Bunge FC [in red] and Mombasa County in action during the official opening of 14th edition of the East African Community inter parliamentary games at Mbaraki sports club in Mombasa. Dec. 7,2024.[Omondi Onyango, Standard]
Since the introduction of volleyball in the sixth edition of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in 2015, Kenya is yet to lose the men's title in the regional sporting extravaganza.
Yesterday evening, the Kenya men's volleyball team started their journey to defend the trophy for the 10th consecutive time.
They opened the 14th edition of the Games against perennial rival Uganda at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa where their intention was to deny the rivals an opportunity to win even a set.
Former national team captain Dan Wanyama, who is also the Webuye West Member of Parliament, said good preparation, team work, focus and resilience have enabled them be formidable in the discipline over the years.
"We are faithful in training, everyone strives to keep fit, and the most important aspect is the unity of the squad. This has always given us confidence, we do not expect disappointment even in this edition of the competitions," Wanyama told Standard Sports
The team had been doing intense preparations twice a week- Tuesdays and Thursdays - at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi outdoor court ahead of the Games.
Wanyama said they mostly worked on their covers, attacks and defense line apart from seeking individual and team fitness during their training sessions.
"We trained under a former national team coach and player, the insights he gave out even helped newcomers to adapt rapidly and become solid in the sport," the former Kenya Volleyball Federation Secretary-General said.
Known for his left-attacking antics since his days in the national team, where he also served as captain, Wanyama says he plays centre block in the ongoing championships in Mombasa to give his teammates leeway to operate easily in matches.
Last year, in Kigali (Rwanda), Kenya triumphed in all their round-robin encounters to secure gold, and its the same measurement, well shaken and pressed, that Wanyama says they are out to serve out to teams this year.
"We don't know how newcomers Democratic Republic of Congo play, because we have not met them, but we are not scared of them either. Uganda have been trying, so far, they have been our worthy opponents, but still they don't have the zeal to stop Kenya from having a walk in the park in this category," he said.
Wanyama is hopeful their women counterparts, who lost their title in Rwanda last year, will be able to rise and reclaim the trophy in Mombasa.