L. MathekaSwitching positions finally paying off for Trailblazers' Mutero
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 27.08.23. | 11:52
On his first national assignment, the libero is hoping to be part of an historic performance with Wafalme Stars.
When coach Sammy Kirongo convinced his then outside hitter and captain for four years James Mutero, to take up libero duties at Equity Bank men's team and the player willingly obliged, he had just opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed for himself.
That decision may have been what the now Trailblazers captain needed to play for the national team, as his previous position demands for a different physique and power, qualities the former banker admits he lacks.
After three failed attempts, Mutero has finally made the final national team, Wafalme Stars, squad as they head for this year's CAVB African Nations Championship in Egypt.
As he heads to Egypt, Mutero is ready to not only help the team achieve its goals but also establish himself as the first choice libero, a position Sam Juma currently dominates.
"This is a position I feel at home playing. It requires alot of speed, agility and mental resilience as well as good reception. I think we are the engine of the team. We make attack possible with good reception and lead the team in back court defense.
As I suit up for my first assignment, I share in the team's ambition of reaching the podium. I am aware it is no mean feat but I am confident in the team's abilities," Mutero offered in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
Mutero has had quite the journey to the top since his playing days for the now defunct Nyeri Stima while in campus.
When his home club folded due to financial difficulties, he joined Kenya Forest Services (KFS) for two seasons and was part of the team that finished third in the national league in 2014.
He ditched KFS for Nairobi Water where he spent two more seasons before joining Equity Bank where he played under Kirongo.
As the team returned to action post Covid-19, he made his switch to libero, a move that has finally paid off as he joined his now new home Trailblazers as a libero and has finally broken the national team jinx.
