The first edition of the 40 years and above masters volleyball tournament serves off on Sunday at Kamukunji grounds, Nyeri.
The event, dubbed Veterans Tournament, has attracted 20 teams – 17 for men and three for women.
The three-time Nairobi Mtaa Volleyball champions, Huruma, will seek to stamp their dominance in the masters’ division against the likes of Kawangware, Embakasi, Githurai Kimbo and Mwiki Heroes.
Also in the mix are Phoenix, Njoro, Karatina, Hazina, Kitengela, Kagochi, Naivasha, Kamakwa, Murang’a Warrior, Green Farmers, Murima Seniors and Munyange.
The women’s category features Huruma Queens, Masters and 019 Ladies.
The men’s competition has been split into four pools of four teams each, with one accommodating five sides.
The pool winners will advance to the semifinals, where the winners will advance to the final, while the losers will contest in the third-place playoff.
There will be a Sh20,000 cash prize for the winners, Sh15,000 for the runners-up, Sh10,000 for the bronze medallists, while the fourth-placed team will pocket Sh5,000.
Tournament co-founder and organiser, Jesse Barasa, said, “Due to the age factor, physical fitness remains in the forefront as the veterans seek to beat diseases caused by lack of regular body exercises.”
“Masters volleyball is played globally. We hope to form a team that can represent the country on the world stage”, he added.
“It’s not just a tournament, but a platform that will bring together long-time friends and share ideas,” added Silvans Omondi, who is also part of the organisers.
“This tournament will bring together legendary retired volleyballers and coaches to promote the volleyball culture and motivate young talent.”
The trio of Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) treasurer Bernard Musumba and the Kenya national U20 head coach Luke Makuto, will feature in the tournament.
Huruma coach, Collins Denis, said, “We have been training for the past month, drilling our players on body fitness and ball handling techniques. They are ready for Sunday. This is a club with a history and dominant culture in volleyball. Three-time champions of the Nairobi Mtaa Volleyball is enough testament that we can achieve good results in this tournament.”
The next series of the tournament will be held in Naivasha and Kitengela.
by JOSEPH MUSYOKI
