Former Kenya captain Enock Mogeni believes Wafalme Stars’ difficult Pool A draw at the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship will provide an early test of their medal credentials.
Kenya have been pooled alongside hosts Tunisia and Ghana at the continental championship, which got underway yesterday in Tunis, with Mogeni welcoming the challenge posed by the two teams.
“They are good teams. We are lucky to have strong teams at the start of the event. We know they are equally cautious of us. It’s an interesting pool, but let’s see how it goes,” said Mogeni.
The 28-year-old opposite hitter is also relishing his return to the national team after missing the 2023 African Nations Championship in Egypt and this year’s CAVB Zone Five qualifiers in Uganda.
Mogeni missed the Ugandan qualifiers after arriving late from his professional club Dar Kulaib in Bahrain, while Kenya’s professionals were left out of the squad for the 2023 continental championship.
His return gives coach Gideon Tarus an experienced option in the opposite position, although he faces competition for a starting place from Peter Kamau. Mogeni, who stands at 203cm and weighs 93kg, returns with fond memories of one of Wafalme’s most significant continental victories.
As captain at the 2021 African Nations Championship in Kigali, Rwanda, he inspired Kenya to a historic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the pool stage. Kenya won the opening two sets 25-22, 25-20 before Egypt fought back to level the match. Wafalme took the deciding set 15-12.
That victory remains an important reference point for Kenya as they seek to make a deeper impact in Tunisia. Mogeni, who now plays for National League champions Kenya Ports Authority, insists his comeback is not about answering his critics but giving his best for the team.
“It’s God and my hard work. As I said earlier, you are as good as your last match. I really have nothing to prove to people. I just want to showcase my good game, enjoy my moments, and when history is written, they will remember there was somebody who gave his all for something,” he said.
“It’s the passion and dedication. Volleyball is one of the sports I love besides it being my work. So it’s a great comeback and I really hope Tunisia will be good to me this time with the national team.”
Wafalme are chasing a maiden podium finish at the championship after ninth-place finishes in 2021 and 2023. They also head to Tunisia with confidence, having won silver at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where Egypt denied them the title.
The championship carries added significance, with Kenya targeting a top-three finish and qualification for the 2027 FIVB Men’s World Championship. The champions will also secure Africa’s berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Mogeni believes Kenya have done enough in preparation to challenge for the medals.
“We have prepared well. We want to finish at the podium. We have a strong bench, and things are working out, so that’s our goal. I hope things will work out better.”
Pool B features defending champions Egypt, Gambia and Morocco, while Pool C comprises Algeria, Chad and Nigeria. Rwanda, Central African Republic, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo make up Pool D.
For Mogeni, the immediate focus is on negotiating Tunisia and Ghana before Kenya can think about the latter stages. “I hope I will not disappoint. I will give my best,” he said.
