National men’s team, Wafalme coach Elisha Aliwa has singled libero Hudson Kipchumba as the most impressive player in his line-up despite losing 3-2 to Egypt in the final of the African Games.
Aliwa said Kipchumba, a debutant, wowed with his execution.
“I didn’t expect him to play like that. I am impressed,” said Tonui.
Kipchumba, a libero, was the youngest player on the Kenyan court. Aliwa tipped him for greatness.
“It was historic for the team. Not only did we reach the final but we beat Cameroon in the semifinals. It has never happened and I think it is a major achievement,” he noted.
He admitted the Eqyptians were the better team. “The Egyptians are good and came prepared,” said Aliwa, who hopes to build on their success in the continental event.
“We need to start featuring in various top events including Olympic and World Championship qualifiers. We must rub shoulders with the best on the continent to progress. We have made a statement and I am sure, with support from government and the corporate sector, we will go places.”
He rued the absence of some of the pro players.
“There is an experience and some calmness associated with the pro players. Maybe that is what we were missing,” said Aliwa.
“On the flip side, we gave locally-based players a chance and they proved themselves.”
The players are expected to rejoin their clubs for the continuation of the Kenya Volleyball Federation league.
“I am sure their experience from Accra will heighten competition in the local league.”
Parliamentary Sports Committee chairman, Dan Wanyama said the two teams need exposure like their rivals. Kenyan teams face opponents who have trained for days, including playing build-up matches abroad.
He will engage Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on how best to prepare the teams for international assignments, including the Olympic Games. He praised the players, saying they did what he did not manage when he captained the Kenyan team to the seventh African Games in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1999.
“We won a bronze medal then but the boys have gone a step further to deliver silver,” said Wanyama.
