Nine new faces in as Tarus names Wafalme Stars provisional squad ahead of continental qualifiers

Nine men's volleyball players have made coach Gideon Tarus' provisional squad for the CAVB Men’s African Nations Championship Zonal qualifiers set for 1 to 5 June, in Uganda.

The nine are part of a 25-man squad set to begin preparations for the zonal competition set to serve as a qualifier for the continental competition scheduled for 7 to 21 September in Congo DR.

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Additionally, the competition, open for national teams from Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda, is also the first step for LA2028 Olympic Games qualification as well as the 2027 FIVB World Championship set for USA.

Tarus and his technical bench that includes two assistants Elisha Aliwa of KDF and Denis Mokua of Prisons Kenya, with Kenya Ports Authority's James Ontere as the trainer, have named a mixed squad boasting youth and experience.

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Headlining the squad are award-winning opposites Simion 'Kosirai' Kipkorir and Enock Mogeni, both based in Qatar who are expected to provide leadership as the most experienced duo in the squad.

Also making the team are Rwanda-based Brian Melly and Nicholas Matui, a duo that has led General Service Unit to the national championship on several occasions.

Receiving their first call up are: Stephen Barack, Stephen Maluki, Felix Otieno, Dillon Chumba, Moses Kamau, Elvis Mein, Felix Ogembo, Bethwell Kiplagat and Amos Karani.

Notably missing is former Kenyan league Most Valuable Players, the hard-hitting Elphas Makuto.

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𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗

🟡 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀

1. Stephen Barack — AP Kenya

2. Hudson Kipchumba — GSU

3. Sam Juma — KPA

🟡 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

1. Brian Melly — Rwanda Police

2. Kelvin Kipkosgei — Prisons Kenya

3. Felix Otieno — KPA

4. Dillon Chumba — Trailblazers

🟡 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲

1. Peter Kamara — KPA

2. Joshua Kimaru — GSU

3. Simion Kipkorir — Qatar

4. Enock Mogeni — Qatar

🟡 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

1. Stephen Maluki — Prisons Kenya

2. Moses Kamau — Chema

3. Nicholas Matui — REG Rwanda

4. Denis Esokon — Prisons Kenya

5. Elvis Mein — GSU

6. Denis Omollo — KPA

7. Bethwel Kiplagat — Eldowas

🟡 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

1. Felix Ogembo — KAPU

2. Wilson Cheruiyot — Equity

3. Levis Ogutu — Chema

4. Shadrack Misiko — GSU

5. Brian Kamonde — KPA

6. Eugine Okello — Chema

7. Amos Karani — KDF

TECHNICAL BENCH

Gideon Tarus- Head Coach

Elisha Aliwa- 1st Assistant

Denis Mokua- 2nd Assistant

James Ontere- Trainer

Jeremiah Mukopi- Statistician