Paul Bitok steps down as Malkia Strikers assistant coach

Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy President Paul Bitok has stepped down from his recently acquired role of assistant coach of the national women’s volleyball side Malkia Strikers.

In a Friday morning announcement, Bitok, who served in the national team set-up for eight years, has also given up his position as part of Kenya Volleyball Federation’s technical team.

The decision, which comes as a surprise, follows the former KCB head coach's inclusion among four names appointed to lead Malkia Strikers in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Sunday night.

In his current role as KVF Deputy President, Bitok was shockingly appointed by the federation’s National Executive Committee to serve as the Malkia Strikers assistant coach, a position below veteran tactician Japheth Munala.

To complete the technical bench lineup, KVF President Charles Nyaberi was appointed as the Team Manager, with former player Janet Wanja as the team trainer.

The announcements, shockingly supported by Nyaberi in a TV interview on Monday, elicited wild reactions across the divide, which Bitok alludes to having played a role in his resignation.

Heavy criticism as KVF officials appoint themselves in Malkia Strikers' technical bench

"After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Sports, National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK), national women's volleyball team (Malkia Strikers), players, family, friends and fans, I have elected to step down from my position as the assistant coach of the national team," Bitok wrote in his press release.

"This has been largely informed by the strong sentiments that have arisen out of the appointment of Malkia Strikers' technical bench for the Paris Olympics, which I was part of. I would like to clarify that I didn't impose nor appoint myself to the team before and during the Olympic qualifiers in Cameroon - long before I was elected KVF Deputy President."

Advising the meaning of his appointment, Bitok added: "It was my wish and plan to end my coaching career in style after this year's Olympics. Paris would have been the culmination of the eight-year project for Malkia Strikers that I have been honored to spearhead."

Bitok is however still expected to push forward with his role as KVF Deputy President and technical advisor to the federation.

"As I refocus my attention to my roles at KVF, I promise to exude the same zeal and passion for volleyball with which I have previously exercised my duties as a player and coach. I look forward to drawing upon the priceless knowledge and experience I have garnered from the last two decades to play my part in taking Kenyan volleyball to higher levels and transforming the country into a global powerhouse," he added.

Bitok's coaching career began in 2004 with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) after a playing career in Kenya, Tunisia and Croatia.

KVF Deputy President Bitok itching to change Kenyan volleyball in new capacity

After serving as Rwanda national team coach, Bitok was appointed head tactician of Malkia Strikers, who he notably led to qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

His other significant milestones include winning the 2019 African Games title and the 2023 Africa Nations Cup.

It remains unclear if a similar predicament will follow KVF President Charles Nyaberi.