Beach volleyball duo confident of title defence

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) beach volleyball duo of Naomi Too and Veronica Adhiambo head to the third leg of action scheduled for 36 and 27 in Mombasa with the title defence in mind. 

The two stunned Olympians Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Agala during the second leg of the FIVB homologated circuit hosted by Makueni Country to win the women's title. 

In addition to chasing FIVB ranking points, the duo is out to prove to selectors that their inclusion in the national team squad that will head to camp after the third leg in preparation for the Commonwealth Games qualifiers that they are worth their salt. 

"We have not had time to train specifically for beach volleyball but playing three-aside while in our usual training comes in handy. Being times is an added advantage. 

Change of guard at the helm of the Women's Beach Volleyball National team

As we head to the third leg, we know that we have a target on our backs being the defending champions but we have kept a positive mind and are ready to defend that title," said Too. 

The veteran Kenya Pipeline player missed the Summer Olympics, having just recovered from an injury. Her longtime partner Makokha made it to the Games with Agala. 

Too says that making the transition to play with Adhiambo was not tough. The two met in the national team camp while preparing for Olympics qualifiers. At the time, Adhiambo was turning up for Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and had just received her first beach volleyball national team call up. 

"Making the switch was not hard. I am an experienced player and I saw huge potential in Adhiambo. Her willingness to learn and ability to catch on quick made it easy for us to quickly become a team. I had to also lower myself to her level and help her up. I look forward to seeing her grow and take over the sport as we are nearing retirement," added Too. 

So far, ten women's pairs and 18 men's have registered for the event with Makueni champions, Tanzania's Juliard Mbappe and David Neeke out to defend the latter's title.