Wafalme Stars eye podium at CAVB African Championships

Kenya’s men’s volleyball team, Wafalme Stars, will seek to make a strong impression when the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship serve off in Tunis, Tunisia, today.

Coach Gideon Tarus has set his sights on a podium finish as Kenya looks to improve on ninth-place finishes at the previous two editions in 2021 and 2023. A top-three finish would also earn Kenya a place at next year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship in Poland.

The tournament brings together some of Africa’s leading volleyball nations, including defending champions Egypt, hosts Tunisia, Algeria, Cameroon, Rwanda, Morocco and Libya. Kenya qualified impressively through the CAVB Zone Five qualifiers in Uganda, winning all its matches without dropping a set.

Tarus believes the team has prepared adequately for the demanding continental assignment, with domestic competition helping players maintain match fitness. He has also been encouraged by the stiff competition for starting positions during the national camp.

“The training is good. The players are determined to give their all. The training is competitive, and this is what we want,” Tarus said, highlighting the depth available to the technical bench.

Wafalme will be looking to experienced players such as outside hitters Nicholas Matui, Moses Kamau and Denis Esokon, while middle blockers Simion Kipkorir, Levis Ogutu, Brian Kamonde and Felix Ogembo provide strength at the net. Enock Mogeni and Peter Kamara are among the opposite hitters, with Kelvin Kipkosgei and Brian Melly handling setting duties.

Hudson Kipchumba will be expected to anchor the defence after establishing himself as one of Kenya’s leading liberos. The 22-year-old GSU player was named best libero in the 2024/25 Kenya Volleyball Federation men’s league and also won the award at the 2025 Kenya Cup.

Kenya’s preparations have also been boosted by its recent progress on the continental stage. Wafalme won silver at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, losing only to Egypt in the final, while they famously defeated Egypt at the 2021 African Nations Championship.

The stakes in Tunis are high. Besides the World Championship qualification, the tournament will provide a route towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with the African champions earning the continental quota place.

With the women’s Malkia Strikers having recently finished runners-up at the African championship in Nairobi, Wafalme will hope to follow their example and announce themselves among the continent’s elite.