Selection headache for Tarus as Wafalme intensity preps

National men's volleyball team, Wafalme Stars' head coach Gideon Tarus and his technical bench are expected to name their final team for the upcoming CAVB Africa Nations Championship next week. 

As they prepare to drop six and remain with the travelling team of 14 ahead of the competition set for 1 to 15 September in Egypt, the tactician admits that it will be a tough process. 

"All the players came prepared for this. They are fit and are almost level in all tactical aspects so this will be a tough exercise for all of us. 

It will come down to the slightest of margins just because we cannot have all 20 players travel. Confidence, ability to defend with good reception and blocks are key. 

Those are the areas that have troubled us in the past and we have to get them right," Tarus told Mozzart Sport after their Tuesday training at Nyayo Indoor gymnasium. 

Kenya land favourable draw as African volleyball championship serves off

Meanwhile, the team is expected to begin their residential training later this week as logistical challenges saw their anticipated Monday 14 August date pushed forward.

"I would like to have the players in residential training for longer as that gives us more time to work on our craft. That said, we have had more time to prepare compared to 2021 and I am confident the squad will perform better," Tarus who led the team to a ninth-place finish in Kigali two years ago opined. 

On his part, skipper Enock Mogeni believes this year's squad is better than the team he captained in Kigali back in 2021; and rightfully so. 

More players have turned professional since then led by General Service Unit (GSU) duo of Simeon 'Kosirai' Kipkorir and setter Brian Melly.

Hard-hitting multiple-time Kenyan MVP who missed the 2021 games, Abiud Chirchir, adds to the team's depth. 

The team also boasts of more players that have professional stints in the last year including KPA duo of Peter Kamara and Dennis Omollo who will join Mogeni in the quest for a continental title. 

The local-based players are also at their peak with competition for places bound to be stiff.

"We are in high spirits and are very expectant. Despite going up against teams that have been overseas for their preparations, we believe this is our time to shine. 

Training has been largely focused on defense since that has been a problem area but after almost two weeks of being together we are in a better place and the work continues as competition nears," Mogeni offered.