All set for third edition of Heroes volleyball tourney

Volleyball fans from across the country are lacing their boots for an amazing four days of action (November 2-5) at the Koitalel Arap Samoei University in Mosoriot, Nandi County.

The event which marks its third year will kick off with the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) league matches on November 2 and 3 before paving the way for the Heroes tournament from November 5-6.

Speaking during the launch of the event at the Koitalel Arap Samoei University on Wednesday, November 1, KVF deputy president Paul Bitok noted that more than 50 teams had confirmed participation.

The experinced coach further explained that this year's edition would have four categories.

"So far, more than 50 teams have confirmed participation. We will have different categories; the senior category will include those who are playing in the senior league and playing for the prize money, self-supporting/community teams, universities/colleges, primary category."

"We are expecting an exciting weekend. We did not finish last year because of the rain, so we will start so that we do not waste time. We are expecting to play the finals on Sunday before 1 p.m.," Bitok offered.

The launch was also graced by KVF president Charles Nyaberi who was pleased with the growth of the tournament since its maiden edition.

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"I have been associated with this tournament right from when it began in 2019 and finally played in 2021. We are very happy that it has been growing step by step," he started.

Nyaberi who was named the acting KVF president in April following the demise of Waithaka Kioni, further thanked the institution for playing host to such a historical tournament.

The institution's grounds will also serve as the training ground for the hundreds of volleyballers expected.

The visionary leader was officially elected president of KVF on Saturday 19 August after flooring his opponent David Musila.

"We are also happy that Koitalel University played good hosts to the tournament as well as the training courses. We realized that Nandi is a rich source of talent, apart from athletics," he revealed.

Thanking the sponsors, the President noted that the tournament would serve as the breeding ground for other talents in the athletics-rich county of Nandi.

"This tournament is very indicative because it is in a talent-rich area and it helps expose some of the talents from the region so that they can be snapped up by other clubs. We are hoping they will grow and join the national team. The most important thing is to have as many people participating in the tournament. We also welcome fans," he averred.

What makes this year's edition even more thrilling is that several coaches will undertake a seven-day training for both level one and level two coaching, and level one and level two refereeing, and a two-day practical when the tournament starts.

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The 2022 finals of the Heroes tournament were rained off, with the matches ending at the knockout stages. The senior men's club category had reached the quarterfinal stage, while the women's event was at the semifinal stage when the rains started.