Inter-Parliamentary Games: Why Ten-Time Defending Champs Kenya Yet To Falter In Men’s Volleyball
Kenya vs Uganda women’s volleyball match at the Aga Khan Hall in Mombasa at the ongoing 14th edition of EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games. PHOTO/ ERICK OCHIENG
MOMBASA, Kenya- Since the introduction of volleyball in the sixth edition of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in 2015, Kenya is yet to lose the men’s title in the regional sporting extravaganza.
The Kenya men’s volleyball team on Sunday evening started off their journey to defend the trophy for the 10th consecutive time.
They opened the 14th edition of the Games against perennial rival Uganda at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa where their intention was to deny the rivals an opportunity to win even a set.
Former national team captain Dan Wanyama who is also the current Webuye West Member of Parliament says it’s good preparations, team work, focus and resilience that have enabled them to be formidable in the discipline over the years.
“We are faithful in training, everyone strives to keep fit, and the most important aspect is the unity of the squad. This has always give us the confidence, we do not expect disappointment even in this edition of the competitions,” Wanyama told Standard Sports.
The team had been doing intense preparations twice a week- Tuesdays and Thursdays – at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi outdoor court ahead of the Games.
Wanyama states that they mostly worked on their covers, attacks and defense line apart from seeking individual and team fitness during the intense preparations.
“We did training under a former national team coach and player, the insights he gave out even helped newcomers to adapt rapidly and become solid in the sport,” the former Kenya Volleyball Federation Secretary General highlighted.
Known for his left attacking antics since his days in the national team where he also doubled as a captain, Wanyama says he plays center block in the ongoing championships in Mombasa to give his ‘weak’ team mates lee-way to operate easily in matches.
Last year, in Kigali (Rwanda), Kenya triumphed in all their round robin encounters to secure gold, and its the same measurement, well shaken and pressed, that Wanyama says they are out to serve out to teams this year.
“We don’t know how newcomers Democratic Republic of Congo plays, because we have not met them, but we are not scared of them either. Uganda has been trying, so far they have been our worthy opponents, but still they don’t have the zeal to stop Kenya from having a walk in the park in this category,” he underlined.
Wanyama is hopeful that their women counterparts, who lost their title in Rwanda last year, will be able to rise and reclaim the trophy in Mombasa.
In his hey-days, Wanyama not only captained the national team, he also won bronze with Kenya at the 1999 All African Games in Johannesburg. He lifted the Africa Cup of Nations twice in Nigeria and Tunisia.
Even though their squad missed going to the Olympics by a whisker, Wanyama is confident that the national men’s team will one day achieve what they failed to accomplish in their time.
The 14th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games Day 1 results
Football (exhibition match)
Mombasa Members of County Assembly 1 1 EALA (regulation)
Mombasa Member of County Assembly 3 2 EALA (penalty shoot-out)
