Wafalme Stars head coach Gideon Tarus has attributed the team's dismal performance at the 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunisia to individualism. The team finished ninth in the 13-team tournament, which saw hosts Tunisia secure the continent's sole ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Tarus stated that some players focused more on showcasing individual talent than playing as a unit, undermining the team's pre-tournament objectives. Kenya had targeted a podium finish, but that ambition was not achieved.
Tarus, who also coaches General Service Unit (GSU), expressed disappointment with the team's results. "They are not the results we had wished and hoped for. We wanted to be on the podium and ultimately qualify for the World Cup next year in Poland, but that wasn't the case," he said. Tarus noted that individual players wanted to prove themselves, perhaps to attract the interest of clubs across the continent and turn professional. However, this approach did not work for the team.
The coach identified a lack of mental strength as a contributing factor to the team's poor performance. After losing 3-0 to Tunisia, confidence within the team dropped. The 3-0 loss to Ghana in the group stage had already made matters worse. Tarus emphasized the importance of mental strength for players, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Tarus highlighted the need for Kenyan volleyball teams to adopt modern techniques and move away from traditional approaches. "The championship has proved that volleyball is no longer just about hard spikes or serves. It is about technique," he observed. The coach noted that teams are now using advanced techniques such as the jump serve with spin, which was difficult for Wafalme to receive.
Tarus called for more international friendly matches to improve the national team's preparations for such championships. He also emphasized the need for Kenyan teams to embrace modern techniques and technology. Former Malkia Strikers coach and former Wafalme Stars assistant coach David Lung'aho echoed Tarus' views, saying modern, data-driven approaches are essential for Kenya to compete at the highest level.
Lung'aho and other coaches, including Godfrey Owese, emphasized the importance of adopting new technologies and data-driven approaches in volleyball. They cited examples of teams that have improved significantly by embracing modern techniques. The coaches stressed that traditional volleyball no longer exists and that Kenya must adapt to compete effectively.
Player Enock Mogeni, who has signed for Qatari club Al Wakra, acknowledged that the team gave their best but fell short. He emphasized the need for the national team to integrate modern technologies, such as DataVolley and ball machines, and to play more friendly matches to prepare for international tournaments. Mogeni, who is also attached to National League champions Kenya Ports Authority, noted that volleyball is still advancing and that Kenya must keep pace with these developments.
Key points
- Coach Gideon Tarus cites individualism as reason for Wafalme Stars' poor performance at 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship.
- Tarus calls for Kenyan volleyball teams to adopt modern techniques and technology.
- Coaches emphasize need for data-driven approaches and international friendly matches to improve national team's performance.
