African Games: Massive task for Kipchumba in Ghana

For 20-year-old Hudson Kipchumba, making his second international appearance with Wafalme Stars is a big deal.

The General Service Unit (GSU) player is the side’s sole libero as the national men’s volleyball team makes a return to the Africa Games in Ghana.

African Games: Aliwa keen to lead Wafalme to podium in Ghana

With a lean squad of 12, coach Elisha Aliwa was forced to travel with one libero, a responsibility he bestowed on the young Kipchumba who made his debut for Wafalme during the Games; qualifiers in January.

“He showcased his abilities during the qualifiers and seeing as we want to ensure continuity we elected to have him for this assignment,” Aliwa said ahead of the Games adding that his inexperience was not a problem as he is a quick learner and has already settled in with the rest of the squad.

Having started as an attacker but changed gears after joining GSU to a libero, Kipchumba says working under Gideon Tarus at club and national team level was a blessing as it made it easier to settle in. Tarus is away on official GSU duty thus leaving Aliwa on head coach duties.

“My journey is just getting started but these opportunities are giving me the chance to get better so I am grateful,” the Cheptil High alumnus offered.

Kipchumba, who was picked in place of experienced Sam Juma who missed the Africa Games qualifiers with an injury, and James Mutero, says while the duo has been influential in his young career, his role model remains USA’s Olympic medalist Erik Shoji.

The 34-year-old was a bronze medalist at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and the 2018 World Championship; the 2014 World League and 2015 World Cup winner, and a two–time Champions League winner (2022, 2023) with his club in Poland, ZAKSA.