Wafalme Stars' journey to LA Olympics officially begins
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.06.26. | 15:45
The tournament serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIVB World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games
National men's volleyball team, Wafalme Stars, have embarked on one of their most important journeys, chasing a maiden appearance at the prestigious Olympic Games.
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The Gideon Tarus-led squad landed safely in Uganda where they will face their first hurdle at the Africa Men Cup of Nations Zone 5 Qualifiers set for Monday, 1 through to Saturday, 6 June at Lugogo arena in Kampala.
Kenya begins her quest for glory with a clash against Tanzania in the five-team competition that will see the hosts, South Sudan and Burundi compete.
Stars have their work cut out as they seek to advance to represent the Zone at the Nations Finals in Congo later in the year, but coach Tarus is confident the team he has assembled has what it takes to book that all-important ticket.
The tactician played down the absence of long-serving captain Enock Mogeni, whom he says arrived in camp late, confirming the player would be included in the next phase should the team advance.
"We have a good squad and our training has focussed on capitalising on everyone's strengths so as to achieve our team target. In the absence of Mogeni, we gave some young players the chance to represent the country and we are convinced they will deliver," Tarus offered ahead of their departure to Kampala.
The tactician is banking on both experience and youth, with the side's charge set to be led by Kenyan Internationals Brian Melly who is captaining the side, award-winning middle blocker Simon Kipkorir and Rwandese-based duo of Nicholas Matui and Elphas Makuto.
Kenya Ports Authority's trio of Dennis Omollo, Peter Kamara and Brian Kamonde also add to the squad depth, with the latter, serving as the team's assistant captain saying that the 20-day training camp has prepared them well for action.
"We know the zone is one of the most competitive but we have trained well and expect nothing but victory. The team has had time to bond and we all know what's at stage and what is needed from each of us.
We are looking forward to the competition and asking for the fans back home and in Kampala to rally behind the squad," Kamonde offered.