Epoloto upbeat of Kenya’s chances despite biting chilly conditions in Cairo

Kenya’s men volleyball team head coach Moses Epoloto is confident that the team will upset odds and soar high in the African Nations Championship in Cairo, Egypt as they nervously await pooling to be conducted after a technical meeting scheduled for Saturday in the Egyptian capital.

Kenya is among the countries that will be battling for the honours in the one week competition which serves off from 22-29th October.

Underdog status

Kenya is seen as an underdog and will have to work extra hard to go beyond the group.

Egypt, alongside powerhouses Cameroon, Tunisia and Algeria are viewed as the firm favourites.

“We are not worried of any opponent. We did not come to participate but to challenge for the title.” Epoloto told Citizen Digital in an online interview.

The Kenya team has never won a major honour at the continental and global stage and aware of the dismal record, Epoloto is rallying his team, which will be amongst the youngest squads in the tournament to hold their heads high and represent their country with pride.

“Morale is high. We anticipate a huge challenge but the boys are confident and I believe in them. This is our year,” he bullishly equipped.

At the same time, Epoloto has said that the cold weather in Egypt could be a major challenge to the boys, having trained under warm conditions in Nairobi, in the build-up to the competition.

“The weather is very bad. It is cold right now because the country is in the winter season. But we are hopeful of overcoming the challenge.”

The team landed in Cairo on Saturday morning and checked in at Hotel Novotel, in the Egyptian capital. They will have an afternoon gym session to work on endurance and later polish their grey areas in technical sessions which will focus on blocking and defending.

Defending champions and host Egypt will be out to add silverware to their decorated trophy cabinet which already has eight trophies.

Full squad

Michael Chemos- Kenya Prisons

Brian Meli -GSU

Kelvin kipkosgei- prisons

Jairus kipkosgei –Prisons (captain)

Simon Kipkorir -GSU

Hudson Wanyama- Prisons

Nicholas Matui -Nairobi Water

Cornelius Kirwa- GSU

Salim Khaoya- Kenya Ports Authority

Bonfentry Wekesa -GSU

Abiud Kipkirui- GSU

Rodgers Kipkirui- prisons