M. KisengePaul Bitok national volleyball tournament moved from Kiminini to Nairobi
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 28.03.23. | 12:42
The tournament is expected to run between April 7-9
The Paul Bitok National Volleyball tournament has been moved from Kiminini to Nairobi, organizers of the event have announced.
The tournament, scheduled to run between April 7-9 was initially set to be held in Kiminini in Trans-Nzoia county but will now be held at the Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums.
The women's showpiece is expected to be held at Kasarani with men doing battle at Nyayo.
Should any of the facilities be unavailable, the federation has identified the Dagoretti and Eastleigh High School venues as alternatives.
According to the Kenya Volleyball Federation Vice President Charles Nyaberi, the changes were effected in respect of the rainy weather conditions being witnessed in Kiminini and in the country by extension.
Further, Nyaberi, revealed that the national office was in receipt of requests from teams that are gearing towards the African Volleyball Club Championship set to be held in Tunisia between May 9-22 for the men's category, and May 13-26 for the ladies, to change the venue.
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Reigning women's champions, Kenya Pipeline and the KCB volleyball team is expected to feature in the continentals so are the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Kenya Ports Authority teams that will participate in the other category.
"We were forced to change the venue to a number of factors but the dates remain the same. Hosting the event in Kiminini meant that action will be staged outdoors and the weather may not be favourable. We were also requested by clubs that are preparing for the continentals to host the tournament indoors so as to test their readiness," he said.
According to Bitok, teams that participate in the national league are some of the teams that will grace the inaugural edition.
The tactician disclosed that teams from Rwanda and Uganda had expressed interest but, playing outdoors was among the factors that, turned them off.
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He, however, exuded confidence that the tournament that is expected to be beamed live will lure the best teams in the country.
"Preparations for the first edition are in top gear and we are looking forward to having a successful tournament. Rwanda Air wanted to sponsor teams to play but an agreement was not reached at. I am grateful to all sponsors who have come on board," he said.
The event has received a boost from Coca-Cola, KCB Bank, Miyoshi VBG, Yokora Sports, Caan Feel Alive, Nairobi Sports House, Event Marketing Solutions, and Kenya Pipeline among others.
Registration is expected to close this Friday with the draw set to be conducted on Wednesday next week at 2:00 pm.
The winners from either category will walk home with Ksh. 100,000 with the first runner-up getting Ksh.50 000. Outstanding individuals will also be feted.
