The Kenya women's beach volleyball team is in danger of missing out on the World Championship to be held in Austria due to the all too familiar financial juggernaut.
The team, comprising of Kenya Pipeline duo Naomi Too and Gaudencia Makokha is in urgent need of Ksh. 1.5 million that will enable them to take part in the global showpiece.
This will be the second time that a national volleyball side's fate hangs in the balance after the April debacle. Kenya Volleyball Federation withdrew the national women’s senior team from the 2017 Federation of International Volleyball Grand Prix due to the financial constraints.
At that time KVF required at least Ksh. 8 million to cater for 'Malkia Strikers'. Efforts are being made to secure the much needed funds to avoid the 'routine' withdrawals by Kenyan teams.
"We still do not have the money but we must send this team. Currently am heading to the ministry and try push for the funding from the government, " KVF secretary general Ben Juma said.
Under the new directive by FIVB, a coach will not be required to accompany the squad because he/she will be barred from courtside.
Their role will be sporadic in an off-the-field capacity should the respective country have one. "Even if we were to send a coach, he or she will not be allowed to be on the court during matches in line with FIVB practice,” weighed Juma on the issue.
The team ideally is expected to have at least 20 day training before heading to the championship which will take part from July 28 to August 6.
The cloud of uncertainty still hangs in the air as an amicable solution is sought with the government being non-committal on the availability of funds.
Meanwhile KVF on Wednesday has agreed in principle with Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to establish a beach volleyball court at Ng'ethe, Muranga County which is geared towards significantly reducing the cost of preparation of teams.
On its part, Nairobi Water through managing Director Philip Gachuki gave assurances that the company would continue its support to the KVF league and dismissed any talk of the company's sports teams being disbanded due to finances.
Additional reporting by KVF media
