Chema's fairytale season sparks funding calls for community clubs

Chema had an impressive debut season in the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League, staging a strong campaign against traditional heavyweights to finish second in the league.

Speaking on Thursday during a ceremony held to celebrate the club's magnificent show, volleyball enthusiast and sports administrator Samuel Gacharira said Chema had proved that community clubs can compete with established institutional with the right support on and off the court.

"Coming in second place in the first season is not a mean feat, especially for a newly promoted side and Chema embodies where we want Kenya volleyball to be," said Gacharira, one of the vollyeball stakeholders behind the event held in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

He underlined that Chema's rise from the county league to finishing runners-up in the National League should encourage more investment in grassroots clubs, adding that proper management and financial backing are key to growing the sport.

Kenya Volleyball Federation Secretary General Ismail Chege described Chema's achievement as historic, saying it was the first time during his tenure that a newly promoted side had finished among the league's top two.

"They have already qualified for the African Club Championship and I appeal to sponsors and well-wishers to support the club as they prepare to represent Kenya," said Chege.

Chema earned promotion to the National League after progressing through the county league and Division Two before finishing second behind the more established Kenya Pipeline side in their first season in the top flight.

Head coach Jeremiah Mukopi thanked supporters for standing with the team throughout the campaign, saying the recognition would motivate the players ahead of the African Club Championship.

"It wasn't an easy journey, but we are happy that people have recognised our efforts. We also thank our supporters because they have played a big role in our success," said Mukopi.

The club will now shift its focus to preparations for the African Club Championship, with officials hoping more sponsors will come on board to support the team's continental campaign.