Kenya National Volleyball team suffered a major setback after their hopes of qualification to the Zone V Africa Games qualifiers were dashed by Rwanda with a straight loss of 3-0 (26-24, 25-23,26-24) at Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The loss came barely 24 hours after Kenya had struggled to beat aggressive Uganda 3-2 at the same venue.
Kenya, who has two points, can only finish second even if they beat Egypt in straight sets on Wednesday 5th June at Kasarani.
Earlier at the same venue, Egypt ensured they remained top with a 3-1 (25-17, 15-25, 25-14, 25-20) win over Uganda.
The North Africans, who have six points, now need only a point against Kenya to book a slot in the 2019 Africa Games to be held in Morocco in August.
Former Kenyan international Paul Bitok was the tormentor in chief as he returned to haunt his home country with the painful loss that left head Coach Moses Epolot speechless.
“Indeed, we are devastated by the loss.Our qualification chances have hit a snag.It is near impossible to beat Egypt by three straight sets in our final match. We collapsed and lost formation when it matters most but we believe we shall put up a great fight against Egypt in our last game,” noted Epoloto.
Sensing danger,the Kenya coach made few changes by introducing Bonfentry Wekesa for Nicholas Matui in the third. Noah Bett took over the libero duties from Sam Juma but then setter Brian Melly lost his cool.
Bitok however attributed his teams triumph over Kenya due to hard work, determination and team discipline.
“As a team, we are equally happy with the win. Deep inside my heart, I feel bad spoiling my country’s chances of qualification but as a coach, I must do my work with passion and help my employer to achieve his target which is winning,” Bitok quipped.
Bitok admitted knowing most of the Kenya players whom he noted they lack many basic like good receiving and blocking.
He urged Kenya Volleyball Association to give their players a chance to play in Europe and other advanced countries noting that local competitions are not enough to improve their standards.
Bitok noted with pride that his team was boosted by three players based in Europe and one in Japan who brought more punch in his vast experienced side.
He thanked his players for showing true fighting spirit and playing before a hostile crowd that was rooting against them.
“Kenya will need to go to the drawing board and correct many basic errors like poor reception, service and blocks. I don’t know what happened,since we expected stiff challenge from Kenya who have always been a major threat to our ambition.”
This was definitely one of Bitok’s greatest achievements in decade-long coaching career with the Rwandese team as he prepares his return to Kenya after the expiry of his current contract in the next few months.
Kenya never expected to lose to Rwanda whom they beat 3-1 on their way to lifting their regional title in Kigali two years ago.
Tuesday results
Rwanda 3-0 Kenya (26-24, 25-23, 26-24)
Egypt 3-1 Uganda (25-17, 15-25, 25-14, 25-20)
Wednesday fixtures
Uganda v Rwanda 2pm
Egypt v Kenya 4pm
