National women’s volleyball team head coach Paul Bitok hopes local and international scouts will be hawk-eyed to identify promising talents at next weekend’s Paul Bitok national volleyball tournament.
The competition has been shifted to Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums in Nairobi from its initial location in Kiminini in Bungoma County. Bitok said the shift in venue will bode well for talent miners who will be spoilt for choice as 16 men and eight women’s teams battle for bragging rights and cash prizes.
“Now that we have the event being held in Nairobi, the hope is that there will be scouts at the tournament to look for talented players. We are having negotiations on how to livestream the competition at both venues,” Bitok said.
The tactician further revealed that several clubs from Uganda and Rwanda had expressed interest in competing in the two-day competition but noted that due to time constraints, they may not be able to register in time.
“There were other teams from across the region who had wanted to compete in the tournament so long as it was being held indoor. I know that Rwanda Air had been exploring the possibility of sponsoring a team to come and participate. There were also inquiries from Uganda. However, for this year, the focus is not so much on the international teams but next year, we are looking to give it a more international look,” he said.
Speaking at the same time, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) deputy president Charles Nyaberi said the federation remains committed to taking the sport to the grassroots, promising that half of local competitions will be held in outdoor pitches across the country.
“It is unfortunate we could not go to Kiminini…the people around that area were psyched up because the press committee had done a lot of publicity for the event. However, all is not lost…there is always a next time. We will go to Kiminini in recognition of the fact that Western Kenya is a hotbed of volleyball talent,” he said.
Nyaberi added: “We want to assure you as KVF of our full support to the organisers and the sponsors. We have been having tournaments here and there, helter skelter but it also helps to have a system in place. It is great to have a launch because it now prepares people for what to expect.”
Winners of the tournament will walk away Ksh 100,000 richer with the runners-up receiving half the amount.
There will also be trophies and balls awarded to winners in different categories, including the most valuable player (MVP).
Interested teams will be required to register by 4 pm on Friday in what Bitok says will allow them to conduct the draws and prepare the fixtures by Wednesday next week.
