• VOLLEYBALL

• Frank Rotich 1 month ago

Chema coach Mukopi confident despite setbacks in KVF League second leg

Chema Volleyball Club head coach Jeremiah Mukopi is optimistic despite his team’s recent defeats in the Kenya Volleyball Federation National Men’s League.

The newcomers endured a tough outing during the second leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation National Men’s League held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Chema suffered back-to-back losses against former champions Kenya Prisons and league leaders Kenya Ports Authority.

Kenya Prisons beat Chema 3-1 in their opening match before KPA handed them a straight-sets defeat in the second game.

However, Mukopi has described the losses as a wake-up call rather than a setback.

The tactician admitted that opponents had studied Chema’s style of play from the first leg and found ways to counter it.

“Teams watched how we played in the first leg and came prepared. We did not perform to my expectations, but we are a new team and such challenges are part of the journey. We will learn and improve,” said Mukopi.

The coach also pointed out that the team is still feeling the absence of their former star setter Hudson Kipchumba, who left the club to join GSU.

Kipchumba played a key role in organising Chema’s attacks and his departure has left a big gap in the squad.

Stephen Otieno has stepped in to fill the void, and although he has shown commitment, Mukopi admitted that replacing Kipchumba is not easy.

“We built our system around him. He was our best in receiving and setting. It is a big loss, but we trust the players we have,” he added.

Despite the recent defeats, Mukopi remains confident that his team will bounce back in the third leg scheduled for next month.

He believes intensive training and teamwork will help Chema collect maximum points and stay in the race for a playoff spot.

Chema currently sit fourth on the standings with 15 points from seven matches, seven points behind leaders KPA.

With determination and lessons learned, the newcomers will be hoping to rattle the giants and keep their playoff dream alive in the coming rounds.