KVF keen on solving standoff with FIVB over technical support programme
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 05.03.24. | 14:09
Sources indicate that the composition of the bench is the bone of contention as KVF is understood to be in favour of the inclusion of three local coaches with the rest of the slots being filled by the Brazilians
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) insists that the ball squarely lies on the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) court in respect to the standoff between the bodies.
KVF has been on the receiving end of criticism in the last two days for pulling out of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme at a time when the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are around the corner.
Under the programme, FIVB offered technical support by seconding five Brazilian coaches to the national women’s team, the Malkia Strikers.
Before the programme took off, the two entities had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which according to KVF President Charles Nyaberi has since expired and will only be renewed if certain demands are met.
Sources indicate that the composition of the bench is the bone of contention as KVF is understood to be in favour of the inclusion of three local coaches with the rest of the slots being filled by the Brazilians.
Initially, the bench was dominated by the expertise from Brazil with Paul Bitok, who has since transitioned into administration by virtue of his election to the rank of Deputy President being the sole local tactician sitting on the bench.
Further, the fact that the programme doesn’t capacity-build local coaches as it focuses more on improving the performance of the national team triggered questions from some quarters at KVF.
The delay in sealing the deal has earned KVF criticism with National Olympic Committee of Kenya President Paul Tergat urging for diplomacy and sobriety to solve the contested issues.
However, Nyaberi has moved in to assure that KVF is eager to wrap up the negotiations and enter into a fresh MoU with FIVB that will pave the way for a new phase of the project.
“We are not in any disagreement or have fallen out with FIVB as it is being made and reported. The previous contract ended last year and we are preparing to sign a new one. There are however a few aspects we are discussing and if we manage to agree then we will be good to go. The ball is on their court,” said Nyaberi who appeared to suggest that his office had presented certain demands to be met for the new deal to be signed.
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Phase one of the project that came to life in 2021 saw Malkia Strikers were scheduled to undergo training in Brazil for two months as part of preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games but the coronavirus pandemic worked against the plan.
In 2022, Malkia, camped in Brazil for three months ahead of the FIVB World Championship in Netherlands among other benefits.
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Meanwhile, Malkia and the men’s national team Wafalme Stars have received a boost ahead of their international assignements after KVF netted a deal with Java House.
Java House will henceforth serve as the catering partner for the two teams.
Undertaken through the Java Foundation and the Kenya Volleyball Federation, the agreement will see Java provide meals and refreshments for the volleyball national teams for the next year during their training sessions.
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