LIbero Hudson Kipchumba/ HANDOUTAhead of Saturday's departure, Tarus and his technical bench trimmed the provisional squad to 16, with Stephen Maluki, Bethwell Kiplagat, Elvis Mein, Joshua Kimaru, Enock Mogeni, Sam Juma, Amos Karani, Shadrack Misiko and Dillon Chumba missing out.
Despite landing on 16 players, the team will have to drop two as per the tournament rules and regulations, which provide for 14 only.
Tarus said the players understand the importance of the tournament and the challenge awaiting them in Uganda.
“We are entering a very competitive tournament and the players know what is expected of them,” said Tarus ahead of the team’s departure on Saturday.
“Our focus now is on fine-tuning combinations, improving execution and ensuring the players are mentally ready for the matches ahead.”
The head coach added that the final squad selection will depend on consistency and tactical discipline.
“We want players who can adapt quickly, stay composed under pressure and execute the tactical plan throughout the competition,” he noted.
The current 16-man squad includes liberos Stephen Barrack and Hudson Kipchumba; setters Brian Melly, Kelvin Kipkosgei and Phelix Otieno; opposites Peter Kamara, Elphas Makuto and Simon Kipkorir; outside hitters Moses Kamau, Nicholas Matui, Denis Esokon and Denis Omollo; and middle blockers Felux Ogembo and Wilson Cheruiyot.
Tarus is being assisted by Elisha Aliwa and Denis Mokua, while James Ontere serves as trainer and Jeremiah Mukopi as statistician.
The technical bench has been working on key areas such as serve-receive, blocking transitions and attack conversion as the team prepares for the regional assignment.
