Which way KVF? Playoffs and continental tourney preps clash

On Tuesday 10 August 2021, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) fixtures office released the schedule for the final women’s league leg set for Kamiti Prisons playing ground on 14 and 15 August 2021.

 The top four teams at the conclusion of the leg join their men counterparts who have already qualified for the playoffs set for Mombasa from 27 August. Holders Kenya Prisons are looking to defend their title with immense pressure from moneybags KCB and former champions Kenya Pipeline.

However, there is uncertainty as to whether the playoffs will go on as planned as both the men’s and women’s teams are expected to begin preparations for the Africa Nations Cup championship set for September 5- 20 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kenya lost the hosting rights for the Confederation of African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) event to Rwanda. After the rights were awarded to Rwanda, the Kenyan teams are yet to get way forward on preparations despite the federation saying they would be fielding both teams. 

Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok, however, says that if the national teams are to get enough time to prepare, they cannot be part of the playoffs. 

“For the women’s team, we only need a week to pick up from where we left in Tokyo and we will be good to go. I had proposed that the team gets back to training on 15 August 2021 and I would not want them to break after hitting camp. That will, however, leave some teams without key players if the playoff is played. It will be harder for the men’s team as they will need more time to gel. The playoffs will be few days to the continental event and breaking camp for any reason is not advisable,” offered Bitok. 

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As the tactician prepares his charges for battle in the continent, he is looking at giving two young players, Emmaculate Nekesa and Pamela Adhiambo a chance to continue with their involvement with the team, having missed their chance with the Olympics squad. 

“The two alongside senior players Africa women’s volleyball 2018 best attacker Violet Makuto and experienced libero Elizabeth Wanyama are part of my plans but we are yet to decide who makes the team. We have 14 slots for the Africa Cup duty. I will sit with the rest of the technical bench and decide on the way forward. Given the short period before the African event, we will not have new players joining the team but work with the 16,” added Bitok.