FIVB rule may lock out Kenya from tourneys

Kenyan teams risk missing out on competing in international engagements following a new proposal by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) which requires competing teams to foot their own expenses in international tournaments like FIVB World Cup, World Championship and Grand Prix. 

Already affected is the senior national women’s team which has since pulled out of this year’s FIVB Grand Prix.

The Malkia Strikers, who have competed in the last three editions of this annual international competition, were slated to face Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Colombia, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Peru, Poland Puerto Rico and South Korea. 
However, Kenya Volleyball Federation chairman Waithaka Kioni says his body cannot afford the required Sh10 million airfare required to shuttle the team to Peru, Kazakhstan and South Korea.

“We have approached the Government but they have said there is no money, yet what we get from the team’s sponsors isn’t enough. After deliberations with my colleagues, we agreed it makes more sense to field a team at the Under-23 World Championship in Slovenia (in September),” said Kioni, who doubles up as the Africa Volleyball Confederation Vice President.

Retiring Kenyan international setter Janet Wanja has termed the development “sad”.

“These international tournaments have always offered us unique experience to dominate in Africa. If we start missing out on these chances, our standards will no doubt be affected, especially the young players.”

Kenya’s most successful outing at the Grand Prix came in 2015, when the Malkia Strikers won Gold in Group 3 in Canberry Australia, after defeating the hosts, Mexico, Algeria and Peru. 

This competition has also proved as a successful scouting arena for Kenyan players.

Kenyan players, among them Brackcides Agala, Jane Wacu, Esther Wangeci, Mercy Moim and Everlyne Makuto, have also managed to secure professional contracts with European clubs courtesy of the tournament.