General Service Unit (GSU) men’s team will field three pairs at this weekend’s FIVB Homologated National Beach Volleyball Tour at Unoa grounds in Wote, Makueni County.
Gabriel Ndombei will partner with Kevin Omuse, Simon Kipkorir with Andrew Wafula while Cornelius Kiplagat will pair with Joshua Kimari as the paramilitary side seeks to defend the title it won last October during the first national circuit in Homabay County.
GSU pair of Brian Melly and Naftali Chumba won the title after they defeated Kenya Defence Forces duo of Edward Kibet and Sila Makiso 2-0 (21-8, 21-16).
However, Melly and Chumba will skip the two-day event due to personal commitments.
GSU coach Gideon Tarus stated that he was giving a chance to the other players from the team to try their hand in the sport before he settles on three competitive pairs.
“The players are testing the waters, and that’s why you will be seeing different faces as the circuit continues but along the way I will pick my preferred three pairs who will be competing in any available beach tournament,” said Tarus, who doubles up as the national men’s coach.
“Just like we have been dominant in the indoor sport in recent times, we want to have a say also in the outdoor and I know it’s just a matter of time. The management has been helpful in as far as investing in the sport is concerned,” he added.
Other teams that have confirmed participation are Strathmore University (men), Trail Blazers (men), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (women) and Homa Bay County (women).
National men’s beach volleyball coach Patrick Owino said they are doing final touches.
“We are making entries to the FIVB system so that every pair have their points tabulated at the end of every circuit,” said Owino.
Gladys Wangui and Phoscah Kasisi won the women’s first Circuit.
Meanwhile, Kenya Pipeline women’s volleyball team are the first team to break training after a great start to the season.
The team broke training on Thursday at their Embakasi backyard.
Pipeline beat arch-rivals and Kenya Volleyball Federation reigning champions Kenya Prisons 3-2 a fortnight ago in the final of the Nandi County Governor’s Cup at Kapsabet show ground.
Pipeline coach Paul Gitau says it’s an opportune time to take a break.
“The team will resume training on January 3. The win against Prisons was fulfilling and I want to thank the Managing Director Irungu Macharia, Human Resource General Manager Nyambura Kimani for being patient with the team and their support. We hope to build on win next year. We remain devoted to better our results,” said Gitau. BY DAILY NATION