L. MathekaKVF Deputy President Bitok itching to change Kenyan volleyball in new capacity
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 21.08.23. | 09:34
The tactician will deputise long-serving federation official Charles Nyaberi who beat David Kilundo for the president's seat in Saturday's election.
Former Kenyan International Paul Bitok says streamlining Kenyan leagues and national teams is top of his agenda as he takes over leadership at the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF).
The women’s national team coach who has represented the country with the men's team and paved way for others with a first professional stint in playing days was, on Saturday, elected the federation's deputy president.
"It has been a long journey and I am grateful to everyone that has been part of it since my playing days to being declared the federation's deputy president.
I believe I have done enough in previous capacities and this is the right time to serve in a managerial capacity.
In previous offices, the technical aspect and expertise in leadership was missing but we now have an opportunity to bring in that aspect in a leadership role and make the right decisions for the sport," an elated Bitok who celebrated his victory with Malkia Strikers after they saw off Morocco 3-1 in Yaounde, offered.
Bitok believes that his first assignment, and that of the office, should be aligning the Kenyan calendar with that of the international governing body, FIVB and have the league run from October to May leaving the rest of the months for national team duty.
Malkia Strikers kept their winning streak going, despite dropping their first set in the 12-team CAVB African Nations Championship, as they beat Morocco 3-1 . Final group match on Sunday against Lesotho should be an easy one for the African top-ranked team. pic.twitter.com/Ph8cK1tevt
— Matheka (@Lynmatheka) August 19, 2023
"The national league will also change from being played monthly to twice a week as that will make it more competitive and marketable to sponsors," Bitok offered.
The tactician believes his contacts both at FIVB and CAVB will help Kenyan national teams keep getting better, adding that it is paramount to have the men's team, Wafalme Stars supported to get to the world stage just like their women counterparts.
"The FIVB programme currently running for Malkia Strikers should be replicated for the men, with different partners of course. We should also revive the junior programmes and have age-group teams for both genders and ensure continuity," the tactician-turned-administrator offered.
