Kenya Names Youthful Squad For Olympic Volleyball Qualifiers

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has overhauled the national men’s squad ahead of the forthcoming Olympics qualifiers. Newly appointed National men’s volleyball team head coach Paul Gitau who took over from Geoffrey Omondi overlooked experienced players when he named his provisional 22-man squad over the weekend.

Gitau who won gold with the junior women’s team at this year’s African Games in Congo, Brazzaville seems to have drawn inspiration from working with young players when he dropped a dozen of player who took part in the last Africa Nations Championship in Egypt.

Those who faced the axe are Captain Philip Maiyo who joined Qataris champions-Al Rayyan Sports Club from Al-Arabi this season. His former assistant and first setter Elisha Aliwa of Kenya Defence Forces was not spared either by the new coach who also chopped Mike Chemos, fresh from signing with a Finnish club. The only ‘big wig’ who won Gitau’s heart is Jame Ontere who is based in Japan. Ontere’s contribution to his local side Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who top the men’s national league standing heading into the playoffs plays pro-Volley with Oita Miyoshi in Japanese V-League.

Nairobi Water trio, setter Elijah Bosire, left attacker James Mwaniki and libero Fredrick Mwangi who steered the side to a fifth finish in national league regular season in their debut season in the top tier league lead the young crop of players drafted in the squad as Kenya seek to build a squad for future assignment after several years of poor result in the men’s competition.

While Gitau’s selection may be questionable considering the importance of the assignment ahead, that unfamiliar decision can be interpreted as a step by the local federation’s attempt to try and keep up with the likes of Rwanda and Egypt who have given them tough times at the continental or regional stage.

It was almost a complete overhaul in the setter position with only Kenya Prisons youthful Nicholas Lagat making a return to the squad. Both Aliwa and his Kenya Prisons’ mate Daniel Kiptoo were shown the door. Bosire and Tom Wanjala from Bungoma County took their places.

David Kirwa and Maiyo were axed on the right attackers position with Solomon Bitok being recalled back to the team alongside Ontere, Martin Kiptoo of Coop Bank and Nafula Chumba from Kenya Defence Force.

Kenya men’s Volleyball team

Only Cooperative Bank’s Ronald Bitok was reconsidered in the Centre blocking position. Both Hudson Chesoli, Wesley Rono, Ronald Kirwa, Dennis Mokua were shown the door. The new faces for that position include Prisons Mombasa’s Jimmy Ngala who was chopped from the last squad by coach Geoffrey Omondi and Gideon Kirwa of Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Ports Authority’s Sammy Ngeny, Rodgers Kipkirui and Shadrack Misiko

On the left, the sword fell on Nicolas Kiplagat, Bonventry Wekesa and Michael Njoroge. The position however saw the return of Cornelius Kiplangat (GSU) who will be fighting for the same place with Mwaniki, David Thuita (Forest Rangers), Sila Kipruto and Jairus Kipkosgei both of Prisons.

Gitau also did away with liberos Peter Kibata and Faustine Baraza but handed Muiruri, one of the best upcoming liberos a chance alongside James Mutero and Sam Juma.

Elvince Joshua
Kenya

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Nora, Moroccan Star Who Dropped Horse Racing, Gymnastics And Athletics For Volleyball

She stands at a paltry 169cm high but the height debate, considered the biggest asset in modern volleyball is not a deterrent to the Moroccan libero, Darrhar Nora – one of the upcoming best African liberos who dropped Horse Racing, Athletics and Gymnastics for Volleyball.

Just like most African Volleyballers, Nora was introduced late into the sports but in just under six years, the future star has already earned her first senior national team call up.

“I played my first Volleyball in Jeans pant and leather shoe,” Nora who will be turning 23 on August 21 remembers her journey into the court which begun less than 10 years ago.

“I started Volleyball very late and I never thought that one day I will ever play for the national team,” Sara, told CAVB.ORG after helping Morocco finish sixth above Mauritius and Botswana at the eight nations Africa Nations Championship in Nairobi.

While growing up in Rabat, Morocco, Nora never wanted anything, but to follow in the footsteps of her father, Ahmed Darrhar, a 56 years old professional Horse rider who despite his advanced age, still managed to bag a Silver medal this year at the national professional Horse Racing championship in Morocco. “Am his biggest fan,” Nora now a Volleyball queen reminds me of her close relationship with her father.

Sara who will be graduating with a Masters Degree in Business Administration from St. Andrews University in north Carolina-USA in May, 2016 dropped her first love horse racing then Gymnastics and Athletics to fully take up Volleyball after she was introduced to the sport by her Physical Education teacher seven years ago.

“I used to take part in a lot of sports and one day while going for my Gymnastics lessons, my PE teacher told me ‘I want you in Volleyball’. I dodged her for two months.

She had never thought that one day she will represent her country in Volleyball but that, as fate would have it was the exactly what happened when she was named by Samir Dcahr in their first continental competition after a nine year truancy at the African Nations Championship.

Moroccan libero Darrhar Nora

The multi-talented Volleyball Star who also partners her best friend, Alexandra Arhart in beach Volleyball also tried her hands on Sprint, Long Jump and a Pole-Vault in addition to Gymnastics.

“I have a Bronze medal in Horse Racing back home,” she remembers with abroad smile of her childhood sport.

“Gymnastics is a fast sports and it helped me adapt to my current position even after I was told by one of the coaches that I will never be a good player,” she emotionally narrates her ordeals in the hands of one of the coaches in her early years in the game.

“I was really terrible in defence and I had one coach who told me ‘there is no point of teaching you how to pass (Nora) because you’re terrible at it and you’ll never be good at it anyway’. that was very bad especially coming from someone you look up to.”

While she was happy with the general performance of her team, the player who will be taking part in the Beach Volleyball around the World with her partner and best friend Alexandra added. “that was my first senior year so it’s the hardest in terms of class considering that I had to create time for my classes which I had to take during the tournament in Kenya,”

While she’s happy on the court, off court, the youngster who would want to continue playing Volleyball after her University education is grappling with the idea of finding balance between work and playing.

“I learned that I have only one year left (In USA) and because there is no National league over there, I’ll have to find a solution to be able to play, maybe for two more years at my university then move to France but I would really want to stay and work in the US. It’s not easy making that decision,” added the players who would want to practice sports Management in the US after graduating.

Elvince Joshua

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Poor Reception Costs Kenya At Volleyball Grand Prix Opener Against Peru

Angela Leyva contributed 22 points for Peru to subject Kenya to a 3-0 (25-18 , 25-12, 25-23) lose in their opening world Grand Prix match Saturday morning at the Unido Nuevo Leon Gimnasio in Monterrey, Mexico.

Poor reception was Kenya’s main undoing in this match despite the east Africa boasting of Elizabeth Wanyama, Africa’s best receiver. This was Kenya’s first lose to Peru at the Grand Prix and their fourth in seven games since their debut last year

Kenya’s Evelyn Makuti who was voted Africa’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Africa Nations Championship last week in Nairobi was Kenya’s top scorer with 11 points.

Kenyan coach instructing his team

This was the third victory for Peru against Kenya which has struggled to post any meaningful result at the international level despite dominating the continental scene with nine titles out of 10 appearances at the Nations championship finals.

Prior to the match, Peru, though ranked four places below Kenya in the world pecking order (23) had beaten Kenya (19) in 1995 and 2007 world Cup with their latest triumph against Malkia Strikers being the 1998 World Championship.

Coach David Lung’aho started with his experienced side in the opening set, with Mercy Moim and Africa’s MVP, Evelyne Makuto as outside hitters while Esther Wangeci started ahead of Lydia Maiyo on the opposite with Africa’s best blocker, Ruth Jepng’etich and captain Praxcides Agala combining for the blocks. The starting lineup also had Africa’s best setter and libero, Jane Wacu and Elizabeth Wanyama respectively.

Peru were not cowed by the titles from across the net when they grabbed the first set 25-18 forcing Lung’aho to make changes into his squad following poor back court defense after Wanyama failed to collect chance balls.

Kenya however tried staging a comeback in the set recovering from a 13-20 to push the scores to 18-20 but the pressure was too much for the newly crowned Africa champions after Peru stopped them before winning the set 25-18 before grabbing the subsequent set 25-12.

Kenyan team

In the third set the Kenyan team came in with much composure and determination staging a powerful comeback having trailed 15 -07 to lead Peru 19-17 but a few avoidable errors brought the opponents back into the game, when they took a 21-19 lead before winding up the match with a 25-23 to grab their three points.

Kenya will next play hosts Mexico tonight in their second match before winding up their Mexican trip with a clash against Colombia.

Elvince Joshua

Kenya, Algeria turn attention to Volleyball Grand Prix In Kazakhstan And Mexico

After booking a ticket to the August-September world Cup in Japan, Africa Nations Championship [gold and Silver medalists] Kenya and Algeria now turn their attention to next week’s world grand Prix in Mexico and Kazakhstan.

Algeria will travel to Kazakhstan for the opening leg of pool N which also has Cuba, Australia and the host while Kenya who won two matches against Mexico and Algeria in the last edition will depart Nairobi on June 23 for the group O matches slated for Mexico. The newly crowned Africa champions has relatively easy matches in the first round having paired Mexico, Colombia and Peru and head coach David Lung’aho want to better his last performance where he won two and lost two matches. The two wins were Kenya’s first outside Africa.

David Lunga’ho steered Kenya to her third straight Africa Nations title and a ninth in total in their 10 final appearances since 1991 following a 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-20) win over Algeria in the final.

Silver medallists Algeria

From Mexico the Africans Queens will proceed to Algeria for the second leg where they must win at least two of their matches to move to the third round set for Australia and Algeria may take that advantage to avenge their continental loss to the nine time Africa champions.

While other coaches dream of such opportunities, the two coaches, David Lung’aho of Kenya and Francois Savalgni of Algeria share a common problem, of coming up with strong squads to challenge for medals in their many tournaments lined up this years.

After the Grand Prix, the top two Africa women’s Volleyball playing nations will turn their attentions to the All Africa Games and the world Cup and raising squad worth challenging for medals in the coveted Volleyball competitions is something that is giving the two tacticians sleepless nights even as they spend days globetrotting.

“We will have to split this team into two, one for the world Cup and another to take part in the All Africa Games,” Kenyan coach, Lung’aho said who has set a target of four out of six wins in the first two legs of the grand Prix.

Kenya celebrating

We will have all summer preparing for the world Cup and the good thing is that examination period is over (in Algeria) we will have all our players who were busy writing their examinations, Italian Savalgni, Algerian head coach said after the finals.

“We have so many players in Algeria and we will have to come up with a second string side to send to the world Cup and that is a very good thing for Volleyball in Algeria,” he added.

Elvince Joshua

CAVB web site http://www.cavb.org

Tunisia Claim 5th Place At Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championships

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Ranking 5 to 8

Tunisia claimed the fifth place at the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship after they beat their neighbours Morocco 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21) in the 5th and 6th place match held at Kasarani Hall in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday.

Mauritius set the first win in their last day as they flew past Botswana 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21) in the 7th and 8th position match to claim the 7th.

Kenya is set to meet Algeria in the final o the competition on Saturday to determine the African representative in the FIVB World Cup,. Senegal face Cameroon for the bronze medal

Tunisia in timeout

Ranking 5 and 6 places
Tunisia v Morocco 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21)

Tunisia started leading widely with their proper attacking strategy using the wing attacker where they could penetrate the Moroccan defence to win the set 25-16. Tunisia continued their superiority to win the second set, but after a great struggle form the Moroccan team. The Tunisian team’s performance was shacked in the thirds set, while the Moroccan team improved their blocking and backline defence to win the set 25-21 after the skillful setting by Alexandra Erhart led the combinations. Tunsiai came back to win the fourth set 25-21 and the match 3-1.

Mauritius celebrating their victory

Ranking 7 and 8 places
Botswana v Mauritius 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21)

Mauritius came aggressively from a set behind to win their competition first match against Botswana 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21) in 101 minutes.

With their lone victory Mauritius finished the competition in the 7th place leaving Botswana in the 8th position. The winners revenged to their lose with the same score in the pool stage. Gasekgonwe led Botswana to win the first set after a great spikes and fighting spirit. Mauritus came back aggressively as their spiker Nathalie Letendre fought with Joanita Latour to come back in the second set and draw 1-1 before they used they motivations to continue the same rhythm in the third and fourth sets till they won the match 3-1.

Mauritius spiking aginst Botswana

Finals on Saturday June 20
Bronze medal

14:00 : Senegal v Cameroon
Final
16:00 : Kenya v Algeria

Kenya And Algeria Set To Repeat Classic Women’s African Volleyball Champs Final

Kenya and Algeria set another new era classic final after they won their matches against Cameroon and Senegal respectively in the semifinal of the Women’s African Nations Championship held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.

This is the third final between the African Giants in 8 years after 2007 and 2011 when Kenya won both events in Nairobi.

Kenya set their historic 10th final in 17 editions after they overcame Cameroon 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22) in the semifinal in front of 4000 spectators supporting the defending champions.

Algeria stopped the Senegalese winning streak as they won the other semifinal 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22).

Kenya will be seeking their ninth crown after 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013 while Algeria will be eager for the second title after 2009.

In the play off 5 to 8 positions Morocco hammered Botswana 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-12) to meet their neighbours Tunisia for the 5th and 6th standings after the latter overcame Mauritius 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14). Botswana face Mauritius for the 7th and 8th positions.

Kenya celebrating

Semifinal 1-4
Kenya v Cameroon 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22)
In front of exited spectators, outside hitters Everline Makuto and Mercy Moim led the hosts to beat Cameroon 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22) after they disturbed all the defensive strategy of their opponent. The Kenyan team led the net action with the solid block of Ruth Jepengetich and Backcides Khadambi to prevent Cameroon from using their strong attackers.

Although Cameroon came close in the first set and even led frequently with 3 point deficit, but they couldn’t maintain due to the strong disciplined attacks from the Kenyans who led the situation completely afterwards.

Algeria’s Aisha Mezmate blcoking against Senegal

Algeria v Senegal 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22)

Algeria surprised dark horses Senegal with the change of strategy depending on the quick attacks led by the center Lydia Oloumou to deceive the Senegalese blockers. They led widely in the first and second sets using also the high performance of the outside hitter Safa Boukhaima who was the match scorer with 15 points. Senegal tried to come back in the third set as they did in all their matches in the first round, but the Algerians kept their pressure using the nervous state off their opponents to keep leading till they won the match in straight sets.

Morocco celebrating

Play off 5-8
Morocco v Botswana 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-12)

Morocco played their best in the competition beat Botswana 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-12) in the play off 5 to 8 positions. Morocco qualified to play for the 5th and 6th positions against Tunisia, while Botswana are set play for the 7th and 8th positions against Mauritius.

The Moroccan setter Alexandra Erhart played the greatest role in this victory not only for her skilful setting, but also with her unstoppable services that aid her team to put a persistent pressure on the opponent. The game started tight with Botswana deploying their block in the first and second sets against the Moroccan attacks, before the latter had the full dominance

Jihen Mohamed Tunisia spiking

Tunisia v Mauritius 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14)

Tunisia overwhelmed completely in all skills to pull off a straight sets victory (25-13, 25-17, 25-14) over Mauritius. the wing spiker Jihen Mohamed ed the scorers with 17 points as the Tunisians depend on the strong attackers using the spaces between the blockers.

Ranking 5 to 8 positions Schedule on Thursday 18 June
7 and 8 positions
14:00: Botswana v Manutius
5 and 6 positions
16:00: Tunisia v Morocco

Finals on Saturday June 20
Bronze medal
14:00 : Senegal v Cameroon

16:00 : Kenya v Algeria

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Kenya-Cameroon, Algeria-Senegal At Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship Semis

Hosts Kenya will face the emerging Cameroon in a thrilling encounter at 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship semifinal, while dark horses Senegal want to continue their campaign in the other semi against favourites Algeria at Kasarani Sports Complex on Wednesday.

After rebounding back from 2 sets behind and claiming three epic tiebreaker victories, Senegal led by captain and efficient outside hitter Fatou Diouck is looking for their first ever final at the prestigious African competition, but it will not be easy against the experiences of the Algerian team led by the historic setter Fatma Oukazi.

Cameroon team

In their way to the semifinal, Senegal suffered in all their Pool matches of being regularly two sets behind before turning to victory against the 2014 World Championship finalists Cameroon, then they do the same against Tunisia and Morocco in the following encounters to lead the strong Pool B with three tough wins.

Senegal’s best performance in the history of the competition was 2 years ago when they finished fourth, but this time they came through with new hopes of gaining their first title or at least finish between the top three positions in the podium. Senegal owe to their spiker Diouck to achieve the dream after her marvelous performance in the first round.

The Algerian team

Algeria who have one title under their name in 2009 need to return back to their superiority in the continent with the leader of this generation setter Oukazi and the experienced middle blocker Lydia Oloumou. Beside the title in 2009 Algeria had 2 silver medals in 2007 and 2011 and one bronze in 1989. The algerians finished second of Pool A after two victories over Botswana and Mauritius and a defeat against the hosts.

In front of expected full house, Kenya meet Cameroon at 16:00 local time aiming to set their 10th final in 17 editions of the competition. The new generation led by the veteran setters Janet Wanja and Jane Wachu as well as the emerging center blocker Ruth Jepengetich is aiming to continue their successful adventure and achieve their ninth title in 17 editions and the third in a row.

Kenyan team

Kenya passed the first round with the clean sheet of three straight sets victories.

The World Championship finalists Cameroon are thinking of their first gold medal after the renewal of their line-up with numerous new players among them 5 French based stars. Cameroon have 2 silver and 5 bronze medals before but still seeking their first gold.

Beside the 2 semifinal matches the competition features also 2 matches in the play off 5 to 8 positions as Botswana face Morocco at 10:00 and Tunisia face Mauritius at 12:00

Senegal team

Semifinal Match Schedule on Wednesday 17 June
Play off 5 to 8
10:00 : Botswana v Morocco
12:00: Tunisia v Mauritius

Semifinal 1 to 4
14:00 : Senegal v Algeria
16:00 : Kenya v Cameroon

Senegal’s Captain Fatou’s Eye On African Nations Podium ‏

Senegal captain Fatou Diouck has expressed her delight after guiding her team to the semifinals of the 2015 Women’s Africa Nations Championship, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Just like their first two Group B matches against Cameroon and Tunisia, the Senegalese side rallied from two sets down to beat Morocco 3-2 (23-25,22-25,25-9,25-18,15-9) and book a date with Algeria in the semifinals slated for Wednesday at the Kasarani, Gymnasium.

” We came as underdogs, but we are yet to accomplish the mission that brought us here. From our first match, the first two sets proved to be difficult but the comeback has been impressive. It was a sweet victory,” said the Thailand based opposite.

Fatou Diouck was a key factor in her team’s victory

“We have one step to go before the finals, but we are not taking anybody for granted. We will give our best and God will do the rest. There is no relaxation time and we are ready for any opponent.”

Fatou emerged as one of the best outside hitters in the tournament and was the key factor in her team’s qualification to semifinal. Senegal haven’t been in the Podium in the last 16 editions of the competition and now with the guidance of their captain they seek one of the top three positions in their history.

Senegal will meet Algeria in the semis, while Kenya will battle with Cameroon in the other semis.

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Kenya, Senegal, Algeria And Cameroon Through To Semifinal Of Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 4

Hosts and defending champions Kenya along with Algeria, Cameroon and Dark horses Senegal booked their tickets to the semifinal of the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship after they all achieved victories in day 4 at the end of the group stage held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday.

The 8 time African Champions Kenya continued their victories with clean sheet as they cruised past Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18) to improve their win- loss ratio in Pool A to 3-0 and continued as the only team who didn’t drop a set in the preliminary round.

The Algerian team

Kenya will be joined by Algeria from the same pool to semis after the latter clinched their second win over Mauritius 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 26-24) to improve to 2-1. Botswana came third with 1-2 record and Mauritius finished at the bottom of the table with 0-3.

Senegal continued their thrilling come back for the third match in a row as they came as usual from two sets behind to beat the emerging Morocco team 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-9, 25-18, 15-9) to lead Pool B with 3-0 and 6 points. Cameroon came back to their optimum performance on time to beat Tunisia 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13) and clinch the semifinal slot. Tunisia came third in Pool B with 1-2 record ahead of Morocco who finished fourth.

Now Algeria will meet pool B leaders Senegal in one of the semifinals on Wednesday with hosts and defending champions Kenya playing Cameroon who finished second in pool B.

In the Play off 5 to 8 positions Botswana faces Morocco, while Tunisia line up against Mauritius,

Mauritius during the national Anthem

Pool A
Kenya v Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18)
Algeria v Mauritius 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 26-24)

Kenya used their talented players to beat Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18). Kenyan coach David Lung’aho is expecting a tough duel against a tricky Cameroonian side and he will be spending Tuesday’s rest day to try and analyze west Africans game as he prepares errase 2014 memory of local fans after Kenya lost a world championship qualifiers to Tunisia. Some fans are yet to forgive Lung’aho for letting the ticket slid off his hands but he may win back their loyalty if he can take Kenya to Japan’s world Cup.

Cameroon have excellent attacks and blocks but Lung’aho will try to take advantage of their slow game to win point. “We just need to compose ourselves and receive well; I know most of their players are not fast and we would want to capitalize on that” said Lung’aho.

Algeria played with most of their list to capture the second win over Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18). The Algerian coach Francois Salvagni used most of the substitutes in the third set but he was obligated to return back to his main stars to save the set and keep the straight sets win.

Tunisian team during the national anthem

Pool B
Senegal v Morocco 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-9, 25-18, 15-9)
Cameroon v Tunisia 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13)

Senegal who were seeded third in group ‘B, considered pool of ‘death’ at the start of championship topped the group having won all their three matches by identical 3-2 sets. In all the matches, Senegal pulled a late comeback in the third sets to turn around their games which has earned them the title ‘Queens of comeback’

“We don’t know why we always comeback late in the game because during team talks before any match we always tell ourselves to take the lead but that doesn’t happen, maybe we’ll need to be in front in our semifinal match against Kenya,” Senegal’s dependable player Fatou Diouck observed.

Cameroon team after the victory against Tunisia

Asked about her hopes of playing Kenya in the finals, Fatou added: “I prefer to play Kenya in the final than Algeria. I love playing here; I love the people and they love our team too but I would really want to have a different feeling playing Kenya in front of their home fans.”

Algeria though are favorites ahead of the championship but Senegal’s head coach Amadou Sene plan to organise their game by playing fast balls.

Cameroon came from a set down to book a semi final berth in a dramatic 3-2 (25-15, 18-25, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13) win over Tunisia in their final group B match. Cameroon had only trained together for one week before the championship and coach Akono Jean Rene was satisfied by her players performances in the match.

“I am not expecting much in our next match because we never trained as a team for long,” noted Rene.

The competition’s referees with the referee Delegate Mohamed Lazroug

Semifinal Match Schedule on Wednesday 17 June
Play off 5 to 8
10:00 : Botswana v Morocco
12:00: Tunisia v Mauritius

Semifinal 1 to 4
14:00 : Senegal v Algeria
16:00 : Kenya v Cameroon

Senegal Upset Tunisia As Kenya Continue Victories At Women’s African Volleyball Champs

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 3

Nairobi, Kenya, June 14, 2015- Senegal surprised the Kenyan crowd with a second in a row come back over the giants Tunisia this time 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12) in Day 3 of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday.

Now Dark horses Senegal led Pool B with a win- loss ratio of 2-0 and 4 points like Cameroon who took over Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20).

Queens of comeback, Senegal came from two sets down to beat Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-13) in an entertaining group B match while Kenya took their group A point tally to six with an easy 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) win over arch rivals Algeria.

Botswana fought aggressively to overcome the struggling Mauritian team 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) to come second of Pool A ahead of Algeria with the set ratio.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team.

Pool A
Kenya v Algeria 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-29)

Kenya coach David Lung’aho did not make any changes to his starting lineup from the one that beat Mauritius in their opening match last Friday, preferring Janet Wanja ahead of Jane Wacu in the setter’s place with Evelyn Makuto and Mercy Moim on the left while Lydia Maiyo started ahead of Esther Wangeci on the right.

Captain Praxcides Agala provided blocks from the center with Elizabeth Wanyama as a receiver and their well oiled efforts won the opening set 25-20 against Algeria who tried to catch up with their opponent late into the set to no avail.

Mercy Moim who plays for Liga Poloski in the Finnish league was on her best form, sending hard balls to the opposite court which helped a well oiled ‘MALKIA STRIKERS cage Algeria who denied them an Olympic slot in the 2012 qualifiers.

Algeria took the first lead of the second set 10-8 but an attack by Moim and a block by Jane Wacu helped Kenya narrow the gap to within one point before Ruth Jepng’etich sent back an over received ball to Algeria’scourt to tie the scores 14-14. Kenya regained the lead at the second technical Timeout (TTO) 16-15 before wrapping up the set with a 25-22. The third set was equally easy for the hosts who won 25-19 to book an early semi final place with a match against Botswana on Monday.

The contol Committee

Botswana v Mauritius 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15)

Botswana recovered from their 3-1 loss to Algeria in the opening match to beat Mauritius 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) in their second match.

Botswana who lost Daisy Golekanya Saturday to an ankle injury won the opening set 25-22 but Mauritius came back into the game in the second set having trailed west African 6-8 at the first technical time out but the Islanders took over the lead after the second technical time out to garner a slim win of 25-23.

Mauritius weaned out in the third and fourth set even with a much better receptions and services compared to their opponents who relied heavily on individual brilliance from left attacker Tracy Chaba to score points.

Chaba will however need to to improve her back court coverage and services in their next match against Kenya to fulfill her dream of steering her side to the semis.

“We want to play better and possibly meet Kenya in the final,” Chaba who plays for Kutlwano in Botswana said after their lose to Algeria in their opening match.

Botswana has been boosted by the inclusion of three players Molefha Karobo, ‘who had social problem in 2014), Gasekgonwe Gaolesetse and Chaba who was just recovering from an injury having missed the world championship qualifiers staged in Nairobi 2013.

Samuel Isaac who has scaled the leadership ladder at the helm of Botswana having joined in 2007 as a trainer before being promoted to the assistant coach position in 2010 praised his players for the hard fought win.

“That was a good match; Mauritius are good in defence but I like the character of my players. They fought very hard to win this match,” said Isaac who was confirmed as Botswana head coach in 2014.

Isaac who has tremendously transformed the team from a long-slow to a fast flowing short ball type of play added: “I will work on the psychological aspect of my players ahead of our match against Kenya which is a very tough opponent.

Jane Wacu of Kenya sets

Pool B
Senegal v Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12)

Senegal pulled a late comeback in the third set to beat Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-13) in group B to keep alive their chances of progressing to semis. This was Senegal’s second win having pulled another comeback in their 3-2 win over Cameroon in their first match Saturday.

“When we left Senegal our main aim was to be in the podium,” Senegalese coach Amadou Sene who is looking forward to a Kenya-Senegal final said after the match. Sene however heaped praise on his outside hitter turned receiver, Dacosta Binetou who arrived in Nairobi from USA a day before the games serves off.

“It was a bit hard for me moving from a hitter to a reciever but I’ve come to like it,” Dacosta, an Accounts student who turned 20 last month noted.

“I have full trust in her. She has good catch and that helped us a lot in the last three sets,” Sene who once coach Dicosta at club Sococim said of the player whose extra ordinary performance in the third and fourth sets helped Senegal overturn a two-nil lead to win the match 3-2.

Cameroon v Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20)

In another match, Cameroon bounced back with a win over Morocco in anothet tightly contested group ‘B’ duel. Cameroon won their first match against Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20) having lost the opener 2-3 to Senegal.

This was Morocco’s second lose which came barely 15 hours after they went down to Tunisia in their opening match Saturday

Kenya team celebrating

Match Schedule on Monday 15 June

Tunisia vs Cameroon (10am),
Morocco vs Senegal (12pm)
Algeria vs Mauritius (2pm)
Kenya vs Botswana (4pm)

Tunisia stun Morocco as Algeria win over Botswana at Women’s African Nations

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 2

Algeria warmed up for their much awaited clash against host Kenya on Sunday with a 3-1 (25-17, 17-25, 25-20,25-15) victory against Botswana on day two of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday.

Algeria who had a month long training in Italy as part of their preparation to the championship, to qualify one African team to the world Cup in Japan started the match on a high tempo winning the opening set 25-17 in a packed Gymnasium.

Botswana who took part in the 2015 Rwanda Genocide Memorial tournament last week in Kigali on their way to Kenya re-grouped in the subsequent set which they led from the first whistle to the last only to level the score one-all with a 25-17 to throw the game wide open.

The third set was a cracker with both team exchanging leads but ‘Mafolofolo’ were dented a blow when center blocker Daisy Golekanye picked an ankle injury with the southerners up on their north African colleagues heels (17-18) but Algeria took advantage of a weaker defence department to win the set 25-20.

Tracy Chaba who plays for Kutlwano back in Botswana was no match for Algeria in the second set where she provided excellent services and attacks which gave the opponents hard time in the reception but her effort did very little to propell her side to victory when they lost the last set 25-15.

“Daisy is one of the senior players with excellent blocks and because Algeria are very good in attacks, her blocks kept them at bay. The injury was a a big blow to us. When she left the court, the team went down, “noted Chaba who once played club volleyball in Algeria with Marshall Bilatex.

Italian Francoise Salvagni who took charge of Algeria after a successful one month stint with the side following a recommendation by FIVB immediately turned his attention to the upcoming match against Kenya Sunday evening.

“I know Kenya very well and the fact that they will be playing before their fans will even make this match the best of the tournament. Tomorrow’s match (Sunday) will be a small war and we are ready because we prepared for a bigger war,” said Salvagni.

Algeria captain Fatima Zahra interviewed by the BBC

Tunisia beat Morocco

Tunisia came from a set down to beat Morocco 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-21, 25-13) in the second match at the 6,000 sitter Gymnasium. Samir Dcha who has been with the Moroccan side for barely a year drew lessons from their loss but was full of praise of his players who he described as ‘very young and inexperienced’

“I don’t know what to expect from Cameroon but I just want my players to forget about today’s loss and concentrate on the coming match,”

Morocco who has missed the last two editions of this Cup is building a team for future championships with an eye on the next All Africa Games.

“We have young squad who just played together for the first time about two months ago but I want to build a team for four or five years to come with main aim being qualifying for the next All Africa Games in 2019.” added Ocha.

Four matches will be played on Sunday with Cameroon taking on Morocco, Kenya versus Algeria while Botswana will clash with Mauritius as Senegal play Tunisia.

Elvince Joshhua from Kenya

Senegal, Kenya Win African Nations Volleyball Champs Openers

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 1

Senegal came from two sets down to stun 2013 Silver medalists, Cameroon 3-2 (20-25, 25-27,25-16,25-20,15-12) in an entertaining five set thriller on day one of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship that served off Friday in Nairobi, Kenya.

Senegal who came onto the match as minnows surprised Cameroon, seeded top in group B when they stopped Akono Jean Rene charges at the second set with Cameroon enjoying an early (25-20,27-25) lead in the first two sets.

Senegalese Captain Diouck Fatou and her opposite, Sow Binetou came back into the third set after a 10 minute break to steer Senegal to a 25-16 victory with nice executions aided by defence from Dacosta Binetou and Biaye Bineta to take the game 2-1.

Fatou who won Silver with Norkhornnont in the Thailand’s league praised her team mates for the dramatic win in a post match interview.

“We took time to adapt in the first two sets because we came late for the warm up and the referee didn’t give us enough time to warm,” said Fatou who has also played in France and Finland.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team.

Defending champions and hosts Kenya beat Mauritius by straight sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-17) in a one sided second match of the day played at the 6,000 sitter Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Kenya, otherwise known locally as ‘MALKIA STRIKERS’ who are using this championship as a build up to the June 26th world Grand Prix in Mexico- won the match (25-12, 25-13, 25-17).

Kenyan coach, David Lung’aho made changes to his starting list, pulling out assistant captain, Janet Wanja for Jane Wacu with Esther Wangeci coming in for Lydia Maiyo on the right attack position but the gamble almost cost the team the third set when they allowed Mauritius to take the first lead, immediately after the first technical time out which the host were leading (8-7). Mauritius maunted scathing attacks on Kenya who surrendered the lead for the first time (9-8), with the two teams going head-to-head 10-10,11-11, 13-13, 14-14. But with local fans rallying fully behind them, defending champions, Kenya who are searching for a record ninth title opened a two point gap 17-15 before winning the match 25-17.

“We laxed after the second set but the most important thing is to win the opening match. Maybe next time we will not sit on the bench at the (10 minute) break, it almost cost us a set, ” Kenyan coach, Lung’aho observed after the match.

Mauritius Captain, Nathalie Letendrie who has played for the national team for the last 13 years said. “That was nice match but we respect the other team. This is the first time we are playing in an international match; we came here to have experience.” said the Captain who plays for Azur Sporting Club back at home.

Jane Wacu of Kenya sets

Coach Lindlay Wilson who has been with the Mauritius side for only six months observed: “That was a very difficult game because we were playing against Africa champions. Going forward, I just want to win two more games and progress as the tournament goes on.”

Tunisia will open their title campaign against Morocco Saturday with Botswana clashing with Senegal. Kenya will play her second match on Sunday against Algeria, starting 4pm and Lung’aho plans to play a fast match against the side who denied them 2012 Olympic slot.

The match will proceed a clash between Tunisia against Senegal (2pm) and Botswana versus Mauritius which will open the day from 12 noon.

By Elvince Joshua from Kenya

CAVB web site http://www.cavb.org