T. NashipaeWhy Eldoret City Volleyball is so close to Bitok's heart
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 05.12.23. | 12:33
Having recently assumed the role of Deputy President, Bitok emphasized that the event played a significant role in shaping his vision for the future of volleyball in Kenya
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Deputy President Paul Bitok has revealed why the success of the 2023 Eldoret City Volleyball meant so much to him.
The tournament was played at the Eldoret National Polytechnic over the weekend. It was curtain raised by Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league matches that were played on November 30 and December 1 at the same grounds.
General Service Unit (GSU) and KCB carried the day to dethrone defending champions Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and Kenya Prisons respectively.
Having recently assumed the role of Deputy President, Bitok emphasized that the event played a significant role in shaping his vision for the future of volleyball in Kenya. He passionately explained that the tournament's success would catalyze his ambitious plans to bring more tournaments to fruition.
"It was a special one for me as I was fresh from being given a new post at the Kenya Volleyball Federation and organizing this tournament. It gives me hope that as a leader I can do better than what we have seen today (Sunday)," he offered.
Bitok also expressed satisfaction with the organization of the second edition of the tournament. He praised his team; Paul Bitok Foundation for making it an extraordinary event.
The tournament whose inaugural edition happened in December 2022 at the Eldoret Sports Club made a bigger and better comeback, with over a hundred teams competing. Teams from Uganda also graced the event making it an international competition.
"I am very happy. The tournament was well organized, thanks to my team which was working for the first time on their own," the KVF Deputy President told Mozzart Sport.
The former Malkia Strikers tactician was also pleased that the event attracted various dignitaries from the County Government of Uasin Gishu. The tournament that attracted hundreds of fans was graced by Uasin Gishu county governor Jonathan Chelilim Bii, the first daughter Charlene Ruto, and Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) President Charles Nyaberi among other dignitaries.
"We started organizing it last year, and we are happy that it has ended in this colorful ceremony that was graced by the governor and other county leaders," Bitok averred.
The devolved unit sponsored 60 teams, contributing to the large number of competitors. Bitok was impressed with the talents showcased, insisting that the tournament served as a cradle for talents. He also noted that it helped in bridging the gap between the budding players and experienced ones.
"The teams have shown that they have great talents. 60 teams were sponsored by the county and it was an opportunity to be seen by the national teams that turned up. I also congratulate the teams that won. The teams from Uganda also turned up, making the tournament an international one," he revealed.
The tactician who is slowly adapting to leadership roles has set his eyes on organizing superior editions of the tournament to attract more top-tier teams and enhance the players and fans' experience.
"Going forward, we will take this tournament to another international level. I have personally talked to the governor to help us build an indoor arena because we already have teams from the rest of Africa that would love to compete in Eldoret but cannot because we do not have an arena," he concluded.
In the women's category, KCB powered past stubborn Kenya Pipeline three sets to one (25:17, 22:25, 25:23, 26:24)
