Ontere praises his players despite Cup loss

Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) Head Coach James Ontere is okay with his players despite falling 3-2 to Equity in a five-set thrilling final, during the Kipchumba Karori volleyball tourney last weekend in Eldoret.

Ontere says overconfidence saw the title slip off their hands in the nervy-ending final.

His hope is that they have picked their lessons, from the failed title bid.

“My players were overconfident and I had warned them. I will not blame them because they played well and we are content with what we got,” said Ontere.

The former Wafalme Stars right attacker also complained about playing the matches in the outside court to the disadvantage of his players who are used to an indoor arena.

He ruled out the possibility of his players not teaming up during the climactic finale as to why they lost the match, noting that those were just hearsays.

“We work as a team. I think playing under the sun contributed to fatigue because we are used to playing in an indoor arena. That contributed to our loss.”

Ontere has been vocal about having league matches and tournaments played in indoor arenas to help the players get used to the playing surface and protect them from unnecessary injuries.

Although KPA lost to Equity, they dominated the individual awards with four out of the maximum seven players.

Ontere is however confident that KPA will dethrone Kenya Prisons to the league title and believes the Dockers will be unstoppable once the players gel. 

The tactician is still searching for his title with KPA and hopes next year will be the year they will redeem themselves following a bumpy 2024.