Mogeni looking to steer Wafalme to continental glory

National men's volleyball team, Wafalme Stars, have lived in the shadow of their more accomplished women's counterparts for years but team captain Enock Mogeni believes the time to level up is now. 

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) player who had a seven-month professional stint with Swedish side Sodertelge before returning to KPA in April, 2021 was handed the armband as the team competed at this year's CAVB Africa Nations Championships in Rwanda on his debut. 

The team that had a new technical bench led by Gideon Tarus and five players making their debut, finished ninth in the Championships after losing just one match in the group stage to semi finalists Morocco. The side picked a historic win against bronze medalists Egypt. 

Upon return to the country, the team was hosted for a luncheon by the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) where they launched a strategic plan which, Mogeni believes will go a long way in helping the side climb up the ladder and become the African Kings. 

"Under the slogan 'The Dream Is On' we believe becoming the African champions and beyond is an achievable dream and target. The agreement from our post-championship meeting was that the technical bench and the playing unit would be maintained with only a few additions where necessary to ensure continuity,"

"Additionally, we made a proposal to the federation to have the national team members hold training sessions at least twice a month as opposed to only assembling when called upon for competitions. That will help us build a solid team that can compete with anyone in the continent," explained Mogeni adding that the team had not put a timeline to their target as they are taking it one step at a time, but are eager to see it happen soon. 

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Mogeni who is currently in the country but is set to sign a new professional deal soon says having more members of the national team playing professional volleyball will help the team grow. 

"The federation is open to and willing to help any player that lands a professional deal as that builds on our depth as a team. So far only two members of the team, Tunisia-boubd Michael Chemos and Spain-based Abiud Chirchir are engaged outside the country. We are looking forward to having more get such opportunities as they mould us to be better players and gives us a challenge in more competitive leagues," offered Mogeni. 

While the women's national team, Malkia Strikers have enjoyed a good spell in the African scene and have competed on the international level at the World Cup, World Championships and the Olympic Games, Wafalme are yet to establish themselves even within Zone Five. To become the best, Tarus' charges will have to go past Rwanda and Uganda, their zonal opponents before conquering the rest of the continent.