzania and Burundi.

The top three teams in the final round will then represent Africa at the 2018 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships in Poland.

Although Kenya and Rwanda have been considered as favourites, the General Service Unit official says they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

“We arrived safely and held our first training session at the Hall this morning (yesterday). The expectations are high and the morale is very encouraging. The boys are in good shape and everybody is eager to win,” Epoloto told The Standard Sports from Kigali.

“From what I have seen in training, the players are focused and want to prove that we are just as good as our women counterparts.

“But we have respect of every team here and we will not underrate any opponent. We have a game plan which we must stick to.”

Confident of qualifying

Team Manager Ismael Chege also shared the sentiments saying that they are confident of qualifying for the continental show-piece.

“We are aware of the task lying ahead of us, but we are well prepared and ready for the tournament. The boys are in an upbeat mood and I am convinced they have the potential to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup,” said Chege.

The draws for the tournament were due to be held last evening during the technical meeting.

Meanwhile, the national women’s beach volleyball team has been drawn with 2015 champions Brazil and Canada in a tough Pool C of the FIVB World Championship slated for July 28-August 6 in Vienna, Austria.

The duo of Gaudencia Makokha and Naomi Too, who are currently training Mombasa, will also battle with the Netherlands.

“They are strong opponents, but with our good preparation, I am confident the girls will do well in Austria,” said KVF Beach volleyball chairman Ben Juma.