Wafalme's Tarus blames individualism for Tunisia failure

Wafalme finished ninth in the 13-team tournament, which saw hosts Tunisia secure the continent’s sole ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Speaking after returning to Kenya on Sunday, Tarus said some players focused more on showcasing individual talent than playing as a unit, undermining the team’s pre-tournament objectives.

Kenya had targeted a podium finish, but that ambition went up in smoke.

“They are not the results we had wished and hoped for. We wanted to be on the podium and ultimately qualify for the World Cup next year in Poland, but that wasn’t the case. Individual players wanted to prove a thing or two, perhaps to attract the interest of clubs across the continent and turn professional. That didn’t work for us,” said Tarus, who also coaches former National League champions General Service Unit (GSU).

“I believe we had one of the best-assembled teams in recent times and I thought we would match our opponents. The players we expected to step up when we needed them most did not rise to the occasion, and confidence within the team dropped.

“Sometimes, as a player, what you need is mental strength. Unfortunately, after we lost 3-0 to Tunisia (25-15, 25-23, 25-16), confidence dropped further. The 3-0 loss to Ghana (25-20, 25-23, 25-20) in the group stage had already made matters worse.”

Tarus said the sport has evolved significantly and that both Wafalme and Kenya’s women’s team, Malkia Strikers, must embrace modern techniques and move away from traditional approaches.

“The championship has proved that volleyball is no longer just about hard spikes or serves. It is about technique. For example, the jump serve is now being used with spin. Those jump serves were difficult for us to receive, and there is no playing if there is no reception,” further observed Tarus.

“It is something we have discussed within the technical bench, and we intend to introduce and practise these techniques in our local clubs that compete in the league.”

Tarus, a Chief Inspector in the GSU, also called for more international friendly matches to improve the national team’s preparations for such championships.

Former Malkia Strikers coach and former Wafalme Stars assistant coach David Lung’aho echoed Tarus’ views, saying modern, data-driven approaches are essential for Kenya to compete at the highest level.

“Traditional volleyball no longer exists. It is all about science. We need a statistician, strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist and other specialists on the technical bench,” Lung’aho said.

“It is no longer business as usual. We have to embrace these new techniques if we want to perform better. Otherwise, our performance will stagnate. Look at Nigeria and even Ghana; they have improved significantly because they have embraced new technology.”

Godfrey Owese, who coaches Galeries Tower Highrisers in the Philippines and Nemostars in Uganda shared a similar opinion.

“We can’t do the same things and expect different results. We must admit that volleyball has evolved, and the earlier we embrace technology, the better for us all,” he said.

Opposite hitter Enock Mogeni, who did not return to Kenya with his teammates after signing for Qatari club Al Wakra from Bahrain’s Dar Kulaib, said the best-prepared team ultimately prevailed.

“We gave our best, although we fell short, and there was room to do better. When more is given, more is demanded or expected,” said Mogeni, who is also attached to National League champions Kenya Ports Authority.

“Volleyball is still advancing. With time, we might be left behind if we don’t integrate the sport with modern technologies such as DataVolley and ball machines. The national team also needs more friendly matches to prepare for international tournaments.”

Report by Agnes Makhandia