Bitok hints at pulling out of Paris trip after KVF's shameful gaffe

Paul Bitok has finally spoken!

The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) deputy president and his boss, federation boss Charles Nyaberi, have come under heavy criticism for appointing themselves as part of the Malkia Strikers’ technical bench for the Paris Olympics.

The president is set to serve as the team manager in Paris, while Bitok will deputise Japheth Munala, who has been appointed head coach.

Heavy criticism as KVF officials appoint themselves in Malkia Strikers' technical bench

Bitok, who until being elected to the federation executive was part of the national team’s bench alongside the Brazilian squad led by Luizomar de Moura, says this was his plan all along.

“I would like to thank you all for your concerns with regard to the technical team to the Olympics. After joining the team from Rwanda, I achieved good results, which included two tickets to the Olympics in 2020 and now 2024.

The last qualifiers happened when elections were ongoing, and I considered remaining with the team abroad so that I would not sacrifice the effort my loved team had put in, but with your confidence in me, you elected me, in absentia as I was with Malkia Strikers for our international assignments. 

It should be noted that I had earlier indicated that I would be finishing my career as Malkia strikers coach after the Olympics so as to pave way for a good transition in the team and also finish my 8-year program with the team (sic),” he writes.

The tactician, in the face of the criticism, says he will be meeting the players, Ministry officials, NOC-K, and other stakeholders for further consultation on this matter. “I will make my decision about the same on Friday,” he continues.

Many who have aired their disapproving views on various platforms have questioned how the two federation officials will ensure accountability in their new roles.