Makokha shifts focus to beach continental cup with Olympics slot in sight

Volleyball ace, Gaudencia Makokha, who is looking to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in Beach Volleyball has shifted her focus to the Continental Cup set for June 21 to 27 with the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) yet to confirm the venue for the repeat qualifier. 

Kenya women's beach volleyball team had their repeat Olympics qualifier approved by the world governing body , International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) in January, having forfeited their chance at qualification in April last year due to Covid-19. 

"I am grateful that FIVB granted the federation's appeal for a repeat qualifier because no one wished for this pandemic. We spent alot of time away from our families preparing for the qualifiers and it would have been unfortunate not to be granted the chance at qualification. 

Olympics is a big stage and it is every athletes' wish to feature at the extravaganza. We have kept in touch with the ball through Indoor volleyball and that has helped on keeping fit. I know there is a world of difference between indoor and beach volleyball but at least physically we are in a good place," said Makokha who was part of the Kenya Pipeline squad that did duty at the just concluded Africa Club Championships, finishing fifth. 

Makokha, had teamed up with Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bracxedes Agala with the other team having Phosca Kasisi and Yvonne Wavinya in the first round qualifiers. The quartet was set to face off with teams from DR Congo, Cape Verde , Zambia and hosts Nigeria in poll c but only Zambia traveled fir the initial qualifiers, played in March last year. 

"It was really challenging when Naomi Too who I have played alongside since we were teenagers, got injured but I had to adapt fast to a new partner. Luckily, I had played with Agala in indoor volleyball so the adjustment was smooth. However, seeing as Too has recovered and has began training for indoor volleyball, I am hoping she will be fit to make the team so we can renew our spark in the continental qualifiers," added Makokha. 

Having played at the World stage both as a junior and in her senior career, Makokha maintains that qualifying for the Olympics will be a dream come true a