Japheth Munala replaces Lung'aho as women's volleyball coach
What you need to know:
- KVF chairman Waithaka Kioni also confirmed that Lung’aho, who doubles up as coach of record champions Kenya Prisons, has been promoted and will now oversee all national volleyball teams, including beach volleyball squads.
- Lung’aho’s assistant at club level, Josep Baraza will assist Munala, with Esther Jepkosgei appointed the trainer.
Long-serving national women’s volleyball team coach David Lung’aho has been replaced by his assistant Japheth Munala.
This is one of many changes made in the team on Saturday by the Kenya Volleyball Federation’s National Executive Council at its Nyayo Stadium offices.
KVF chairman Waithaka Kioni also confirmed that Lung’aho, who doubles up as coach of record champions Kenya Prisons, has been promoted and will now oversee all national volleyball teams, including beach volleyball squads.
“Lung’aho is now the federation’s technical director. He will share his experience and expertise with all the national teams, including those playing beach volleyball. I wish to thank him for all the success he has brought us and as well congratulate him on the new appointment,” Kioni said on Saturday.
Munala hinted at making changes to the team ahead of the forthcoming Olympics qualifiers.
“I have worked well with Lung’aho and learnt a lot from him. I will have to come up with a strategy to ensure we qualify for the Olympic Games next year. We have strong opposition from north and west Africa, but we have a good team. I will make some changes to the team, giving chances to youngsters who impressed at the African Games,” Munala said.
BARAZA TO ASSIST MUNALA
Meanwhile, Lung’aho’s assistant at club level, Josep Baraza will assist Munala, with Esther Jepkosgei appointed the trainer.
Lung’aho, 48, won five African Nations Championship titles in his eight years as coach of the team. He also led the team to its first international victory, winning Group Three honours at the FIVB Grand Prix. He also led Kenya to the World Cup this year.
Paul Gitau, fresh from leading the women’s team to gold at the Africa Games in Brazzaville, is the new coach of men’s national team. He will be assisted by Sammy Kirongo and Joseph Waiganjo.
Lung’aho could not be reached for comment.
APPOINTMENTS
Technical Director: David Lung'aho
Women's national team:
Coach: Japheth Munala
Assistant coach: Josep Baraza
Trainer: Esther Jepkosgei
Men's national team
Coach: Paul Gitau
Assistant coach: Sammy Kirongo
Trainer: Joseph Waiganjo
Beach volleyball:
Coach: Sammy Mulinge
Assistant coach: Patrick Owino
Youth teams:
Coach: Dorcas Ndasaba
National Youth Talent Academy:
Coach: Catherine Mabwi
Assistant coach: Juma Walukhu
Trainer: William Kemboi
Chairman coaching commission Geoffrey Omondi
