Reprieve for Kenya men's beach volleyball team as CAVB announces repeat qualifier dates

Kenya's beach volleyball teams have until June to get ready for the Beach Volleyball Continental Cup as the continental Volleyball governing body CAVB has confirmed the competition will be held from June 21 to 27 2021 with the venue yet to be determine.

The winner of CAVB beach volleyball continental cup will represent Africa at the 2020 Tokyo Games to held in July-August 2021.

Kenya women's beach volleyball team had their repeat Olympics qualifier approved by the world governing body, International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) in January but the men's team was holding their breath hoping for a similar pronouncement. 

Both Kenyan teams had forfeited their chances for the Tokyo Games after failing to honour the second round qualifier matches in Banjul, Gambia for the men and Abuja, Nigeria for the Women in April last year due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions that had been imposed by the government. 

Following the approval of the FIVB, the second round phase and finals of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup (2018 - 2021) will be held under a secure BUBBLE concept Organisation; that is; both gender in a single venue and at the same time.

"We are pleased to inform you that this secure BUBBLE concept organisation and the updated competition progression scheme has been approved by the FIVB in accordance with the Olympic Qualification principles stipulated by the IOC and ensures that the equal opportunity and fair access principles be applied to such a prestigious event to select the best athletes representing CAVB through their field performances at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

It is obvious that our secure BUBBLE concept organisation will provide a safer environment in those special times of COVID-19 pandemic; demonstrating our strong commitment to ensure that the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup (2018 - 2021) be organised in the safest environment for CAVB athletes to return to Beach Volleyball competitions," the continent Volleyball governing body CAVB wrote in a communique. 

"National Federations shall bid to be awarded the hosting with emphasis on availability of facilities extended to the participating teams and strict sanitary arrangements which shall improve the chances of avoiding COVID-19 transmissions," the statement continued. 

So far, Egypt and Mozambique have already earned the right to the Finals after playing a full pool phase of 5 Teams in Uganda in February 2020.