Lungaho offers hand to uplift Wafalme

Veteran coach David Lung’aho says the national men’s volleyball side has a huge growth potential and has offered his hand to help steer them to a higher sporting status in the country.

The Wafalme have immensely been outshone by their female counterparts Malkia Strikers whose sustained continental success have made them a household name.

Lung’aho has chiefly been involved in Malkia’s recent triumphs and is remembered for guiding them to five African titles and the World Grand Prix title in 2015, a first for an African team.

Lung’aho, a Kenya Prison Inspector and former setter for the national team, was moved to Prisons men’s team last year after coaching the women’s side from 2008.

“A fortnight ago, we held a Zoom meeting with the head coach Moses Epoloto and other key trainers from our volleyball coaching commission where we agreed to set up junior structures that will feed the national team in the long run.

“Starting next year, we will have an under-17 team and we are targeting that by 2025 our men team would be the best in Africa if the youth programme is implemented well,” the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) technical director said.

Wafalme’s greatest achievement so far is the bronze medal which they won in the African Games in Mozambique 2010. That is abysmally dwarfed by Malkia Strikers’ glorious achievements.

“Men need an extra push for them to work hard unlike women who have the will to do their work and this is simply attributed to their exposure at international scenes because they travel a lot. When dealing with women you need to be extra careful especially when it comes to their personal issues,” Lung’aho told Citizen Digital.