Nine earn maiden call up to the national team ahead of zonal qualifiers

Nine players have earned their first call-ups to the national team ahead of the CAVB Men’s African Nations Championship zonal qualifiers set for June 1 to 5 in Uganda.

Head coach Gideon Tarus named a 25-man provisional squad, including the debutants, into the national team set-up.

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Stephen Barack, Stephen Maluki, Felix Otieno, Dillon Chumba, Moses Kamau, Elvis Mein, Felix Ogembo, Bethwel Kiplagat and Amos Karani are making their debut with the national squad. Kenya started preparations on Monday for the regional competition that will also serve as a qualifier for the continental championship scheduled for September 7-21 in DR Congo.

Tarus said their intention to include nine new players was to inject fresh energy into the national squad. “These players have been performing consistently at the club level, and the call-up is a reward for their effort,” Tarus said.

He added, “The national team must continue opening doors for emerging talent because that is how we build a stronger future for Kenyan volleyball.”

The qualifiers will feature national teams from Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and hosts Uganda. The tournament also forms the opening stage of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB World Championship in the United States.

Tarus noted that bringing in new players at this stage will increase internal competition in the squad as Kenya looks to assemble a formidable team for the zonal assignment. “When young players come into the system, they push their experienced counterparts to raise their level,” he said. “Competition within the team is very healthy because it ensures everyone works harder to earn their place.”

While the nine debutants dominate the talking points in the provisional squad, the team will still lean on experienced campaigners, including Qatar-based opposites Simion ‘Kosirai’ Kipkorir and Enock Mogeni, who are expected to provide leadership in the attacking department. Rwanda-based setter Brian Melly and outside hitter Nicholas Matui will also feature in the squad after impressive performances at the regional club competitions.

Tarus said the balance between youth and experience will be crucial as Kenya targets qualification for the continental tournament. “We want a team that can compete immediately but also develop for the future,” Tarus said. “The experienced players will guide the new ones while the younger players bring hunger and energy into the squad.”

Notably missing from the provisional selection is former Kenyan league Most Valuable Player Elphas Makuto, one of the country’s most powerful attackers in recent seasons. Tarus will be assisted by Elisha Aliwa of the Kenya Defence Forces and Denis Mokua of the Kenya Prisons, with Kenya Ports Authority’s James Ontere serving as trainer, and Jeremiah Mukopi taking the statistician role.

The provisional squad: Stephen Barack, Hudson Kipchumba, Sam Juma (liberos); Brian Melly, Kelvin Kipkosgei, Felix Otieno and Dillon Chumba (setters); Peter Kamara, Joshua Kimaru, Simion Kipkorir and Enock Mogeni (opposite hitters); Stephen Maluki, Moses Kamau, Nicholas Matui, Denis Esokon, Elvis Mein, Denis Omollo and Bethwel Kiplagat (outside hitters) and Felix Ogembo, Wilson Cheruiyot, Levis Ogutu, Shadrack Misiko, Brian Kamonde, Eugine Okello and Amos Karani (middle blockers).