Wafalme Stars target top three in Africa Volleyball Championship

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenya’s Wafalme Strikers are aiming to break new ground at the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Championship, with coach Gideon Tarus challenging his charges to target a top-three finish and secure qualification for the 2027 World Championship.

The continental championship will be staged in Tunis, Tunisia, from September 13 to 26 after the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) shifted the event from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, over health concerns. Competition is scheduled for September 15 to 25, with teams arriving on September 13 and the technical meeting taking place the following day.

The tournament will feature 16 nations — Kenya, hosts Tunisia, defending champions Egypt, Cameroon, Algeria, Rwanda, Libya, Morocco, DR Congo, Chad, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Tarus demands belief from Kenyan squad

Tarus said Wafalme Strikers have enjoyed a month of preparations, spending the first three weeks at Nyayo Gymnasium before relocating to Kasarani Indoor Arena on Monday for their final training phase.

“We have been training for the last month. Three weeks we were in Nyayo Gymnasium and this last week we are in Kasarani,” said Tarus.

The final week has been dedicated to fine-tuning key areas of the team’s game, with morning sessions focusing on service reception before the players work on blocking, speedball and match situations in the evening.

Tarus believes training at Kasarani has given the players useful exposure to conditions that closely resemble those they will encounter in Tunisia.

“We have practised almost everything and we pray God our plan goes well,” he said.

Although the championship draw is yet to be conducted, the technical bench has already begun analysing some of Africa’s leading teams, with particular attention on hosts Tunisia and defending champions Egypt.

Tarus, who coaches at the General Service Unit, believes Kenya must abandon its traditional underdog mentality and compete on equal terms with the continent’s established volleyball powers.

“Egypt, Tunisia and Cameroon are the best, but we are the best too. When are we going to change and be on the top? You cannot leave one or two teams to dominate Africa for that long. It is our time to make that change,” he said.

The coach has set his sights on the semi-finals as the first major step towards achieving the team’s top-three target before launching a bid for the championship title.

“That’s our target. If we are going for top three, we are going for semis. After reaching semis we want to go for the top,” he said.

Experienced squad eyes World Championship qualification

The Tunisian tournament carries added importance as it also forms part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIVB World Championship and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Tarus has largely retained an experienced squad, with 19-year-old Felix Ogembo of Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU) Volleyball Team the only newcomer. Ogembo previously represented Kenya at Under-21 level.

Former captain Enock Mogeni has also returned after a spell playing abroad. His experience is expected to strengthen the squad while helping guide the younger players.

“He motivates the young players. He talks to them and encourages most of the players,” noted Tarus.

The coach has settled on a 14-man squad and plans to lead the team to Tunisia on September 12, a day before the official arrival date. The Kenyan camp is also hoping to secure a friendly match on September 13 to give the players a final competitive workout.

With Kenya yet to make the men’s Olympic volleyball tournament, Tarus believes the championship provides an important opportunity to change the team’s fortunes.

“We are doing our best this season for us to qualify. Even if not for the Olympics, for the World Championship,” he said.