Nakuru Para-Volleyball team gears up for an outstanding season ahead
Nakuru Para-Volleyball team during a training session.
The Nakuru Para-Volleyball team is focused on improving their performance in 2025 after a successful year that saw five of their players called up to the national team camp.
Despite participating in only one tournament in 2024, which they hosted, the team is optimistic about competing in more events this year.
Judith Barasa Nakuru sitting Volleyball team manager.
Team manager Judith Barasa says she is hoping for better results in the coming season. She emphasises that tournaments provide valuable exposure for the players and that playing time is crucial for scouting opportunities.
Missing out on several tournaments can put a team and its members at a significant disadvantage.
"Out of the seven competitive tournaments on the 2024 calendar, we only played in the Para Volleyball Inter-County National Tournament - Nakuru Edition, which we hosted at London Hall. This event played a key role in securing call-ups to the national team," Judith Barasa says.
The players, she says, draw inspiration from seeing fellow players and coaches such as Fredrick Omondi, Ashley Autai and Florence Ofuenje playing for the national team, with Ofuenje even coaching the national team in Nigeria.
Nakuru Sitting Volleyball captain Elizabeth Auma.
Team captain Elizabeth Auma emphasised the importance of consistent training to maintain peak performance.
"We train every Tuesday and Thursday to make sure we're always ready when opportunities arise. Para-volleyball is a sport driven by a passion for sportsmanship and mental resilience. Seeing my teammates on the court enjoying the game and striving to be their best is a victory in itself," Elizabeth Auma says.
"My team has talented players who have the potential to represent our country at the Para Olympics and beyond. What we need now is support to showcase that talent," she says.
Nakuru sitting Volleyball coach Steve Omuse.
Coach Steve Omuse also shared the team's readiness for the upcoming competitions.
"We are currently focusing on speed training for the upcoming Beach Para Volleyball tournament in Mombasa this month," he says.
This is the team's first tournament of the year and they are looking to make a strong start. It will also be a good preparation for the National Challenge in Nairobi in April.
Omuse notes that the National Challenge will serve as a crucial selection event for players hoping to make the national team, as Kenya will host the African Club Championship at the end of July.
"We are determined to earn points and showcase our talent. But for us to reach our full potential, we need both the national and county governments to work together to support our team. Financial constraints are a major challenge and we call on well-wishers and sponsors to help us achieve better results this year," he concludes.