Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) head coach Luke Makuto has set his sights on a semi-final berth at the upcoming Kenya Cup, slated for January 15–18 at Nyayo Stadium, as the team looks to build on last year’s quarter-final finish.
KAPU showcased their growing competitiveness in the previous edition after pushing reigning league champions General Service Unit (GSU) to the limit in the quarter-finals.
Despite bowing out, Makuto’s charges delivered a spirited performance, losing 3–1 (26–28, 28–26, 15–25, 17–25) at Nyayo National Stadium — a result that underlined their ability to challenge the country’s elite sides.
Makuto said his focus remains firmly on continuous improvement, noting that the team has set realistic targets as they look ahead to future editions of the competition.
He also highlighted his own professional growth, revealing that he is pursuing high-performance coaching training to enhance the squad’s development.
While acknowledging that the semi-final places were ultimately claimed by the established quartet of GSU, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Prisons, Makuto expressed pride in his team’s progress despite personnel changes since last season.
“All is well. We lost a few players, but that was their own choice to join other clubs. The players I have on board are up to the task,” Makuto said. Among those retained in the squad are captain Amos Cheruiyot, assistant captain Benard Makuto, opposite hitter Reubenson Achieng, middle blocker Cleophas Mengich and Ian Emomar, who was temporarily away on academic commitments.
Makuto also pointed to an influx of fresh talent from high schools and colleges, naming Felix Ouma (Malava Boys), Abraham Wabwire (Kisiwa Polytechnic), Douglas Cherop (Malava Boys) and Shaban Arson (Kitale Polytechnic).
“The boys are good so far. They are fresh from school, but you can’t underestimate beginners,” he noted. The coach confirmed that training has placed particular emphasis on service reception — an area he admitted did not work for them last time, during their previous Kenya Cup campaign.
He added that deliberate work has since been done and expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness. KAPU will, however, be without opposite hitters Kelvin Vinget and Kelvin Kirwa due to military training commitments, while Ainea Oyale is sidelined with a finger ligament injury.
On player departures, Makuto adopted a pragmatic stance, saying: “When players reach their time, and they have to go, I am under no obligation to hold them back. If there is a willing buyer, there is a willing seller.”
He added that the club takes pride in developing talent, citing former captain Wesley Kipkoech’s move to CHEMA and other players who have progressed to top sides such as GSU.
Off the court, Makuto noted positive career strides as well, with Dickson Kiplagat securing employment with the Kenya Defence Forces and Stephen Barrack receiving a call-up to the Administration Police.
by CHARLENE MALWA
