The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Thursday announced the cancellation of its Kenyan Volleyball Empowerment Programme respecting the decision by the Kenya Volleyball Federation to opt out of the lucrative, Sh88 million arrangement.
'The FIVB, respecting the decision of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) leadership, has agreed not to continue with the targeted support Volleyball Empowerment investment for the six-member coaching team of the Kenya womens national team,' the global volleyball governing body said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
'One of the fundamental principles of the Volleyball Empowerment Programme is to help National Federations achieve independence and self-sustainability. The FIVB, therefore, commends the KVFs intention and resolve to grow its technical capacity and exposure with the aim of becoming self-sustainable,' added the statement.
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The move drew wide criticism with Kenyas celebrated ex-head coach David Lungaho terming it a big blow to the country.
Lungaho said: We could have looked at the bigger picture which is the development of the upcoming players. Its not good for the growth of the sport.
The country was on the right track where the players in recent times, have gotten opportunities to train outside the country for at least three months, but with this sudden change of mind, I see us going back to our older days of doing things.
He added: This could be advantageous to our opponents like Egypt, Cameroon or even Senegal to run away with the chance. We stand to lose on players visibility as through the programe, players were exposed and the likes of Sharon Chepchumba and Veronica Adhiambo landed professional stints in Greece.
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Trailblazers mens volleyball club and former national mens volleyball team tactician Geoffrey Omondi regretted the move saying it was unfortunate and hoped that the Federation had a better Plan B.
'I know we wanted a fair presentation on the technical bench, but now that we have disengaged ourselves from the programme, I hope the federation has ways of getting funds because how are we going to get back up from the International body, should we be at a crossroads with the government.
Dorcas Ndasaba, a former national team captain and nominated member of Kabuyefwe Ward in Naitiri, Bungoma County, urged both the local federation and the international body to reconsider their decision. Both bodies might have not reached a common ground, but at the end of the day, who stands to suffer? The young players who would have benefitted from the FIVB programme. Its not late and I appeal to both parties to reconsider the decision, said Ndasaba on phone from Bungoma on Thursday.
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Celebrated former Malkia Strikers setter Jane Wacu, who is way in Seychelles with club Espoir, said the decision by the KVF to discontinue the programme was unfair.
It has taken long since Kenya participated at the Olympics, and now that we had forged a way back to the world arena through the programme, we would have guarded the initiative. Its unfortunate that players from Secondary Schools might not have the honour of playing at the World Cup, World Championship or even Olympics because qualifying for those event might be a tall order going forward, said Wacu on phone from Seychelles.
Malkia Strikers players who spoke on condition of anonymity bemoaned the development saying it was selfish forthe federation to stop the Empowerment programme.
Just look at what has happened after the Brazilians stopped their attachment with the team, we have lost to Egypt thrice and thats a clear sign that our standard will continue dwindling. The Brazilians had training programmes, that we admired, worked and helped us win against Cameroon during the Cup of Nations. They had everything that a technical bench ought to have.Its now back to doing the same things and expecting different results, which will not be the case, said the players.
It remains to be seen which plans KVF have for Malkia Strikers ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics where they will be Africa's sole representative.
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