Ontere keen to guide KPA to Africa Club championships podium
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 10.04.24. | 09:41
On their debut in the continental competition in 2021, the dockers placed fifth, retaining the same place in 2022 and finishing sixth last year
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Equity Bank, and league champions Prisons Kenya are set to represent the country in this year’s CAVB men's club championships set for Cairo between 13 to 23 April.
KPA men’s team head coach James Ontere who will be at the helm of the club in an international competition for the first time, having previously served as Sammy Mulinge’s assistant at this level has set lofty targets for his charges.
“Twice we have missed out on the semis, finishing fifth. This time we will look to go past the quarters and fight for a podium place,” Ontere, a former player for the side told Mozzart Sport during a training session at Nyayo gymnasium.
On their debut in the continental competition in 2021, the dockers placed fifth, retaining the same place in 2022 and finishing sixth last year.
“We now have experience at that level and I believe we have a squad that can compete. Most of the players have matured and will be key for our charge. We are hoping for a favourable draw in the group stages as that will help us grow into the championship, allowing us to make any necessary adjustments,” the former national team player explained.
Ontere will rely on the services of experienced left attacker Dennis Omollo who will also skipper the side as well as middle blocker Brian Kamonde. The duo was instrumental in KPA winning the just-concluded Kenya Pipeline 50th anniversary celebratory tournament.
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“The two have picked immense experience from the national team and that has reflected in how they are coordinating which is an added advantage for our team. Our performance in the Pipeline tournament has also boosted the team’s morale and we hope to build on that in Egypt,” Ontere added.
The side has also enlisted the services of opposite Joshua Kimaru and setter Mathias Kemboi from General Service Unit (GSU) and Levis Ogutu from Kenya Forest Services (KFS) as they look to field the best possible lineup.
With the inclusion of Kimaru who has been with the national team as well, Ontere has a reliable trio that could easily propel his charges to victory, in addition to experienced players like libero Sam Juma and setter Elijah Bosire among others.
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