Kenya eyes continental pride in volleyball tournament

Kenya will be seeking a place on the men’s volleyball continental podium to secure a coveted ticket to the 2027 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Poland.

Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency

Kenya’s men’s volleyball team, Wafalme Stars, are targeting a podium finish at the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, scheduled for September 13–26 in Tunis, Tunisia.

The Kenyan side knows that a top-three finish would be significant, as it would earn them qualification for next year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship in Poland.

“What I want this time is to play well in the pools, be number one or two, God willing. In the round of 16, we get to play number four or three, and that will make us reach the podium of eight teams,” head coach Gideon Tarus said.

Wafalme Stars will be hoping to challenge the continent’s leading volleyball nations when the championship gets underway, with Egypt heading into the tournament as the reigning champions.

“Everybody is fit and ready for the championships. We’ve trained in all areas, from back-row defence, reception and blocking. We’ve done everything. We’re going to see how our opponents are playing, then cope with them by adjusting our mode of play to fit their style,” Tarus added.

For Kenya, a place on the podium would not only mark a major achievement on the continental stage but also secure a coveted ticket to the 2027 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Poland.

Tunisia are the record champions with 11 titles, while Kenya, like many of the 16 teams taking part in the competition will be seeking for the first title win.

Kinshasa, DRC was initially set to host the men’s volleyball championship before being moved to Tunis, Tunisia due to an Ebola outbreak in the Central Africa nation.

Marabou News Agency

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